Significant damage unfolded across northern Michigan in late March 2025, when an intense ice storm snapped tree trunks, brought down power lines and created risky travel conditions for residents and visitors. Authorities swiftly cautioned against entering closed recreation areas until critical repairs could be completed.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency on March 31 for Alpena, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Mackinac, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego and Presque Isle counties. According to a formal update, the goal was to expedite power restoration and ensure roadways stayed navigable for emergency personnel.
Department of Natural Resources officials responded by closing multiple state parks and trails, including Cheboygan, Clear Lake, Fisherman’s Island, and others. Crews cited falling limbs and unstable wires as top safety risks, leading to a temporary suspension of operations at affected public sites until debris could be assessed and cleared.
Several other locations, including customer service centers and various administrative sites, were also shuttered due to the extent of the wreckage. Officials emphasized that the closures would remain in effect until thorough inspections determined the sites were secure for visitors, noting the destructive impact of heavy ice accumulation in forested areas.
Work crews have been hampered by the ongoing threat of falling branches, and their efforts focus on removing toppled trees while avoiding further damage to power grids. A notice from organizers highlighted that even partially supported limbs might still collapse, adding to the hazards already straining emergency workers.
DNR Director Scott Bowen said, “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,” and continued, “While we work behind the scenes to assess the impact and restore these resources, our top concern is keeping people safe outdoors. Please avoid storm-damaged areas, give our crews the space they need, and follow public safety guidance around downed trees and power lines and other storm-related hazards.”
Emphasizing the need for caution on trails, Northwest Lower Peninsula trails specialist for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division, Scott Slavin, warned, “The trails could be dangerous especially for motorized trail users who come up on unsafe trail conditions quickly,” and added, “We urge off-road vehicle riders to slow down, take corners with extra caution, watch for potential hazards and stay on designated trails.”
Meanwhile, local utility companies and county agencies have joined with the Michigan Department of Transportation to restore service and clear blocked corridors. They aim to safeguard emergency vehicles and assist repair crews reaching areas still cut off by accumulated ice or fallen utility lines.
Intermittent closures have also been reported at the Mackinac Bridge when ice chunks fall from the towers and cables. Periodic full closures have occurred to protect motorists, though operators continue monitoring weather conditions so that travel can resume as quickly as possible.
Outdoor hospitality businesses often benefit from creating and routinely updating an integrated emergency action plan. This can include clear safety protocols, staff training for potential hazards such as ice-laden branches or exposed electrical lines, and text alerts or app-based updates for rapid communication. Maintaining evacuation routes and weatherproof signage further aids in safeguarding staff and guests during emergencies.
Investing in resilient infrastructure can lessen the disruption that severe storms inflict on campgrounds, RV sites and similar venues. Proactive pruning of weak tree growth, burying power lines where feasible, and installing protective enclosures for electrical components help reduce damage. When post-storm cleanup begins, modular or easily serviceable structures allow quicker reopening while ensuring both staff and visitors remain secure.
Officials confirm that many rural communities still face power outages, low temperatures and blocked routes. Travelers are encouraged to check Mi Drive and announcements from the Mackinac Bridge Authority for road and bridge status updates; the DNR’s “Michigan.gov/DNRClosures” site explains when each park or trail may reopen.
Residents and visitors spotting severe trail obstructions can contact Jessica Roehrs at 517-331-3790 or email [email protected] for immediate attention. Officials advise against entering any posted closure zones prematurely, stressing that unexpected hazards remain under these harsh conditions as recovery progresses.
