The Porkies hug the southern shore of Lake Superior in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Find everything youll need for your next trip to the Porcupine Mountains, including lodging, info on local attractions, and much more. The campground hosts had hot chocolate, coffee, donuts, and homemade cookies every morning under a tent which was MUCH appreciated on our rainy days! It truly is one of the best hikes in all of Michigan, and possibly in all of the Midwest. Many of our yurts are also found underneath some of the darkest skies in Utah, so don't forget your telescope! Soon the terrain began to flatten, and we joined theNonesuch Trail, rated as an intermediate cross-country ski trail. Plus, itwas a more luxurioustrip thanmy past backpacking adventures there, thanks to a yurt we had rented. There are various options for lodging in and near Porcupine Mountain State Park that include campgrounds, cabins, and a few motels and hotels. Helpful staff at campground. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park 33303 Headquarters Road, Ontonagon, MI 49953 Visit Website Reservations Contact Map Amenities Accessible Travel + Leaflet What's Nearby Outdoors Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park More Info We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience. The Escarpment Trail in Porcupine Mountain State Park is going on our list of favorite hikes in the Midwest. Enter by April 10. Whereas Colorado has jagged peaks reaching 14,000 feet to the heavens, our Midwest mountains are only 2,000 feet high. It also was very comfortable and was very well laid out. Other cabins and yurts are a hike in. In my world, thats luxury, andif I wantedto introduce someone to winter camping,our weekend yurt adventureis how I would do it. Try Cornwall, Norfolk, France. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park also offers rustic yurts. Opportunities for Camping in the Porcupine Mountains. Click here to go to the Department of Natural Resources and find out more information. It was about a 0.25 mile trek to the yurt, which was nestled on a small bluff overlooking Lake Superior. What is the total length of your motorhome? Dates Guests Guests AdultsAges 16 or above ChildrenAges 3-15 Any pets? These people would love the Porcupine Mountains as they have several backcountry rustic cabins and yurts. It has 50 rustic sites near the river with vault toilets and hand pumps for water. Because the hike in was so shortand we had a natural cooler, we were able to haul in more food and drinks than we normally would on a backpacking trip. There was no electricity (bring a head lamp!) Mid-May through mid-October is a perfect time to visit this area. The area getsnearly200 inches of snow every winter,almost guaranteeing white stuff for winter adventures. Heat is provided from a propane furnace or woodstove, but yurts do not have electricity. 2023 Mountain View Lodges. Only the east side is generator-friendly. Cancellation policies will be enforced. Unique inns, bed-and-breakfasts and VRBO experiences combined with top-notch quality hotels like Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Inn and Comfort Inn and Suites along with some great cabin and yurt . Call 4194532584 for more info. It made for terrific snowshoeing some of the best Ive done and it frosted the forest in white,clinging to branches and trunks andproviding a gorgeous backdrop for exploring. A listing of other accommodations bookable through Michigan.gov/dnr can be found here our home-sweet-home is on page 23. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park and Pinckney Recreation Area offer yurts -- sturdy, weather-tight, circular tent structures -- during winter. National Park, the Boundary Welcome! 2023 Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Cabin in Ontonagon Driftwood Shores Cottage It wasmy firstwintertrip to the Porkies,one of my favorite places, and I wasgetting a new andequally as impressivelook at the60,000-acre park. A Cabin & A Cottage Up North Two year-round rental homes in Silver City, Michigan, 1 mile and 5 miles the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. Blog, Trip Reports. Yurts are 2 day minimum at all times. TIP: Bring your own toilet paper. Discover and book the best cabin rentals in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Michigan. If your trip coincides with fall foliage and a weekend, make sure to check out the annual fall color lift ride. Discover a selection of 24 vacation rentals in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, US that are perfect