Saturday, June 11, 11 a.m.-noon

Come and celebrate Free Fishing Weekend with us. This catch and release fishing program is open to first-time and experienced anglers. Participants can check in with our education team at the front entrance to the Outdoor Adventure Center and walk together to the Milliken State Park Harbor.

No fishing license is required for adults and children to be able to fish. Preregistration is required to ensure the availability of supplies. Included with the price of admission.

Register For Free Fishing Weekend – Fishing on the Riverfront.

Saturday, June 11, 6:30-8:30 p.m. (Free Fishing Weekend)

Friday, Aug. 12, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Interested in fishing for the first time? Or perhaps you’re a seasoned angler? Either way, join us for a fun fishing tournament with friends. We’ll fish near the harbor at Milliken State Park and offer prizes for the most fish, biggest fish and smallest fish caught. Don’t let this one get away!

For the June 11 event, held during Michigan’s summer Free Fishing Weekend, no fishing license is required.

For the Aug. 12 event, a fishing license is required.

FEE: $20 per person. Beer, wine and snacks will be provided. Age 21 and over only.

Register for June 11 Fishing with Friends – Free Fishing Weekend.

Register for Aug. 12 Fishing with Friends.

Saturday, June 18, 1 p.m.

Join Kimberly L. Simmons, founding president and executive director of the Detroit River Project, as she talks about the history of Juneteenth and the local celebrations of emancipation. Ms. Simmons is herself the descendant of four formerly enslaved African-Americans who found freedom through the Underground Railroad. Her work on the Detroit River Project is directed by the mission to establish the designation of the Historic Detroit River as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. She also has a national recognized program, “Caroline Quarlls, A Family Legacy of Freedom,” which was inducted into the National Park Service UGRR Network to Freedom Program in 2005.

A special thank you to the Greendoor Initiative for helping sponsor this program.

Included with the price of admission.

Saturday, July 9, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

As part of our Christmas in July celebration, we are getting in the holiday spirit with Mrs. Santa Claus!

Join us and learn to decorate holiday cookies with the best baker of the North Pole. Each child will be given a cookie kit – this will include two cookies, frosting, sprinkles and tools to spread the frosting. Children will also learn the reindeer macarena and will be given reindeer food with a story, and a Christmas pencil.

FEE: $10, or free with an unwrapped, new toy for our holiday toy drive.*

Photo opportunities available for an additional donation. A great time to take your holiday card photos and give deserving children a happy holiday.

*All fees and toys will be donated to the Sargent Santa Holiday Toy Drive. Toys will be distributed in December 2022 in cooperation with Michigan DNR conservation officers.

Register for Christmas in July: Cookies and Crafts with Mrs. Claus.

Saturdays, July 16, July 30 and Aug. 6, 11 a.m.-noon

Looking to learn more about the fish found in the Detroit River and how to fish? Participants will be introduced to the parts of a fish and how to identify fish. This is a catch and release fishing program.

Meet the OAC education team at the front entrance of the Outdoor Adventure Center and walk together to the Milliken State Park Harbor. Equipment, bait and instruction will be provided; beginners are welcome!

A fishing license is required for adults age 17 and older. All children under the age of 17 can fish for free with adult assistance.

Included with the price of admission. Preregistration is required to ensure the availability of supplies.

Register for Get Hooked on Fishing.

Monday, Aug. 1-Thursday, Aug. 4

8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, 2-10 p.m. Thursday

Join us for our very first day camp season at the Outdoor Adventure Center!

This four-day camp is open to rising fifth through eighth graders. Explore the one-of-a-kind Outdoor Adventure Center, fish and hike at Milliken State Park, and venture down the Dequindre Cut with our enthusiastic camp counselors in a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. End the week with a lock-in and dance party at the OAC!

Preregistration required. Registration begins June 27.

FEE: $140 per camper. Before and after care available – $5 per camper per session.

Register for Camp Explore at the OAC.

Saturday, Aug. 13, 9-11 a.m.

Bring your bikes and join us for a leisurely, 4-mile round-trip ride along the Dequindre Cut to Eastern Market. We will learn about the history of the area and explore the market. Upon our return to the Outdoor Adventure Center, we'll cool down with lemonade and a snack.

This paved ride is mostly flat, gradually increasing in grade. There is a steep incline from the Dequindre Cut up to Eastern Market, which can be easily walked if needed. We will depart promptly at 9 a.m., so come ready to ride!

Safety first! Helmets strongly recommended. Don’t forget your water bottle! Suggested for ages 7 and up.

Bike rentals are available at Wheel House Detroit. Supplies may be limited. The DNR Outdoor Adventure Center is not involved in bike rentals.

This is a free outdoor event. Regular admission fees apply for building access.

Register for Dequindre Cut Bike Ride.

Check-in: Friday, Sept. 23, 5-6:30 p.m.

Check-out: Saturday, Sept. 24, at 8-9 a.m.

Join us for a Harvest Night at the Outdoor Adventure Center!

Like many of our awesome state parks, the OAC will be incorporating a harvest theme for this campout. Campers are encouraged to use fall decorations at their sites, children are encouraged to bring and wear their costumes for a parade and campers are encouraged to bring treats for a trick-or-treat event (prepackaged only, nothing homemade, please). Crafts will have an autumn theme.

S’mores kits, crafts, a guided hike and a pancake breakfast will be provided for every registered guest. Water bottle refill stations will be available; please bring your own reusable water bottle.

• This is a family event, and children of all ages will be welcome.
• A quiet time of 10 p.m. will be enforced, with lights out at midnight.
• There are no drugs or alcohol allowed at this event.
• All equipment must be unloaded and walked onto the site – there is no place for cars to pull onto our temporary campsites.

Each site can accommodate up to six people with an eight-person tent or two small tents. Please email us with your tent dimensions if you have an oversized tent. A limited number of loaner tents are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Emails will be sent after registration with loaner tent assignment. Don’t forget to pack a sleeping bag, air mattress and pillow!

Preregistration required. This event will sell out! FEE: $15 per person

Registration begins Monday, Aug. 1, at 8 a.m.

Register for Harvest Family Campout.

• Archery: Explore It – this one-hour program is your chance to explore archery. 
• Cub Club – a special set of opportunities for our youngest guests, for children ages 3-6.
• Thrilling Thursdays – our monthly family-friendly, free evening of fun on Thursday nights.
• Young Explorers – for all kids ages 7-10 who want to explore and learn more about nature and wildlife.