Learn about Traverse City State Park's campground and Three Mile Road/U.S. 31 intersection improvements at open house

Those interested in the planned improvements to Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park's modern campground and the Three Mile Road/U.S. 31 intersection in East Bay Township, Grand Traverse County, are encouraged to attend a public open house later this month.

The Michigan departments of Natural Resources and Transportation will hold a joint public open house 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25, at the East Bay Township Hall, 1965 North Three Mile Road in Traverse City.

Attendees are welcome to arrive anytime during the two-hour period to review proposed improvement plans and ask questions of DNR and MDOT staff.

State park project

Traverse City State Park is undergoing a major transformation, thanks to an $8.5 million investment. Visitors will soon enjoy improved access, new camping amenities and modern facilities. This project is part of a $273 million boost in American Rescue Plan funding, allowing the DNR to address long-deferred infrastructure needs in state parks and trails. These improvements, reflecting feedback gathered during the park's 2021 general management planning process, include:

• A newly designed, sweeping entrance to address traffic congestion by reducing campground road backups and improving access to campsites.
• A new accessible campground contact station, which will allow for better traffic flow and customer service.
• A new park headquarters building that will be relocated south of Mitchell Creek and minimize visitors’ views of the park's work area and equipment.
• Installation of an at-grade pedestrian crossing (compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines) of U.S. 31 and a new traffic signal that will improve access to the beach from the campground and traffic flow for vehicles entering and exiting the campground. The current pedestrian bridge over U.S. 31, which is not ADA-compliant, will be removed.
• Expansion and relocation of the park’s sanitation station to reduce wait times and facilitate vehicle flow.

MDOT project

MDOT plans to invest approximately $1.6 million to improve the Three Mile Road/U.S. 31 intersection. The project includes adding a second westbound left-turn lane on U.S. 31, modernizing the traffic signal and aligning the state park day-use beach entrance with the northbound approach. Other work includes:

• Construction of sidewalks on the north side of U.S. 31.
• A new Bay Area Transit Agency waiting area just west of the intersection.
• ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps.
• Upgraded signals with countdown timers and leading intervals for pedestrians and enhanced crosswalk markings.

Work is tentatively scheduled April 2026 through June 2026.

During the project, updates will be posted on Mi Drive, shared on social media and in news releases and posted on portable, changeable message signs.

Project closures

To accommodate construction and enhance public safety for the duration of the DNR project, state park closures will take place in phases. The modern campground will close through April 1, including to pedestrian traffic, to allow the removal of trees necessary for construction. The modern campground will close again July 7, 2025 – following the National Cherry Festival – a closure that will be in place throughout the 2026 camping season.

For the MDOT project, it is anticipated that 3 Mile Road traffic will need to be detoured for certain work activities.

The park’s day-use area located along the Lake Michigan shoreline will remain open during park construction, although occasional closures may be required for intersection work.

Meeting accommodations, more info

Requests for accommodations for anyone needing mobility, visual, hearing, written or other assistance to participate should be made to the meeting contact at least five days before the meeting date. Reasonable efforts will be made to provide the requested accommodation or an effective alternative.

For more about the projects, contact James Lake, MDOT North Region communications specialist, at 906-250-0993 or LakeJ1@Michigan.gov or Debbie Jensen, park management plan administrator for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division, at 517-230-6837 or JensenD1@Michigan.gov.

An accompanying photo is available below for download.

• Bird's-eye view of U.S. 31 adjacent to Keith J Charters Traverse City State Park