Whether you head outdoors regularly or just discovered (or rediscovered) your love for nature during the pandemic, we want to share some best practices and safety tips that we can all get behind.

Here's one reminder: Ticks are already out and abundant. Check yourself and your kids for ticks. Make sure your pets are protected, and check them often.

#RecreateResponsibly by brushing up on these steps you can take to stay safe and protect our natural resources. 

As the interest in outdoor recreation has grown, so has an interest in overnighting outdoors – but not everyone is ready to be directly under the stars. To help make state parks an option for all comfort levels, the DNR continues to expand, diversify and update overnight lodging options in many state parks and recreation areas. 

Over the course of the last year, newer options such as safari tents, cottage cabins and geodesic domes have been added to the overnight lodging menu and other offerings, such as the mini cabin at Ionia Recreation Area pictured here, are being "reimagined." Even more choices for staying overnight in state parks, including tiny houses and waterfront hammock camping, will be added next year.

Reservations for overnight lodging facilities can be made up to 12 months in advance of planned arrival dates.

To help celebrate the DNR’s centennial year, shoebox dioramas featuring scenes from some of your favorite state parks were submitted this past March as part of the #MiStateParkChallenge.

The creativity was flowing as kids, adults and families created masterpieces depicting Algonac, Wilderness and Fort Wilkins Historic state parks – and everywhere in between – with natural, recycled and upcycled materials. Congratulations to our winners Caleb, Joseph, Malus and Bradleigh! Their families will be receiving a $50 state parks and harbor gift card.

Take a look at the imaginative diorama entries on our new Michigan State Parks, Trails and Waterways Facebook page. Thank you to all those who participated!