State parks system

To address dam deficiencies, the DNR, in partnership with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, is moving forward with a phased plan to lower the water level of Hall Lake. Located in Yankee Springs Recreation Area in Barry County, this project is a planned safety initiative designed to increase safety while protecting outdoor recreation. Funding was secured through an EGLE Dam Risk Reduction Grant.

The project calls for an initial drawdown of 3 feet this fall and another 3 feet in 2026. 

As part of the EGLE emergency drawdown order, a phased plan to lower Hall Lake's elevation will begin after Labor Day. The boating access site will be closed during this period, and its reopening will be reevaluated after the drawdown is complete. 

A separate, additional drawdown is planned for 2026. That one will be to move the lake to its new level and replace the culvert under Gun Lake Road.

Background

Following a routine spring inspection and subsequent engineering analysis, EGLE issued an emergency drawdown order due to the poor condiation of the dam with a recognized deficiency for loading conditions. Hall Lake Dam is classified as a "significant hazard" dam which indicates that a dam failure could cause economic and environmental damage or disrupt essential downstream services, such as Gun Lake Road, though a loss of life is unlikely.

Discussing a possible drawdown of Hall Lake Dam with the public was an integral part of considering the dam’s future, including feedback via a March 12, 2025 public information session and online survey in March 2024. Thank you to everyone that provided valuable input.

Frequently asked questions »

• News release (July 11, 2025)
• News release (Feb. 26, 2025)
• News release (June 27, 2024)
• Find estimated bathymetry map
• Find proposed schematic design

Visitors to Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park can soon look forward to significant improvements funded by an $8.5 million federal relief investment from Gov. Whitmer's Building Michigan Together Plan. These enhancements will modernize the park’s facilities, enhance visitor access and traffic flow and improve accessibility

This extensive project, largely shaped by feedback from the 2021 general management planning process and detailed in the Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park General Management Plan, builds upon a 2011 Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant that enabled the acquisition of property to improve park circulation.

U.S. 31 improvements, pedestrian bridge removal work begins mid-September 2025

• Beginning Monday, Sept. 15, contractors will begin preparation work to widen U.S. 31 by 20 feet and build a new right-turn lane into the park campground. This is expected to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion for westbound vehicles. During construction, a northern lane shift will eliminate the middle turn lane but maintain two lanes of traffic in both eastbound and westbound directions.
• To minimize traffic disruption, work is scheduled to remove the pedestrian bridge overnight. The closure will be in effect from 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, until 6 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 21. A signed detour will be in place, routing vehicles via Three and Four Mile roads to Hammond Road. 
• After the pedestrian bridge is removed, the stairs and remaining structure will be taken down in two stages. During construction, a southern lane shift will eliminate the middle turn lane but maintain two lanes of traffic in both eastbound and westbound directions.

Campground enhancements underway

• Redesigned park entrance: Reducing vehicle backups and improving access to campsites.
• Accessible contact station: Ensuring safe traffic flow and enhanced customer service.
• Relocated park headquarters: Providing an improved workspace for staff and minimizing visitors' views of park work areas and equipment.
• Expanded and relocated sanitation station: Doubling in size to reduce wait times and improve vehicle flow.
• Pedestrian bridge removal: The 1966 pedestrian bridge is deteriorating, nearing the end of its useful lifespan, and is not ADA-compliant.

The modern campground closed July 7, 2025, and will remain closed through the entire 2026 season. It is scheduled to reopen on April 1, 2027.
The Lake Michigan beach day-use area will mostly remain open, but visitors should be prepared for occasional closures during intersection work.

MDOT work begins spring 2026

The Michigan Department of Transportation will begin a $1.6 million enhancement project in spring 2026. A new double left-turn lane will be added from U.S. 31 to Three Mile Road, and the existing traffic signal will be updated. The day-use beach entrance will be moved east to align with this signal, which will also be updated. An ADA-compliant pedestrian crossing will be installed at the intersection.

Pedestrian bridge update

The DNR is committed to working with the community to find a new location for a pedestrian bridge once the current one is removed. Several things have to be accomplished before a new bridge compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility guidelines can be built. This includes identification and acquisition of appropriate land where the bridge can be located. Adequate funding for the project also must be identified, since such funding does not exist within the current DNR budget. The DNR is working toward those goals with state partners, the local community and state legislators, including Rep. Betsy Coffia, Rep. John Roth and Sen. John Damoose. 

Contact

For more details on the project, contact Stephanie Rosinski, Traverse City and Leelanau state parks supervisor, at 231-922-5270 or RosinskiS@Michigan.gov.