LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will be closing several of its parks this summer as it maintains and improves them using money provided by the Covid relief funds. 

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Visitors should beware this could impact travel plans and availability of certain campsites and visitor centers going forward. 

“Although there may be some dust and some campgrounds and amenities may temporarily close during construction, staff is working hard to minimize the duration of any closures and the inconvenience to our guests,” DNR Parks and Recreation chief, Ron Olson said in a statement. “Shovels in the ground are a true testament to the historic investment being made in our state parks and recreation system, and we appreciate visitors’ patience this season.”

There are at least four projects that will be affected by closures including: Hoffmaster State Park, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Mitchell State Park, and Belle Isle Park. 

These projects are the result of the $250 million in federal relief COVID-19 funding made possible through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 according to the DNR, which will finally begin this spring and summer. 

“Because of this work, visitors will be able to enjoy new and upgraded camping amenities, park roads, electrical and water distribution systems and toilet and shower buildings, as well as visitor center enhancements and historic preservation work – all things that contribute to a better visitor experience,” the DNR said in a statement. 

One of Michigan’s top three parks according to an All Trail’s rating, Porcupine Mountains, will experience partial closures around the park in its peak season, including its visitor’s center from May 15 through August 15 and the Summit Peak parking lot from Aug. 15 until Oct. 15. 

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At Belle Isle, the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory and outdoor gardens have been closed since November as crews work to revitalize the upper 60 feet of the 80-foot-tall conservatory dome.  Currently, the outdoor gardens are expected to reopen in May, but the conservatory is anticipating opening its doors again in May 2024. 

One project on Belle Isle that was closed for the past two years, the Belle Isle Nature Center (BINC) reopened its doors in September after roughly $2.5 million in renovations. 

For a list of the other projects and associated costs, one can view the project list view, to get a sense of the price of each project and intended construction plans. 

A regularly updated list of park closures can be found here.