State parks system

Hall Lake Dam, located in Yankee Springs Recreation Area in Barry County, has been classified as a significant hazard dam by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. This classification indicates that dam failure could cause economic and environmental damage, or disrupt essential services downstream, though loss of life is unlikely.

DNR planning phased drawdown of Hall Lake Dam

To address dam deficiencies, the DNR, in partnership with EGLE, will implement a solution using funding from a recent EGLE Dam Risk Reduction Grant. In July 2025, the DNR is moving forward with a phased plan for drawing down Hall Lake Dam to a lower lake elevation – a decision that addresses safety issues with the Barry County impoundment while also allowing for continued recreation use at Hall Lake. 

A routine spring inspection followed by an engineering analysis of the dam has led the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to issue an emergency drawdown order. The DNR will immediately apply for the necessary permitting to begin the gradual drawdown, which will begin July 2025. The final project drawdown is expected to be complete by fall 2026. Read July 10, 2025 news release.

Frequently asked questions »

Public feedback

Discussing a possible drawdown of Hall Lake Dam with the public was an integral part of considering the dam’s future, including feedback via a public information session and online survey in March 2024. Thank you to everyone that provided valuable input.

• Estimated bathymetry map
• Proposed schematic design

• News release (July 11, 2025)
• News release (Feb. 26, 2025)
• News release (June 27, 2024)
• Find estimated bathymetry map
• Find proposed schematic design

Visitors to Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park can soon look forward to significant improvements funded by an $8.5 million federal relief investment from Gov. Whitmer's Building Michigan Together Plan. These enhancements will modernize the park's facilities, improve visitor access and address long-standing safety and traffic concerns at the Three Mile Road/U.S. 31 intersection.

This extensive project, largely shaped by feedback from the 2021 general management planning process and detailed in the Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park General Management Plan, builds upon a 2011 Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant that enabled the acquisition of property to improve park circulation.

Campground enhancements

• Redesigned park entrance: Reducing vehicle backups and improving access to campsites.
• Accessible contact station: Ensuring safe traffic flow and enhanced customer service.
• Relocated park readquarters: Providing an improved workspace for staff and minimizing visitors' views of park work areas and equipment.
• Expanded and relocated sanitation station: Doubling in size to reduce wait times and improve vehicle flow.

View site plan »

Pedestrian crossing enhancements (in partnership with MDOT)
The DNR has partnered with MDOT, which is investing approximately $1.6 million, to address critical safety and congestion issues at the Three Mile Road/U.S. 31 intersection. These improvements include:

• New standard traffic signal: Optimizing traffic flow for vehicles entering and exiting the campground, especially for left turns toward downtown.
• ADA-compliant at-grade pedestrian crossing: Replacing the existing non-ADA-compliant pedestrian bridge over U.S. 31. This new crossing will feature a standard traffic signal that halts all U.S. 31 vehicle traffic with a red light, ensuring safe pedestrian passage at the new three-way intersection, consistent with other signalized intersections in the corridor, including painted lane markings.

View proposed intersection design »

Why these enhancements are taking place

• The existing 1966 pedestrian bridge is deteriorating, nearing the end of its useful lifespan, and is not ADA-compliant, creating significant accessibility challenges for strollers, coolers and individuals with mobility impairments. This often leads campground patrons to drive between the campground and day-use area, exacerbating traffic congestion and depleting limited beach parking.
• Constructing a new ADA-compliant bridge with 220 feet of switchback ramps at an 8% slope would drastically extend the route by 440 feet and severely impair the campground's shoreline view, in stark contrast to the proposed 60-foot at-grade crossing.
• Preserving the old bridge would prevent the installation of a new vehicular traffic signal and other critical park and intersection vehicular circulation improvements due to sightline obstructions..
• Reconfiguring the existing bridge for ADA compliance is impractical given its age and deteriorated condition. Furthermore, replacing it with a new ADA-compliant bridge would cost an estimated $5 to $7 million, incurring substantially higher long-term maintenance costs.

Temporary closure
The park's modern campground closed July 7, 2025, and will remain closed through the 2026 season for these essential upgrades. The Lake Michigan shoreline day-use area is expected to remain open, though visitors should anticipate occasional closures for intersection work.

Questions - If you have any questions about the project, please contact DNR Parks and Recreation Cadillac District Supervisor Kasey Cline.