Park Here: Three Free, water parks, boating week, pet travel & more (June 2018)

This summer, three Michigan state parks are doubling as fun-filled water parks: Van Riper State Park in the Upper Peninsula and Brighton and Holly recreation areas in southeastern Michigan.

The courses include a series of connected inflatable slides, runways, jumping pillows and bouncers that are suitable for both kids and adults. 

Ticket information, rules, height requirements and hours of operation vary by location. Information about the parks, a short video and more can be found at michigan.gov/DNRwaterparks.

Grab a fishing rod, ride Michigan’s off-road trails and/or pay a visit to your favorite Michigan state park for free – all in the same weekend. 

During 'Three Free' weekend, June 9-10, residents and out-of-state visitors can enjoy Free Fishing Weekend, Free ORV Weekend and free entry into state parks.

All fishing license, ORV license, trail permit and Recreation Passport fees are waived, though all other regulations still apply. For more information, visit michigan.gov/freefishing (fishing), michigan.gov/recreationpassport (state parks) or michigan.gov/orvinfo (ORV).

It's Michigan Boating Week June 9-16! Since our state is home to some of the best freshwater resources in the world, it's no wonder that the Great Lakes State offers stellar boating opportunities.

Take this boating-inspired week as your cue and tackle that maintenance project you have meaning to tick off your list, hitch up your boating trailer, throw on your roof rack, find some time to finalize your summer boating plans or share your love of boating with those friends you keep meaning to invite for a special day out on the water. Visit michigan.gov/boating to learn more.

You don't have to leave Rover at home! Pets who are on a 6-foot leash (and follow other pet-friendly rules) are welcome in Michigan state parks, park campgrounds, state forest (rustic) campgrounds, state forests, non-designated bathing beach areas, harbors and the majority of trails and boat launches. In addition, there is a pet-friendly lodging option. Visit michigan.gov/parkpets to learn more.

Want to make your camping trip a little easier and save fuel? The DNR's camper storage program allows campers the option to temporarily store camping units in participating state parks between visits. It has been estimated that this option can help save up to 20 percent on mileage.