Marquette, Michigan - Lakenenland - Junkyard Art

Lakenenland is amazing, and if it doesn't truly DEFINE offbeat roadside America, then I don't know what does! Tom's sculptures are gorgeous and whimsical, an often biting commentary on the American political scene. You can hike thru, drive thru, and in the winter, snowmobile thru. It is right on one of the major snowmobile trails, and he keeps a shelter, stove, grill, and "facilities" all for the comfort of his snowmobiling pals. What a kind-hearted and talented artist! [Lainie, 10/22/2008]

Lakenenland continues to have quite a wrangle with the township, since they are trying to classify Tom Lakenen's junk sculpture as "commercial signage," so they can ban it.

Lakenenland has a well-constructed shelter with coffee, snacks, framed newspaper articles about the park, and a campfire -- all provided for free to snowmobilers and tourists. [Darryl, 03/22/2008]

Tom Lakenen's little yard art project got so out of hand, he opened an enormous free sculpture garden featuring his fantastical critters! Set amidst the pines just across the street from the Lake Superior beach, Lakenland features roughly sixty brightly painted metal scuptures, which range from a rebar gator to space creatures to occasional political pieces. The garden is completely free, and can be explored on foot or from the car, making the site very easy for families or the disabled to visit. [Holly Helterhoff, 07/29/2007]

Tom Lakenen has created these amazing junkyard art pieces, like spiders and tigers, and all of these very cool statues. It's free and you just drive straight through it and can get out to take pictures with the art works. [Erika, 07/24/2007]

One of the greatest roadside attractions in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. "Junkyard Art" as the artist calls it. You can walk through or drive-thru this FREE attraction. [Kendra Schaedig, 08/10/2006]