Powered by a historic $273 million investment from the American Rescue Plan Act, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is entering the final stretch of extensive upgrades at state parks and trails.
Outlined in Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's Building Michigan Together Plan, this unprecedented investment has allowed the DNR to tackle many needs from a decades-long maintenance backlog. It also funds the development of Flint's new state park – the first in Genesee County.
To date, 100% of the DNR's 197 planned improvement projects are either complete or actively underway, ensuring every dollar is successfully put to work. This includes 142 completed projects and another 55 projects actively underway or in progress, all on track to cross the finish line by the end of the year.
"ARPA funding has been monumental for improving our state parks infrastructure," said Kristen Kosick, DNR Parks and Recreation chief. "Michigan has one of the best state parks systems in the country, and it is vital that we appropriately fund and maintain our facilities to ensure safe, accessible, welcoming and memorable experiences for our visitors.
"These funds have allowed the DNR to modernize and enhance the state parks system, and we're excited for visitors to enjoy these improved amenities in the parks this summer."
Kosick said the influx of ARPA dollars was especially consequential, given that roughly 97% of state parks funding is generated by user fees, including the Recreation Passport, and royalty revenues – just 3% comes from Michigan's General Fund tax dollars.
Projects completed since July
Following are brief descriptions, organized alphabetically by park name, outlining the improvements and upgrades completed since July 2025. Check the status of all ARPA-funded park projects at Michigan.gov/StateParksProgress.
As part of widespread enhancements at Belle Isle Park (Wayne County), the historic Belle Isle Casino has received a new roof and upgrades in line with Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines. Additionally, the former zoo complex was removed to make way for several exciting, multifunded features. These upcoming additions include 20 acres of restored natural areas with new hiking trails, the reconnection of Vista Avenue and a 110-space specialized, eco-friendly parking area designed to manage stormwater runoff. These projects, among others, were supported by approximately $35.25 million in ARPA funding.
Improvements at Bishop Lake Campground – including repaving campground roads and upgrading the electrical – at Brighton Recreation Area (Livingston County) were completed earlier this month. These improvements were supported by approximately $2.97 million in ARPA funding.
Fayette Historic State Park (Delta County) completed several key improvements last summer. The projects delivered much-needed structural upgrades to the historic townsite, and accessible walkways and restrooms at the park's visitor center. These improvements, among others, were supported by approximately $3.05 million in ARPA funding.
Visitors can now enjoy the first phase of enhancements at the popular visitor center at Hartwick Pines State Park (Crawford County). Upgrades include a new roof, windows, carpeting and updated HVAC system, alongside an upgraded auditorium and an ADA-accessible, push-button entrance door. The building's aesthetics were also refreshed with new interior finishes, exterior painting, stone pointing and other finishes. These improvements, among others, were supported by approximately $3.4 million in ARPA funding.
The Gillette Visitor Center, a popular destination at Hoffmaster State Park (Muskegon County), reopened in February following extensive renovations. The building features a new roof, updated HVAC system, restored exterior brickwork, new flooring and updated interior railings. These improvements, among others, were supported by approximately $6.4 million in ARPA funding.
Campers at Ionia Recreation Area in Ionia County will notice several upgrades, including improvements to the toilet and shower building, campground roads, site pads and the park's electrical system. Additionally, the beach house received a new roof, and the historic schoolhouse underwent renovations. These improvements, among others, were supported by approximately $4.2 million in ARPA funding.
Visitors to Island Lake Recreation Area (Livingston County) will find several upgrades this season. The park now features a brand-new contact station with a roundabout, improved underground utilities and newly paved roads, sidewalks and beach parking. Additionally, sections of the popular Blue Trail have been rerouted to enhance safety. These improvements were supported by approximately $2.95 million in ARPA funding.
As of last summer, Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area (Lapeer County) modern campground features extensive campground upgrades, including campground paving and major electrical, water and sewer system improvements. These improvements, among others, were supported by approximately $5.9 million ARPA investments.
In October, Muskallonge Lake State Park (Luce County) unveiled a brand-new, accessible boardwalk and path to Lake Superior and newly paved campground roads. These improvements, among others, were supported by approximately $6.5 million in ARPA funding.
Upgrades at Snug Harbor in Muskegon State Park (Muskegon County) are now complete. Utilities have been modernized with new electrical, sewer and municipal water line systems, alongside a new ADA-compliant walkway leading to the fishing pier, improved parking and partial repaving. These improvements, among others, were supported by approximately $5.2 million in ARPA funding.
Improvements at Pinckney Recreation Area's (Livingston and Washtenaw counties) Bruin Lake Campground – including a new toilet and shower building and sanitation stations, and freshly paved roads – were completed in late May. These improvements, among others in the park, were supported by approximately $2.65 million in ARPA funding.
Getting to the brink of the Upper Falls at Tahquamenon Falls State Park (Chippewa and Luce counties) got a lot easier earlier this spring. A new 1,100-foot, fully accessible boardwalk now features five switchback landings offering interpretive displays, pedestrian benches and panoramic views of the Upper Falls, Tahquamenon River and old-growth forest. These improvements, among others, were supported by approximately $4.75 million in ARPA funding.
In April, the Eddy Discovery Center at Waterloo Recreation Area (Jackson and Washtenaw counties) welcomed visitors back to an enhanced space, including a new roof, modernized atrium, a state-of-the-art HVAC system and brand-new exhibits. Additionally, visitors were greeted with renovations at Sugarloaf and Portage lake campgrounds, a refreshed day-use playground, an improved fishing pier, newly paved park roads and updated water systems. These improvements, among others, were supported by approximately $2.58 million in ARPA funding.
Campers will take notice of campground repaving at Young State Park (Charlevoix County). This improvement, among others, was supported by approximately $4.8 million in ARPA funding.
Project-related questions can be directed to Nick Van Bloem, planning unit manager for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division, at 517-388-7043 or VanBloemN@Michigan.gov.
A number of other ARPA-related projects are in the works through the end of the year. For the latest details on many of these projects, including anticipated closure timelines, visit Michigan.gov/DNRClosures.