Vietnam Veterens Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Vietnam Veterans Park, located in the state of Michigan, is a notable destination with several compelling reasons to visit.


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Summary

This summary is based on information gathered from multiple independent sources to ensure accuracy.

Reasons to Visit:
1. Commemoration: Vietnam Veterans Park serves as a tribute to the brave servicemen and women who fought in the Vietnam War. It provides an opportunity to pay respects, reflect, and honor their sacrifices.
2. Education: The park offers an educational experience, providing visitors with historical insights into the Vietnam War and its impact on the United States.
3. Recreation: The park provides various recreational facilities and amenities, making it an ideal spot for outdoor activities and gatherings.
4. Natural Beauty: Surrounded by scenic landscapes, including wooded areas and water bodies, Vietnam Veterans Park offers a serene environment for relaxation and enjoyment.

Points of Interest:
1. Memorial Wall: The park features a striking memorial wall engraved with the names of 2,654 Michigan residents who lost their lives in the Vietnam War.
2. Huey Helicopter: Visitors can view an authentic Bell UH-1 "Huey" helicopter, one of the most iconic symbols of the Vietnam War, displayed at the park.
3. Walking Trails: The park provides well-maintained walking trails, allowing visitors to explore the beautiful surroundings and enjoy nature.
4. Picnic Areas and Shelters: Vietnam Veterans Park offers picnic areas and shelters, providing a perfect setting for outdoor picnics and gatherings.

Interesting Facts:
1. The Vietnam Veterans Park was officially dedicated on July 4, 1990.
2. The memorial wall is made of black granite, symbolizing the strength and perseverance of the veterans.
3. The park is situated on 24 acres of land in the town of Holt, near Lansing, Michigan.
4. Vietnam Veterans Park is maintained and managed by a non-profit organization, the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 109.
5. The park's creation was a collaborative effort between the local community, veterans, and volunteers.

Best Time to Visit:
The ideal time to visit Vietnam Veterans Park is during the summer months, specifically from June to August. Michigan experiences pleasant weather during this period, with temperatures ranging from 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C). The park's greenery is lush, and recreational activities are more enjoyable during this season.

Sources:
- Official website of Vietnam Veterans Park: https://www.vietnamveterans109.org/
- Michigan Vietnam Veterans Memorial Commission: http://www.mivietnam.org/memorial-park/

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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