The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is receiving nearly 1,300 acres to expand Craig Lake State Park in Marquette County, the DNR announced Monday.
The U.P. Land Conservancy gifted the land. It includes three parcels that made up the conservancy’s Peshekee Headwaters Nature Preserve, which are located along the eastern edge of Craig Lake State Park.
The property also contains nearly 90 percent of the watershed that fills Indian Lake, which is headwaters of the West Branch of the Peshekee River. It also has 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to the state park.
As part of the agreement, the conservancy will pay $62,000 in back taxes on the property. Marquette County will then be eligible for payments in lieu of taxes on the land from the state of Michigan.
Craig Lake State Park is considered the most remote state park in Michigan. It covers nearly 8,500 acres, has walk-in campsites and other camping facilities including yurts and rustic cabins.
The park contains six full lakes and a variety of wildlife. Craig Lake has a main trail covering 8 miles, plus the National North Country Scenic Trail runs for more than 7 miles.