Activities and Attractions at Porcupine Mountains Visitor Center

The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park visitor center at 33303 Headquarters Road is the park’s main information hub during its operating season. With roughly 60,000 acres of old-growth forest, Lake Superior shoreline, rivers, waterfalls and ridges, the park is too large to treat as a single roadside stop.

What the visitor center provides

The visitor center offers interpretive programs, an exhibit hall, current trail-condition information, Wi-Fi and a gift shop. It is the best place to confirm route conditions before heading toward Lake of the Clouds, the Presque Isle River corridor, Summit Peak or a backcountry trailhead.

Backcountry check-in and seasonal access

For backcountry reservations, the current DNR schedule requires in-person check-in at the visitor center from May 15 through October 15, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. Eastern. From October 16 through May 14, check-in moves to park headquarters from 8 a.m.–4 p.m.; winter procedures vary by date and reservation type. An online reservation receipt is not the same as the required permit.

Park roads are seasonal. County Road M-107 and South Boundary Road transition to designated snowmobile trails during snowmobile season and are closed to normal vehicle traffic until the Ontonagon County Road Commission determines them safe to travel. For winter routing, current road conditions and access to the Presque Isle Scenic Area, check the official Porcupine Mountains park page or call 906-885-5275 before a long drive.

Choosing an outing

• Lake of the Clouds: a scenic overlook reached from the M-107 side of the park when the road is open.
• Presque Isle River corridor: a waterfall and Lake Superior destination on the park’s west side, with separate seasonal road access.
• Summit Peak: an inland trail and observation-tower destination.
• Backcountry routes: require careful map, water and permit planning; trail distances and conditions vary widely.

Download the current park and backcountry maps before leaving reliable service. Carry water, rain layers and navigation appropriate to the route, and keep food secured in the backcountry. A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry.