Michigan to Close Most Roadside Parks on October 29

The Michigan Department of Transportation is initiating seasonal closures for most of its 82 roadside parks.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in National Parks

Screen-print poster illustration of a weathered park bench dusted with frost under bare trees, representing seasonal road park closures. — The Michigan Department of Transportation begins seasonal closures for most of its 82 roadside parks starting October 29, 2026. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you feel the seasonal closure of roadside parks in your area restricts your travel plans?

Most roadside parks managed by the Michigan Department of Transportation are scheduled to close for the winter season starting October 29, 2026. This annual transition will continue through early December as crews prepare for the winter months.

Why it matters

Closing these facilities ensures safety and prevents maintenance issues during the harsh Michigan winter. While most parks close, all state-run rest areas and welcome centers with heated buildings will remain open to travelers year-round.

The Michigan Department of Transportation maintains 82 roadside parks across the state. Four of these locations are currently closed for ongoing upgrades or repairs.

The players

Michigan Department of Transportation

This state agency is responsible for the planning, design, and operation of Michigan's highway system and public transportation infrastructure.

The details

Closures follow a staggered schedule that begins in late October and concludes by early December. For example, the bathrooms at Manistee River Roadside Park close October 29, though the parking lot will remain accessible until December 1.

October 29, 2026: Most roadside parks and Manistee River bathrooms close.
November 28, 2026: Brown and Vassar Roadside Parks close.
November 30, 2026: White River, High Rollway, and White Cloud parks close.
December 1, 2026: Manistee River Roadside Park parking lot closes.
Late April: Annual reopening of roadside parks.

Travel Outlook

This transition aligns with the Michigan Department of Transportation winter maintenance protocols, which shift operational focus as seasonal tourism and traffic patterns fluctuate. These closures reflect a standard adjustment to the state's travel infrastructure before the peak of winter weather.

Travelers should plan for limited access to roadside amenities beginning in late October as the majority of state-maintained parks prepare for seasonal closures. Drivers should rely on year-round rest areas and welcome centers with heated facilities during their winter journeys.

The takeaway

Drivers planning travel across Michigan through the end of the year should verify the status of their planned stops to avoid arriving at closed facilities. Expect all seasonal parks to remain unavailable until their scheduled reopening in late April.