for your trip. Your accommodation will be based in White Pine. Call1-800-447-2757 or see, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Follow the parks bear safety guidelines. The region receives more than 200 inches of snow annually, so there are plenty of ways to get out and play, whether you're swooshing down a scenic ski hill or snowshoeing through the silent, serene trails of the Porcupine Mountains Continue reading "Winter" Clean baths with hot water showers. The Porkies are set on the southwest shore of Lake Superior, a short drive from Bruce Crossing. $120 night 4.85 (61) SUPERHOST Vacation rentals for every style Get the amount of space that is right for you Homes Comfortable places with all the essentials Hotels Three of these rustic cabins are open all year long. Check out the cozy yurts at Dead Horse Point State Park. From 22 house rentals to 9 cabin rentals, find the best place to stay with your family and friends to discover the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park area. Once we got settled in, we did a 3-mile out and back snowshoe trek on the Deer Yard Trail via the Superior Loop. After checking in at the DNR headquarters, we made our way to our yurt. Thepark hasmore than 25miles of trails for skiing, snowshoeing and fat-tire biking. Personally, I find that spring arrives very late in our little corner of the mountains of east-central Pennsylvania, but perhaps this year will be different. PORCUPINE MOUNTAINS WILDERNESS STATE PARK PORCUPINE MOUNTAINS WILDERNESS STATE PARK 33303 Headquarters Rd. Skiing & Snowmobiling Take a trek to the Union Spring, the second-largest natural spring in Michigan. Apart from this, the home is also located just a few miles from downtown, so many great restaurants and galleries are easily accessible. campgrounds are really like The cabins are equipped with standard furniture including a wood stove, bunk beds, mattresses, tables, chairs, cookware, utensils, and an outhouse. Yurts offer visitors both a unique and comfortable experience. Winter visitors to Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park will find ski trails that are groomed and track set for skiers, and snowmobiles are allowed on designated trails in the park. Mount Assiniboine Park is a magnificent place of shimmering lakes, glistening glaciers, sky-scraping peaks, and sun-dappled alpine meadows. Mountain View Lodges & Galleryis the newest resort in The Wilds of Michigan! A few windows and a dome in the ceiling let in natural light as we each claimed a bunk theyurts havefour beds, each with a thin plastic mattress and unloaded our food in thebear boxoutside, which was stocked withallthe pots, pans and utensils we wouldneed for campfire cooking. Hiking is the most popular Porcupine Mountains things to do and theres a hiking opportunity for the novice or experienced hiker so lets talk best hiking trails. $155 per night. Urban pointed outironwood trees,white cedars and hemlocks. Cell phone service may be patchy, but the Visitor Center has wifi. The yurts are popular, especially on weekends, so reserve early. 9/27/10, 4:15 AM Anonymous said. The roof of the structure was blown off during the July 21 windstorm. Black bears live in the Porcupine Mountains, so keep food and garbage secure in camping and day-use areas. And peak fall foliage season typically ranges from late-September to mid-October. Yes, dogs are allowed in the state park, but they may not be left unattended in a vehicle or at the campsite at any time. Porcupine Cabin. (Pro tip: Always invite friends camping who are better camp cooks than you are.). TIP: If you have time to make this a longer hike, add Mirror Lake and Beaver Creek for the Summit Peak Loop hike. With almost 60,000 acres of forested mountains, woodlands, and waterfalls on the southern brim of Lake Superior, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is Michigans largestand wildeststate park. Either way, you'll find a rental for everyone's needs. Visitors should plan to provide their own bedding, cookware and camp stove. 100 Majestic Waterfalls Do not miss waterfall chasing when you are in the Porkies. Ontonagon County has more than 100 waterfalls, many that are beautiful year-round. For winter outdoor enthusiasts who would like to get away from it all and unplug, the rustic cabins and yurts available for winter lodging might fit the bill. They have no plumbing or electricity. This guide will go over the best time to visit, lodging options, must-do hiking trails, the best waterfalls, and frequently asked questions below. