For those who've been planning to take a scenic drive through Michigan and enjoy the serene rest stops along the way, it's time to take note of the seasonal changes. According to a recent announcement by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), numerous roadside parks will be closing their gates for the winter, starting with three parks bowing out of the 2025 season as early as Monday, Oct. 20. The MDOT statement highlights that this closure is due to commence bathroom building upgrades at White Cloud Roadside Park on M-37 in Newaygo County, Chase Roadside Park on US-10 in Lake County, and Baldwin Roadside Park also on US-10 in Lake County.
But travelers need not be too dismayed, for some parks are set to remain open a bit longer into the fall. In a detailed outline available on MDOT's website, those with plans to roam through Huron County can enjoy the amenities of Brown Roadside Park on M-25 until Friday, Nov. 28. If your journey takes you to Newaygo County, the White River Roadside Park on M-20, and the High Rollway Park Roadside Park on M-82, will welcome you until Saturday, Nov. 29. Finally, Manistee River Roadside Park near Manton on US-131 in Wexford County will call time on the season come Monday, Dec. 1.
Not all wanderings will be met with a "closed" sign, however, as MDOT maintains some hospitable locations throughout the chill of Michigan winters. Drivers can find refuge at White Rock Roadside Park on M-25 in Sanilac County, Cass River Roadside Park on M-46 in Tuscola County, and Artesian Flow Roadside Park on M-140 near Watervliet in Berrien County. These parks are set to remain accessible for the wanderer and weary traveler year-round.
