The DNR estimates the Union Bay East yurt is about a 200-yard walk from parking in winter, but it was longer than that, closer to half a mile. The park provides wood for use with the stove only. There are 18 rustic cabins and a few yurts located inside the park. Its a good hike to get inside the park. Tunnel of Trees Cool temperatures arrive in early September. Why Visit?Listen to the Wilds of Michigan. Follow along the east and west sides of the Presque Isle River to pass a series of cascading waterfalls: Manabezo Falls, Manido Falls, and Nawadaha Falls. There are many options available at Michigan State Parks and Recreation Areas, including: cabins, yurts, safari-style tents, or lodges and cottages with many of the amenities of home. Whereas Colorado has jagged peaks reaching 14,000 feet to the heavens, our Midwest mountains are only 2,000 feet high. Escape from the fast paced, hectic world and discover the quiet, serene wilderness of the Porcupine Mountains 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. During winter, traditional accommodations are slim in the porkies, so Domonick got creative and reserved a yurt for us to stay in. Make sure to check out another favorite of ours, Keweenaw Peninsula in the Fall, it is close by and can be combined with a Porcupine Mountains trip. All Rights Reserved. - 2 BR, 1.5 bath, sleeps 7 That said, many Urban, a park interpreter who leads snowshoe hikes,toldour group of about a dozenthat if the weather were clear, we would be able to see Lake Superior. Potential renters should check with the individual park for the included amenities and prices. Cancellation policies will be enforced. or running water (we carried in a few liters). Overall, if you're interested in a rustic, lovely retreat into Mother Nature, this is definitely worth checking out. There are 16 rustic cabins scattered throughout the park available for rental via reservations. A one Discover Lake Superior, scenic trails & more. Sign up for our mailing list to get updates on trip availability and blog posts. ]more. Bradford PA 16701. Find the perfect yurt in Michigan, secluded . No electric but outlets in bathroom. Amazing star gazing and Northern Lights potential! As you stand overlooking the untouched tree-covered land, itll amaze you that such an area still exists in the Midwest. Each outfitted with a metal ring, but with no other amenities. We hiked a few miles of it, before turning around and plan to hit this one in its entirety on a separate trip. Mini-cabins also are located at the following state parks with networks of groomed cross country ski trails: P.J. Accessible campsites, restrooms, and picnic areas are available. Mid-May through mid-October is a perfect time to visit this area. The trail affords a beautiful view of Lake Superior. 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" Whether youre heading to the lakeshore in summer or hitting the ski slopes in winter, the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness welcomes adventurers through all four seasons. Amazon Associates Disclosure Dang Travelers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Snowmobilescan cruise up the final6milesup to the overlook, butit would take a super fitsnowshoeror skier to make the 12-mile roundtrip,withmore than600 feet of elevationgain on the way there. Shovel included! Our northern Michigan "cabin" rentals offer all the conveniences of home in a majestic wilderness setting. 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. - Sauna TIP: Bring your own toilet paper. Lake Superior bashed against the shore below, which was covered in ice. At the Union Bay Campground, on the east end of the park, a yurt is set to reopen Friday. 888-784-7328, Park visitors at the Lake of the Clouds scenic overlook Photo, Porcupine Mountains relief map in the visitor center Photo 3, A forest pathway at Porcupine Mountains. The Lake of the Clouds viewing area is also accessible. Arguably the most magnificent time to visit is in fall when the old-growth forests are ablaze with red, orange, and yellow foliage. July and August have mild temperatures in the upper 70s, but near the lake can be much cooler so wear layers. The colorfulkerosenelanternswere hung from tree branches and shepherds hooks about every 25 yards, and they cast the trail in a beautiful golden glow. The last guided snowshoe hikesof this winterarescheduled for 1 to 3 p.m. Feb.15 and22. You can choose from backcountry sites, rustic cabins, wilderness yurts, and the Kaug Wudjoo Modern Lodge. The lantern-lit ski, snowshoe and hike is held from 6 to 9 p.m. every Saturday in January and February. (This map is not geo-referenced) Related Products Trail Details County Ontonagon Regions Western Upper Peninsula Latitude N 46 49' 5.16" Longitude W 089 41' 40.56" Distance 3.5 miles Trail Type Mountain bike and Nordic ski Terrain Lake Superior, old growth forests Call1-800-447-2757 or see, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Seems a bit steep for no electricity, water or showers. Guests agree: these vacation rentals are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more. Fax (906) 885-5798. RELATED: 20 CAMPING ACCESSORIES WE CANT CAMP WITHOUT. Some of the best views are found at the Summit Peak Observation