LAKENENLAND SCULPTURE PARK

by Suzy Miller, September 6, 2026

OVERVIEW

Lakenenland Sculpture Park is one of the Upper Peninsula’s most unusual roadside attractions. It's in Chocolay Township along M-28 about 15 miles east of Marquette.

The 37-acre park displays more than 100 sculptures created by welder Tom Lakenen. Most are made from scrap iron and other discarded metal.

The sculptures range from animals and strange creatures to people, vehicles and humorous scenes. Some are simply playful, while others comment on politics, working life or social issues.

Lumberjack sculpture at LakenenlandLumberjack sculpture at Lakenenland

Visitors can explore the sculpture trail on foot or drive through the wooded property. Past visitors recommend walking so you don't miss anything.

The Detroit Free Press called Lakenenland, "The coolest unofficial roadside rest stop in the state.” It's an easy stop for families and road-trippers.

Tom Lakenen at LakenenlandTom Lakenen at Lakenenland from their website

HISTORY AND BACKGROUND

Tom Lakenen is a boilermaker and welder rather than a formally trained artist. He began making sculptures in the 1990s, using scrap metal he collected from construction jobs.

Lakenen has said he took up sculpture after quitting drinking and looking for something productive to occupy his spare time.

Big Paul Bunyan sculpture at LakenenlandBig Paul Bunyan sculpture at Lakenenland

His growing collection initially stood around his home. After disagreements with Chocolay Township officials over whether some of the sculptures qualified as signs under local regulations, Lakenen needed another place to display his work.

In 2003, he bought 37 acres along M-28 and moved his sculptures there, creating Lakenenland Sculpture Park. He has continued adding sculptures and improving the grounds ever since.

The Rusty Chain Band sculpturesThe Rusty Chain Band sculptures

WHAT YOU'LL SEE AND DO

The main attraction is the Sculpture Trail, a winding route through the woods lined with colorful and sometimes wonderfully odd creations fashioned from scrap metal.

Dragons, animals, people, machines and imaginary creatures appear among the trees, providing plenty of photo opportunities. You can also interact with a lot of the sculptures.

Iron Man in Chair sculptureIron Man in Chair sculpture

Lakenenland has grown into more than an outdoor art gallery. The grounds also include a bog walk, picnic area, children’s playground, two fishing ponds, two entertainment stages, gift shop, and a large timber-frame pavilion.

The pavilion is a work of art as well, with a stone fireplace and unusual table. The park has direct access to the North Country Trail, America’s longest National Scenic Trail. It winds nearly 5,000 miles across eight states; 110 miles are in Marquette County.

Pavilion at LakenenlandPavilion at Lakenenland

VISITING INFORMATION

Street address: 2800 M-28 East
City, state, ZIP code: Marquette, MI 49855
Telephone: (906) 249-1132
Official website: Lakenenland

Although the address says Marquette, it's actually in Chocolay Township about 15 miles east of Marquette on M-28. It's open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Tours are self-guided.

Admission is free but a donation box is available. Snowmobiles and leashed dogs are welcome. The restroom has handrails and a 32-inch-wide door.

T-shirt Shack and Gift ShopT-shirt Shack and Gift Shop

Lakenenland Sculpture Park combines U.P. ingenuity, humor and folk art in a setting unlike anything else around Marquette.

For travelers who enjoy quirky roadside attractions and discovering the work of local characters, it deserves a spot on an Upper Peninsula itinerary.

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