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July 29, 2016
Contact: Kelly Somero, 906-353-6558
August is full of adventure at Michigan state parks in western Upper Peninsula
 Why think “back to school” when there is still plenty of outdoor fun to be had in Michigan state parks? August is full of activities and adventure from kayaking and trail races to art classes and music festivals. The Department of Natural Resources encourages residents of the western Upper Peninsula to come out and have some summer fun.
Take a Journey: From a Northern Michigan inspired idea to a book-in-print with Brenda Havens at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park (Ontonagon County) Wednesday, Aug. 3, through Friday, Aug. 5
Turn your Porkies experience into a children’s story at this innovative writers workshop. Teen and adult writers will learn how to write a children's story in this three-day workshop. The cost of the class is $68. The class is from 1 to 3 p.m. each day. To register, go online at www.porkies.org/folk-school, call 906-884-7663 or email friendsoftheporkies@yahoo.com.
Turkey Talk with the National Wild Turkey Federation at Van Riper State Park (Marquette County) Monday, Aug. 8
The Superior Turkey Trackers Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation will present Turkey Monday from 1 to 7 p.m. From 1 to 4 p.m. there will be a BB gun range and then at 6 p.m. a short presentation on learning to hunt wild turkeys. The event will take place in the park's campground at site #45. For more information, call 906-339-4461.
Russian Leaf Bead Weaving with Jenny Schu at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park (Ontonagon County) Friday, Aug. 19, through Sunday, Aug. 21
The Russian leaf stitch is used as an element in many different kinds of jewelry and art pieces. In this class, Schu will demonstrate her jewelry pieces and leaf panels combined with other stitched and fiber designs. The cost of the class is $320, not including materials purchased from the instructor. The class takes place from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day and lunch is provided. To register, go online at www.porkies.org/folk-school, call 906-884-7663 or email friendsoftheporkies@yahoo.com.
Recreation 101 and 202
Camping 101 at Baraga State Park (Baraga County) Saturday, Aug. 6
Experience an overnight camping event for first-time campers. The program, meant for persons with limited or no camping experience, is designed to give hands-on experience with tent camping, while learning outdoor survival, campfire cooking, tent setup, camper etiquette, outdoor first aid, fire safety and more. Preregistration is required and camping gear is limited. To preregister or get more information, contact the park at 906-353-6558 or visit the park's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BaragaStatePark. The program begins at 3 p.m.
Women’s Out-Fit Evening Kayak Adventure at Baraga State Park (Baraga County) Friday, Aug. 12
Join Baraga State Park and Baraga County Memorial Hospital at 6 p.m. for grilled fruit, refreshments and an evening kayak paddle on Keweenaw Bay. The paddle will launch from the Baraga Lakeside Inn in Baraga. Sign up early to reserve equipment or bring your own. To register, go online at www.porkies.org/folk-school, call 906-884-7663 or email friendsoftheporkies@yahoo.com.
Kayaking 101 & 202 at Baraga State Park (Baraga County) Saturday, Aug. 13
Learn the basics of kayaking from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Keweenaw Bay. Kayaks and life jackets will be provided. Intermediate-level paddlers can participate in a paddle to the sloughs for a wetlands program. Children 10 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. No preregistration necessary for Kayaking 101. Kayaking 202 will be limited. To preregister for Kayaking 202, call Baraga State Park at 906-353-6558, visit the park's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BaragaStatePark or visit www.michigan.gov/baraga.
Kayaking 101 at Lake Gogebic State Park (Gogebic County) Thursday, Aug. 18, through Sunday, Aug. 21
Learn how to kayak on the beautiful waters of Lake Gogebic as your training ground. Kayaking equipment, life jackets and beginner-level instruction will be provided. Participants must weigh 50 lbs. or more and be 18 years of age or older or accompanied by an adult. The event may be canceled or postponed due to inclement weather, high winds or small-craft advisories on Lake Gogebic. Meet at the day-use area from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For more information about the park or the event, call 906-842-3341 or visit www.michigan.gov/lakegogebic.