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park: Yurt Converts! The yurts and cabins are $60 a night with an $8 reservation fee. Reserve cabins, yurts and the tiny house six months in advance at Michigan DNR Reservations, 800-447-2757. Porcupine Mountains State The Friends of the Porkies is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote and support Porcupine Mountains. Bottles of beer on a winter "backpacking" trip? Or take in the vista of the shoreline from one of the kayaks available to guests. This is a great base for touring the area. The Majestic Treehouse in Walhalla, SC. Cookware is available at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. The views kept getting better and better as we continued on the high rocky cliffside. Lake Superior Trail. Plus, its not that difficult of a trail so it was very relaxing. Gaze at the vibrant sunsets while enjoying a toasty fire on the beach. The wood stove (and stock of f What a great place to stay. In some of the parks where the cabins are not accessible by road, skiers will pack in their supplies and then set up a base camp to return to each evening after spending a day on the trails. Follow her on Twitter at @chelseylew and@TravelMJS and Facebook at Journal Sentinel Travel. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park offers many opportunities to camp within its borders. Please consider supporting local journalism by subscribing to the Journal Sentinel at jsonline.com/deal. The fire had died in the middle of the night, but the yurt stayed warmer than a tent would have, and it warmed up quickly after we restarted it. Its a good hike to get inside the park. Unwind at charming lakeside cabins, full-service hotels and off-the-beaten path resorts A trip through history in the Porcupine Mountains Here's a closer look at the history of the area and the historic sites you can still visit today. We got cozy in our sleeping bags and Domonick stoked/fed the fire every few hours, as the stove was not very large. An outdoor enthusiasts dream awaits at Rockhound Hideaway's Shell Cabin, with opportunities for snowshoeing, hiking, fishing, skiing and everything in between. Porcupine Mountains State Park Cabins & Yurts There are 18 rustic cabins and a few yurts located inside the park. The house was very well appointed and very well stocked. The highlands of the park were created more than a billion years ago during periods of volcanic activity, later being shaped by moving glaciers. Hoeft, Ludington, McLain, Muskegon, Port Crescent and Sleeper. Youll take various boardwalks along the ridgeline where youll see Lake of the Clouds snuggled amid a valley of trees in one direction. For Reservations and Information about PORCUPINE MOUNTAINS STATE PARK Please Write: PARK MANAGER PORCUPINE MOUNTAINS STATE PARK 33303 HEADQUARTERS ROAD ONTONAGON, MI 49953 Photo 4, Rocky shoreline of Lake Superior. Backcountry campsites stay open year-round, but road access may be limited through winter. Camping & Hiking This brand new single Unlike some candlelight hikes at popular parks in Wisconsin that can be crowded with people, we only saw a few other hikers on our journey. The stove was a luxury, but it could also be an unwieldy beast, turning the yurt into a raging inferno that forced us to open the door for relief. Located on 100 acres of natural splendor with scenic views of the mountains and the countryside in the heart of the Pocono Mountains, Chestnut Lake . On March 25, you can step into spring with Porcupine Pat at Sweet Arrow Lake. Reservations. The yurts include two sets of bunk beds,. Disclaimer: All reservations are subject to that specific lodging establishments cancellation policy. 1 Bathroom (234) Cozy White Pine Home - 10 Mi to Porcupine Mtn A true Northwoods experience on the South Shore! The two-bedroom cabins boast fully equipped kitchens, screen porches, BBQ grills, CATV, phones, and WIFI. Heres the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park Map: The most popular spot in the park, and rightfully so, is the trail and lookout at Lake of the Clouds Scenic Area. TIP: Bring your own toilet paper. Yes, even though they are not the type of snow-covered mountains you typically think of. A trip to Michigans Upper Peninsula is not complete without a visit to Porcupine Mountain State Park. We were traveling thru the Porcupine Mountains and drove by Union Bay at night and got somes cool sunset views. The occupants of the West yurt had already beaten down a paththrough the campground, making the trek easy even without snowshoes. The lodges also make a convenient and easily