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Michigan Department of Natural Resources officials anticipate the park’s modern toilet-shower building will remain open throughout the 2017 camping season at F.J. McLain State Park.
Over the past few years, erosion has been a persistent problem at the park, causing rangers to close some park campsites and other features. Repairs and upgrades are expected to begin later this year, in accordance with the park’s recently updated management plan.
The toilet-shower building is one of those park features threatened by erosion at the park. Over the past several months, because of the uncertainty of the availability of those services, park officials decided campers would be charged semi-modern rates for campsites and mini-cabins.
“We appreciate your patience during this transition period and we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause,” said Jamie Metheringham, unit supervisor for McLain and Twin Lakes state parks. “These new improvements will be positive developments for McLain State Park, aiding our park visitors, many of whom faithfully return year and year.”
Work on a new modern toilet-shower building was initially planned to begin this spring, but has been postponed until after Labor Day (Sept. 4) and the busy summertime camping season.
Meanwhile, the current facility will continue to be used.
“The building will remain open as along as a major storm event does not take place and accelerate the erosion endangering the bathroom building,” Metheringham said. “The semi-modern rate of $18 a night (for this year only) will still be in place.”
Nearly $3 million has been made available to design and construct master plan concepts at the park.
The shoreline is expected to continue to erode at the park. These anticipated changes over the next 60 years are reflected in the park’s master plan.
The final master plan can be viewed here.
The 443-acre park is situated between Calumet and Hancock in Houghton County, about 10 miles northwest of Hancock, off M-203.
Visitors to F.J. McLain State Park can enjoy a variety of activities ranging from fishing, windsurfing, berry picking and beachcombing to camping, rock hounding, sight-seeing and hunting. The sunsets at McLain State Park are spectacular and the view of the lighthouse is magnificent.
Check out an F.J. McLain State Park visitor’s guide. Link here to the master plan map and the first phase construction map.
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For more information on Michigan’s state parks, visit the DNR’s webpage.
