SOM DNR and Van Buren County expand state park by 17 acres DNR and Van Buren County expand state park by 17 acres Contact: Matt Metzger (DNR), 269-637-2788 or John Faul (Van Buren County), 269-657-8253 Agency: Natural Resources Jan. 12, 2021 Van Buren County officials have approved a 25-year lease with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to expand Van Buren State Park’s footprint to include the Northpoint Conservation Area located in South Haven Township. The 17-acre parcel of land borders the northern boundary of the park and boasts significant natural, scenic, ecological, biological and recreational assets. Existing hiking trails are popular for bird watching and lead visitors through rare, forested dunes to breathtaking views of Lake Michigan. The trails are open to hiking year-round.