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June 29, 2016
Contact: Kelly Somero, 906-353-6558
From Fourth of July events to traditional bike parades, games and classes, Michigan state parks in the western Upper Peninsula offer an array of activities this July, all of which can be enjoyed by day-use visitors and campers spending the night in the park. Check out some upcoming July events:
Fourth of July events
Independence Day is a time to relax, spend time with loved ones and honor those who have served our country. In addition to camping reservations in select state parks during this year's Fireworks-Free Fourth of July, families and friends are invited to celebrate the holiday weekend with these fun, all-ages activities:
Bike parade at Lake Gogebic State Park (Gogebic County) Sunday, July 3
Celebrate Independence Day starting at 10 a.m. with a parade in the park. Participants are encouraged to bring festive decorations or attire and walk or bike in the parade. For more information, call 906-842-3341.
Evening boat parade at Twin Lakes State Park (Houghton County) Sunday, July 3
Light up and decorate your boat for a lighted boat parade on Lake Gerald beginning at 10:30 a.m. If you don’t own a boat, bring a lawn chair and watch this nighttime parade. For more information, call 906-288-3321.
 Fourth of July festivities at Baraga State Park (Baraga County) Monday, July 4
Celebrate Independence Day beginning at 9 a.m. with fun festivities, including a children's bike parade, a water balloon toss and three-legged and potato sack races. For more information, call 906-353-6558 or visit www.facebook.com/BaragaStatePark.
Fourth of July festivities at Wells State Park (Menominee County) Monday, July 4
Families and friends are invited to take part in Fourth of July festivities starting at noon, including a bike parade, games for the kids and an ice cream social, as well as bird house building with the Friends of J.W. Wells State Park. For more information, call 906-863-9747.
Fourth of July parade and picnic at Twin Lakes State Park (Houghton County) Monday, July 4
Celebrate the holiday beginning at noon with a children’s parade and complimentary hot dogs, pop, chips and ice cream located in the day-use area. Please RSVP by calling 906-288-3321 so each child is guaranteed a prize. For more information, call 906-288-3321.
Fourth of July Jubilation at Van Riper State Park (Marquette County) Monday, July 4
Celebrate red, white and blue at the park with fun, educational, patriotic programs, as well as a bike parade and minnow races. For more information and event times, call 906-339-4461.
General park events
Bounce House at Wells State Park (Menominee County) Saturday, July 9
Families and friends can enjoy a bounce house in the campground next to the campground host site at noon. Age and weight restrictions may apply and a parent's or guardian’s signature is required for participation. For more information, call 906-863- 9747.
Make a Kubb game with Dave Rasmussen at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park (Ontonagon County) Saturday, July 9
Make a complete set of game pieces for the Scandinavian game of Kubb, as well as learning a little history of the game and how to play. Class will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is a family activity open to all ages and skill levels. The class is $70 and the registration deadline is June 25. To register, visit www.porkies.org/folk-school, call 906-884-7663 or email friendsoftheporkies@yahoo.com.
Kayaking 101 & 202 at Baraga State Park (Baraga County) Saturday, July 16
Learn the basics of kayaking and try it out on the Keweenaw Bay. Intermediate-level paddlers will paddle to the sloughs for a wetlands program. Kayaking 101 is open from 9 a.m. to noon and the Kayaking 202 session is from 1 to 3 p.m. Kayaks and life jackets will be provided. Children 10 and younger must be accompanied by an adult and personal flotation devices must be worn at all times. Please pre-register for Kayaking 202 by calling the park at 906-353-6558. For more information, contact the park or visit www.facebook.com/BaragaStatePark.
Christmas in July at Wells State Park (Menominee County) Friday, July 22, and Saturday, July 23
It's Christmas in July at the park. Get in the holiday spirit with a visit from Santa and free holiday crafts and hot chocolate. Join in other festive park activities, including caroling, Christmas-themed campsite decorating and birdhouse building. For more information and event times, call 906-863-9747.
Letting Loose with Watercolors I and II with Donna Lenard at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park (Ontonagon County) Saturday, July 23
Students are encouraged to explore this medium by letting watercolors help create three small paintings per class. Classes are from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. The cost is $55 for each class or $93 for both classes. The registration deadline is July 18. Register online at www.porkies.org/folk-school, call 906-884-7663 or email friendsoftheporkies@yahoo.com.
Beach Art Mirror Frame at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park (Ontonagon County) Saturday, July 30
Students will assemble a lovely pine mirror frame and then decorate with natural treasures from the area, including stones, fossils, sea glass and more. Students are encouraged to find and bring their own special natural treasures, but the instructors will provide plenty of extras. Class is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The class is $36 and the registration deadline is July 18. Register online at www.porkies.org/folk-school, call 906-884-7663 or email friendsoftheporkies@yahoo.com.
Christmas in July at Baraga State Park (Baraga County) Friday, July 29, and Saturday, July 30
Get in the holiday spirit on this festive park weekend. Activities include a bike parade, games, prizes, crafts,  campsite decorating and photos with Santa. The event is open to the public, with the exception of the campsite decorating contest, which is for registered campers only. For more information and event times, call 906-353-6558 or visit www.facebook.com/BaragaStatePark.
Fort Wilkins' Battery D, 1st Michigan Light Artillery Civil War encampment at Fort Wilkins Historic State Park (Keweenaw County) Friday, July 29, through Sunday, July 31
Experience Civil War Army life during the Battery D Civil War encampment. Demonstrations include Civil War medical and undertaking procedures, drills and skits throughout the weekend. For more information and event times, call 906-289-4215.
Invasive Species Awareness Week events
Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week takes place July 1-10. Please remember to “Clean, Drain, Dry, Dispose” and “Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers!”
Aquatic Invasive Species Landing Blitz at Greenwood Reservoir, hosted by Van Riper State Park (Marquette County) Wednesday, July 6
Join the Department of Natural Resources and Central Upper Peninsula Cooperative Weed Management Area staff for this special event during Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week. The Landing Blitz is a collaborative outreach campaign to raise awareness about preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species through recreational boating and related activities. Staff will be available at the Greenwood Reservoir boating access site in Marquette County from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, contact Van Riper State Park at 906-339-4461 or CUPCWMA at 906-226-8871.
 Aquatic Invasive Species Landing Blitz at Hoist Basin, hosted by Van Riper State Park (Marquette County) Friday, July 8
Join the DNR, Central Upper Peninsula Cooperative Weed Management Area, and Upper Peninsula Power Company staff to raise awareness about preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species through recreational boating and related activities. Staff will be available at the Hoist Basin boating access site in Marquette County from 1 to 5 p.m. For more information, contact Van Riper State Park at 906-339-4461 or CUPCWMA at 906-226-8871.
For more information about these and other events, visit the online calendar of events at www.michigan.gov/gogetoutdoors, call the individual park, or contact Kelly Somero at somerok@michigan.gov or 906-353-6558.
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, 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 to Michigan state parks and recreation areas. Learn more about how the Recreation Passport gains you access to Michigan state parks and more at www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport.
/Editors’ note: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Suggested captions follow.
BatteryD_Encampment: Parkgoers have the opportunity to experience what army life was like during the Civil War with demonstrations, displays and more.
Parade: Fourth of July parades in the state parks give children the opportunity to decorate with festive attire while honoring our veterans.
Baraga_Kayaking: State parks and recreation areas in Michigan offer various introductory recreational classes, such as kayaking shown at Baraga State Park./
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