Following severe ice storms in Northern Michigan, the Department of Natural Resources is working on cleanup efforts at state parks, trails, campgrounds, and boating access sites.
According to an April 10 news release, DNR crews are collaborating with local agencies and utility companies to clear debris, prioritize the restoration of essential services and ensure access to critical infrastructure. Much of the work is being coordinated with the Michigan Army National Guard.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a 12-county disaster area last week, which includes Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Mackinac, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego and Presque Isle counties.
As a result, the DNR temporarily closed several state parks, state park campgrounds, state forest campgrounds, boating access sites and state-managed trails until safe access can be restored, including hazardous tree assessment and removal.
State park, campground, and overnight lodging closures
The DNR anticipates that the majority of affected state park campgrounds and overnight lodging locations will open by their scheduled spring 2025 opening dates, with associated state parks opening the same day. However, some parks, state park campgrounds and lodging locations may require extra preparation time, causing openings to be postponed by a couple of weeks.
Currently, Clear Lake State Park is the only campground with a known delayed opening, likely by two to four weeks.
“We understand the public concerns and questions regarding the extent of damage and closures following the storm,” said Ron Olson, chief of the DNR Parks and Recreation Division. “With public road and infrastructure work progressing, staff is now focused on restoring outdoor recreation access. We anticipate reopening many of these locations within the next few weeks.”
Olson also stated that the DNR anticipates nearly all reservations will be honored. To date, approximately 30 reservations have been moved. While a few more cancellations are possible, staff is working diligently to meet those season-opening dates.
Depending on the location, seasonal campground opening dates typically take place on April 22, May 1 or May 15. Most state day-use areas are open year-round. To find an updated list of closures, visit Michigan.gov/DNRClosures and search “ice storm.”
State-managed trail closures
All state-managed trails in the affected northern Michigan counties under the disaster designation remain temporarily closed. These trails will reopen individually as assessments and cleanup are completed.
While the exact timeline is currently unknown, trails staff anticipates a phased reopening over the next several weeks.
State forest campground and boating access site closures
Several state forest campgrounds and boating access sites are either delayed in opening or will not open on schedule. The DNR anticipates a phased reopening over the coming weeks, though specific timelines for each location are currently unavailable.
To find an up-to-date list of closures, visit Michigan.gov/DNRClosures and search “ice storm.”
Community updates
- Don’t dump debris on state land: To help with cleanup efforts, 17 public debris disposal sites are now open to serve the 12-county disaster area. A map of these locations is included in the 2025 Northern Michigan Ice Storm dashboard at Michigan.gov/MSP. Some locations are accepting tree debris only, and others will accept all vegetative debris. Note that it is unlawful to dump or dispose of debris on public lands or property. Be aware that moving vegetative debris can spread invasive insects, plants and diseases.
- Interactive map shows northern Michigan roads now open: A new interactive map provides a tool for people to track roads that are now open following the massive ice storm in northern Michigan. All roads on the map were identified as public safety priorities by the State Emergency Operations Center and were cleared of debris by the DNR Incident Management Team, along with the Michigan National Guard and other cooperators.
Helpful resources
- Gov. Whitmer’s Michigan.gov/IceStorm webpage, an online resource for Michigan residents affected by severe winter weather in northern Michigan.
To help prepare for future, the Michigan State Police MIREADY program has planning and preparation tips for a variety of situations. Learn more at Michigan.gov/MIREADY
