#MiStateParks100: three free, vintage camper shows, water parks, swim safety & more

For two back-to-back days this weekend (June 8-9), you can grab a fishing rod, ride off-road trails and/or visit state parks – all at no charge! 

During "Three Free" Weekend, fishing licenses, ORV licenses/trail permits and the Recreation Passport fee are waived.

Campers and day visitors are invited to get a firsthand look at vintage campers and trailers from the 1930s to 1980s during three Tin Can Tourists vintage camper shows.

And, to make it even better, it just so happens that both the Tin Can Tourists and Michigan state parks 100-year anniversaries coincide this summer. 

Check out P.J. Hoffmaster State Park June 8, Interlochen State Park June 22 and Port Crescent State Park July 27. View schedule.

New Holland Brewery, in partnership with REI and Merrell, will host traveling Trail-to-Table curated beer dinners in state parks this summer and fall.

Set in a picturesque space within one of three state parks, guests can join a guided hike, play yard games, enjoy a three-course beer dinner curated by a local chef and New Holland Brewery and much more.

• Saturday, July 27, at Leelanau State Park
• Sunday, July 28, at P.J. Hoffmaster State Park
• Saturday, Sept. 21, at Island Lake State Recreation Area

These curated dinners will benefit state park's associated friends group. Purchase tickets!

Did you know that there are five floating playgrounds located in Michigan state parks? These fun-filled water parks are in Wilson State Park and Brighton, Holly and Bald Mountain recreation areas in the Lower Peninsula and Van Riper State Park in the Upper Peninsula.

These water courses (suitable for both kids and adults) include inflatable slides, runways, jumping pillows, bouncers, climbing walls and more. 

Find ticket information, rules, height requirements and hours of operation for each location at Michigan.gov/DNRWaterparks.

Holding more than 20 percent of the world’s fresh water, the Great Lakes are large and powerful water systems. They can produce extreme weather situations and create dangerous currents that can threaten even the most experienced swimmer.

Protect yourself and your family by becoming familiar with swim safety tips before heading out. These include basic precautions such as following beach flag alerts, wearing life jackets, not swimming alone, knowing how to escape a rip current and more. Learn more at Michigan.gov/BeachSafety.

Did you know that red oak trees have an average life span of 200 years? Beech trees and sugar maples can live for 300 to 400 years. Do your part to help trees live full and healthy lives: leave firewood at home when camping.

Even if you can’t see them, invasive tree pests or diseases can be hiding under bark or in the wood itself. When infested or diseased wood is moved, these tree killers can infest healthy trees in these new locations.

When you travel, buy firewood at or near your destination. Burn it all on-site – don’t take it home or to your next destination. In most public and private campgrounds, firewood is available on the premises or from nearby firewood vendors. To find a local vendor, visit FirewoodScout.org.