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May 31, 2016
Contact: Melanie Brand, 906-339-4461 or Kelly Somero, 906-353-6558
Take in some fresh spring air this June with events in Michigan's Upper Peninsula
Spend time in the great outdoors and enjoy the weather with fun activities for all ages. Michigan state parks in the Upper Peninsula have plenty of events for people to do just that. The Department of Natural Resources recently shared a list of some of the upcoming June programs:
Make a Greenland Paddle with Dave Rasmussen at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park (Ontonagon County) Friday, June 3 and Saturday, June 4:
Learn the history of the Greenland kayak paddle and then use power and hand tools to shape and finish your own paddle. The class costs $57. Register online at www.porkies.org/folk-school, call 906-884-7663 or email friendsoftheporkies@yahoo.com.
Container Gardening with Marilyn Knuteson at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park (Ontonagon County) Saturday, June 11:
Join instructor Marilyn Knuteson to learn the value of both native and greenhouse plants as a food source for pollinators. The class will focus on the basics of native versus greenhouse plants, soil structure, seeds, pollination and more. The class will cost $52 if the student provides a planter and $77 if the instructor provides the planter. Participants must register by Saturday, June 4. Register online at www.porkies.org/folk-school, call 906-884-7663 or email friendsoftheporkies@yahoo.com.
Christmas in June at Fayette Historic State Park (Delta County) Saturday, June 18:
Families and friends are invited to celebrate Christmas in June with fun outdoor games, children’s projects, a bounce house, a hot dog concession and more. Campers are encouraged to decorate their campsites with festive décor. For more information, contact the park at 906-644-2603.
Crafty Campers Arts and Crafts Sale at J.W. Wells State Park (Menominee County) Saturday, June 18:
Registered campers are invited to showcase their arts and crafts talents by selling handmade items in the park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. To be listed in the map of crafters, please call the park in advance and provide a campsite number and the type of items for sale. For more information, call 906-863-9747.
Silk Scarf Painting, Hand Forged Copper Bracelet, and Needle Felting Critters at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park (Ontonagon County) Saturday, June 18:
Showcase arts and crafts talents with a day in the park taking part in activities including silk scarf painting, hand-forged copper bracelet making and needle felting critters. More information including class costs, times and instructors can be found at www.michigan.gov/gogetoutdoors. Participants may take individual classes or take all three classes offered for a total cost of $90. Please register online at www.porkies.org/folk-school, call 906-884-7663 or email friendsoftheporkies@yahoo.com by Monday, June 13.
Summer Solstice Celebration at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park (Ontonagon County) Monday, June 20:
Celebrate the longest day of the year with fun activities in the park from 7 to 9 p.m. Families and friends can take part in Kubb (a Scandinavian lawn game), a fire ceremony including poetry and group singing, a snake dance, a presentation on the astronomical explanation of solstice and the Ilon Kaiki in concert, including a short Kantele concert. For more information, visit www.porkies.org/folk-school, call 906-884-7663 or email friendsoftheporkies@yahoo.com.
Total Woman in the Outdoors at Bewabic State Park (Iron County) Tuesday, June 21:
Join the DNR and partners at Aspirus Iron River Hospital in this growing event to experience many different ways for women to enjoy the outdoors. Activities include kayaking, outdoor cooking, fishing, photography, GPS, outdoor survival and more. Please register through Aspirus Iron River Hospital by calling 906-265-0477. For more information, call 906-875-3324.
Copper Wrapped Bead Pendant with Heidi Bukoski at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park (Ontonagon County) Saturday, June 25:
Show off your arts and crafts talents by learning the art of wire weaving and wrapping around a pendant. Students will learn how to make a bail, finish the ends of a piece and how to make gorgeous felt beads. The class costs $88 and participants must register by Saturday, June 18. Register online at www.porkies.org/folk-school, call 906-884-7663 or email friendsoftheporkies@yahoo.com.
Needle-Felted Eastern Bluebird with Heidi Bukoski at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park (Ontonagon County) Sunday, June 26:
Students will create a life-like eastern bluebird entirely out of wool. This project is an excellent opportunity to learn or perfect the art of sculpting with a felting needle. The class costs $83 and participants must register by Saturday, June 18. Register online at www.porkies.org/folk-school, call 906-884-7663 or email friendsoftheporkies@yahoo.com.
Free ORV Weekend:
 Off-road enthusiasts are invited to explore more than 3,800 miles of designated ORV trails. During the weekends of June 11-12 and Aug. 20-21, Michigan residents and nonresidents can legally ride DNR-designated routes and trails, including Silver Lake State Park, without purchasing an ORV license or trail permit. For more information on ORV riding in Michigan, visit www.michigan.gov/orvinfo.
