Remember Paige and her canine companion Willow? They just wrapped up the five-month Project Rustic tour of Michigan's state forest campgrounds in a mobile office and living space provided by General RV.

Together, they traveled more than 6,000 miles, explored 78 campgrounds and enjoyed many inland lakes and rivers in between.

"Being able to explore new places, spend time in nature, wake with the sun and go to sleep when it sets makes the challenging aspects of life on the road worth every moment," said Paige. "I’m very excited to have helped increase and enhance the depth of information for rustic and backcountry travelers.”

Learn more about Michigan’s state forest campgrounds as a whole and find site-specific info on 140 campgrounds at Michigan.gov/StateForestCampgrounds.

Paige is a Huron Pines AmeriCorps member serving with the DNR.

From watercraft rentals and mobile food to park stores and beach shops, there are many opportunities to establish a small business within state parks. 

There are currently several business opportunities up for bid, including locations such as Belle Isle, Grand Haven, Tawas Point, Sleepy Hollow, Palms Book and more. Visit Michigan.gov/StateParkConcessions.

Fall only comes once a year, so make the most of the those crisp and colorful autumn days.

We've pulled together a fall color tour showing peak color progression throughout the state and some additional ideas for fall adventure.

Plus, there are endless itineraries for day trips and weekend getaways, especially when you are never more than a half-hour away from a state park, state forest campground or state trail system. Photo courtesy of Michael Murphy IV Photography.

Michigan Cares for Tourism is wrapping up the last couple volunteer events as part of its “30 Days of Giving” campaign. From Sept. 9-Oct. 11, 300-plus tourism industry volunteers rolled up their sleeves and helped rejuvenate and refresh seven of Michigan’s historic, cultural and natural attractions. Volunteers painted, gardened, removed invasive species, built accessible boardwalks and much more at this year's smaller series of volunteer events.

The "30 Days of Giving" projects were held at Lime Island and Island Lake recreation areas, Bond Falls Scenic Site, Binder Park Zoo, Muskegon State Park, the Botanic Garden of Traverse City and the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

MC4T is a 100% volunteer, 100% give-back partnership where tourism professionals come together to help restore Michigan’s historic, cultural and natural attractions. To date, more than 3,000 volunteers have participated in volunteer work days while networking with peers from around the state.