Updated May 22, 2020

General

What’s the situation in the Upper Peninsula right now?

While the state of Michigan’s Safer at Home order was recently extended until June 12, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced that some lower-risk regions of the state—including the Upper Peninsula and the northern Lower Peninsula—could resume limited retail, restaurant, and office work operations beginning May 22, with additional safeguards for workers and patrons in place.

In the Upper Peninsula, bars and restaurants are allowed to open at 50 percent capacity. Gatherings up to 10 people are allowed—people should use facemasks when possible, especially 5when meeting inside.

What does that mean for travel? Can I come to the Porcupine Mountains and Ontonagon County?

Many of the lodging properties, restaurants and stores in the region are open to customers but may have restrictions in place. Please check with individual businesses you’re planning to visit to see if they’re open and what measures they have in place. 

Have there been any COVD-19 cases in Ontonagon County?

See the latest state information here. (The Upper Peninsula is Region 8.)

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Recreation

Are the Porcupine Mountains parks, trails, campgrounds and other recreational areas open?

The Porcupine Wilderness State Park is open, with some limitations. Trails and boating areas are open for day use. The Visitor Center and bathrooms are closed. Camping and overnight lodging is currently not allowed, until at least June 22. The Recreation Passport is currently not needed to visit the park. For the latest information on conditions and operations at the state park, visit them on Facebook. See the latest information from the Michigan DNR here.

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Lodging, restaurants & shopping, events

Are lodging properties, restaurants, stores and other businesses open?

Please contact individual lodging properties to see their status.

Some other Porcupine Mountains businesses have reopened with some restrictions. Again, please contact specific restaurants, shops and services and attractions with questions about their opening status and plans.

What about events?

Many upcoming events in the region will likely be impacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Porcupine Mountains Music Festival in August has been cancelled.

Please contact event organizers for the latest information.