The Porcupine Mountains Visitor Center is open daily from mid-May to mid-October, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. It is closed from mid-October to mid-May.
The entrance fee at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is $9 per day for non-Michigan residents. Michigan residents can purchase an annual Recreation Passport for $12 or a daily pass for $9. An annual Michigan State Park pass is also available for $32.
By Car: Plug “Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park” into your GPS and follow the turn‑by‑turn navigation. From the core of the Upper Peninsula, head west on M‑64 to the park’s main entrance.
By Air (Nearest Airport): Gogebic County Airport in Ironwood, Michigan, is the nearest airport. Rent a car and drive approximately 1.5 hours to the park.
Public Transportation Options: Direct public transportation isn’t widely available. Your best chance is getting to a nearby town and renting a car for the final leg of the journey.
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park offers various parking options. The Union Bay campground has 100 sites for RVs of all sizes, as well as spots for smaller campers and tents. There are also rustic campsites at Presque Isle. Parking is permitted overnight, but fees apply. Motorcycles can park at designated campsites.
Accessibility & permits
Emergency
- Cell service availability:Partial
Located in Michigan’s stunning Upper Peninsula, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, often called “The Porkies,” is a 60,000‑acre haven for nature‑loving families.
Hike the Lake of the Clouds Trail for breathtaking views of the forested landscape reflecting in its serene waters or trek the Escarpment Trail, a favorite for its ridge‑top vistas. Explore the old‑growth forests along the South Mirror Lake Trail or visit the Presque Isle River Waterfalls, where boardwalks guide you to awe‑inspiring cascades. Winter adventures include cross‑country skiing and snowshoeing through snow‑covered woods.
Families can camp at the lakeside Union Bay Campground or enjoy a unique stay in one of the park’s rustic yurts. With cozy cabins, RV rentals, and nearby hotels, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is the perfect getaway for family fun. Plan your adventure and book your accommodations today on Lake.com!
- Area (mi²)
- 92
- Annual visitors
- 300 000
- Established year
- 1945
Top 3 Facts about Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
The park features specially adapted EnChroma-enabled viewers, allowing people with colorblindness to fully appreciate the colors at scenic overlooks like Lake of the Clouds and Summit Peak Observation Tower, enhancing the visual experience by up to 80% for those with certain types of color vision deficiency.
Lake of the Clouds
One of the park’s most iconic features is the Lake of the Clouds. This stunning lake is nestled in a valley surrounded by dense forests. The nearby escarpment offers breathtaking panoramic views, especially during the fall when the foliage is ablaze with color.
Waterfalls Galore
The park boasts numerous waterfalls, many of which can be accessed via scenic hiking trails. Notable waterfalls include Manabezho, Manido, and Nawadaha Falls on the Presque Isle River, each offering a unique and picturesque view.
Family programs
- Ranger-led Tours
- Workshops & Hands-on Activities
- Scavenger Hunts
- Family Camping & Overnight
- Volunteer & Stewardship
- Youth Conservation
- Scouting Partnerships
- Arts & Crafts
- Water-based Adventures
Travel Tips
Plan Ahead
Familiarize yourself with the park’s trails, attractions, and amenities. Decide which areas you want to explore based on your interests and fitness level.
Pack Appropriately
Dress in layers to accommodate temperature changes. Bring rain gear, sturdy hiking boots, and extra socks.
Respect Wildlife
Observe animals from a distance and do not feed them. Bears and other wildlife can be dangerous if approached.
Stay Informed
Stick to marked trails to avoid getting lost and to protect the natural environment. Inform someone of your hiking plans and expected return time.
Seasons
Spring in the park can be unpredictable, but it’s a thrilling time to watch nature wake up. You might start with some snow on the ground, yet by late spring, the trails are begging for your footsteps.
Weather Conditions: Varies from late snows to mild, wet conditions
Recommended Activities:
– Waterfall viewing at their peak run‑off
– Bird watching as migrations pass through
Average Temperature: 30°F‑60°F
Oh, summertime – when Lake Superior shines, and the wilderness is in full bloom! It’s warm, it’s lively, and those long days? They’re a hiker’s daylight savings!
Weather Conditions: Warm and can be humid
Advantages of Visiting in Summer:
– Extensive trail accessibility
– Warm weather for water activities on Lake Superior
Recommended Activities:
– Boating, fishing, and swimming
– Attending park ranger programs
Average Temperature: 55°F‑75°F
Fall colors in the Porcupine Mountains are a sight to behold – as if the trees themselves have caught fire with vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows.
Weather Conditions: Cooler, crisp air
Recommended Activities:
– Hiking for prime fall colors viewing
– Photography of the breathtaking foliage
Seasonal Events: Check out local harvest festivals!
Average Temperature: 40°F‑60°F
Brace yourself for a true winter wonderland! Sure, it’s chilly, but the snow‑draped landscape is stunning, and the quiet? It’s as if the park is whispering for you to enjoy its solitude.
Weather Conditions: Snowy and cold
Winter Sports: Snowshoeing, cross‑country skiing, and snowmobiling
Accessibility: Limited road access; M‑64 is your key to the Winter Sports Complex
Average Temperature: 5°F‑25°F
