Summer events abound in Michigan state parks and recreation areas
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| Lake of the Clouds as viewed from the Escarpment trail. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
With
more activities than ever now taking place in Michigan’s state parks,
recreation areas, forest campgrounds and harbors, there’s something
happening “close to home” in just about every part of the state – giving
families the opportunity to visit state parks, explore the great
outdoors and discover where Pure Michigan summer memories are made.
Whether
you’re into canoeing and kayaking, want to learn about the new sport of
paddleboarding, or just want to get in some fishing, June is all about
getting out on the water.
Mark the calendar for Saturday and Sunday, June 9-10, and take part in the DNR’s Free Fishing Weekend when all fishing
license fees will be waived for the two days, and residents and
out-of-state visitors can enjoy fishing on both inland and Great Lakes
waters for all species of fish. Just remember that creel limits and fish
size minimums still apply during Free Fishing Weekend. For a list of
events, visit www.michigan.gov/freefishing.
Get out and support our
military veterans and active-duty men and women during the annual
“Hookin Up Heroes” fishing tournament set for the morning of Saturday,
June 9 on Hardy Pond at Newaygo State Park in Newaygo County. The
military appreciation event teams vets with some great anglers for a
friendly competition. Be a tournament spectator or line the route to
cheer on the participants of the motorcycle charity ride for the Brain
Injury Association of Michigan's Veteran's Program, and the Michigan
Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America. These two events take place simultaneously. Learn more at www.hookinupheroes.com.
Don’t
know a bobber from a sinker? No problem! Recreation 101 is the answer.
The DNR’s Recreation 101 program, first rolled out in 2011, offers free,
introductory programs to the novice outdoor enthusiast who wants to
learn more about outdoor activities through hands-on fun and expert
instruction.
Fishing
101, one of Recreation 101’s most popular programs, is being offered at
seven locations in June, and continues throughout the summer.
“Our
goal is to offer basic instruction in any and all things outdoors, and
the program has been enthusiastically received,” said Maia Stephens,
recreation programmer for the DNR’s Parks and Recreation Division. “By
offering local experts who bring all the gear, guides and good times to
programs for novice outdoor enthusiasts, we’re encouraging more people
to Go Get Outdoors and discover the unique recreational opportunities
that our parks provide.”
Stephens
said this year’s Rec 101 programming has expanded to offer more than
400 outdoor activities, but the program is not limited to sports:
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Learn to re-create Michigan’s stunning scenery on canvas with art programs such as “Watercolor in the Wilderness 101,” taking place on Saturday, June 23, at Newaygo State Park.
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Discover more about Michigan geology during “Hunting for Agates” on Wednesday, July 18, at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in Ontonagon County.
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Get away from it all during a “Ladies-only Kayak Afternoon” on Wednesday, July 25, one of several events just for women at Island Lake Recreation Area in Livingston County.
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Stay up late and stargaze with other like-minded individuals during one of the “Meteors and S’mores” programs taking place in numerous state parks this summer.
To learn more about all the Recreation 101 offerings, visit www.michigan.gov/rec101. For a current list of DNR happenings statewide, visit www.michigan.gov/dnrcalendar.
In
addition to Recreation 101 events taking place across the state, many
parks are featuring special events unique to the park and area:
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Make early reservations for the Friends of the Porkies’ 8th Annual Porcupine Mountains Music Festival, Sunday through Tuesday, Aug. 26-28, featuring folk, blues, bluegrass and contemporary music. Visit www.porkiesfestival.org.
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Pack up the family, the lawn chairs and blankets, and head to Bay City State Recreation Area in Bay County for family movie night starting at 8:45 p.m. every Saturday beginning June 2. Family movies, courtesy of Family Video, will be presented on the 16-foot-wide outdoor projection screen on the lawn near the "Spray by the Bay" spray park. For details, call 989-684-3020.
With
hundreds of activities taking place this summer, the DNR encourages
visitors to get out and enjoy all that Michigan’s woods and water offer.
At the same time, however, DNR officials caution visitors to be aware
of weather conditions and their own actions in order to protect our
valuable natural resources from wildfire damage. Learn how at www.michigan.gov/
Spending
summer in Michigan’s state parks and recreation areas is easily
affordable with the Recreation Passport. By checking “YES” for the $10
Recreation Passport ($5 for motorcycles) when renewing a license plate
through the Secretary of State (by mail, kiosk, online at www.expresssos.com
or at branch offices), Michigan motorists get access to state parks,
recreation areas, state forest campgrounds, non-motorized state
trailhead parking and state boat launches. In addition, Recreation
Passport holders can experience real savings at businesses and retailers
that participate in the Passport Perks discount program. The Recreation
Passport is valid until the next license plate renewal date.
Nonresidents can purchase the Recreation Passport ($29 annual; $8 daily)
at any state park or recreation area or through the Michigan e-Store at
www.michigan.gov/estore.
Learn more about this creative way of sustaining Michigan's outdoor recreation and natural resources at www.michigan.gov/
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