About Michigan Legacy Art Park

“A PLACE OF HARMONY TO CONTEMPLATE NATURE, ART AND HISTORY” 

Artist David Barr founded the Michigan Legacy Art Park in 1995. He began to envision the Art Park in 1988 as a place where "artists could tell the story of Michigan through the fundamental materials of nature” while connecting man to nature, nature to man, and transcending those boundaries without disturbing the balance.

Today, visitors encounter over 40 impressive pieces of contemporary art along the 1.6-mile hiking trail. The art evokes the complexities and contradictions of Michigan’s history, environment and cultural identity. While the art collection is permanent, approximately two new pieces are added annually. Additions to the Art Park’s collection are selected through artist applications that are reviewed by a jury.

The Art Park is the result of committed individuals, organizations and foundations who continue to bive time and money to create a place where you can experience the harmonious integration of nature, art, history and education.

Michigan Legacy Art Park:

• Supports the local arts community while inspiring impressive sculptures that interpret Michigan's history and legacy;
• Is a cultural and recreational destination for tourists in support of Northern Michigan’s economic development;
• Provides a unique educational setting for students to learn about the environment, history, math, science, and culture through works of art;
• Enriches lives through an exhilarating nature hike coupled with extraordinary art;
• Invites visitors to contemplate the complexities of history, environment and cultural identity.

The cement platforms in the entrance area are the closest thing the Art Park has to a gallery because, like a gallery, the art displayed there is periodically rotated to showcase new works and is for sale.  Artists who already have permanent sculptures in the Park are invited by a jury committee to propose other sculptures for two-year display in the entrance area of the Art Park. 

Currently on display and for sale:

• Botanical Forms by David Petrakovits. 
• Legacy Guardians by Bill Allen
• Seedpod 5 (Hammock Coffin) by David Greenwood
• Seedpod 6 (Nuthouse) by David Greenwood

Contact the Park Director for purchase information.