accessible base camp for cross country skiers who prefer to have electricity and heat available while still staying in the state park, close to miles of groomed trails. Reservations can be made by visiting midnrreservations.com or by calling 1-800-44-PARKS (1-800-447-2757). But thatwasntthe end of our snowshoeing for the day. Despite the raging inferno, it took longer to get the stovetop warm enough to brown the vegetarian chorizo my friends had brought for an egg scramble. All except one require a bit of hiking (1 - 4 miles) to get to them. But it would have made tent camping in a three-season tent a challenge. Call 1-800-447-2757 or see midnrreservations.com . Ski Storage A backcountry camping permit is required. We l For those who enjoy winter in the UP and skiing at the Porkies, this is a great place. Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription. We found that Goldilocks level by sitting on the opposite side of the yurt and opening the door. Winter, spring, summer, or fall, Porcupine Mountains Rustic Cabins provide a close-up view of the awesome Porkies the affectionate moniker Yoopers give to this small Michigan range. We followed that back to the ski hill parking area, where we parted ways. All linens Included I don't even make French press coffee at home. All except one require a bit of hiking (1 4 miles) to get to them. It was built in 1914 after a previous structure burned down, and was remodeled by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934. But once itwas ready, it made for a deluxe breakfast. Before it got dark, we foraged in the nearby woods for campfire wood. Here a few notable ones: If you love waterfall chasing like us, also take a look at this Michigan Waterfall Guide! With wood-burning stoves andbunkbeds, the Union Bayyurts are a great way to introducebeginnersto winter camping andprovide a touch of luxury for experienced winter warriors. without driving all that way Somy definition of luxurious might be a little twisted, but compared to more primitive winter camping,the yurt was a major step up. Many of these parks allow snowmobiling and all allow cross country skiing. The Porkies are laced with almost 110 miles of trails that wind past cascades, streams full of brook trout, 63 backcountry campsites, 18 walk-in cabins and yurts and a nearly endless number of panoramic views that rival anything seen south of the Mackinac Bridge. Whether youre traveling with friends, family, or even pets, Vrbo vacation homes have the best amenities for hanging out with the people that matter most, including WiFi and air conditioning. We wondered if it would be much different than the Lake of the Clouds because it follows the ridgeline as well. Each outfitted with a metal ring, but with no other amenities. Are there bears in the Porcupine Mountains? They cost $68 per night, and entrance to the park for non-residents is$9 per day or $34 for the year. Gas Fireplace If you havenot visited the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in Silver City, Michigan, make this theyear for your Michigan vacation! It's easy to fall in love with backpacking in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, affectionately known as the Porkies. Boating & Canoeing The only modern campsites are located at Union Bay Campground, which has a Tiny House for . The park hasthreeyurts available for rent in the winter, two of which, Union Bay West and East,are close to parking (the third, Little Union River,is a challenging 3-mile trek). - No Cleaning Fee, Park Place - Updated Home Close to Downtown, Steve's Sweet Spot - UP Adventure Getaway, Modern Farmhouse Cottage (New Build - Fall 2019), Treat your inner kid to a home in the trees. 1. It's around 8 miles from Ontonagon. We spent the first 3 days of October day hiking in the Porkies. Don't forget to visit Downtown Ironwood and experience its charm for yourself. 412 S. Boundary Road. Check out this 16.3-mile out-and-back trail near White Pine, Michigan. Ready to deepen your love of our amazing planet? We had everything we needed in the kitchen, little perks like a Keurig and toiletries in case we forgot anything. Host was very My family gathered for a long weekend at this beautiful property on the shore of Lake Superior. Gaze out at the night skies before bed and awaken in the morning . Historical Museums Hotels, resorts and cabins | Porcupine Mountains lodging information STAY IN THE LOOP Sign up for the Porcupine Mountains E-newsletter! That road provides access to the Lake of the Clouds overlook in warm-weather months, but its only plowed to the ski area