Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park – fondly known as "the Porkies" – features 60,000 acres of old-growth forest, roaring waterfalls, Lake Superior shoreline, rivers, trails and ridges. The park's incomparable vistas make Michigan's largest state park a popular destination for camping, hiking, snowmobiling, fishing and more.
The park boasts many popular natural attractions, including Lake of the Clouds and the scenic Presque Isle River corridor. Other attractions include the Summit Peak observation tower, Porcupine Mountains Winter Sport Complex, fall chairlift rides, an 18-hole disc golf course, the new Porcupine Mountains Shooting Complex (operated by the Lake Superior Sportsman's Club) and more. The popular Porcupines Mountains Visitor Center offers interpretive programs, an exhibit hall, info on trail conditions, Wi-Fi, a gift shop and more.
Park roads, including County Road M-107 at the Whitetail parking area and South Boundary Road closes at Headquarters Road south to the Pinkerton Trailhead, close Dec. 1 through late spring for visitor safety.
During winter, these roads become designated snowmobile trails and reopen to vehicles when deemed safe to travel by the Ontonagon County Road Commission.
Access to Presque Isle Scenic Area remains available via County Road 519 just east of Wakefield. Additional seasonal updates are posted on the Friends of the Porkies or 906-885-5275.
Explore 42 km of groomed cross-country ski trails. Donations support trail grooming. Borrow child, teen and adult-sized adaptive sit skis at the Porcupine Mountains Winter Sports Complex ski chalet. Please 906-885-5270 ahead for details, availability.
EnChroma-enabled viewers are available to help visitors experience the full spectrum of colors at at Lake of the Clouds scenic overlook, Summit Peak Observation Tower and Nawadah Falls. Thanks to the Friends of the Porkies.
Discover interactive exhibits, an exciting multimedia show, park information, a gift shop and helpful park staff at the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness Visitor Center. The center is conveniently located near the junction of South Boundary Road and Highway M-107 and is open daily mid-May to mid-October from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.
There are multiple observation platforms located at the various scenic sites, including Lake the Clouds (accessible walkway and observation platform), Summit Peak and Presque Isle River (an accessible observation platform overlooking Nawadaha is located along the West River Trail) and East Vista (chairlift rides in the fall).
Specially adapted EnChroma-enabled viewers are located at Lake of the Clouds scenic overlook, Summit Peak Observation Tower
With exhibits on native wildlife and regional history, the Porcupine Mountains Visitor Center provides an introduction to the rich wilderness heritage of this park, including exhibits and programs that tell the story of Michigan's rugged Upper Peninsula.
Two boat launches access Lake Superior. One launch is located adjacent to Union Bay Campground, and the second is located at the Big Iron River mouth in Silver City.
Simple Adventures offers camping supplies, gifts and refreshments. Canoe and kayak rentals are also available. Call 906-275-4200 for more information.
A gift shop, also located in the visitor center, is open late May through mid-October.
An 18-hole course is located in the Porcupine Mountains Winter Sports Complex. The course is free, and discs are available for rent at the park's campground store located near the Union Bay Campground entrance on M-107. Call 906-885-5612 for more info. The course is open late May through mid-October.
There are numerous fishing opportunities in the park. Natural brook trout habitat is found throughout the Porkies watershed. Lake of the Clouds has special fishing regulations.
There is an accessible fishing pier located at the Union Bay boating access site (adjacent to the campground).
The park is home to 90 miles of hiking trails, including portions of the North Country Trail and Iron Belle Trail.
Hunting is allowed in the state park; however, you should call this park directly to inquire about any special rules, concerns or considerations.
Metal detecting is allowed in certain park areas. Please consult the park map for designated locations and review applicable regulations. Only registered campers can metal detect in campgrounds.
A modern restroom is in the visitor center.
Seasonal naturalists offer nature-based programming at the park during the summer and/or fall. Check the park's explorer program calendar for dates, locations and topics.
Simple Adventures offers canoe and kayak rentals late May through mid-October. Call 906-275-4200 for more info.
Paddling is a popular activity in Union Bay in Lake Superior. Parking is available at the Union Bay boating access site adjacent to Union Bay Campground.
There are picnic areas located along M-107 that include picnic tables and some charcoal grills available first come, first serve.
There is a picnic shelter located in the in Presque Isle day-use area that includes picnic tables, charcoal grills and vault toilets. Shelter reservations can be made 12 months in advance at MIDNRReservations.com.
The park's sanitation station is located at Union Bay Modern Campground. There is potable water and two lanes.
The Porcupine Mountains shooting range, managed by the Lake Superior Sportsman Club, includes a rifle and shotgun range. There is an annual membership fee in addition to the Recreation Passport.
In addition to a few trails that are open to snowmobiling, County Road 107 and South Boundary Road transition to designated snowmobile trails during the snowmobile season. During this time, they are closed to vehicular traffic until the roads are deemed safe to travel by the Ontonagon County Road Commission
Enjoy 1.6 miles of Lake Superior’s Union Bay shoreline along M-107, the Presque Isle River and many other rivers and streams. A sandy beach is located within walking distance.
Free Wi-Fi is available at the visitor center late May through mid-October.
While there aren't any upcoming park events listed at this time, you can check out the DNR's calendar of events.
The park also offers weekly nature programs not listed in the online calendar.
