Michigan's Porcupine Mountains Competes for USA TODAY's Top State Park Honor
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is in the running for USA TODAY's 10Best State Parks award, showcasing the unique natural beauty and recreational opportunities of Michigan's largest state park in the Upper Peninsula.
Michigan's Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is competing for national recognition in USA TODAY's 2025 10Best State Parks Readers' Choice contest. The park, spanning nearly 60,000 acres in the western Upper Peninsula, offers a diverse landscape of ancient mountains, old-growth forests, and extensive outdoor recreational opportunities.
The park stands out for its remarkable geological features, including a mountain range rising to 1,958 feet above Lake Superior. With over 90 miles of hiking trails, more than 70 waterfalls, and panoramic views from locations like Lake of the Clouds Overlook and Summit Peak Observation Tower, the park represents a significant wilderness area in the Midwest.
Tom Nemacheck, executive director of the Upper Peninsula Travel and Recreation Association, highlighted the park's versatility as a four-season destination. Visitors can engage in activities ranging from hiking and kayaking to winter sports like snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.
The USA TODAY contest allows readers to vote daily for their favorite state park until May 12. The final rankings will be announced on May 21, with the potential to elevate the Porcupine Mountains' national profile and attract increased tourism to Michigan's Upper Peninsula.