Below is a sampling of the family-friendly activities across the state for the next two weeks. For a full listing of events at state parks, visitor centers, hatcheries, museums and more, visit us at www.michigan.gov/dnrcalendar.
 There's still time! Even with Labor Day right around the corner, it's not tool late to get in on some sizzling summer fun and fitness at many of Michigan's state parks. Camping reservations for Labor Day weekend are still available throughout the state, especially in Metro Detroit, northeastern Lower Peninsula and the Upper Peninsula.
We've got a handy list of all the state campgrounds in Michigan that shows which ones are 100% booked and which ones still have sites available. Find one that works for you and make a camping reservation!
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 The fun doesn't have to stop after Labor Day! Get your tickets for the Sept. 7 & 8 Tip of the Mitt Paddle Fest. On Saturday, join in the "Paddlerama" where paddlers take on a series of paddle events, including sprints, Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) jousts, SUP yoga, races and more on Mullet Lake at Aloha State Park in Cheboygan.
We'll follow up with a paddler dinner and music festival. On Sunday morning we'll take a 13-mile paddle from Aloha State Park to Cheboygan State Park.
Come for the fun, the food, the exercise and of course for a great kickoff to the fall season!
This is an 18 and older event in partnership with Green Veil Outdoor benefiting the Top of Michigan Trails Council.
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 Good news! Port Crescent State Park's Day Use Area has been designated as a dark sky preserve, providing a place for amateur stargazers and professional astronomers alike to get an unobstructed view of the beautiful night sky.
Join us for the Dark Sky Preserve Dedication Ceremony on Sept. 6 and enjoy an astronomy presentation featuring a tour of the night sky. Telescopes will be provided so you can to get a first-hand look at the universe.
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 It's apple time in Michigan! Explore apple myths, legends, investigate soil science, watch cider being pressed and discover heritage apple trees, all at the Michigan Historical Museum in Lansing Sept. 14. Even better--Lake Trust Credit Union is sponsoring this "Apples Everywhere" event so admission is FREE! Drop in anytime between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to participate, and stay to explore the rest of the permanent museum exhibits that tell the story of Michigan.
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 Got an ORV? There's a new, 70-mile ORV route opening Aug. 31 in the western Upper Peninsula. The Ottawa Eastern Connector ORV Route begins roughly 12 miles west of Iron River and runs through the Ottawa National Forest, terminating at the Bill Nicholls ORV route near Mass City. The route is mostly tree covered, and runs through woods, county roads, forest service roads, and crosses several streams. Want to go farther? The new route connects to three major ORV routes, so there's plenty to explore!
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Know before you go!
A Recreation Passport is
required for entry to Michigan state parks and recreation areas. If you don't
have one yet, visit www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport for
details. Also, registration and fees apply to some of the above programs and
events. Please be sure to click on each section's links to learn
more.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.
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