Improvements at state parks continue; temporary closures in place

With summer just around the corner, exciting improvements continue to take shape in many state parks across Michigan. A $273 million boost in federal American Rescue Plan relief funding was approved by the Michigan Legislature and has enabled the DNR to tackle a decades-long backlog of state parks, recreation and trail system infrastructure and rehabilitation needs. The funding, secured through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and aligned with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Building Michigan Together Plan, will also support the construction of a new state park in Flint (Genesee County). Altogether, the ARPA funding includes the initial $250 million allocated in March 2022 – $219.8 million for state parks program repair/rehabilitation needs and $30.2 million for the new state park in Flint – plus an additional $23 million allocated in August 2023 for Belle Isle Park rehabilitation. These much-needed enhancements will require temporary closures during construction, but the upgraded facilities will create better park experiences for everyone now and in the future. “Although you may see shovels in the ground across many locations, there’s still plenty of outdoor adventure to be found,” said Ron Olson, chief of the DNR’s Parks and Recreation Division. “With 100-plus state parks, 140 state forest campgrounds, more than a thousand boating access sites, historic sites and much more, there is no shortage of outdoor places to explore and enjoy this summer.” Olson also noted that other ARPA-funded projects will start this fall and into 2025.

Current ARPA-funded closures

To install full-hookup sites and repave the roads at Algonac State Park (St. Clair County), the park’s day-use area is closed through early fall and the modern campground is closed through spring 2025. These projects and others are made possible thanks to a proposed $4.1 million in federal relief funding.

The Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory and outdoor gardens in Belle Isle Park (Wayne County) have been closed since November 2022 to revitalize the upper 60 feet of the 80-foot-tall conservatory dome in one of the nation’s oldest turn-of-the-century glass houses still in existence. Both locations are anticipated to reopen in fall 2024. Additionally, the casino is closed through at least the end of the year for accessibility improvements. These projects and others are made possible thanks to a proposed $27.75 million in federal relief funding.

The furnace complex at Fayette State Park’s (Delta County) historic townsite is undergoing structural upgrades. The furnace complex will be closed to visitors during construction, which will likely take place throughout the entire summer. A proposed $6 million in federal relief made these renovations and others possible.

Fort Custer Recreation Area’s (Kalamazoo County) modern campground is closed through July 31 to replace both toilet and shower buildings and install new underground electrical conductors, site pedestals and distribution panels in the west loop. All other park facilities will remain open. A proposed $3 million in federal relief made these renovations and others possible.

To upgrade the park’s water and sewer system and beach house toilet building, Interlochen State Park’s (Grand Traverse County) modern campground and day-use area east of J. Maddy Parkway, including the swim beach, park store, roads and trails, are closed this summer. A proposed $3.57 million in federal relief funding made these and other renovations possible.

To update roads and sidewalks, beach parking lots and restrooms, several closures will occur on varying timelines at Island Lake Recreation Area (Livingston County). The road east of Kent Lake beach and the Bluebird and Hickory shelters are now closed through October. Kent Lake beach and Trout Lake, Kent Lake Dam and the Hickory Ridge Trail parking will close Aug. 8 through October. Other park areas will close this fall, including the park entrance, which will close to vehicular traffic Sept. 16 through October. Trails will remain open throughout construction and can be accessed by various nonmotorized park entrances. A proposed $2.95 million in federal relief made these renovations and others possible.

Due to paving and electrical, water and sewer improvements, Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area’s (Lapeer County) day-use area and modern campground are temporarily closed. The day-use area and boating access site are slated to reopen this month (around June 15) and the modern campground and overnight lodging options are set to reopen in April 2025. A proposed $5.91 million in federal relief funding made these and other renovations possible.

A new toilet and shower building is under construction in Muskallonge State Park’s (Luce County) modern campground. As a result, campground section 3 is closed. Completion is slated for late summer. A proposed $3.275 million in federal relief funding made these and other renovations possible.

To upgrade roads, water and sewer lines, electrical and the sanitation station, Port Crescent State Park’s (Huron County) modern campground and overnight lodging accommodations are closed for the 2024 season. A proposed $4.95 million in federal relief funding made these and other renovations possible.

To pave park roads and the parking lot and update the pavilion in Rifle River Recreation Area (Ogemaw County), the day-use area and pavilion are closed through June 15. A proposed $2.91 million in federal relief funding made these and other renovations possible.

