Everyone loves beautiful sand beaches, and the mile-long stretch at Van Buren State Park, with its high dunes, trails, campground and day-use area, just got longer.
Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources recently announced that Van Buren County officials approved leasing its 17-acre Northpoint Conservation Area to the state agency for 25-years. The parcel borders the 400-acre state park on its north end adding 340 feet of beach along Lake Michigan. It will now be managed by MDNR.
The North Point Conservation Area has been a popular birdwatching spot and hiking destination. Its high, forested dune trails lead hikers to great views of the lake. The Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy has a conservation easement for the property to protect it from development.
Locally known as “The Old Boy Scout Camp,” it was maintained for generations by southwest Michigan Boy Scouts who planted trees and maintained the trails, among other things. New signage is planned along with revised hours for use.
