Here are a few ways to get out and enjoy Michigan’s natural and cultural resources in July. For a full list of events, see the Department of Natural Resources calendar at Michigan.gov/DNRCalendar.
 The DNR Outdoor Skills Academy will offer opportunities to learn more about foraging for wild mushrooms, bear hunting and outdoor survival with July classes at the following locations.
Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center in Cadillac
- Wild Mushroom Clinic, July 10
Learn how to identify a variety of Michigan’s edible wild mushrooms, where to start looking, and proper handling techniques for transport, cleaning, consumption (including some sampling) and home preservation. Cost is $40 and will include lunch. This class will be offered again Aug. 20.
- Bush Craft, Survival and Wild Edibles Clinic, July 15-17
In this unique, three-day class, you will learn the basics of what you need to survive if you ever find yourself stranded in the outdoors, including some wilderness first aid; how to safely prepare water for drinking; how to identify animal tracks and scat; plants you can gather as wild edibles and for medicinal uses, and which plants to avoid; how to safely start a fire without matches; how to shoot a bow and arrow; and more.
- Bear Hunting Clinic, July 30 and July 31
Students will learn the ins and outs of bear hunting with experienced hunters and knowledgeable DNR educators. The class will cover habitat, gear, stand placement, baiting, rules and regulations, carcass care, and hide care.
Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery Visitor Center in Mattawan
- Fly Fishing 101, July 22-23
Learn the fundamentals of fly fishing in this two-day class. Topics covered include knots, casting, fly tying, stream etiquette, catch and release, stream dynamics, macroinvertebrates, reading the water, and presentation. On Saturday afternoon, participants will head to local waters to bring it all together and catch some fish. Loaner gear is available.
- Damsels Fly: Fly Fishing for Women, July 30
For women who are new to fly fishing, this all-day workshop will teach participants enough of the basics to get out fly fishing with confidence. Topics covered include gear, rods and reels, casting, knot tying, macroinvertebrates, where to fish/reading the water and more. No equipment is needed to participate.
The DNR Outdoor Skills Academy offers in-depth, expert instruction, gear and hands-on learning for a range of outdoor activities at locations around the state. Learn more at Michigan.gov/OutdoorSkills. |
 The Michigan History Center’s 12 museums and historic sites are your pathway to fun and discovery this summer. The Michigan History Museum system will host a variety of events around the state in July.
Fort Wilkins in Copper Harbor
Fort Wilkins 1870, A Living History Experience, daily through Aug. 19
Step back to summer 1870, as costumed interpreters portray the daily life of people who lived and worked at this remote outpost.
Cambridge Junction Historic State Park in Brooklyn
Michigan Iron Industry Museum in Negaunee
For more details about what’s going on at the Michigan History Center, see the MHC events calendar. |
 Whether you live in southeast Michigan or your summer travels take you there, check out what’s happening at the DNR Outdoor Adventure Center in Detroit. July events at the OAC include:
- Christmas in July, July 9
We’re getting in the Christmas (in July) spirit with Mrs. Claus! Join us and learn to decorate holiday cookies with the best baker of the North Pole. Kids will get a cookie kit, reindeer food with a story and a Christmas pencil, and will learn the reindeer macarena. Cost is $10, or free with an unwrapped new toy.
- Archery programs
Give archery a shot with Try It – a brief introduction to archery where you’ll learn to safely handle a bow and shoot several arrows – scheduled for July 9 and July 23 and included with the price of admission. Grow your love for archery with Explore It: Skill Development, July 30, an opportunity to practice your shot with various targets and activities. Cost is $12.
- Get Hooked on Fishing, July 16 and July 30
Looking to learn more about the fish found in Detroit River and how to fish? In this catch and release fishing program, participants will be introduced to the parts of a fish and how to identify fish. Equipment, bait and instruction will be provided; beginners are welcome! Included with the price of admission, but preregistration is required.
- Nature education programs for kids
Check out Cub Club, for ages 3-6, July 23. This month, we’ll learn what makes an animal a fish, with a focus on fish of the Detroit River. For our July 30 Young Explorers session, for kids ages 7-10, we’ll learn about some of the common Detroit River fish species, then try our luck on the river. These programs are included with admission, but preregistration is required.
- Live animal programs
Find out what makes reptiles and amphibians so cool, get up close and personal with many of these creatures, during Live Michigan Reptiles and Amphibians with Nature Discovery, July 15 and July 16. Leslie Science and Nature Center will bring two live animal presentations to the OAC July 23. In Walking up a Food Chain, we’ll construct a live food chain as we meet different animals. Hunters of the Sky will feature three engaging raptors and hands-on explorations of feathers, skulls and other bird parts.
July will also offer opportunities to learn about Michigan camping, the story of Vernor’s ginger ale in Detroit and more. See everything that’s coming up on the OAC events calendar. |
 Looking for a fun outdoor fitness experience? Check out stand-up paddleboard yoga or PaddleFit – combining intervals of paddling and various types of exercises for a great nonimpact core muscle workout – at a state park. No stand-up paddleboard or yoga experience needed. July classes are scheduled at the following locations.
Island Lake Recreation Area in Brighton:
Pinckney Recreation Area in Pinckney:
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Spend a fun afternoon outdoors with Pheasant Friday, July 8 at Sterling State Park in Monroe and July 15 at Seven Lakes State Park in Holly. Emphasizing firearm safety and Pheasants Forever’s efforts to restore pheasant habitat, these events offer the opportunity to shoot a BB gun in a safe environment with expert instruction. There also will be hands-on activities to learn about grasslands and birds, butterflies and other pollinators that support healthy wildlife habitat. |
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Whether you are looking to get started researching your family history or you are already deep into genealogy, the Barbara J. Brown Family History Seminar – at the Archives of Michigan in Lansing July 8-9 – is for you. Held each summer, the seminar promotes family history awareness and teaches genealogy research skills. This year’s featured speaker is Dr. David McDonald, CG, a professional genealogist with more than 45 years’ research experience. Registration deadline is July 6. |
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