New Craig Lake State Park yurt now available to rent
Craig Lake State Park in Baraga County has added an alternative to the traditional camping experience with the completion of its new 20-foot Keewaydin Lake yurt. Yurts are sturdy, round, tent-like structures that can be traced back through history for some 3,000 years.
The new yurt is located one mile from the boat launch and is the second yurt structure to be put up at Craig Lake, a remote state park near Michigamme that offers non-motorized wilderness camping, padding and hiking. The park’s other yurt is located on Teddy Lake.
Work on the new Keewaydin Lake yurt began in September 2011. The yurt site includes a deck for wildlife viewing and an ADA-accessible ramp.
The Keewaydin Lake yurt comes complete with a twin size bunk bed, full size bunk bed, a table and six chairs as well as a storage cabinet. The yurt currently rents for $60 per night. Future plans include adding a woodstove to make the yurt available year-round.
Reservations for the Keewaydin Lake yurt can be made by phone at 800-447-2757, or online atwww.midnrreservations.com.
A Recreation Passport is required for entry into Craig Lake State Park. The Recreation Passport is an easy, affordable way for residents to enjoy and support outdoor recreation opportunities in Michigan. By checking “YES” for the $10 Recreation Passport ($5 for motorcycles) when renewing a license plate through the Secretary of State (by mail, kiosk, online at www.expresssos.com or at branch offices), Michigan motorists get access to state parks, recreation areas, state forest campgrounds, non-motorized state trailhead parking and state boat launches. In addition, Recreation Passport holders can experience real savings at businesses and retailers that participate in the Passport Perks discount program. The Recreation Passport is valid until the next license plate renewal date. Nonresidents can purchase the Recreation Passport ($29 annual; $8 daily) at any state park or recreation area or through the Michigan e-Store atwww.michigan.gov/estore.