From Sobriety to Sculpture Park | Grand Rapids News

In Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, a welder’s journey to sobriety birthed Lakenenland—a free, 37-acre sculpture park filled with 120+ metal masterpieces made from scrap. What started as a personal project has grown into a roadside wonderland featuring everything from giant snowmobiles and skeleton motorcyclists to poignant tributes for healthcare workers and 9/11 victims. With no formal art training, Tom Lakenen faced skepticism but turned his passion into a public treasure, expanding the park with trails, picnic spots, and even connecting to the North Country Trail. Political pieces have stirred controversy—some vandalized, leading to security upgrades and the removal of a snowmobile warming station—but Lakenen remains steadfast in keeping his art accessible 24/7, free of charge, proving how one man’s redemption can inspire a community. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/41b4219177731074