Deadline nears for public input on management of Michigan’s Interlochen State Park

Lansing — Those interested in long-term planning for Interlochen State Park in Grand Traverse County are invited to provide feedback on a new general management plan for the park.

The public input process is essential to ensuring the park continues to serve visitors and the Grand Traverse community for years to come.

Visitors, community members, stakeholders and others interested in sharing their opinions, ideas and experiences are encouraged to participate in an online survey, available through Feb. 22. Links to both the online survey and the project website are available at Michigan.gov/Interlochen.

DNR uses general management plans to define long-range planning and management strategies that protect parks’ natural and cultural resources, while also addressing recreation and educational needs and opportunities.

“Public input is essential to the park’s draft general management plan, ensuring the final vision reflects the community’s insights and priorities,” said Debbie Jensen, DNR park management plan administrator. “The DNR will also host a public meeting in the summer of 2026, providing opportunities for people to review and provide comment on the new draft plan for the park.”

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Nestled between the shores of Duck and Green lakes, Interlochen State Park offers both modern and rustic camping, boating, paddling, fishing, swimming and much more.

The park was acquired by the state in 1917 and established as Michigan’s first state park by the Michigan Legislature in 1919. Some of the large, old-growth red and white pine trees, for which the park was originally protected, remain throughout the park. The world-renowned Interlochen Center for the Arts is located just across the northern boundary, offering a year-round calendar of concerts and events.

Additional information on the DNR’s general management planning process is available at Michigan.gov/ParkManagementPlans.

For more about the public survey or proposed plan, contact Debbie Jensen at JensenD1@Michigan.gov or 517-230-6837.