Interlochen State Park
🏆 Michigan’s Arts & Nature Crossroads — Twin Lakes, Pine Forests & World-Famous Arts Academy — Updated for 2026 with camping, beach access, Interlochen Center for the Arts events, and seasonal tips
Two crystal lakes separated by a narrow strip of land — Duck Lake and Green Lake, each bordered by tall pines and sandy beaches. Just down the road, the sounds of a symphony rehearsal drift through the trees from Interlochen Center for the Arts, one of the most prestigious performing arts programs in the world. This is Interlochen State Park, where nature and culture meet in a northern Michigan forest that feels like it was designed for both swimming and symphonies.
Established in 1917, Interlochen is one of Michigan’s oldest state parks. The park’s 187 acres sit between Duck Lake and Green Lake, offering 490 modern campsites, two swim beaches, boat launches, and access to trails through virgin white pine forest — some of the oldest trees in the Lower Peninsula. Its proximity to Traverse City (15 miles) and the Interlochen arts campus makes it uniquely positioned as both a nature retreat and a cultural basecamp.
What Makes Interlochen Unique
Two Lakes, Two Beaches
Duck Lake and Green Lake — both with sandy swim beaches, boat launches, and warm summer water.
World-Class Arts
Adjacent to Interlochen Center for the Arts — concerts, theater, and performances all summer long.
Virgin Pine Forest
Some of the oldest white pines in the Lower Peninsula — towering giants in a cathedral of green.
490 Campsites
One of Michigan’s largest campgrounds — modern sites with electric on both Duck Lake and Green Lake.
The Two Lakes
Duck Lake
The larger of the two lakes — 208 acres, 96 feet deep. Popular for swimming, boating, fishing (bass, pike, panfish), and kayaking. Sandy beach with swim area. Boat launch available.
Green Lake
173 acres, 50 feet deep. Quieter than Duck Lake. Second swim beach and boat launch. Known for good fishing. Campground loops on both sides.
Virgin White Pine Forest
Near the Duck Lake campground, a stand of virgin white pine — never logged — includes trees estimated to be 200+ years old and over 100 feet tall. A short loop trail winds through this natural cathedral. These are among the oldest and tallest trees in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.
Interlochen Center for the Arts
Adjacent to the state park, the Interlochen Center for the Arts is one of the world’s premier performing arts training institutions. During summer, the campus hosts hundreds of concerts, plays, and performances — from student recitals to internationally renowned artists. Many events are open to the public, with performances happening almost nightly. Camp at the state park and walk to a world-class concert.
When to Visit: Seasonal Guide
| Season | Months | Weather | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ☀️ Summer | Jun–Aug | 75-85°F | 🏆 Swimming, camping, Interlochen performances, boating. Peak season |
| 🍂 Fall | Sep–Oct | 50-65°F | Fall color in the pine forest. Quieter camping. No performances |
| 🌸 Spring | May | 50-65°F | Park opens for season. Fishing. Quiet |
| ❄️ Winter | Nov–Mar | 15-30°F | Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing. Some winter events at Interlochen |
Camping
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| ⛺ Sites | 490 modern sites — one of Michigan’s largest campgrounds |
| ⚡ Electric | 20/30/50-amp options available on many sites |
| 📍 Loops | Both Duck Lake and Green Lake campground loops. Waterfront sites available |
| 🚿 Amenities | Restrooms, showers, dump station, playground |
| 📅 Reservations | Book through Michigan DNR. Summer weekends fill fast |
Budget Calculator
| Expense | Day Trip | Camping Weekend | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park Entry | $9/day | $9/day | MI Recreation Passport $14/yr |
| Camping (2 nights) | — | $50-80 | Modern sites with electric |
| Interlochen Concert | $10-50 | $10-50 | Many free student performances. Headline acts $20-50 |
| Kayak Rental | $20-40 | $20-40 | Available locally |
| Total (2 adults) | $20-$100 | $90-$180 | Nature + world-class culture at state park prices |
What’s Nearby
- 🍒 Traverse City: 15 miles north — Cherry Capital, TART trails, wineries, restaurants
- 🏖️ Sleeping Bear Dunes: 35 miles west — one of Michigan’s most iconic natural attractions
- 🗼 Leelanau State Park: 50 miles north — Grand Traverse Lighthouse
- 🎭 Interlochen Arts: Adjacent to park — summer concerts, theater, dance almost nightly
Frequently Asked Questions
Which lake is better for swimming?
Both have sandy beaches and designated swim areas. Duck Lake is larger and more popular; Green Lake is quieter. Both warm to comfortable swimming temperatures by late June.
Can I attend Interlochen concerts?
Yes — many performances are open to the public. Student concerts are often free. Headline artist performances range from $10-50. Check the Interlochen website for schedules.
How old are the trees?
The virgin white pines are estimated to be 200+ years old. They’re among the oldest and tallest trees in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula — never logged.
Is it good for fishing?
Yes — both lakes offer bass, pike, panfish, and perch. Green Lake is generally considered the better fishing lake of the two.
How far is it from Traverse City?
15 miles south — about 20 minutes by car. You can easily combine Interlochen camping with Traverse City dining and activities.
Is this a good park for kids?
Excellent — two swim beaches, playground, gentle trails, and the possibility of attending real concerts and performances at the arts academy next door. It’s education and recreation combined.
🎵 Where Pine Trees and Symphonies Share the Same Forest
Camp between two lakes. Swim in the morning, kayak at noon, and walk to a world-class concert under the pines at dusk. Interlochen is Michigan at its most civilized — a state park that proves nature and culture aren’t opposites, they’re neighbors. The 200-year-old white pines have been standing here since before Beethoven wrote his last symphony, and now the sounds of student orchestras drift through their branches every summer evening. It’s the rare campground where falling asleep to the sound of a distant cello is just part of the experience.
📍 Address: M-137, Interlochen, MI 49643
📞 Phone: (231) 276-9511