Tower and the Lake of the Clouds, but more than 90 miles of trails also await for hiking, biking, skiing, and snowshoeing, depending on the season. The two-bedroom cabins boast fully equipped kitchens,screen porches, BBQ grills, CATV, phones, and WIFI. Sipping warm cider I didnt have tohaul in orprepare,next to a fire I didnt have to buildor maintain, as light snow fell beautifully on a lantern-lit trailthose areall the best parts of winter camping without any of the work. Try Cornwall, Norfolk, France. Yurt: Four yurts are available.To make a reservation visit www.midnrreservations.com or call 1 . Are there bears in the Porcupine Mountains? Bottles of beer on a winter "backpacking" trip? Yurts offer visitors both a unique and comfortable experience. Historical Museums website builders Rejoice in the solitary snowy splendor that is the Porcupine Mountains this winter. We stayed in the Union Bay East yurt. Whether spring cooperates or not, we've got outdoor activities aplenty in March. It was about a 0.25 mile trek to the yurt, which was nestled on a small bluff overlooking Lake Superior. tent combo that would last you several years. As far as backcountry campsites, there are 63 throughout the park. April 2, 2021. Would highly recommend. Sign up for the Porcupine Mountains E-newsletter! Here a few notable ones: If you love waterfall chasing like us, also take a look at this Michigan Waterfall Guide! Park facilities include a Visitor Center, restrooms, and picnic areas. Three of these rustic cabins are open all year long. These people would love the Porcupine Mountains as they have several backcountry rustic cabins and yurts. The host is awesome and v Our family enjoyed the cozy cabin! Host was very My family gathered for a long weekend at this beautiful property on the shore of Lake Superior. It was built in 1914 after a previous structure burned down, and was remodeled by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934. Reservations would need to be made well in advance. Visit Michigan.gov/Camping. We followed that back to the ski hill parking area, where we parted ways. It has 2 bedrooms and handy features including a fireplace and towels. Discover a selection of 24 vacation rentals in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, US that are perfect for your trip. In the morning, we did the four mile loop hike on the Deer Yard Trail. 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. Its not a cabin, it is not a cottage, it is not a motel, it is not a hotelits home! The host was easy to Our 2023 property listings offer a large selection of24 vacation rentals around Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. Take a trek to the Union Spring, the second-largest natural spring in Michigan. Both snowmobilers and cross country skiers can easily access the mini-cabin at North Higgins Lake State Park and Fort Wilkins State Historic Park. Learn how your comment data is processed. Ours had a lattice structure inside, with a tan, waterproofexterior that provided good protection. This year we reserved 2-nights with the ambition to see more of the park. During our trek, the winds were high and waves were up. Try a pasty, explore the area shops. No running water or electricity is provided. Lake Superior Trail. Campsites and cabins can book up fast over summer and holiday weekends, so reserve at least three months in advance. 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 house was cozy with plenty of room for our family of 4. Reservations for Michigan campgrounds, including the yurts, are accepted six months in advance. Hotels, resorts and cabins | Porcupine Mountains lodging information STAY IN THE LOOP Sign up for the Porcupine Mountains E-newsletter! 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. Dogs are not permitted in the yurts or any other park buildings. The winter yurt and cabin reservations fill up really fast, so the only . Since its construction, the cabin has been used as temporary housing by Forest Service rangers while they were . Additionally, Holland, Waterloo, Pinckney and Tawas offer camper cabins in winter with access to ungroomed trails. It truly is one of the best hikes in all of Michigan, and possibly in all of the Midwest. Its the only modern campground in the state park with water, electric, flush toilets, and hot showers. In the winter, when the parks black bears are hibernating, you can cook inside the yurt. 420 Friendly for 21&up. Its an out and back with a few trailheads so you can still experience a portion of the hike even if you dont want to walk the whole thing. The image is even more pronounced in the winter with leafless trees popping out of a blanket of white. Required fields are marked *. Book Description When the summer visitors leave in the fall, a new group of visitors moves into the vacation cottage to spend the winter. This season the early snows were so sparse that the ski hill didn't open until January 17th - the latest on record. We soon joined up with the Log CampTrail, an easy cross-country ski trail, and passed the trails warming shelter before making our way to the East Vista, where Urbansaid on a clear day you can see all the way to Ontonagon, about 15 miles east. Your accommodation will be based in White Pine. What I like most about Porcupine Mountain State Park is that you can enjoy the beauty of the area whether you are limited on time or have all the time in the world. Details: WebHome Porcupine Mountains Yurt Camping: Part 2. Porcupine Mountains State Park, established in 1945, is just one of Michigan's 103 state parks (Michigan state parks boast 28 million annual visitors!). A second alternative for cozy accommodations in winter are the camper cabins. If you're looking for a great place to go snowshoeing in the Upper Midwest, the Porcupine Mountains (aka the Porkies) are a great spot. 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. It also was very comfortable and was very well laid out. For Reservations and Information about PORCUPINE MOUNTAINS STATE PARK Please Write: PARK MANAGER PORCUPINE MOUNTAINS STATE PARK 33303 HEADQUARTERS ROAD ONTONAGON, MI 49953 888-784-7328, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Unplug and Reconnect with a Great Family Camping Adventure. Difficulty: Moderate on the way down, Strenuous on the way back up. These cabins typically are furnished with a table, chairs, heater or woodstove (firewood is provided) and beds with mattresses. Snowshoe and cross-country ski rentals are available at the ski area. The weeknight rate (Sunday* through Thursday) is $50 plus tax and the weekend rate is $55 plus tax. Winter brings snow, XC skiers, snow, alpine skiers, snow, snowshoers, ice, and snow. Cabin rental from 155 dollars per night for up to 4 guests with an excellent rating of 100% based on 466 reviews. Your email address will not be published. When you check in, we will provide all you need to make your vacation one to remember! Youll take various boardwalks along the ridgeline where youll see Lake of the Clouds snuggled amid a valley of trees in one direction. Tracy Ridge. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park and Pinckney Recreation Area offer yurts -- sturdy, weather-tight, circular tent structures -- during winter. from. I also cant wait to visit the porkies in the summer and check out the iconic Lake of the Clouds! Katie Urbanpausedat a hillside lookout in the Porcupine Mountains of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Yes, even though they are not the type of snow-covered mountains you typically think of. Besides the wilderness campsites (first come first served) there are also cabins, and a few yurts . Park officials say that reservations for the park's. Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall, we offer the true four season vacation experience you deserve. $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 It's easy to fall in love with backpacking in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, affectionately known as the Porkies. Contact Us, 2023 Porcupine Mountains and Ontonagon Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. The modern lodges accommodate between six and 24 guests. iPod. Once we got settled in, we did a 3-mile out and back snowshoe trek on the Deer Yard Trail via the Superior Loop. 22,553 were here. The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is 9 miles away along Lake Superior, offering skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, hiking and waterfalls. Gaze at the vibrant sunsets while enjoying a toasty fire on the beach. Especially in winter when a sturdy wall blocks out a bitter wind a tad better than a tent wall. The Escarpment Trail in Porcupine Mountain State Park is going on our list of favorite hikes in the Midwest. and being disappointed. 412 S. Boundary Road. Lovely rustic retreat with views of Big Powderhorn Mountain, Gogebic County (from USD 114) Show all photos My three friends and Ihad lucked outon mild, but snowy, weather during our weekend trip. Refrigerator/Microwave/ect A Recreation Passport is required to visit all Michigan state parks. We will receive a commission at no additional charge to you if you book through our link. A backcountry camping permit is required. The Big Carp River Trail is a long out and back that begins high on the bluff at the Lake of the Clouds overlook and descends down into the river valley all the way to Lake Superior. Later, we would scoot down the bluff to explore the icy shoreline,pocked with ice canoes and other formations. While there are plenty of impressive places to experience fall color in Michigan, Porcupine Mountain State Park is one of the best. Typically, the cabins sleeps up to six and they're outfitted with two sets of bunk beds, a futon, electrical outlets, shelves for food and supplies, a fire circle and picnic tables. