Michigan motorists who have a road trip planned soon will need to plan a bit further ahead for restroom breaks when driving through the state as most roadside parks will close for the season at the end of the month, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT).
Roadside parks throughout the state will close on a rolling schedule over the next few weeks as MDOT prepares for winter. Most parks will close Oct. 29, although several are already closed.
MDOT maintains 82 roadside parks across the state, with nearly all of them closing each fall in late October and reopening in late April.
In addition to the roadside parks, MDOT operates61 rest areas along major freeways
and roads, open 24/7 for travelers’ convenience. Each offers restrooms, picnic areas, pet zones, paved parking, and drinking water, with locations spaced about an hour apart.
Here's a look at when the parks, mostly along Michigan's two-lane "M" roads, will begin closing.
When will Michigan roadside parks close?
Most Michigan roadside parks will close for the season on Oct. 29. Four parks are already closed for the season for upgrades or repairs. Among them are:
- Bronson Roadside Park on U.S. 12 in Branch County.
- Huron Shores Roadside Park on U.S. 23 in Cheboygan County.
- Bellamy Creek Roadside Park on M-21 in Ionia County.
- Red Cedar Roadside Park on M-43 in Ingham County.
Some parks will remain open until later, including:
Closing Saturday, Nov. 28:
- Brown Roadside Park on M-25 in Huron County.
- Vassar Roadside Park on M-15 in Tuscola County.
Closing Monday, Nov. 30:
- White River Roadside Park on M-20 in Newaygo County.
- High Rollway Roadside Park on M-82 in Newaygo County.
- White Cloud Roadside Park on M-37 in Newaygo County.
Closing Tuesday, Dec. 1:
- Manistee River Roadside Park near Manton on U.S. 131 in Wexford County. (Toilets will be closed Oct. 29; parking lot remains open until Dec. 1.)
Which roadside parks are open throughout the year?
MDOT parks open year round include 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.
When do most roadside parks close?
Most Michigan rest stops close annually in late October and reopen in late April.
Where are Michigan's freeway rest stops located?
According to MDOT, there are 82 roadside parks across the state. A map of all MDOT roadside parks is available on the department's website.
You can find amap of Michigan's MDOT rest stops online. MDOT also operates 10 welcome centers that provide additional amenities and information.
MDOT provides an interactive online map of all the roadside parks. The green circle icon indicates a park that is open; while the red icon means that park is closed.
Jalen Williams is a trending reporter at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at jawilliams1@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan roadside parks are closing. When gates lock for winter