Due to road paving and electrical improvements throughout the park, Seven Lake State Park’s (Oakland County) day-use area is closed Monday through Friday for much of the season and the modern campground is closed through Oct. 31. A proposed $3.1 million in federal relief funding made these and other renovations possible.

To replace the toilet and shower building in Tahquamenon Falls State Park’s (Chippewa County) Lower Falls modern campground, the Hemlock loop is closed through at least July 1. A proposed $4.3 million in federal relief funding made these and future renovations possible.

To update electrical, sewer, park roads and the fishing pier in Yankee Springs Recreation Area (Barry County), the beach house, picnic shelters and Gun Lake campground have closed for the season. The majority of the day-use area, main park road and boating access site will remain open (except when construction work prohibits safe access). A proposed $5.5 million in federal relief funding made these and other renovations possible.

To fix drainage issues, build new toilet and shower buildings and replace old sewer pumps in Young State Park (Charlevoix County), the Spruce campground will close through late summer. A proposed $2.82 million in federal relief funding made these renovations and others possible.

Additional ARPA and closure information

To learn about the status of ARPA-funded projects and to view an interactive map identifying proposed project locations and status of those projects, visit Michigan.gov/StateParksProgress.

Check Michigan.gov/DNRClosures for the latest updates on park improvements, estimated closure dates and other details. Visitors will also find notices on other enhancements taking place this summer and into the fall.

Questions on the projects? Contact Kristen Bennett, development unit manager for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division, at 248-431-1265 or BennettK@Michigan.gov.

Free fishing, off-roading and state park entry – enjoy it all during Michigan’s ‘Three Free’ Weekend June 8-9

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources encourages everyone to take advantage of “Three Free” Weekend – Saturday, June 8, and Sunday, June 9. It’s two full days when Michigan residents and out-of-state visitors can grab a fishing rod, ride the off-road trails and visit state parks, boating access sites and other outdoor locations — all free of charge. “We’re excited to celebrate ‘Three Free’ Weekend, a time when everyone gets to enjoy and take part in some of Michigan’s best outdoor recreation opportunities: fishing, off-roading and exploring Michigan’s award-winning state parks,” said DNR Director Scott Bowen. “Whether you’re an avid outdoors-person or someone just discovering all that our beautiful state offers, ‘Three Free’ weekends make it easy to visit a new park, try a new nature experience or spend time with friends and family in a place you love.”

These two days include: Free Fishing Weekend. Fish for all in-season species, all weekend long, without a license. All other fishing regulations apply. To get more details or find a local event, visit Michigan.gov/FreeFishing. Free ORV Weekend. Legally ride 4,000 miles of state-designated routes and trails and the state’s six scramble areas without purchasing an ORV license or trail permit. Visit Michigan.gov/ORVinfo for the latest ORV trail, safety and closure information. Waiver of the Recreation Passport. To encourage people to pursue free fishing and other outdoor fun, the DNR waives the regular Recreation Passport fee that grants vehicle access to Michigan’s 103 state parks, 1,000-plus state-managed boating access sites and many other outdoor spaces. Learn more about Passport benefits at Michigan.gov/RecreationPassport. Free Fishing and Free ORV weekends each take place on back-to-back days twice a year, but the “Three Free” Weekend happens only in June.

Protect yourself and the outdoors

For the best outdoor experiences, the DNR urges everyone to put safety first when enjoying Michigan’s woods, water and trails. Helpful safety tips – for ORV, boating, beach, fire and other topics – are available at Michigan.gov/DNREducation in the Safety Information section. Please pay special attention to fire safety at Michigan.gov/PreventWildfires. Trail users can do their part for invasive species prevention by removing dirt and debris from shoes, gear and vehicles before heading to the next location. Other easy ways to help include committing to Ride Right and following simple trail etiquette. Boaters can help prevent the spread of invasive species by removing mud and debris from all surfaces, draining water from all bilges, wells and tanks, and drying all equipment before transporting boats over land. The DNR also encourages anglers to review fishing safety tips and other helpful information at Michigan.gov/HowToFish. Additionally, the DNR encourages everyone to #RecreateResponsibly. Before you head out on the trails or water, visit our Recreate Responsibly webpage to learn more about how you can stay safe and protect the health and beauty of our great state.

Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Caption information follows.