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park and Pinckney Recreation Area offer yurts -- sturdy, weather-tight, circular tent structures -- during winter. campgrounds are really like Clean & Cozy family friendly cabin close to the Porcupine Mountains~, Top rated rentals Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, To help with bookings, call our support phone number:1-877-202-4291. Outdoorsmen will appreciate the hunting, fishing, and boating. Are the Porcupine Mountains real mountains? This guide will go over the best time to visit, lodging options, must-do hiking trails, the best waterfalls, and frequently asked questions below. With coveted electrical service and fairly modern toilets, Porcupine Mountains Union Bay Campground keeps it pretty contemporary. Yurts,portablecircular dwellingswith a lattice structure covered in felt or fabric, have been used in Central Asia, primarily Mongolia, for thousands of years. There is no electricity or plumbing, but there are vault toilets nearby. Porcupine Mountains and Ontonagon Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, P.O. Click here to go to the Department of Natural Resources and find out more information. Snowmobiles are permitted on the unplowed roads in the park, which includesM-107 west of the ski area and South Boundary Road south of the park headquarters. campgrounds of Voyageurs It is also nice sometimes to have the flexibility of having a home base and then exploring the surrounding area via snow shoes or trail shoes without having to carry gear. I havent been to the Upper Peninsula part of Michigan yet, but it looks dreamy. If you havenot visited the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in Silver City, Michigan, make this theyear for your Michigan vacation! We camped at Porcupine Mountains - Union Bay Modern Campground in a Fifth Wheel. 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. Click our photo tolearn more. Really appreciate the bench & clothes hooks in the entry. Road Entry points to the Visit the undisturbed landscape of Michigans Western Upper Peninsula on the largest of the Great Lakes, Lake Superior! When the ground is covered with snow, backcountry dispersed camping is allowed (permit required,$15/night). When planning a winter trip to cross country ski or snowmobile, the necessary requirements for a top destination include decent snow, accessibility to a network of trails and some sort of cozy lodging. Erin and Mike are the best. 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. Helpful staff at campground. We carried all the supplies we would need for the trip. 906-885-5275 (63) $15/night for 1-6 people Porcupine Mountains Presque Isle-Rustic 800-447-2757 (50) $17 Porcupine Mountains Rustic Cabins 800-447-2757 (19) $68 Porcupine Mountains Union Bay-Modern 800-447-2757 (100) $28 or $20 (off-season . Alsoluxurious? When conditions allow, one side of the trail has a track for skiing, and the other is groomed flat forhiking, snowshoeing and on some trails, fat-tire biking. Free Wednesday pricing (winter only) is reflected in the AVERAGE PER NIGHT COST (WHICH INCLUDES WEDNESDAY) and is already factored in to the final price. to do that while still enjoying a backcountry experience. The yurts can sleep four people and are equipped with bunk beds, mattresses, a wood stove, fire circle, cookware, utensils, and an outhouse. Sign up for our Travel newsletter for ideas on things to do around Wisconsin and the Midwest delivered to your inbox. Click the iPod to order. Gaze at the vibrant sunsets while enjoying a toasty fire on the beach. Snowmobiles can be ridden directly to the brand-new camper cabin at Van Riper State Park, which is perched on the shoreline of Lake Michigamme, while the camper cabin at Fort Wilkins Historic State Park is located near a snowmobile trail and cross country ski trails. One of the rustic cabins in the Porcupine Mountains - Hard to believe this runs $68.00 a night. On March 25, you can step into spring with Porcupine Pat at Sweet Arrow Lake. TIP: Fill up your water bottles before arriving, there are no water sources at the parking lot. I don't even make French press coffee at home. We got cozy in our sleeping bags and Domonick stoked/fed the fire every few hours, as the stove was not very large. The Ojibwe looked at the tree-covered hills mountainous by Midwestern standards and thought they resembled the spiny back of a porcupine. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park: Yurt Converts! Most are fully furnished and the kitchens equipped with appliances, dishes and cookware. No pit toilets or water. Most cabins and yurts require a 1 - 4 mile hike to reach and accomodate from 2 to 6 campers. Cabins are 3 day minimum for Summer bookings. Lighthouses-Old Restaurants Cable TV & VCR/DVD The yurt had two bunk beds and slept four people. Reservations. These cabins do not have luxurious soft beds, indoor heating, and a shower, but they are a step up from a tent. And peak fall foliage season typically ranges from late-September to mid-October. Park. With more than 90 trails, there are many options to get out and explore. Our goal is to highlight amazing locations,share our journeys andpost our favorite travel resources. - Washer/Dryer 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. 