DNR Events: Statehood Day, winter fun, outdoor skills classes and more

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DNR Events - January 2020

Snowshoe hikers on lantern-lit trail

Here are a few ways to get out and enjoy Michigan’s natural and cultural resources in January. For a full list of events, see the Department of Natural Resources calendar at Michigan.gov/DNRCalendar


Celebrate Michigan’s birthday during Jan. 25 Statehood Day event

Statehood Day attendees look at artifacts

Saturday, Jan. 25, the Michigan History Museum in Lansing celebrates 183 years of rich and diverse Michigan history at its annual Statehood Day celebration. Like every good birthday party, the celebration will include music, games, cake and other fun. Special guests, staff and volunteers will pay tribute to those who created our state, from first peoples and statesmen to eager citizens.

The program runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and admission is free for the day.


Get out and play with winter fun in Michigan’s outdoors

snowshoers on hike through woods

Winter in Michigan brings a whole new way to play. Check out our winter event calendar to see what’s happening in your neck of the woods.

From cross-country skiing and snowshoe hikes – by lantern light and daylight – to sled dog and fat bike races and more, there’s plenty of winter fun to be found in Michigan’s outdoors.

Plan your adventure at Michigan.gov/WinterFun.


Thunder Bay International Film Festival returns to Alpena Jan. 22-26

Thunder Bay Film Festival attendees in theater

Every year, the Friends of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary bring the world of cinema to Alpena! For five days – Jan. 22-26 – northeast Michigan is treated to some of the most impressive ocean and Great Lakes films from around the world. Film screenings are complemented by social events, educational activities and opportunities to meet filmmakers.

The Michigan History Center jointly manages the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center at the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Learn more about the Thunder Bay International Film Festival.


Ice fishing class, Jan. 25-26, kicks off year of outdoor learning

instructor teaches ice fishing skills

The DNR Outdoor Skills Academy opens a year of classes with its Hard Water School – an ice fishing class covering everything from how to set up equipment and how and where to fish to ice safety and rules and regulations – Jan. 25-26 in Cadillac.

Another Hard Water School session is set for March 7-8, along with an advanced ice fishing clinic Feb. 21-23. Other winter classes include nature photography/lighthouse history and bluebird and nest box basics.

The Outdoor Skills Academy offers in-depth, expert instruction, gear and hands-on learning for a range of outdoor activities at locations around the state.

See a full calendar of classes at Michigan.gov/OutdoorSkills.


‘Lodge and learn’ with winter getaways at DNR RAM Center

fire in fire pit with snowshoes in background

Warm up to winter with a weekend getaway along the beautiful shores of Higgins Lake near Roscommon. You can explore the heart of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula by taking advantage of a few unique "lodge and learn" opportunities at the renovated Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center this winter.

Getaway weekends focus on snowshoe hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoe building, ice fishing and more.

Check out the RAM Center event calendar to learn more.