• Fish: Fish for all in-season species, all weekend long, without a license. All other fishing regulations apply. To get more details or find a local event, visit Michigan.gov/FreeFishing.
• ORV: Residents and out-of-state visitors can legally ride Michigan’s 4,000 miles of off-road vehicle trails and routes and the state’s six scramble areas on two back-to-back days without an ORV license or trail permit. Get more details at Free ORV Weekend.

As fall field-trip registration gets underway for Nature Awaits – the Michigan Department of Natural Resources program aimed at getting more fourth graders into state parks for fun and learning in the great outdoors – here’s more on the program, why we do it, and what teachers and students can expect!

Please read on, and for further questions email DNR-NatureAwaits@Michigan.gov.

• Fall registration now open
• What to expect on a field trip
• More opportunities to enhance environmental literacy
• Love outdoor learning? Join our team
• Investing in nature advocacy, one student at a time

Fall registration now open

Fall registration is now open for Nature Awaits, an education initiative that allows fourth grade classrooms to visit a state park on a free field trip. Educators can choose from 30 state parks throughout Michigan, with transportation costs for public schools reimbursed up to $1,000. Trained DNR educators lead participants through 90 minutes of student-centered activities – aligned with state curriculum standards and spanning a variety of subjects such as science, language arts, social studies and physical education – during an interactive hike. “Nature Awaits really exemplifies the main goals of the DNR,” said DNR education services manager Kevin Frailey. “It reaches students with factual science, promotes the understanding that Michigan’s natural resources belong to them, and actually gets them outside and experiencing nature in a fulfilling way.” Almost 8,000 students participated in the program in spring 2024, with the most popular locations being Waterloo State Recreation Area in Jackson and Washtenaw counties, Belle Isle Park in Wayne County and Sleepy Hollow State Park in Clinton County. Fall trips will begin in September and run through November. To learn more about the program and to register, visit Michigan.gov/NatureAwaits.

What to expect on a field trip

Michigan is home to 104 state parks, with 30 of those parks hosting Nature Awaits programs this fall. Each park offers students a unique opportunity to explore, connect with and learn about nature. “We want Michigan fourth graders to be fluent in environmental literacy, and that starts by giving them the tools they need to think critically about nature and the outdoors,” said Nature Awaits coordinator Katie McGlashen. “Someday these kids will be the ones charged with caring for Michigan’s environment. Without opportunities to explore our natural world, to interact with plants and animals or engage in outdoor activities, it is far less likely they’ll become lifelong advocates for these amazing resources.” With that in mind, here are some suggestions to prepare for your Nature Awaits experience. Students Trained DNR educators will ensure that your whole group stays together and safe. You will be encouraged to be curious. Make sure you ask questions and investigate your surroundings. You will have lots of opportunities to explore the park during your interactive hike and share your observations. Educators Check your emailed receipt attachment for information about parking, pavilion lunch space, drinking water and other important details. The receipt also has contact information for your Nature Awaits educator. Review the lesson plans and activities provided for free as part of the Nature Awaits program. Public school teachers should complete the survey at the end of the program to receive their transportation reimbursement for the trip. Parents Check the weather with your student the day before the field trip. Dressing for the weather is important for outdoor learning, and students who are cold, wet or unprepared have a difficult time learning to the best of their abilities. Prepare for the possibility of insects or sun exposure. In Michigan, you’re never more than a half-hour away from a state park, state forest campground or state trail system. Be sure to take advantage of the one-time park pass that your student will receive at the conclusion of their Nature Awaits program. Learn more about our parks at Michigan.gov/StateParks.

More opportunities to enhance environmental literacy

Here are some of the other programs the DNR and our partners offer that help get kids and educators outside and exploring. Salmon in the Classroom: This program allows hundreds of third through 12th grade classrooms across the state to raise, learn from and release young Chinook salmon in approved waterways. Academy of Natural Resources: The Academy of Natural Resources helps educators learn about Michigan’s diverse natural resources, discover current trends in their management and experience activities that bring knowledge to the classroom. Weeklong programs at two locations qualify for state continuing education clock hours, or SCECH. ANR registration is open right now! If you know an educator seeking inspiration for nature/science-based learning, visit Michigan.gov/ANR to sign up for ANR Classic (July 7-12) or ANR North (Aug. 4-9). MiSTEM Network: MiSTEM convenes a statewide network of leaders in education, business and local communities to empower the next generation of innovators, working together to prepare learners for the vital, high-demand careers of the future in science, technology, engineering and math. Michigan Green Schools: The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s Michigan Green Schools Program supports and celebrates the achievements of pre-K/K-12 schools in protecting the state’s air, land, water and ecosystems through their commitments to environmental education and stewardship actions.

