Thanks to the more than 80,000 of you who gave an additional $2 when making reservations this year, we've been able to introduce a variety of innovative amenities at state parks and harbors.

Look for this sticker (starting this spring) to find the amenities funded by The $2 Difference.

While some projects will be completed in 2024, such as the synthetic ice rink at Dodge #4 State Park and curling sheets at Pontiac Lake Recreation Area, you helped us roll out an accessible kayak launch and sunshade at Lake Hudson Recreation Area, lighted trail equipment for Highland Lake Recreation Area winter events and new harbor amenities (laundry facilities, fire rings with seating and lawn games).

From solar lights and dishwashing stations to hammock amenities and other enhancements, discover the ways your $2 donation is improving experiences for everyone who visits our state parks and harbors.

Protecting animal and plant species, and the natural areas where they live, is at the heart of photo monitoring efforts in our state parks and recreation areas. It’s a longstanding project – photo monitoring in Michigan got underway in the 1990s – that reveals how Great Lakes dunes, forests, marshes and other landscapes change over time.

Volunteers and DNR stewardship staff play important roles in photo monitoring, which provides critical data that assist in identifying proper management approaches. Ultimately, everyone benefits from the work that results from photo monitoring. You can watch time-lapse videos that reveal the ways natural areas change over time, as well as read a first-hand account from a longtime photo monitoring volunteer, by visiting our stewardship webpage and reading this Showcasing the DNR article.

It may seem unlikely with the recent change in seasons, but it's not too early to think about planning your summer camping or boating trip! 

Campsite and harbor slip reservations can be made up to six months in advance, which means reservations will open Nov. 24 for dates starting Memorial Day Weekend. 

Keep in mind that the DNR is shortening the reservation window for overnight lodging – geodesic domes, rustic cottages, tiny houses, yurts and mini cabins –  from 12 to six months, in a gradual process that started Nov. 1. Find info on the "shrinking" booking window schedule.

We're thrilled to announce Mitten Crate as our newest "These Goods are Good for Michigan" partner!

This Michigan-based company curates and ships delightful gift boxes filled with Michigan-made treasures. Mitten Crate's creations make excellent birthday, thank you, holiday, college student, and client and corporate gifts. These locally sourced gift boxes help support Michigan's outdoors, with 10% of proceeds directly benefiting state parks, trails and waterways.

Visit Goods4Mi.com to see our collection of "These Goods are Good for Michigan" partners who help raise awareness of and support for the DNR. 

Looking to start a small business in a beautiful setting? We're currently looking for business partners to operate multiple park store and food truck operations and a horseback riding stable. 

Opportunities exist at locations across the state, including Grand Haven, Lakeport, Maybury, McLain, North Higgins, Warren Dunes and Wilson state parks. Visit Michigan.gov/StateParkConcessions to find bid information, and bookmark this page for future opportunities.