After severe ice storms swept through northern Michigan, the Department of Natural Resources is assessing damage and cleaning up several state parks, campgrounds, boating access sites and state-managed trails.
Crews from the DNR are also working with local agencies and utility companies to clean debris.
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Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared a 12-county disaster area following the storms. As a result, the DNR closed several state parks, campgrounds, boating access sites, and state-manage trails temporarily until safe access is restored.
State park, campground, overnight lodging closures
The DNR plans to have the majority of the state park campground and overnight lodging locations impacted by the ice storms by their scheduled spring 2025 opening dates.
However, the department said some state parks and campgrounds may require extra attention and preparation time. Some openings will be postponed by a couple of weeks.
Clear Lake State Park is the only known campground with a known delay opening, said the DNR, likely by two to four weeks.
30 reservations have been moved, and Chief of the DNR Parks and Recreation Division Ron Olson said nearly all reservations will be honored. He also said a few more cancellations are possible.
Depending on the location, seasonal campground opening dates typically take place on April 22, May 1 or May 15. Most state day-use areas are open year-round. To find an updated list of closures, visit here.
State-managed trail closures
All state-managed trails impacted by the ice storm in northern Michigan counties remain temporarily closed, said the DNR. The trails will reopen individually after assessment and cleanup are completed.
Trail staff is aiming to reopen the trails over the next several weeks.
State forest campground, boating access site closures
According to the DNR, several state forest campgrounds and boating access sites are either delayed in opening or will not open as planned. The department hopes to reopen the sites in phases in the coming weeks, but specific timelines are not available.
To find an updated list of closures, visit here.
