Michigan's outdoors are open for everyone

Share or view as webpage  |  Update preferences

A girl with binoculars looking at wildlife

Tips to keep you — and the outdoors — safe this season

Spring is here, and Michigan has many options for outdoor activities – perfect for getting fresh air and exercise, taking a break from screens and enjoying time with family and friends. No matter where your adventures take you, here’s some good information to keep in mind:


 

Know before you go

know before you go
  • Check the status of the place you want to visit and the various facilities there.
  • Have a plan B if it’s crowded or closed when you get there.
  • Check the weather forecast.

 

Plan ahead

plan ahead
  • Be prepared with proper clothing, gear, food and water.
  • Expect that your phone may not have service if you are in the woods or on the water.
  • Download maps to your phone or bring paper maps.
  • Bring extra clothes or a blanket, first-aid supplies, hand sanitizer and a mask.

 

Practice physical distancing

social distance
  • Keep your group size small.
  • Be prepared to cover your nose and mouth.
  • Give others space. In fact, give at least 6 feet of space when around people from outside your household.
  • If you are sick, stay home.

 

Play it safe

play it safe
  • Slow down and choose lower-risk activities to reduce chance of injury – search and rescue operations and health care resources both are strained.
  • Consider the ability level of your group, including dogs, if you bring one.
  • Take extra precautions around water and be mindful that changes in weather can significantly drop or raise temperatures.
  • Always let others know where you are going and when to expect you to return.

 

Leave no trace

leave no trace
  • Respect public lands and waters, as well as tribal and local communities.
  • Take all your garbage and recycling with you.
  • Clean your gear before going into and leaving recreation sites to avoid spreading invasive species and diseases across our woods and waters.
  • If you build a campfire, make sure to douse the fire with water, stir and douse again before leaving the site.

 

Build an inclusive outdoors

inclusive outdoors
  • Be friendly and welcoming to people of all abilities and identities.
  • Share the space; remember that many sites and resources serve multiple recreation uses.
  • Learn about our accessible recreation opportunities.

 

Explore locally

explore locally
  • Limit long-distance travel.
  • Make use of local parks, trails and public spaces.
  • Consider your impact on communities you visit.

For ideas and information on destinations close to home, check with your local convention and visitors bureau, county website or Google Maps. We’ve also put together a resource for state-managed lands to help you find local options and ideas for a “plan B”: Your Local Outdoors.

Share your commitment to #RecreateResponsibly by using the hashtag on social media — and inspire others to do the same. Find more tips on how to keep yourself and our resources safe this season.

Media inquiries: Please email DNR-Public-Info@Michigan.gov.

DNR COVID-19 RESPONSE: For details on affected DNR facilities and services, visit this webpage. Follow state actions and guidelines at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus