As the days shorten and the chill of autumn tightens its grip in Michigan, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has signaled the end of the season for most of its roadside parks. These closures will not come as a surprise for many as the seasonal closing of these restful spaces is an annual event, reflective of the state's readiness for winter.
According to MLive, the bulk of the parks, which provide respite and scenery for travelers throughout the warmer months, will shutter their gates on Oct. 31. However, two parks — Cass River Roadside Park in Tuscola County and Artesian Flow Roadside Park near Watervliet in Berrien County — will continue to welcome visitors year-round.
Additionally, MDOT has announced that a few select locations will extend their hospitality a bit longer into the autumn season. Nine parks are set to close at the end of November, with White River Roadside Park and others spanning through Newaygo, Oceana, and Huron Counties slated to become unavailable to the public following Thanksgiving weekend. This delay in closure may offer one last breath of fall air for those seeking it, or perhaps one final gaze upon the tranquil scenes of Michigan's diverse landscapes.
MDOT has detailed the specific dates for closures, with nine parks shutting down after November 29 and 30. Travelers expecting to rely on these roadside rests should take note that closing on Saturday, Nov. 30: Manistee River Roadside Park near Manton on US-131 in Wexford County, and several parks on M-25 in Huron and Sanilac Counties will draw their 2024 season to a close, as per the Michigan Department Of Transportation which also includes the list of parks and their respective closing dates for travelers' convenience.