Love outdoor learning? Join our team

From employment opportunities to free programming for state park visitors, there are many ways to join our team and experience Michigan’s outdoors. Nature Awaits educators If you or someone you know is interested in working with the DNR, outdoor education programs like Nature Awaits are a great way to get involved. Educators are based out of select state parks or visitor centers and travel in provided vehicles to fourth grade field trip sites. Starting pay is $15 per hour. Positions offer flexible scheduling, with eight to 29 hours per week. School-year-only positions available. Apply to be a Nature Awaits educator. Explorer guides Explorer guides spend the summer taking visitors on guided hikes, teaching kids and families how to fish, educating people about plants, trees and wildlife and sharing the beauty of Michigan’s state parks system. “In 2023, our guides connected with more than 72,000 visitors, and this year we look forward to seeing returning visitors and plenty of new faces,” said explorer guide program coordinator Shaun McKeon. See what’s happening in nature this week! Check out an explorer program near you.

Investing in nature advocacy, one student at a time

Nature Awaits was made possible thanks to $4 million included in Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Fiscal Year 2024 budget to establish the program. It was a huge boost toward ensuring that many more kids, no matter where in the state they live, have the opportunity to discover the outdoors up close and with expert guidance.

“Every Michigander deserves a chance to form a special bond with Michigan,” said Whitmer. “That’s why I first proposed Nature Awaits in my 2023 budget, and I’m so proud that we got it done to offer every 4th grader a free field trip to a Michigan state park.

“We live in one of the most beautiful places in the world, and this incredible program helps every person who calls it home form a deep, lasting connection to Michigan. From our lakes both Great and small to our millions of acres of forest, thousands of miles of coastline, and towering sand dunes, Michigan’s Nature Awaits.”

Fisheries, trails, parks and more: June meetings welcome public participation, comments

The Department of Natural Resources is committed to providing Michigan residents the opportunity to share input and ideas on policy decisions, programs and other aspects of natural resource management and outdoor recreation opportunities.

One important avenue for this input is at meetings of the public bodies that advise the DNR and, in some cases, also set policies for natural and cultural resource management. Frequently check the DNR boards, commissions, committees and councils webpage for updates.

The links below will take you to the webpage for each group, where you will find meeting details such as location and agenda (when finalized). Please check these pages often, as meeting details may change and sometimes meetings are canceled.

June meetings

• Belle Isle Park Advisory Committee – Thursday, June 20, 9 a.m. (Contact: Barbara Graves, 517-284-6135).
• Coldwater Resources Steering Committee – Wednesday, June 12, 10:30 a.m. (Contact: Addie Myers, 989-778-0389).
• Eastern Upper Peninsula Citizens’ Advisory Council – Wednesday, June 5, 6 p.m. EDT (Contact: Stacy Welling Haughey, 906-226-1331).
• Equine Trails Subcommittee – Wednesday, June 12, 1 p.m. (Contact: Anna Centofanti, 517-331-6219).
• Michigan Historical Commission – Thursday, June 13, 10 a.m. (Contact: Michelle Davis, 517-331-7374).
• Michigan Iron Industry Museum Advisory Board – Tuesday, June 11, 3 p.m. (Contact: Troy Henderson, 906-475-7857).
• Michigan Natural Resources Commission – Thursday, June 13, 9:30 a.m. (Contact: NRC@Michigan.gov).
• Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board – Wednesday, June 12, 9 a.m. (Contact: Jon Mayes, 517-284-5954).
• Michigan State Parks Advisory Committee – Thursday, June 13: (tour) 10 a.m.; (meeting) 12:15 p.m. (Contact: Barbara Graves, 517-284-6135).
• Michigan State Waterways Commission – (tour) Wednesday, June 26, 1 p.m.; (meeting) Thursday, June 27, 9 a.m. (Contact: Michelle Wieber, 517-285-0747).
• Timber and Forest Products Advisory Council – Friday, June 28, 10 a.m. (Contact: Kimberley Korbecki, 517-582-3204).
• Tribal Co-management Citizens Fishery Advisory Committee – Monday, June 24, 6:30 p.m. (Contact: David Caroffino, 231-350-8654).