Lakenenland

2800 M-28
Marquette, Michigan 49855

Open 24 hours - free!

Lakenenland Map

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Lakenenland folk art - Marquette, Michigan

"As a result of (8) eight years of continuous harassment from the Township of Chocolay, the 'No Trespassing'
sign is directed at all local members of planning and zoning boards only. All other visitors are welcome
here 24/7/365. Thank you for stopping and hope you enjoy your visit."
Arriving at Lakenenland on M-28, west of Marquette, Michigan, you are met with signs saying "Welcome" and open "24 hours." There are also signs saying "No Trespassing," which are addressed to "Federal Officers of the IRS, HEW, HUD, Environmental Health, and other unconstitutional agencies; and to all local members of planning & zoning boards." The dichotomy of those signs tells you a lot about the talented man who created these acres of drive through grassroots art.

Tom Lakenen (pronounced Lay-Kin-en) started creating these metal folk art sculptures a few years ago as a hobby.  He is a welder in the construction industry and started building metal sculptures from scrap iron obtained from different construction jobs. As he completed the sculptures, he didn't want to let his art go. When his yard was full, he purchased this property and Lakenenland was born.

Lakenenland is 37 acres with ponds stocked with fish, a band shell, shelters and a winding two rut road leading past nearly 100 wonderful, wacky sculptures. A snowmobile trail cuts across the back of the property and many snowmobilers visit the park, often stopping to warm themselves at a shelter or enjoy treats which Tom provides at his own cost. There is even a fire pit with a large pile of firewood.

I have met many grassroots artists for the Kansas Grassroots Artists page on our sister website (www.KansasTravel.org). Meeting every one of those artists has been a pleasure and I hope to run across Tom LaKenen on my next visit to Lakenenland.

Lakenenland is always open.

Tahquamenon Falls Tahquamenon Falls

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Tahquamenon Falls in winter Tahquamenon Falls in Winter

Eben Ice Caves


A working, enormous balance


 


 


This piece would be perfect at the Headland International Dark Sky Park in Mackinaw City.

Scrap metal sunflower sculptures
Scrap metal sunflowers

savitskisaurus at Lakenenland
Savitskisaursus


"Carp River College" is one of the nicknames
of the Marquette Branch Prison.

A commentary about
Michigan Governor Rick Snyder

Lakenenland Map

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Copyright 2015 by Keith Stokes