#MiStateParks100: centennial gear, history lesson, free ORV, fireworks-free & more

Since March is Women’s History Month, it's a perfect time to look at the contributions of one extraordinary woman who helped shape state parks during the first 100 years.

We owe much of what our state parks are today to the innovative work of Genevieve Gillette.

She was Michigan’s first female landscape architect and became a paramount character in the design and development of state parks. Called “a saving angel to Michigan’s natural beauty” by the Detroit Free Press, Hoffmaster's Gillette Sand Dune Visitor Center was dedicated in her honor. 

Read more about how Gillette and other “historical stories of significance” on the centennial website.

Looking for a keepsake that captures the nostalgia and spirit of Michigan's state parks centennial?

Much of our centennial gear is already rolling out, including Stormy Kromer hats, T-shirts, posters, stickers, tote bags, patches and more.

Visit goods4mi.com to see our collection of These Goods are Good for Michigan partners who help raise awareness and support for the DNR. A portion of proceeds from the sales of these goods goes back to state parks, trails and waterways.

Test Michigan's off-road trails yourself or introduce friends to the ORV trail system during two Free ORV Weekends June 8-9 and Aug. 17-18, 2019.

Residents and out-of-state visitors can ride nearly 3,700 miles of DNR-designated routes and trails without an ORV license or permit.

The June 8-9 weekend also lines up with Summer Free Fishing Weekend, when all fishing license fees are waived.

The DNR and the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency are highlighting quieter camping options over the Fourth of July weekend.

Fireworks-Free Fourth of July offers veterans, pet owners and other visitors camping options situated in campground locations that are farther away from traditional fireworks displays. Visit Michigan.gov/FireworksFreeFourth to view a list of parks.

The Great Lakes State has the distinct honor to boast the longest U.S. freshwater coastline, thousands of miles of rivers and streams and 11,000 inland lakes.

With the centennial year underway, it's important to emphasize the role that state parks play in Michigan boating adventures. Many state parks offer boating access, a handful of state parks offer boat rentals (canoes, kayaks, paddleboards) and many more are popular stops for day trips.

Please note: watercraft, unless exempt, must be registered with the Michigan Secretary of State. Registrations expire March 31 in the third year of issuance. 

Looking forward to creating memories during the centennial year? Campsites can be booked up to six months in advance and overnight lodging (100+ cabins, yurts, pop-up campers and lodges available to rent) can be made up to a year in advance. Make a reservation at midnrreservations.com.

To help capture special state park memories pictured here (restored 1956 Southland Runabout at Hoffmaster State Park), an online memory map – what we call our “virtual guest book” – was created for parks fans to easily add their memories and photos. Share yours!