Michigan Roadside Parks to Close Soon; Plan Your Road Trips Now

URGENT UPDATE: Michigan motorists need to plan ahead as the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) announces the seasonal closure of roadside parks beginning Monday, October 20. With road trip season winding down, these closures will roll out across the state, impacting travel for those planning to hit the road in the coming weeks.

Most roadside parks will officially close for the season by October 31, but some parks will shut their gates even sooner due to necessary upgrades. Notably, parks like the White Cloud Roadside Park on M-37 in Newaygo County, Chase Roadside Park on U.S. 10 in Lake County, and Baldwin Roadside Park on U.S. 10 will close as early as October 20.

This announcement comes as a reminder for travelers to adjust their plans accordingly. MDOT oversees 82 roadside parks across Michigan, which typically close each year in late October and reopen in late April. These parks provide essential amenities for travelers, including restrooms, picnic areas, and drinking water.

For those who might be traveling later in the fall, a few parks will remain open until early December. The Brown Roadside Park on M-25 in Huron County will close on November 28, followed by the White River Roadside Park on M-20 in Newaygo County on November 29, and the Manistee River Roadside Park near Manton on U.S. 131 in Wexford County will close on December 1.

To assist travelers, MDOT maintains 61 rest areas along major highways, open 24/7 for convenience. These facilities are spaced about an hour apart for easy access, providing much-needed breaks during longer journeys.

For those seeking year-round access, parks such as White Rock Roadside Park on M-25 in Sanilac County, Cass River Roadside Park on M-46 in Tuscola County, and Artesian Flow Roadside Park on M-140 near Watervliet are available throughout the year.

Travelers can view an interactive map of all MDOT roadside parks online, easily identifying open and closed locations. The green circle icon indicates parks that are open, while red icons denote closures.

As the weather changes and the travel season winds down, the importance of planning rest stops cannot be overstated. With the closure of these parks, it’s crucial for travelers to ensure they take necessary breaks to maintain safety on the roads.

For ongoing updates and specific park closure times, check the official MDOT website. Stay informed and plan your route wisely to make the most of your travels this season.