Water Warrior Island ready for opening weekend
CHAMPION — Despite the gloomy weather in the forecast for Friday, it will be the first official day that Water Warrior Island in Champion is open for business. The Greater Ishpeming-Negaunee Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday to welcome the area’s newest recreational experience.
Water Warrior Island is a floating, inflatable playground with trampolines, 20-foot-long water slides, a rock climbing wall and more connected together in Lake Michigamme. There are life jackets available for use, and people have to be at least 6 years old and 48-inches tall to use the playground.
For the younger kids, there’s also a 20-foot-long water slide on land. If that doesn’t pique your interest, there are also kayaks, paddle boards and cabanas available for rent.
“We are so excited to be in the Upper Peninsula. This has been our dream to do this water park and to be here on Lake Michigamme, it’s very surreal, and we’re so excited to be here,” said Samantha Gillespie, owner of Water Warrior Island.
The water park is located at Van Riper State Park. The owners have also re-opened the concession stand that has been closed for the past several years.
If you’re camping at Van Riper this weekend, or any weekend all summer, Water Warrior Island is offering discounts for campers. You do not have to be a camper at Van Riper to enjoy Water Warrior Island — the public is welcome.
Click HERE to visit the Water Warrior Island Facebook page for more information and deals.