Morel Mushroom Hunting in Grayling, Michigan After the Ice Storm: What You Need to Know
May marks the start of morel mushroom hunting season in Michigan, and there's no better place to search than Grayling and the greater Crawford County area. Northern Michigan's forests are ideal for foraging, and every spring, mushroom enthusiasts head to this region in search of the elusive, delicious morel. Morels are a springtime delicacy known for their honeycomb appearance and earthy flavor. But this year, morel hunting in northern Michigan comes with added challenges after a severe ice storm swept through the area, leaving widespread damage.
The recent storm caused downed trees, thick underbrush, and dangerous hanging limbs throughout popular morel mushroom foraging areas. While the woods near Grayling are usually full of ideal morel habitats—beech-maple forests, decaying elms, old orchards, and recently burned land—access to these spots may be limited or hazardous. Check the latest trail and forest conditions before heading out on your mushroom hunt. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) provides storm recovery updates to help outdoor enthusiasts determine if specific foraging areas are safe and accessible. You can find the latest info here: DNR Storm Recovery Updates.
Safety is critical when mushroom hunting after a storm. Morel foraging requires your eyes to be on the forest floor, but this season, you'll also need to look up. Many broken limbs still hang precariously in tree canopies, posing a serious risk, especially in windy conditions. Wearing a helmet might not be typical gear for mushroom hunters, but it's highly recommended in hard-hit areas for protection from falling branches.
For those new to mushroom hunting in Michigan or anyone looking to explore a new spot, the Michigan DNR offers a helpful morel mushroom map, highlighting recently burned areas—locations often prime for morel growth in the following spring. Check it out here: Morel Burn Site Map. The DNR also provides practical morel hunting tips, including how to identify habitats, search techniques, and optimal conditions for foraging: Morel Hunting Tips. For Grayling-centric info, visit our morel site.
Proper identification is essential when mushroom foraging in Michigan. True morels (Morchella species) are completely hollow and have a cap fully attached to the stem. In contrast, false morels (Gyromitra or Verpa species) can be toxic or deadly. To stay safe, use the DNR's identification guide before consuming mushrooms: Morel Identification Guide.
After a successful day of morel mushroom picking in Grayling, the real fun begins in the kitchen. Morels are best when sautéed in butter, added to pasta, or incorporated into rich, savory dishes. If you need help preparing your harvest, the DNR also provides cooking tips and safety guidelines: Collecting and Cooking Morels.
Finding morels can take time, persistence, and sometimes multiple trips—but seasoned hunters know that once you spot one, more seem to pop up everywhere. If you plan on extending your mushroom hunting adventure, consider staying at one of Grayling's cozy accommodations. From rustic cabins and riverside lodges to family-friendly hotels, you'll find plenty of welcoming options to rest and recharge. Visit graylingmichigan.org/stay to discover the perfect place to stay during your trip.
Despite the storm damage, morel mushroom season in northern Michigan is still a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with nature and enjoy one of the state's most beloved spring traditions. With a little planning and some added safety measures, morel hunting near Grayling can be just as rewarding—and maybe even more memorable—this year. Lace up your boots, keep your eyes up and down, and happy hunting