Whomever coined the expression, “One man’s junk is another man’s treasure” must have been talking about Tom Lakenen, a welder by trade and a sculpture artist by passion. He has turned his creativity into a roadside attraction that is accessible to all, 24-hours per day, no matter the season.
The sculptures, which number about 100, are made from scrap metals left over from construction jobs throughout Michigan and other states on which Lakenen worked. These are presented in the woods on a 37-acre property Lakenen purchased in 2003 when his art overwhelmed his front and back yards in a more populated part of Marquette. Located 15 miles east of Marquette on M-28 on the shores of Lake Superior, his sculpture garden is a popular spot, even worthy of recognition by the local Chamber of Commerce.
In addition to the acres of forested land housing the iron sculptures, Lakenenland (as he calls it) also has ponds stocked with fish, a band shell, and shelters. Traversing the sculpture garden is easy to do, thanks to a winding dirt road which allows visitors to view his work without getting out of their cars. Of course, walking the grounds is also encouraged to get close up views of the creations.
As anyone familiar with the Upper Peninsula of Michigan knows, winter can be brutal. But, with a location on snowmobile trail #417, Lakenenland is a stop for hundreds of snowmobilers on busy weekends in winter. He has provided a place to warm up, snacks and hot water for cocoa as part of his amenities to those who visit.
The sculpture garden doesn’t just shine in winter. It is visited often throughout the year. Because the site is set up as a self-service attraction, Lakenen has no attendance counts to provide.
A piece done by Tom Lakenen from scrap metal inside his "junkyard”. [Photo/Tom Lakenen]
Lakenen started building sculptures in the 1990s. He said he stopped drinking and needed something more constructive to do with his time and to help maintain his sobriety. It is remembering those days of drinking that provide inspiration for some of his more unusual creations, like the polka-dotted pink elephant.
His first sculpture, the Dancing Wolves, was set up in his front yard at his former home.
“I put them in front of my house and nobody threw eggs at my house so I made some more stuff,” Lakenen explained. That collection continues to grow steadily.
“I added a few new ones this year and every year try to make a couple new ones,” he informed The Buzz.
His sculptures range in size and in subject matter. Some reference Michigan outdoors, such as one that depicts a bird of prey attempting to snatch a fish. Others are more fanciful, like the one of aliens with a space ship or a pink pig riding an old fashioned bicycle. But almost all make visitors smile.
On average, the sculpture takes about a week to create. The lumberjacks, he said, took six months. The art pieces range in size, with some 20 feet tall and weighing a couple of tons.
Lakenen has no formal training as an artist. He took a college-level welding class while in high school. He has been asked to do art pieces but has yet to agree.
“I have been asked a few times but I just do not have time,” Lakenen responded when asked why. “I still have to work for a living. I just like to add to and maintain the park and take care of my wife and family. There’s not much time to build things for others.”
When asked to describe how he creates his sculptures, he said “it starts with a pile of materials on the floor.” You can get the idea of what happens next.
The sculpture garden is maintained by Lankenen and his family. In January 2016, his step-son Jim Klumb organized an online fundraiser to honor Lankenen, and defray some of the expenses that come with keeping the sculpture garden open to the public at no charge.
Klumb wrote: “My step-dad Tom is one of the hardest working men I have ever known. I am who I am because of him, he has taught me strong work ethic, knowledge, and compassion to always help others.”
Klumb said his step-father spends hours chopping wood and even using a snow blower to remove snow from the sculptures after a winter storm.
“The Lakenens have graciously let multiple charitable events take place at Lakenenland benefiting organizations such as the Women Center, Salvation Army, and music for all kids,” Klumb said in his funding request. “In the winter if he’s laid off, you will find him there on the weekends with a bonfire, hot chocolate, and coffee for the snowmobilers or anyone who stops by.”
Lakenen himself has no favorites in the outdoor gallery he created. But he hopes his visitors will find one or two that strike their fancy. His advice to those visiting Lakenenland for the first time: “Make yourself at home.”