Michigan Roadside Parks Closing Soon: Plan Your Stops Now!

UPDATE: Michigan motorists, take note! The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has just announced that roadside parks across the state will begin closing for the season starting Monday, October 20. This significant development means travelers must plan ahead for rest breaks as the state prepares for winter.

Most roadside parks will be shuttered by October 31, with a rolling closure schedule impacting various locations. Some parks will close even sooner due to essential bathroom upgrades, including the White Cloud Roadside Park on M-37 in Newaygo County, and the Chase and Baldwin Roadside Parks on U.S. 10 in Lake County.

This is crucial information for anyone planning a road trip, as MDOT maintains 82 roadside parks throughout the state, which typically close annually in late October and reopen in late April. While these parks offer necessary amenities, including restrooms and picnic areas, MDOT also operates 61 rest areas along major freeways that remain open 24/7 for travelers’ convenience. These rest areas provide essential facilities, including paved parking and drinking water, spaced about an hour apart.

Here’s a breakdown of the upcoming closures:

– Closing October 20:
– White Cloud Roadside Park (M-37, Newaygo County)
– Chase Roadside Park (U.S. 10, Lake County)
– Baldwin Roadside Park (U.S. 10, Lake County)

– Closing October 31:
– Most parks across Michigan

– Later Closures:
– Brown Roadside Park (M-25, Huron County) – Closing November 28
– White River Roadside Park (M-20, Newaygo County) – Closing November 29
– High Rollway Park (M-82, Newaygo County) – Closing November 29
– Manistee River Roadside Park (U.S. 131, Wexford County) – Closing December 1

For those in need of year-round options, MDOT has designated three roadside parks that remain open throughout the winter: White Rock Roadside Park (M-25, Sanilac County), Cass River Roadside Park (M-46, Tuscola County), and Artesian Flow Roadside Park (M-140, near Watervliet in Berrien County).

Travelers are urged to utilize MDOT’s interactive online map to check the status of parks and rest areas, which is critical as the end of road trip season approaches. The green circle icon indicates open parks, while the red icon marks closed facilities.

With the clock ticking on road trip opportunities, ensure your travel plans include rest stops. The seasonal closure of Michigan’s roadside parks is not just an inconvenience; it impacts the safety and comfort of countless travelers as they hit the road for one last fall adventure.

Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops, and don’t forget to share this information with fellow travelers!