Iron Mountain Spruce Selected for State Christmas Tree
The 60-foot tree will be harvested in early November to serve as the centerpiece of the Michigan state capitol display.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Philanthropy
State officials have selected a 60-foot spruce from Iron Mountain as the official Michigan state Christmas tree for the upcoming holiday season. The tree, donated by the Larry Riccio family, will be transported to Lansing following a harvest scheduled for early November.
Why it matters
The selection highlights the long-standing role of the Upper Peninsula in supplying Michigan’s seasonal displays. The donation was prompted by the tree outgrowing the Riccio family property, necessitating its removal.
The selected spruce stands 60 feet tall and represents the 26th tree sourced from the Upper Peninsula over the last 40 years. This marks the second instance in that 40-year span that a tree has been selected from Iron Mountain.
The players
Larry Riccio
The private donor who provided the 60-foot spruce from his Iron Mountain property.
Michigan Association of Timbermen
A trade organization representing the timber industry that is coordinating the transportation of the tree.
Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association
An industry association providing logistical support for the move from the Upper Peninsula to Lansing.
The details
The Larry Riccio family, who purchased the property where the spruce stands in 1986, donated the tree because it had outgrown its location. The Michigan Association of Timbermen and the Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association have been tasked with the professional harvesting and transportation process. The tree is scheduled to be cut down on November 5 and is slated to arrive in downtown Lansing by November 7.
Timeline
1986: The donor family acquired the property where the tree was planted.
November 5, 2026: The spruce will be harvested in Iron Mountain.
November 7, 2026: The tree will reach its destination in Lansing.
Market Landscape
The selection follows a long-standing tradition of sourcing the state’s holiday centerpiece from the Upper Peninsula, which has provided 26 trees over the last 40 years. This event underscores the recurring civic and logistical collaboration between state officials and regional timber associations.
Operators in the regional forestry and logistics sectors should note the upcoming transport timeline on November 5 and 7, which may impact specific local transit routes. For businesses involved in public-facing civic projects, the process serves as a reminder of the necessary inter-agency coordination required for large-scale asset relocation.
The takeaway
The successful acquisition of this year's state tree relies on long-term regional partnerships and established harvesting logistics. Operators should track how such public-private collaborations manage the risk and insurance requirements inherent in transporting large-scale assets through public infrastructure.
Further reading
Learn more about local corporate and civic giving in Michigan Philanthropy.