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. Take in the views from your back deck, relax around the bonfire, enjoy walk to Lake Superior, hike or snowshoes the North Country Trail to waterfalls or take a day trip to the Porkies. We left our house on the outskirts of Munising on Saturday morning and made the <3 hour drive west. We also brought our sleeping pads which turned out to be a good move since the mattresses were not soft. Campsite reservations open six months in advance. About a 5-10 mile drive to Porkies where we x-country skied. Porcupine Mountains State Park Cabins & Yurts There are 18 rustic cabins and a few yurts located inside the park. We stayed at the Porcupine Mountains Union Bay Campground and the hosts made it one of our favorite stays during our van camping trip. The yurts look especially cool. National Park, the Boundary The cabins are equipped with standard furniture including a wood stove, bunk beds, mattresses, tables, chairs, cookware, utensils, and an outhouse. Yurts sleep four to five on bunk beds or futons and rent for $60 per night. We ran out of time to hike this one, but its on our list for the next trip. Are dogs allowed in Porcupine Mountains State Park? But once itwas ready, it made for a deluxe breakfast. They have no plumbing or electricity. - Ski in/out on Wolverine Trails Visitors should plan to provide their own bedding, cookware and camp stove. Abouthalfway through the loop,Urban was stationed at the White Birch warming shelter with a roaring bonfire and hot chocolate, cider, tea and coffee. Urban pointed outironwood trees,white cedars and hemlocks. If youd like to do an overnight trip and want to leave the planning/booking to us, click here =). We didn't stay at the campground but got some cool sunset photos driving by which wanted to post for people who decided to stay right there. The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is most popular between May and October when temperatures are comfortable and theres no snow on the ground. Yurts. The Porkies area has so much to offer! Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park offers many opportunities to camp within its borders. Backcountry campsites stay open year-round, but road access may be limited through winter. Do not feed them and keep a safe distance if you run into one. Check out this 16.3-mile out-and-back trail near White Pine, Michigan. These three parks, along with Fayette State Historic Park and Proud Lake State Park, also offer groomed networks of cross country ski trails adjacent to or near the modern lodges. Porcupine Mountains cabins, yurts, cottages and campgrounds are also available in and around the park. There are some heated yurts and rustic cabins available for those who want to ski or snowshoe right from their door . 2023 Mountain View Lodges. If you are looking to have a unique glamping experience, you should definitely check out this romantic treehouse hosted by the Bolt family. The parks developed campgrounds are open from May through October, with first-come, first-served camping only in November. 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. The Porcupine Mountains Ski Area normally receives 140 to 200 inches of snow a year. There are various options for lodging in and near Porcupine Mountain State Park that include campgrounds, cabins, and a few motels and hotels. 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. Before it got dark, we foraged in the nearby woods for campfire wood. people prefer not having to set up camp, and this is a nice way Find everything youll need for your next trip to the Porcupine Mountains, including lodging, info on local attractions, and much more. 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). We wondered if it would be much different than the Lake of the Clouds because it follows the ridgeline as well. Cookware is available at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. For those of you who are looking for a unique glamping South Carolina experience - here you go. Hipcamp is created with and hope for our future. E & W Union yurts are just yards from parking. Find wonderfully wild adventures in the Porcupine Mountains. The Porcupine Mtns area is stunning. The cabin will remain . If you ever read the words escarpment along with a hiking trail, know its going to be fantastic views. Dates Guests Guests AdultsAges 16 or above ChildrenAges 3-15 Any pets? 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. This was truly one of the best places we have ever stayed, Everything ready for us when we arrived--shoveled & plowed out, cleaned, mechanicals all turned on & good condition. 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. Skiing & Snowmobiling The nightly fee is $125; no pets are allowed. This is a popular trail for backpacking, camping, and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The rustic cabins at Sleeper State Park do have electricity. Snow lovers will love the skiing, ice fishing, and snowmobiling opportunities. Bring your ownwater orbe prepared to melt snow. Many of these parks allow snowmobiling and all allow cross country skiing. -- If you'd been thinking about planning a trip to Michigan's Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park this winter, better act fast. more, Reservations for Michigan campgrounds, including the yurts, are accepted six months in advance. The parks Visitor Center is closed in the winter, so you must check in at the Park Headquarters,33303 Headquarters Road, Ontonagon, Mich., which is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily (note that its in the eastern time zone) and is about 340 miles north of Milwaukee. After checking in at the DNR headquarters, we made our way to our yurt. They cost $68 per night, and entrance to the park for non-residents is$9 per day or $34 for the year.