Here are a few ways to 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.
 Registration is open for the 2021 Barbara J. Brown Family History Seminar, which will be held virtually via Zoom July 9-10.
This annual event, hosted by the Archives of Michigan and the Michigan Genealogical Council, promotes family history awareness and teaches genealogical research skills.
This year’s featured speaker is Judy G. Russell, JD, CG, CGL, “The Legal Genealogist.” A lawyer by trade, Russell writes, teaches and lectures on a variety of genealogical topics, ranging from using court records in family history to understanding DNA testing.
See the full program schedule with session descriptions and presenter bios.
Registration is $45 and includes access to all sessions and a downloadable syllabus. Register for the seminar before Wednesday, July 7. |
 The DNR Outdoor Adventure Center in Detroit is thrilled to announce its reopening July 16!
Join the OAC for its first days of indoor operations since March 2020 with Adventure Days, July 16-18. There will be activities inside and outside throughout the reopening weekend. A daily schedule of events will be posted soon.
Other OAC programs in July include:
- July 10 – Mammal Investigations (outdoor program). Learn how wildlife biologists use signs that mammals leave behind (scat and tracks) to identify them, then put your skills to work on a fun scavenger hunt.
- July 22 – Meet Your State Parks: Sit Back and Relax (virtual program). Take a virtual trip to some of Michigan’s state parks and learn about what you can enjoy there.
- July 29 – Thrilling Thursdays: Meet the New OAC Crew in the Critter Room! Our monthly, family-friendly evening of fun is back, with free admission from 6 to 8 p.m. Educators will be in the Critter Room to interact with guests and answer questions about our newest reptile, amphibian and fish team members.
- July 30 – Friend Fridays: Paddle Boarding (outdoor program). Bring your friends for an introduction to stand-up paddle boarding and an evening on the beautiful beach of Belle Isle.
- July 31 – Explore the Outdoors, Discover Your Way (outdoor program). A guided hike through Milliken State Park and along the Detroit River, with opportunities to put your senses and creativity to work through photography, drawing or writing.
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 Learn more about Michigan’s stories with the Michigan History Center’s online and in-person events in July.
The Walker Wheels Base Ball Club – a team that plays baseball the way it was played in the 1860s, when the game was still new and spelled as two words – is back in action at Cambridge Junction Historic State Park in Brooklyn this summer.
The Wheels will play the Royal Oak Wahoos at 2 p.m. July 11 and the Detroit Early Risers at 1 p.m. July 31. See the complete 2021 home schedule.
The games are free of charge; a Recreation Passport is required for park entry.
Enjoy a leisurely guided bike tour on the Iron Ore Heritage Trail, courtesy of the Michigan Iron Industry Museum in Negaunee, starting at 9 a.m. July 23.
You’ll travel approximately 15 miles as you go from the Michigan Iron Industry Museum to Ishpeming and then back again. Stops along the way include the Jackson Mine and Old Town Negaunee.
Cost is $25, which includes the tour, lunch and handouts. The registration deadline is July 19. Download the 2021 Iron Ore Heritage Bike Tour registration form.
The bike tour also will be held Aug. 6 and 13.
A free weekly virtual lecture series exploring the Upper Peninsula’s intriguing history will be presented on the Michigan Iron Industry Museum Facebook page (Facebook account not required). Programs begin at 2 p.m. July lectures include:
- July 13: Michigan Black Bears, presented by Gary Willis, Michigan DNR forester.
- July 20: Empire Mine Cascade Range, presented by Allan Koski, author, and Ali Fulsher, editor. There also will be an in-person book signing at the museum from 1 to 3 p.m. July 21.
- July 27: Architecture of Northern Michigan University, presented by Daniel Truckey, director of the Beaumier Heritage Center at NMU.
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 Several state parks will host introductory classes to help newcomers get started with turkey hunting, pheasant hunting and archery.
Archery 101
This introductory archery course, suitable for ages 5 and up, will consist of a brief educational portion, a “get to know your bow” segment and some active target shooting practice.
Pheasant Friday
Join representatives from Pheasants Forever and learn about firearm safety and this organization’s effort to restore pheasant habitat. Participants will get a hands-on opportunity to shoot a BB gun with expert instruction in a safe environment and to take part in activities to learn about grasslands and pollinators.
Intro to Turkey Hunting Clinic
This “A to Z” class, in partnership with the National Wild Turkey Federation, will cover everything you need to know to get started hunting wild turkeys, including how to find a location, scouting, calling and gear. There also will be an intro to BB gun shooting, with top shooter awards handed out at the end.
BB Gun Shoot
Join us as we team up with the National Wild Turkey Federation for this intro to BB gun shooting class. Top shooter awards will be handed out at the end.
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Enjoy coffee and homemade donuts while learning basic birdwatching skills during the first Birdwatching, Donuts and Coffee event at the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center in Roscommon July 2. Use your newfound birdwatching skills on a short, guided hike through the RAM Center’s trails. |
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We’re halfway through the DNR’s 100th anniversary year, but there’s plenty of time left to check out our “100 ways to celebrate” and try your favorite centennial-inspired activities. The list offers ways to explore and enjoy Michigan’s natural and cultural resources in every season and for all skills, abilities and interests. |
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