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It’s official – This past weekend (May 12, to be exact) Michigan state parks hit the 100-year mark! There’s no way we could have achieved this milestone without the millions of passionate park fans who visit and support their favorite state parks, year after year. Thanks for choosing to spend your time with us.
Looking for more inspiration? Read along and get ready to explore Michigan.gov/StateParks100 for the latest news, event, volunteer and merchandise info.
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A STORIED HISTORY: The early years
In the early 1900s, when Michigan’s population exploded along with the growth of the automobile industry, the need for a state-level system for public recreation became clear. The result was the 1919 formation of the Michigan State Park Commission to acquire lands for state parks.
Since that time, the state parks system has evolved and expanded. Land donations by private individuals and corporations, more and more visitors, the impact of President Franklin Roosevelt's public works projects, post-war development, a number of dedicated state park influencers, Michigan state parks annual vehicle permits and other factors all helped shape the state park system that flourishes today.
Read more about the early years and other “historical stories of significance” at Michigan.gov/StateParks100.
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Centennial and state park keepsakes and merchandise
Looking to channel your nostalgia for 100 years of state park memories and moments?
Visit Goods4mi.com to view the entire collection of These Goods are Good for Michigan partners, including those highlighting the centennial. Think posters, T-shirts, ice cream, Stormy Kromer hats, totes, patches and more.
With these purchases, you can feel good while doing good. A portion of the proceeds supports state parks, trails and waterways.
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Centennial GeoTour plus your smartphone equals 100 new caches
The Michigan State Parks Centennial GeoTour kicks off May 24. The tour, in partnership with Michigan Geocaching Organization, will have 100 brand-new caches for you to find in state parks.
Geocaching is a fun way to explore some of the state's most beautiful places, while looking for hidden treasures at the same time. All you need to do is download the app to your smartphone (or download coordinates to your GPS unit), pick up (or download) a GeoTour ticket and you’re ready to begin! Once you find a certain number of caches, you can earn rewards. Check out the GeoTour details online.
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Log every state park visit, plan your next adventure!
An all-new Stamp & Go Guide was just released to help you put your own stamp on your state park and hatchery visits!
The guide features photos and brief descriptions of each state park and hatchery, maps, kids' activities and more. A special gold commemorative sticker will come with booklets purchased during the centennial year.
You can pick up a guide at most Michigan state parks or the Oden and Wolf Lake state fish hatchery visitor centers for just $5.
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Pure Michigan Sounds album pairs park sounds with new music
Take the ambient sounds of 10 of Michigan's state parks and mix them with music by Michigan artists, and you get Pure Sounds Michigan.
Pure Sounds is a first-of-its-kind album created in celebration of the state parks centennial. Dreamed up by Pure Michigan and produced by Detroit-based Assemble Sound, the album utilizes the power of sound to transport listeners into an immersive sensory experience.
The album is free, and is available for streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and Google Play. The full album will be released May 22, two tracks are available now at michigan.org/puresounds.
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Happy Little Trees tree-planting program announced
Inspired by this year's centennial celebration, the DNR and Bob Ross Inc. have partnered to officially (and happily) name the state park tree-planting program Happy Little Trees.
The program helps campgrounds recover from the effects of emerald ash borer and other forest pests by planting trees grown with local genetics in mind. This approach helps the DNR repopulate these areas into the next 100 years with trees appropriate for the environment. These trees are grown specifically for replanting at state parks in the same region.
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Kids to Parks Day May 18 fosters future park fans
State parks and visitor centers around Michigan will celebrate National Kids to Parks Day – a nationwide day of outdoor play the third Saturday of May – with a variety of fun events.
Visit Michigan.gov/DNRCalendar (and look under May 18) to check out the various state park events taking place that day!
Give 100: Help raise funds for your favorite state parks
For 100 years, Michigan state parks have played a role in countless lifelong memories ... roaring campfires, star-filled night skies, sharing stories well past dark, lakeshore views and friendships that span decades.
During the Michigan state parks centennial year, the “Give 100” fundraising effort gives people who love the parks a chance to contribute toward improvements at their favorite state parks and be one of the first 100 people to give $100 to one of Michigan’s 100-plus state parks.
Make a donation or text GIVE to 71777 to support your favorite park.
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