Iron Mountain Spruce Selected as State Christmas Tree
A donated 60-foot spruce from Iron Mountain will serve as the official Michigan state Christmas tree this year.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Philanthropy
Michigan officials have selected a 60-foot spruce from Iron Mountain to be displayed at the state Capitol during the upcoming holiday season. The tree was donated by the Larry Riccio family after it outgrew their property.
Why it matters
The selection continues a multi-decade tradition of highlighting timber from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula for the state's holiday centerpiece. This spruce represents the 26th tree sourced from the region in the last 40 years.
The spruce stands at 60 feet in height. This selection is the 26th tree chosen from Michigan's Upper Peninsula over a 40-year period.
The players
Larry Riccio family
This family donated the 60-foot spruce tree from their private property in Iron Mountain.
Michigan Association of Timbermen
This trade organization represents the interests of the Michigan timber industry and is coordinating the tree transport.
Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association
This association serves forest stakeholders and is assisting with the logistics of moving the state Christmas tree.
The details
The tree will be harvested from the Iron Mountain property where it has stood since the Riccio family purchased the home in 1986. Following its removal, the Michigan Association of Timbermen and the Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association will manage the transport of the tree to the state capital.
Timeline
The tree has been growing on the Riccio property since 1986.
The tree is scheduled to be cut down on November 5, 2026.
The tree will arrive in downtown Lansing on November 7, 2026.
Market Landscape
This selection follows the established pattern of prioritizing trees from Michigan's Upper Peninsula for the annual display. By leveraging regional timber industry partnerships, the state reinforces a long-standing logistical framework for sourcing its holiday centerpiece.
Residents and visitors can view the tree in downtown Lansing throughout the upcoming holiday season. The project relies on professional timber industry logistics to ensure the tree is safely installed for the public to enjoy.
The takeaway
The selection process highlights how private property donations serve as a key resource for public holiday traditions. Homeowners with large conifers should be aware that their trees can play a significant role in state-level festivities as they reach maturity.
Further reading
Learn more about local giving initiatives in Michigan Philanthropy.
