Bummer For Campers- Nearly 20 Michigan State Parks Suddenly Close

It’s been a rough week in Northern Michigan after taking a beating from Mother Nature and the brutal ice storm that destroyed trees, downed power lines, and left nearly 20 state parks closed indefinitely.

The storm was so brutal that Gov. Whitmer declared a state of emergency for 10 counties including Alpena, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Mackinac, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego and Presque Isle.

The Mackinac Bridge even shut down for several days due to massive chunks of ice falling from it.

While state parks are probably the least of their concerns in Northern Michigan right now, it’s still something that needs to be addressed, and the DNR did just that. They announced the closure of nearly 20 state parks due to the damage, which is pretty much unheard of in Michigan.

The DNR wasn't specific about the exact reasons for closing specific parks, but did say they needed time to assess the damage and clean up. It’s not something that will happen overnight, and it’s likely to take weeks before things return to normal. They've got a major mess on their hands right now.

Scott Slavin, Northwest Lower Peninsula trails specialist for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division:

The ice storms and powerful winds that tore through the northern Lower Peninsula left a lot of damage, including at some state parks and trails, and other DNR-managed facilities.

The DNR is reaching out to campers with reservations in the affected northern Lower Peninsula parks to cancel their bookings. If you're headed to the Upper Peninsula from the Lower Peninsula, it's a good idea to cancel your reservation for a full refund.

It's unclear when the parks will reopen.