Grab a fishing rod, ride Michigan’s off-road trails and/or pay a visit to your favorite state park for free – all in the same weekend. During two back-to-back days, June 9-10, we invite residents and out-of-state visitors to enjoy Free Fishing Weekend, Free ORV Weekend and free entry into state parks.

All fishing license, ORV license, trail permit and Recreation Passport costs will be waived. All other regulations still apply.

For more information, visit michigan.gov/freefishing (fishing), michigan.gov/recreationpassport (state parks) or michigan.gov/orvinfo (ORV).

More than 50 of Michigan’s state parks offer a variety of outdoor education opportunities throughout the summer, with enthusiastic, nature-minded staffers leading hikes, activities and interesting programs that shine a spotlight on each park’s unique resources. From mammals, birds and insects to dunes, wetlands and more, learn about the resources in and around the parks you visit while trying your hand at a variety of outdoor activities.

These programs are offered free of charge; however, a Recreation Passport is required for park entry. Check out our weekly nature program schedules and learn more about the programs in state parks at michigan.gov/natureprograms. Program schedules also will be posted in the parks and can be learned about more through campground hosts or other park staff. 

This year, we’ll be celebrating pollinators with a weekend of programming at a variety of state parks during Michigan’s Wildlife Weekend, June 22-24. Attend to learn more about how bees, moths, butterflies and other animals contribute to the food supply, ecosystems and habitats in our state.

Events will feature hikes, informative talks, identification programs and a variety of other activities that are fun, educational and enjoyable for the whole family.

Wildlife Weekend, an annual event with a different group of animals featured each year, is one of many summer outdoor education opportunities offered at many Michigan state parks. Find a Wildlife Weekend program near you.

Kick off your summer fun at the DNR’s Outdoor Adventure Center in Detroit, where we have a variety of programs for all ages planned in June.

Try your hand at archery with:

• Friend Fridays: Archery 101 (a night of grown-up archery with a scavenger hunt) on June 8
• Archery Try-It (free program) on June 10 and June 24
• Father’s Day Archery on June 16
• Introduction to Archery (five-week course), beginning June 17

Or maybe give fishing a try with:

• Fishing with Friends (for adults 21 and over) on June 9
• Get Hooked on Fishing! (free program) on June 30

We’re also offering a day-long class on beekeeping basics, along with many other family-fun programs, during the month.

Check out the Outdoor Adventure Center events calendar for a full schedule.

Pack up the grandkids and head to Sleepy Hollow State Park where together you can build outdoor skills and create lifelong memories. Just north of Lansing, the new AARP Grand Adventures program at the park will offer hands-on instruction in archery, fishing, birdwatching and geocaching June 20 and 27 as well as July 17 and 25 and Aug. 1 and 8. The minimum age is 4 years old and there is a 20-person limit per class (registration is required).

Want to expand your experience in this 2,600-acre park while there? After the program, enjoy an afternoon exploring 16 miles of trails, pack a picnic or enjoy the swimming beach on Lake Ovid. Consider booking a spot in the modern campground if looking to extend your stay.

Find registration and event information.

The DNR and Michigan Operation Freedom Outdoors will host a morning of birding, in both wetland and forested habitats in Detroit’s Belle Isle Park, on Friday, June 15 from 9 to 11 a.m.

The bird tour will begin at the parking lot of the Belle Isle Nature Center, located at 176 Lakeside Drive on Belle Isle. From there, we will caravan to other points on the island. Binoculars will be available for those needing to borrow them.

Please call Tom Jones at 734-612-6677 to register. Participation will be limited to 20 individuals.

A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry to Belle Isle Park.