Thanks to a massive $250 million investment made possible through the American Rescue Plan Act, many critical improvements at Michigan state parks are underway or getting ready to break ground in the coming months.
Although the work will cause slight disruptions to overnight and day-trip plans at some locations, state park officials say it’s a worthwhile tradeoff – governed by a strict timeline – that will yield substantial long-term visitor benefits. The federal relief funds will help the Michigan Department of Natural Resources address a decades-long backlog of repair and maintenance needs and help build a new state park in Flint.
“In the construction world, this is much like a race against time to design, bid and plan these projects in such a short time frame,” said Ron Olson, DNR Parks and Recreation chief. “The ARPA funds must be committed by Dec. 31, 2024, and spent on those projects by Dec. 31, 2026. It’s an exciting opportunity, but one that requires careful planning, broad action and thorough execution.”
Know before you go
Olson encouraged anyone considering a state park visit – now or later this season – to visit Michigan.gov/DNRClosures to find anticipated closure dates and additional information on these enhancement projects. Any revised construction timelines will be announced on the closures page almost daily or as conditions require.
*Camping-specific updates are also listed in the Michigan state park and harbor reservation system at MiDNRReservations.com.
Examples of ARPA-related work planned for this spring, summer and fall include:
- Algonac State Park (St. Clair County): Full-hookup site installation and road repairs in the day-use area and modern campground will prompt closures this spring and summer. A proposed $4.1 million in ARPA funding is available for these and other renovations.
- Brighton Recreation Area (Livingston County): Electrical and road upgrades will close the Bishop Lake modern campground Aug. 11, 2024, to mid-May 2025. In addition, road repairs will close the Horseman’s equestrian campground June 1-Oct. 15, 2024. A proposed $2.97 million in ARPA funding is available for these and other renovations.
- Interlochen State Park (Grand Traverse County): Due to a planned park enhancement project to upgrade the park’s water and sewer system and beach house toilet building, the day-use area and modern campground are closed this spring and summer. The park’s Duck Lake Boating Access Site will intermittently close. The Green Lake Boating Access Site and rustic campground will remain open. A proposed $3.57 million in ARPA funding is available for these and other renovations.
- Fort Custer Recreation Area (Kalamazoo County): To replace both toilet and shower buildings, the park’s modern campground is temporarily closed. The east loop is slated to open July 31; however, it may open earlier if construction is ahead of schedule. The west loop likely will remain closed through July 31 due to additional enhancements, such as new underground electrical conductors, site pedestals and distribution panels. All other park amenities, including boating access sites, trails, cabins, group camps picnic shelters and the equestrian campground will remain open. A proposed $3 million in ARPA funding is available for these and other renovations.
- Ludington State Park (Mason County): Enhancements that include paving, parking expansion and improved traffic and pedestrian flow at the park’s main entrance will close the majority of the park Sept. 3, 2024, through July 1, 2025. The 2,000 acres of parkland and 3-mile stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline south of the Big Sable River, including the hiking trails and boardwalk, will remain open and accessible to the public via roadway parking along M-116. A proposed $4.26 million in ARPA funding is available for these and other renovations.
- McLain State Park (Houghton County): An upgrade of the wastewater treatment system will close the modern campground starting Aug. 1 and lasting for the remainder of the 2024 season. A proposed $350,000 in ARPA funding is available for these and other renovations.
- Port Crescent State Park (Huron County): To upgrade roads, water/sewer lines, electrical and the sanitation station, the park’s modern campground is closed for the 2024 season. The beach house also is being upgraded but is slated to reopen by this Memorial Day. A proposed $4.95 million in ARPA funding is available for these and other renovations.
Follow ARPA-funded projects and closures
To stay up to date on the status of ARPA-funded projects and learn more about funding and decision-making, visit Michigan.gov/StateParksProgress.
Questions? Contact Kristen Bennett, development unit manager for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division, at 248-431-1265 or BennettK@Michigan.gov.