in winter. See what the Check out our new camping Equipped with electricity and heat, these log cabins cost $80 per night and can sleep up to six people in two bedrooms and a living room with a futon. Its the largest wilderness area in Michigan at 92 square miles and has 87 miles of trails. We left our house on the outskirts of Munising on Saturday morning and made the <3 hour drive west. Would highly recommend. We will receive a commission at no additional charge to you if you book through our link. They cost $68 per night, and entrance to the park for non-residents is $9 per day or $34 for the year. In the summer, she said,dense foliage partially obscures the view, which is why its important to see your favorite places in all seasons there's always something new to see. Porcupine Mountains Loop. FlexOffers Affiliate Disclosure Dang Travelers also participates in the FlexOffers affiliate network and uses links within our content to earn a commission. 2023 Michigan Economic Development Corporation. The coffee percolator took evenlonger, soIfired upmybackpacking stoveand camping French pressfor a quicker jolt. Sitting in a real chair, playing a game of cards by lantern lightwhile a wood-burning stove kept the yurt warm enough for some of us to don T-shirts, then snuggling into a sleeping bag to sleep comfortably on a bedwith a mattress (and a sleeping pad for extra comfort). These rates are for one to six occupants (four adults and two youth). It's home to a 35,000-acre old-growth forest, roaring waterfalls, miles of rivers and streams, more than 90 miles of hiking trails, a modern and rustic campground, backcountry camping, the Lake Superior shoreline and unrivaled vistas. BWCAW. Arguably the most magnificent time to visit is in fall when the old-growth forests are ablaze with red, orange, and yellow foliage. Aconnector trail links the two Union Bay yurts with the Superior Loop trail, which dumped us onM-107 just east of the entrance to the ski area. DVD features the drive-in - Jotul woodstove with wood supplied Campsites and cabins can book up fast over summer and holiday weekends, so reserve at least three months in advance. If youd like to do an overnight trip and want to leave the planning/booking to us, click here =). Add to that list the option of finding all three in one convenient, affordable location, and the clear winner is Michigan State Parks. Camper cabins also are available in winter at the following state parks with groomed cross country ski trails: Mitchell, Tahquamenon Falls, Port Crescent and Proud Lake. Tunnel of Trees 12 and VideoLan. The park boasts many popular natural attractions, including Lake of the Clouds (with an accessible viewing area), the scenic Presque Isle River corridor. Snow lovers will love the skiing, ice fishing, and snowmobiling opportunities. Book Description When the summer visitors leave in the fall, a new group of visitors moves into the vacation cottage to spend the winter. It is the highest point in the park and the observation deck has outstanding views especially in the fall! Sign up for our Travel newsletter for ideas on things to do around Wisconsin and the Midwest delivered to your inbox. Proof of that came the next morning, as we all stayed in bed until close to 9 much later than we normally would while camping. At the Union Bay Campground, on the east end of the park, a yurt is set to reopen Friday. . The winter yurt and cabin reservations fill up really fast, so the only . TIP: If you are trying to avoid people, head straight over to East River Trail and make it an out and back instead. We are also an excellent location for planning day trips to other popular attractions, such as the Keweenaw Peninsulas Copper Harbor. The two-bedroom cabins boast fully equipped kitchens,screen porches, BBQ grills, CATV, phones, and WIFI. Because of its hilly topography, 35,000 acres of the park weren't. If you are looking to have a unique glamping experience, you should definitely check out this romantic treehouse hosted by the Bolt family. website builders I love to travel all over the world, but Michigan's Upper Peninsula is my most favorite place! All Rights Reserved. Enjoy the warmth of the Jotul Woodstove or the roomy electric sauna. Mild temperaturesoutsidehelped us avoid the freezing cold end of the spectrum. 