Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park - the Porkies

09/30/2026

🍂🍁 FALL COLOR UPDATE FROM THE PORKIES! 🍁🍂

The fall colors are changing throughout the Porcupine Mountains, and color varies from one area of the park to another. Here’s a look at the scenery from Presque Isle Scenic Site and South Boundary Road. 🌲🍁

Planning on making the trip to the Porkies? Now is the time! Come experience the spectacular fall colors, scenic views, and all the beauty the Porcupine Mountains have to offer. 🍂🌄

📸 Presque Isle Scenic Site & South Boundary Road - PC Ranger Lukkari

09/29/2026

🍂🍁 Fall colors are showing off in the Porkies! 🍁🍂

We’ve been getting a lot of inquiries about the fall color, so here’s a look today (9/29/26) from the top of the ski hill — West Vista and East Vista. 👀🌄

The colors are popping, the views are spectacular, and the Porkies are putting on quite a show! 🍁❤️💛🧡

Make your plans today and head to the Porcupine Mountains to experience these incredible fall colors for yourself. There’s nothing quite like autumn in the Porkies! 🍂

Porcupine Mountains Winter Sports Complex Chair Lift Rides - Saturday 10/3 and Sunday 10/4 - 10 am - 4:30 pm ET - $10 per ticket

📸 West Vista & East Vista PC Ranger Heaney

09/27/2026

🌦️🌈 It’s shaping up to be a gorgeous, lucky day in the Porkies! 🌈☀️

We had a little light rain this morning, but the clouds are clearing, the sun is coming out, and a double rainbow was spotted over the Porcupine Mountains! 🌈🌈

The perfect reminder that a little rain can lead to something beautiful. Come enjoy the sunshine and take in the views — it’s a great day to visit the Porkies!

Chair Lift Rides running today until 4:30 pm ET at the Porcupine Mountains Winter Sports Complex and the Fireside Grill is open in the chalet! Come take a ride and have lunch at the base of the hill! 💚

09/25/2026

🍂 Fall colors are starting to pop in the U.P.! 🍁

It’s amazing what a difference just one week can make! Here’s a view from the top of the ski hill & M-107 toward Lake of the Clouds. The pops of color are really starting to show! 🌲🍁

📸 Planning a trip to Lake of the Clouds? Expect some wait times if you’re heading to the scenic site as visitors come to take in the fall colors.

🚡 Fall Color Rides at the Winter Sports Complex are happening this weekend! Take a ride to the top of the hill and enjoy the beautiful views as the season begins to change. Check out the flyer in the comments for specific details!

🌲 Park interpretive programs will also be happening at the top of the ski hill. Check out the flyer in the comments for program details!

🏡 Visitor Center: Open daily 8 AM–8 PM EST - Maps, Information, Animal Displays, Park Video and Gift Shop!

Fall is happening in the Porkies! 🍂 Come experience the changing colors for yourself! ❤️🌲

09/23/2026

⚠️ FYI – County Road 519 Travelers! ⚠️

It has been confirmed that the County Road 519 detour is a paved road and is in good condition for travel, including campers, RVs, and motorcycles.

Travelers can use the detour with confidence and continue enjoying their trip to the Porkies! 🌲⛰️

🚧 CR 519 Road Closure Begins Wednesday

CR 519 will close to through traffic near its intersection with M-28 beginning Wednesday, September 23, at 7:00 AM. The closure is expected to last approximately 14 days, weather and construction conditions permitting.

The closure is needed for the City of Wakefield’s DWSRF Phase 2 water system improvements. The City is also completing work in the area through its 40101(d) Electric Grid Resiliency Grant project. The City coordinated the two projects to reduce the number of separate detours needed on this important route and the total time drivers are affected.

Please follow the posted detour via Johnson Road and allow extra travel time. Use caution along M-28: trucks entering the highway from the detour may need more time to reach highway speed. Watch for turning trucks and leave extra space.

We will share updates if the closure schedule changes. Thank you for your patience as we complete these improvements.

09/16/2026

Current color status at the Lake of the Clouds - Not much color, but there is a few popping here and there! 🍁🍂

Porcupine Mountains Winter Sports Complex chair lift rides start next weekend!

09/09/2026

🐻 IT’S OPENING DAY! 🐻

Michigan’s 2026 bear hunting season is officially underway in the Upper Peninsula!

📍 Porcupine Mountains Bear Registration Station
Park Headquarters
33303 Headquarters Rd.
Ontonagon, MI

🕗 Registration Hours:
Monday–Friday • 8 AM–4 PM EST

📞 Questions? Call 906-885-5275, Ext. 0

Good luck to all the bear hunters heading into the woods today! Stay safe, enjoy the hunt, and congratulations to those who fill their tag! 🐻🍀

08/26/2026

Yes! The 20th Porcupine Mountains Music Festival is this Friday & Saturday, August 28–29, 2026, at the Winter Sports Complex in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park.

One important note: a Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into the park, including the festival and can be purchased for cash at the gate.

Michigan-plated vehicles: Annual Recreation Passport = $20.
Non-Michigan plated vehicles: Annual Passport $42, Daily Passport $12
The Passport is a per-vehicle fee, not a per-person fee.

And the lineup looks fantastic this year—Southern Avenue, The Steel Wheels, Charlie Parr, Blue Moon Marquee, The Fretliners, Felix Y Los Gatos, Abby Posner Trio, and more.