Kayaking 101 at Van Riper State Park (Marquette County) Saturday, Aug. 27
Learn about different kinds of kayaks, how to kayak safely and basic kayaking skills in a beginners kayak course taking place from 2 to 4 p.m. A paddle on Lake Michigamme is included. Registration is limited to the first 12 registrants and participants younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Weather conditions may cause for a cancellation. Call the park to register and check weather conditions at 906-339-4461.
Kayaking 202 at Van Riper State Park (Marquette County) Saturday, Aug. 27
Kayaking 202 is an advanced kayaking paddle for those with kayaking experience and who want to participate in a group paddle from 6 to 8 p.m. Meet at the north end of Van Riper State Park beach at 6 p.m. Registration is not limited; however, kayaks are available to the first 12 registrants who need kayaks. Participants younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Weather conditions may cause a cancellation. Call the park to register and check weather conditions at 906-339-4461.
Meteors and S’mores
Catch magnificent views of the Perseid meteor shower during "Meteor & S'mores" Aug. 10-13. Day-use visitors and campers are encouraged to bring blankets, seating, bug spray and snacks and enjoy a night of stargazing at a number of select parks. Complimentary s’mores and campfires are part of the celebration. The following programs will take place in the western Upper Peninsula:
Meteors and S’mores at Fort Wilkins Historic State Park (Keweenaw County) Wednesday, Aug. 10
Come to the Keweenaw for some stargazing and s'mores. There will be s'mores in the picnic area at 8 p.m. and stargazing in the fort from 10 p.m to midnight. For more information about the park or the event, call 906-289-4215.
Meteors and S’mores at Van Riper State Park (Marquette County) Friday, Aug. 12
At 9:30 p.m., s'mores will be provided while explorer guides talk about the night sky in the day-use area at the shelter building. Following the program, participants can join in the beach area for self-guided viewing of the spectacular meteor shower. This event is weather-dependent and will have a "rain" date of Saturday, Aug. 13. For more information about the park or the event, call 906-339-4461.
Special Events and Festivals
Aspirus Copperman Triathlon and Duathlon at Fort Wilkins Historic State Park (Keweenaw County) Saturday, Aug. 6
The Copperman Triathlon includes a half-mile swim in Lake Fanny Hooe, a 23-mile bike along the shores of Lake Superior and a 5-mile run at the tip of the beautiful Keweenaw Peninsula. Individuals and teams are welcome. To register, visit https://aspiruscopperman.wordpress.com. For more information about the park or the event, call 906-289-4215.
Finn Fest at Lake Gogebic State Park (Gogebic County) Friday, Aug. 12, and Saturday, Aug. 13
Celebrate traditional Finnish and Upper Peninsula cultures, including family games, singing and hiking. Events may be canceled or postponed due to weather. For more information about the park or the event, call 906-842-3341.
Corn Roast and Bounce House at Wells State Park (Menominee County) Saturday, Aug. 13
Nothing says summer like corn on the cob. Join the Friends of J.W. Wells State Park from 1 to 5 p.m. for their annual corn-roasting party. A bounce house will be available for kids. A $1 donation is requested for the corn. For more information about the park or the event, call 906-863-9747.
7th Annual Moosic & Arts Festival at Van Riper State Park (Marquette County) Saturday, Aug. 20
Whether coming out for the day or staying the weekend, this is sure to be a great day for the whole family. Enjoy musicians, artisans, pasties and a bounce house from 12:30 to 10 p.m. Interested musicians or vendors should call 906-339-4461.
12th Annual Porcupine Mountain Music Festival at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park (Ontonagon County) Friday, Aug. 26, to Sunday, Aug. 28
Join the Friends of the Porkies for the 12th Annual Porcupine Mountain Music Festival at the Porcupine Mountains Winter Sports Complex. The festival features two stages with music all weekend, a children's tent, activities and a hot food concession. For festival or ticket information, visit www.porkiesfestival.org. For more information about the park or the event, call 906-885-5275.
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 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 in state parks and make a reservation, please visit www.midnrreservations.com or call 1-800-44PARKS (1-800-447-2757).
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.
A number of classes, including Kayaking 101, a music festival, a corn roast and much more fun will take place in Michigan state parks in the western Upper Peninsula throughout August./
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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