Where Art, Nature and History Meet
The Michigan Legacy Art Park features more than 40 works of art that can be viewed on a hike through the hilly terrain of the 30-acre wooded preserve at Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville. Founded by David Barr, an internationally-acclaimed artist, the art park opened in 1995 to offer an experience of art, nature and history. The art park is a unique cultural, educational and recreation destination.
A hike through the Art Park typically lasts between 90 minutes and two hours and covers 2 miles of trails. Along your hike, you will discover 47 sculptures, 31 poetry stones and an area of student work. Guided tours are available by reservation.
New in 2015: A barrier-free arrival area and 1,200-foot trail welcome guests of most abilities. The trail was funded in part by a grant from Rotary Charities and goes through the woods from the trailhead to the amphitheater. Guests who are unable to hike may reserve a tour on a golf cart May-October.
The Art Park is open daylight hours throughout the year. Admission is $5 per adult, children are admitted free. Visitors are welcome to pack picnics and eat at the tables near the trailhead or in the amphitheatre area; trash receptables are nearby. Dogs are allowed, but must be leashed and owners should pick up after them. Smoking and climbing on the sculptures are prohibited.
Touring Michigan Legacy Art Park in the winter offers viewing of the sculptures from a new perspective. Knowledgeable tour guides lead hikers across hilly terrain to view over 20 major works of art. Tours last about one hour; $5 recommended donation. Bring your own snowshoes; limited rentals are available at Crystal Mountain at the Park at Water's Edge.
Special activities at the park include photo fun, birding, hike to the fort, sketching, watercolors, artist lectures for adults as well as field trip programs for school groups and patch programs for scouts.
In the summer, outdoor concerts are featured Fridays at 7pm in the outdoor amphitheatre. Rides from the Art Park parking lot to the amphitheatre begin at 6:15 p.m. for those unable to walk the trail. If raining the concerts are held indoors at Crystal Mountain.Suggested donation is $10.
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