LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has announced the reopening of its 85 roadside parks across the state on Monday, April 28, signaling the start of the spring season for many outdoor travelers.
While most of the parks will reopen as scheduled, a few locations will remain closed for extended periods due to weather conditions, maintenance, or ongoing construction. These closures affect parks across various counties, with some expected to remain closed until May, while others will stay shuttered for the year.
Closed Parks Due to Weather and Maintenance
In Alger County, the following parks will remain closed until May 5 due to snow conditions:
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Deer Lake Roadside Park on M-28
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Grand Island Roadside Park on M-28
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Kiva Roadside Park on US-41
Additionally, Scott Falls Roadside Park in Alger County will stay closed for the rest of the year for restoration work.
In Baraga County, two parks on US-41 will be closed until May 12 for similar weather-related reasons:
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Tioga Creek Roadside Park on US-41/M-28
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Canyon Falls Roadside Park on US-41
Other Seasonal and Construction-Related Closures
Other parks are closed for maintenance, including Burlington Roadside Park in Calhoun County, which is undergoing repaving, and White Rock Roadside Park in Huron County, which remains closed until May due to restroom installation.
Keweenaw County’s Esrey Roadside Park, located on M-26, will also be closed until May 12 due to lingering snow.
For Sanilac County, Four Mile Roadside Park on M-25 remains closed until May for restroom installation, and Red Cedar Roadside Park in Ingham County will be closed for the summer due to construction work.
Water Systems and Other Amenities
MDOT has also noted that visitors should not expect drinking water at all parks to be available immediately upon reopening. The department has emphasized that annual testing and treatment of water systems at the parks will need to be completed before water can be turned on, which may take until later in May.
A full map showing the status of all MDOT roadside parks, including closure dates and reopening schedules, is available on the MDOT website for travelers planning their visits.
As Michigan enters the warmer months, outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to plan ahead, especially if they intend to visit parks with ongoing maintenance or weather-related closures.
