Cooler weather and autumn leaves aren’t the only changes visitors will notice at Michigan state parks this season. A number of planned improvement projects that are transforming amenities and infrastructure in several parks across the state are now completed, underway or getting ready to start.
“Michigan’s beloved, award-winning state parks play host to visitors’ treasured memories year after year: catching your first fish, telling stories around the campfire, connecting with family and friends. Our state parks are here for it all,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “These upgrades and improvements are what the Building Michigan Together Plan is all about, and it is gratifying to see these changes happening in real time. State parks support tens of thousands of jobs and countless local economies, empowering tourism and recreation small businesses across the state. It is critical that we invest in these destinations for current and future generations.”
Thanks to $250 million in federal COVID-19 relief funding made possible through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and outlined in Gov. Whitmer’s Building Michigan Together Plan, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is addressing a decades-long backlog of repair and maintenance concerns. The funds also will help build a new state park in Flint, Genesee County.
“This is an incredibly busy, industrious time for Michigan state parks, and we’re excited for our visitors to experience and enjoy the results of this hard work,” said Ron Olson, chief of the DNR’s Parks and Recreation Division. “Some projects, like new traffic lanes, paved trails and sprucedup shower buildings, will be obvious. Others, such as upgraded water and electrical systems and improved sanitation systems, may not be as visible but are critically important to better visitor experiences.”
Michigan state parks welcome nearly 35 million people every year and are among the most-visited outdoor destinations in the country, making such improvements essential.
“Michigan’s beautiful outdoor spaces are a vital part of the fabric of our state. For the sake of our environment, our people and our economy, it’s crucial that we maintain our parks and trails,” said state Rep. Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Township). “As chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee for the DNR, I’m proud to see available federal funding put to good use preserving and improving our state parks so they can provide recreation opportunities for generations to come.”
To learn about the status of ARPAfunded projects and to view an interactive map identifying proposed project locations and status of those projects, visit Michigan. gov/StateParksProgress.
Recently Completed Projects in U.P.
Upgrades to the water treatment plant, which was more than 20 years old, were completed at Fayette State Park (Delta County) in August. A proposed $3.45 million in federal relief funding made these renovations and others possible.
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park (Ontonagon County) opened the headquarters and visitor center entrance road in late August. A proposed $1.9 million in federal relief funding made these renovations possible.
The Straits State Park (Mackinac County) upper campground reopened in late July after two new toilet and shower buildings were built. A proposed $2 million in federal relief funding made these renovations and others possible.
Projects Nearing Completion in U.P.
At Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park (Ontonagon County), the Summit Peak parking lot expansion project and toilet building project is slated for completion in November. Renovations to the historic service area, modern lodge and staff quarters will be completed by late fall or early winter. A proposed $4.78 million in federal relief funding made these renovations and others possible.
One of the toilet and shower buildings in Muskallonge Lake State Park’s (Luce County) modern campground – located in section 3 – will be replaced. As a result, section 3 is closed and slated to reopen June 21, 2024. A proposed $3.26 million in federal relief funding made these renovations and others possible.
The toilet and shower building in the Hemlock loop of Tahquamenon Falls State Park’s (Chippewa County) Lower Falls modern campground will be replaced and is anticipated to reopen June 21, 2024. A proposed $4.3 million in federal relief funding made these renovations and others possible.