SPORT ORV Ride at Bewabic State Park (Iron County) Saturday, June 11:
Riders are invited to spend the morning celebrating Free ORV Weekend starting at 9 a.m. by exploring the trails. After riding, food will be provided in the park's day-use area. For more information, contact the park at 906-875-3324.
SPORT ORV Ride at Twin Lakes State Park (Houghton County) Saturday, June 11:
Celebrate Free ORV Weekend and the 5th Annual State Park Off-Road Trek. Enjoy coffee and treats with MI-TRALE from 8 to 9 a.m., then join in an ORV ride on the trails. Riders are free to ride at their own pace and explore more than 300 miles of local designated trails. For more information, contact the park at 906-288-3321.
SPORT ORV Ride at Muskallonge State Park (Luce County) Saturday, June 11:
The DNR and Snowmobile & ORV Association of Alger County will host a guided ride from the park to Paradise. Participants will meet at 9 a.m. in the day-use area and hit the trails at 9:30 a.m. For more information, contact the park at 906-658-3338. For more information, contact the park at 906-658-3338.
All Weekend! As part of the 5th annual State Park Off Road Trek (SPORT) series, a number of organized rides will take place at Bewabic, Muskallonge Lake and Twin Lakes state parks. In addition, self-guided riding opportunities will take place at Baraga State Park. To learn more, call 906-875-3324 (Bewabic), 906-658-3338 (Muskallonge) or 906-288-3321 (Twin Lakes).
Free Fishing Weekend:
Michigan residents and nonresidents can fish without a license June 11-12 on both inland and Great Lakes' waters. In addition, a number of FREE special events will take place in parks and across the state. For more information and to view a list of statewide events, visit michigan.gov/freefishing.
Free Fishing Pond – Baraga County Lake Trout Festival at Baraga State Park (Baraga County) Saturday, June 11:
Join park staff at the L'Anse Waterfront Park for a free kids fishing pond. The fishing pond will be open from noon to 3 p.m. for young anglers ages 17 and under. All fishing equipment will be provided and lucky anglers get to keep what they catch. For more information, contact the park at 906-353-6558.
Youth Fishing Derby at Bewabic State Park (Iron County) Saturday, June 11:
Celebrate the park's annual Youth Fishing Derby from 8 a.m. to noon. Activities will include free fishing, games, face painting, crafts and food for the whole family. The park has poles to use and instructors on hand, including DNR fisheries staff and conservation officers. For more information, contact the park at 906-875-3324.
National Trails Day:
Michigan is home to hundreds of miles of state trails suited for outdoor enthusiasts of all abilities. Get outdoors and explore trails used for biking, hiking, equestrian and more. Find information on trails by visiting www.michigan.gov/dnrtrails.
National Trails Day Hike at Van Riper State Park (Marquette County) Saturday, June 4:
Celebrate National Trail’s day with a mile-long hike, beginning at 3 p.m., where visitors can explore trails throughout the park. It is recommended that hikers wear sensible shoes, as the terrain will vary. For more information, contact the park at 906-339-4461.
MI Big Green Gym:
The MI Big Green Gym program is a partnership among the DNR, mParks (Michigan Recreation and Park Association), Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and local fitness instructors. The goal of the program is to put the “out” back into workout by hosting fun outdoor programs like yoga, Pilates, strength training, cardio and more in parks across Michigan. This program also promotes fitness-focused events like 5Ks, sporting tournaments and bicycle rides. For more information and to view a list of statewide events, visit www.mibiggreengym.org.
Two Hearted Trail Run at Tahquamenon Falls State Park (Luce County) Saturday, June 25:
Spend the day in the park taking part in a trail race put on by Great Lakes Endurance, LLC. There will be 50K and marathon distances that begin at the park and finish at the Upper Falls. Participants can register online at www.greatlakesendurance.com. For more information, contact the park at 906-492-3415.
For more information about these and other events, visit the DNR online calendar of events at www.michigan.gov/gogetoutdoors, call individual parks, or contact Melanie Brand at 906-339-4461.
Inside Michigan’s Great Outdoors subscribers are always the first to know about reservation opportunities, state park events and other outdoor happenings. Visit www.michigan.gov/dnr to subscribe now.
To check camping availability and make a reservation, please visit www.midnrreservations.com or call 1-800-44PARKS (1-800-447-2757).
Many of these events are free to attend, but a Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry.
Learn more about how the Recreation Passport gains you access to Michigan state parks and more at www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport.
/Editors’ note: An accompanying photo is available below for download. A suggested caption follows.
Free ORV Weekend gives ORV enthusiasts a chance to explore thousands of miles of trails without an ORV license or trail permit./
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.
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