To help spread the message about exploring and protecting Michigan state parks, trails and waterways, we're rolling out a new campaign to promote the Recreation Passport and Michigan's great outdoor destinations.

As one of Michigan's outdoor enthusiasts, you get an insider peek at the new campaign that will start popping up in the coming months. 

Help us spread some Michigan love! Follow @mistateparks on Instagram and share your photos by using the hashtag #miparks or #mistateparks, share this 30-second Recreation Passport video highlighting all that you can do or see and explore Michigan state parks, trails, campgrounds, historic sites or boat launches.

Michigan has "Sirius" stargazing opportunities this month. A number of Michigan state parks will stay open late for self-guided views of the night sky during International Dark Sky Week, April 22-28. Visitors should call ahead for individual park hours. Learn more at www.michigan.gov/darksky.

On that same note, the Headlands International Dark Sky Park in Mackinaw City was recently recognized for its stewardship of the night sky at the 2017 Pure Michigan Governor's Conference. It is operated by the county and has been generously funded by the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund.

The DNR is proud to partner with Ann Arbor-based Espresso Royale to bring you five custom-labeled coffees celebrating and supporting Michigan state parks, trails and waterways.  A portion of the proceeds from every bag sold will be donated back to the DNR to help preserve the places where you love to play.  

The coffee will be available for sale in many state parks, Busch’s Markets, online at www.espressoroyale.com and coming soon to your local grocery store.

When the temperatures start to cool off and the leaves begin to turn colors, many Michigan state parks play host to fall harvest festivals. Hay rides, pumpkin carving, trick-or-treating, costume contests, haunted trails and horse-drawn carriage rides are just some of the family-friendly activities. No two events are exactly the same. 

Camping reservations can be booked up to six months, which means sites are available in September and October. Learn more at michigan.gov/harvestsandhaunts.

Epic Races invites you to enjoy Michigan’s best trails and roadways with HeartMIBike Virtual Ride. Like HeartMIRun, this is an event that can be done on your own schedule. A portion of the proceeds benefits Michigan state parks.

Participants set their own goal for completing the ride on two- or three-wheeled bicycles. Participants receive a commemorative finisher's medal and an event T-shirt. 

Participants can register online through May 31. Be sure to tag #HeartMIBike on social media.  

Take a free ride! Residents and out-of-state visitors can ride DNR-designated routes and trails during this year's Free ORV Weekends June 10-11 and Aug. 19-20. Riders will not need to possess an ORV license or trail permit on these dates, saving riders up to $36.25.

Off-road enthusiasts can explore Michigan's 3,660 miles of trails and consider purchasing an ORV license or trail permit for the season. Fees generated are reinvested back into the ORV system. Learn more at www.michigan.gov/orvinfo.

In addition, the first Free ORV Weekend also lines up with the Summer Free Fishing Weekend June 10-11, when all fishing license fees will be waived. 

The DNR has awarded 16 communities along Michigan's Iron Belle Trail $350,000 in grant funding to help connect Michigan's Iron Belle Trail - the longest state-designated trail in the nation.

The trail encompasses two routes, including a 1,273-mile hiking route and a 791-mile biking route. It extends from Belle Isle in Detroit to Ironwood in the Upper Peninsula and is nearly 70% complete. Learn more and view an interactive map at www.michigan.gov/ironbelle.