News
July 23, 2026

MDOT to Upgrade Upper Peninsula Roadside Parks With Temporary Closures

Construction Owners Editorial Team

Highlights

  • MDOT will temporarily close seven Upper Peninsula roadside parks beginning July 27 for restroom facility upgrades.
  • Closures are scheduled through Aug. 20, with some parks potentially reopening earlier if weather permits.
  • Construction will modernize toilet buildings at roadside parks in Alger and Keweenaw counties.
  • The agency advises travelers to check the online roadside park status map before traveling.

ESCANABA, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will temporarily close seven roadside parks across Michigan's Upper Peninsula starting July 27 to complete upgrades to restroom facilities, part of ongoing efforts to improve public amenities along the state's highway system.

The closures are expected to remain in place until Aug. 20, although MDOT said some locations could reopen earlier if construction progresses ahead of schedule and weather conditions are favorable.

Restroom Upgrades Planned at Seven Roadside Parks

The temporary closures include three roadside parks in Alger County:

  • Au Train Beach Roadside Park (M-28)
  • Deer Lake Roadside Park (M-28)
  • Grand Island Roadside Park (M-28)

Four additional roadside parks in Keweenaw County will also close:

  • Snow Gauge Roadside Park (US-41)
  • Great Sand Bay Roadside Park (M-26)
  • Esry Roadside Park (M-26)
  • Hebard Roadside Park (M-26)

Construction crews will upgrade toilet buildings at each location as part of MDOT's maintenance program for roadside facilities.

Travelers Encouraged to Check Park Availability

MDOT said motorists traveling through the Upper Peninsula should plan for the temporary closures and consult the department's roadside park status map before their trip to verify park availability.

The improvements are intended to enhance visitor amenities and maintain roadside facilities that serve travelers across Michigan's state highway network.

Source: Michigan Department Of Transportation.

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