2 days for Fall. - Ski in/out on Wolverine Trails Additionally, Holland, Waterloo, Pinckney and Tawas offer camper cabins in winter with access to ungroomed trails. Hours: May 15 - Oct. 14: Open daily 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. EST Oct. 15 - May 14: Closed for the season Recreation Passport required for entry Even with snowshoes, we were sinking. As you stand overlooking the untouched tree-covered land, itll amaze you that such an area still exists in the Midwest. Choose your camping style from primitive tent to full-hook-up RV site to air-conditioned yurt and deluxe cabin complete with heat, air conditioning, TVs, and most of the amenities from home. Mountain View Lodges offers close proximity to numerous hiking trails, abundant waterfalls, shops, museums and historic sites, Ontonagon County is where history comes to life. The cabin will remain . Most cabins and yurts require a 1 - 4 mile hike to reach and accomodate from 2 to 6 campers. Get the amount of space that is right for you, Kick off your hiking boots at these rustic lodgings, Spaces that are more than just a place to sleep. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park - the Porkies | Silver City MI Ontonagon, Michigan 49953 Phone: 906-885-5275 Reservations: 800-447-2757 Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is 15 miles west of Ontonagon in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The modern lodges accommodate between six and 24 guests. This is one of my favorite places to stay in the upper peninsula of Michigan. This beautiful log cabin has 3 bedrooms and two baths and [. To Reserve a Cabin Contact Park Headquarters weekdays between 8 AM and 4:30 PM Eastern at (906) 885-5275. One of our most popular camping options. Try a pasty, explore the area shops. The park provides woodfor the yurts stoves, but youmustcollectdowned wood if you want afire outside. The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is 60,000 acres of old-growth timber and trails located on the south shore of Lake Superior in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Lodging AmericInn by Wyndham Silver City Griswold's Lodge Konteka Black Bear Resort Miller's Cottages Mountain View Lodges Scott's Superior Inn & Cabins Sunshine Motel & Cabins Superior Shores Resort Camping reservation fees also apply. Photo 5, Photo Courtesy @shelbydiamondstar Photo 7, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. State Route 321. With coveted electrical service and fairly modern toilets, Porcupine Mountains Union Bay Campground keeps it pretty contemporary. Cabin: Speaker's Cabin at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park was moved 12 feet Tuesday, away from an undermined riverbank along Speaker's Creek. Domonick and I decided to get out of town in mid-December and planned to snowshoe and yurt camp in the lovely porcupine mountains (aka porkies). They cost $68 per night, and entrance to the park for non-residents is$9 per day or $34 for the year. When results are available, navigate with up and down arrow keys or explore by touch or swipe gestures. Some of the lodges are equipped with linen service and beds are made before the visitor's arrival. But they are a group of small mountains nonetheless and in a section of one of the oldest mountain chains in the world. The yurt has a bow saw and ax. MORE INFO: On the East trail, you can take a short detour and hike out to Lake Superior. The bear box outside is stocked with cooking supplies, including pots, pans, a coffee percolator and utensils. We spent some quality time exploring the park on our two-month road trip making our way around Lake Michigan and it was one of our favorite places. Those trees survived partially thanks to the hilly terrain, which also gave the park its name. One of the rustic cabins in the Porcupine Mountains - Hard to believe this runs $68.00 a night. Hoeft State Park. Both snowmobilers and cross country skiers can easily access the mini-cabin at North Higgins Lake State Park and Fort Wilkins State Historic Park. The lantern-lit ski, snowshoe and hike is held from 6 to 9 p.m. every Saturday in January and February. Besides the wilderness campsites (first come first served) there are also cabins, and a few yurts . Learn how your comment data is processed. Katie Urbanpausedat a hillside lookout in the Porcupine Mountains of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. We were told at the visitor center that the trail had been rolled, but we found that not to be the case. Heat is provided from a propane furnace or woodstove, but yurts do not have electricity. Nice Beachfront Hotel with a Pool and Free Breakfast, 20 CAMPING ACCESSORIES WE CANT CAMP WITHOUT, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park Map. I havent been to the Upper Peninsula part of Michigan yet, but it looks dreamy.
