1 week Ago By The Sault News
Michigan's roadside parks are opening soon, offering places for summer travelers to take a break. But even if you aren't in need of a break from driving, Michigan's parks offer incredible views, sandy beaches and other attractions that make them worth a stop. "Michigan has many great attractions, including roadside parks and scenic views.
Explore these hidden treasures located mostly on rural state highways and enjoy the splendor of Michigan," Michigan's Department of Transportation said. MDOT operates and maintains 85 roadside parks along Michigan's highways, with many near waterfalls, beaches or scenic views. Seventy-four parks are set to open on Monday, April 28, but 11 will open later or remain closed for an extended period of time for maintenance or repairs.
"While most parks are scheduled to reopen April 28, motorists should not expect drinking water at all parks to be turned on until sometime later in May, after annual testing and treatment of the park water systems is completed," MDOT said in April 22 release . Here are six roadside parks worth a visit in Michigan: Where are Michigan's roadside parks located? MDOT maintains 85 roadside parks in the Upper and Lower Peninsula. To plan a road trip, MDOT provides an interactive online map of all the roadside parks.
Canyon Falls Roadside Park is the 'Grand Canyon of Michigan' Canyon Falls off of U.S. 41, near L'Anse, is a frequently visited park because of its waterfall and box canyon.
A dirt and wood boardwalk trail meanders a short distance through woods from the parking lot to the river, and then to the falls. The river slides nearly 30 feet over a large chute of smooth black rock into a box canyon and then proceeds downstream. "Beyond the falls the river has cut a gorge into the rocks, and an unmaintained trail continues along the rim of the gorge," Great Lakes Waterfalls & Beyond said.
"The gorge is quite interesting, especially by Michigan standards." The North Country Trail passes through the park and continues along the river gorge. Canyon Falls Roadside park will be closed until May 12 due to snow, the DNR said.
Lake Huron roadside parks shows off Michigan's iconic 'Thumbcoast' Located along M-25, several roadside parks provide easy road trip breaks to appreciate Lake Huron's shoreline. Travelers can walk the shoreline, collect rocks or cool down in the water. There is a lot to explore when tracing Michigan's Thumbcoast — a-140-mile shoreline.
There are plenty of roadside parks to visit, including, Four Mile Scenic Turnout (closed until May); White Rock (closed until May); Jenks; and Thompson Scenic Turnout. British Landing Road is a calming pitstop on Mackinac Island Mackinac Island is popular for its purple lilacs, unique history, horse-drawn carriages the surrounding blue waters of Lake Huron. While visiting the island, the roadside park along M-185 at British Landing Road, is an easy stop to learn more about Michigan's history — then, grab some fudge afterward.
The park is located where British troops came ashore during the War of 1812. "During the night of July 16-17, 1812, a small force of British regulars and several hundred voyageurs and Indian allies landed and occupied a height that overlooked Fort Mackinac and demanded its surrender," Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau explains. "Lt.
Porter Hanks, commander of the American garrison of 57 soldiers, had no known that war had been declared. Realizing that resistance was hopeless, Hanks capitulated without a fight." Great Sand Bay in the Keweenaw Peninsula Off of M-26 on the western shore of the Keweenaw Peninsula, Great Sand Bay near Eagle Harbor puts Lake Superior on flawless display.
Great Sand Bay earned its name for its long stretch of white sand. "The beach is great for rock hunters and swimming. It has some rocky areas, mixed with sand dunes and the bottom of the bay is covered in a bed of immaculate white sand," Lake Superior Circle Tour said.
" Great Sand Bay is a great place to stop and look for agates or other beautiful rocks," Visit Keweenaw said. "It is also home to some beautiful wind swept sand dunes. This is a great spot for watching the sunsets or to sit and unwind while taking in the beauty of Lake Superior.
Cut River Bridge takes views of Lake Michigan to new heights Located along U.S. 2 in the Upper Peninsula 26 miles from St.
Ignace, the Cut River Bridge offers views of Lake Michigan, the mouth of the Cut River Gorge, and the steelwork below the massive structure spanning the river valley. The bridge was built in 1947 and stretches 147 feet above the Cut River. It's one of only two cantilevered deck truss bridges in Michigan, The Upper Peninsula website said.
The bridge is 641 feet long. Along with the bridge, there is a roadside park. The Roadside Park provides picnic areas, restrooms, and access to the river.
Guests can walk the trails below, with the help of a 230-step walkway, St. Ignace Michigan said. Hawks and owls follow the coastline as they head to their northern breeding grounds in late April and early May, the website noted.
Arcadia Scenic Overlook offers endless views of Lake Michigan The Arcadia Scenic Outlook along M-22, not only provides a place to soak up Lake Michigan's waves or dunes, but a telescope to get a detailed view. "Now, with viewing decks and 210 stairs, people can easily obtain this breathtaking view, West Michigan Guides said. "Climbing all the way to the top, an 80 foot vertical ascend from the bottom deck, you feel on top of the world looking over the lake and the whole county.
" Located in Manistee County, the overlook atop the dunes is 370 feet above the shoreline. " Put on your walking shoes and climb 120 steps (80 vertical feet) to the top lookout and gaze out on one of the most picturesque views that truly define Manistee County as 'Pure Michigan,'" Manistee Tourism says. What roadside parks will be closed 2025? MDOT included a list of roadside parks that will be closed for varying periods of times due to maintenance.
In Alger County, here are the parks with delays: In Baraga County: In Calhoun County: In Huron County: In Ingham County: In Keweenaw County: In Sanilac County: Contact Sarah Moore @ [email protected] This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Michigan's roadside parks are reopening. Here are 6 to visit in unique locations.
