Lakenenland Scrap Metal and a Whole Lot of Imagination

Lakenenland Scrap Metal and a Whole Lot of Imagination

The owls were my favorite.

There’s a group perched on a branching metal support, and another with its wings spread above a nest. Out of everything at Lakenenland, those are the ones I’d point out first. Something about a bunch of owls made from scrap metal just works.

Honestly, I thought the whole place was super cool. The walk was easy for me, the sculptures were fun, and I came away with a lot of admiration for the guy who made them. It takes talent to turn discarded metal into something worth stopping to look at. Coming up with all these different ideas in the first place? That’s another skill altogether.

Lakenenland is Tom Lakenen’s privately owned scrap-metal sculpture park on M-28 in Chocolay Township, about 15 miles east of Marquette. He describes the property as 37 acres with more than 100 sculptures.

That’s a whole lot of imagination in one place. And he welcomes people to enjoy it for free.

The Man Behind the Metal

Lakenen says he began making sculptures after quitting drinking. What started as a way to fill his free time grew into a collection. Published accounts place his purchase of the park property and the move of his sculptures there in 2003.

That bit of his story is worth knowing before you walk through. Behind all these unusual characters is a man who found something to put his time and energy into, then kept at it.

I admire the talent, but I also appreciate that he’s willing to share it. Making the sculptures is one thing. Giving people a place to come see them, without charging admission, makes me appreciate it that much more.

You don’t need to know a thing about metalworking or art to enjoy what he’s done. I sure don’t need to understand how every piece was made to appreciate the work. Though you do have to wonder how somebody looks at a piece of discarded metal and sees an owl waiting to happen.

Owls, Musicians, and a Face With Attitude

The owls have plenty of company.

Among the sculptures in my photos is a big face wearing glasses, with teeth showing and a tongue sticking out. There are dancing animal-like figures in front of metal musicians. An upright, boat-shaped display holds an assortment of objects above the words “The Starving Artist.”

That’s just a small sample, but it gives you an idea of how much variety there is. You’re not looking at the same idea over and over. The face is goofy, the dancers have a sense of movement, and those owls have a personality all their own.

Part of the fun is looking at a sculpture two ways. First, there’s the finished character. Then there are all the metal pieces somebody had to pick out, arrange, and bring together to make it. What it’s made from is part of what makes it worth a closer look.

And you don’t have to hunt for a deeper meaning in everything. Sometimes a goofy face sticking its tongue out is plenty.

I liked all of it. The owls just won me over.

Walking or Driving Through

The park is at 2800 M-28 East, Marquette, Michigan 49855. Admission is advertised as free, with 24-hour, year-round access. That doesn’t guarantee every route or facility will be available in every condition.

For me, exploring on foot was a super easy walk. It was a good way to take it all in, with plenty to look at along the way.

Partial driving access is also available where permitted. Follow the current signs and conditions rather than assuming vehicles can reach every part of the park.

The owner welcomes leashed dogs. Travel Marquette lists on-site restrooms, although seasonal availability isn’t confirmed. If you’re counting on those, check ahead.

Lakenenland gave me an easy walk, a bunch of sculptures I enjoyed, and an appreciation for what Tom can do with metal other people have discarded. I’d sure like to borrow that imagination for an afternoon.

Go see what he’s made. You’ll probably find your own favorite, but give the owls a look for me.