Michigan state parks news - April 2023

One of Michigan's best-kept vacation secrets is the 80-plus state-sponsored harbors that circle the Great Lakes State.

Many harbors offer seasonal slips and all harbors offer "transient" slips, available for boats more than 11 feet and open to those staying two weeks or less. On average, rates run around $1.60 per foot, which means a 20-foot pontoon is about $32 a night. Transient slips offer a great way to experience Michigan?s bigger waters and the marina lifestyle with modern restrooms, showers, grilling areas and other waterfront amenities. You'll also have easy access to fishing runs, ferry watching, and sunrises and sunsets from your boat.

If you don?t want to bunk on your boat, find a harbor close to home so you can sleep in your own bed. Or take your boat along for your next Michigan beach town trip and make a slip reservation at a harbor nearby.

Reservations can be made at?MiDNRReservations.com; select the Harbor tab. Some harbors take reservations directly (view map).

The recent rainy weather, with more on the way soon, has us thinking about protecting Michigan trails. You probably already know to try avoiding muddy trails altogether because ruts, footprints and tire tracks can inadvertently widen and erode trails. However, there?s another tip that isn?t as well known.

Whether you?re hiking or riding your bike or horse, go down the center of the trail ? not to the sides or around the mud, which widens the trail. If bike riding, dismount and tiptoe down the center.

It's always a good idea to check the latest closures due to weather-related events,?planned improvement projects and repairs. Visit Michigan.gov/DNRClosures.

Holly Oaks ORV Park, located off Interstate 75 in Oakland County, is gearing up for the 2023 season with a special Veterans Off-Road Day.

The park entry fee will be waived for veterans Saturday, May 20, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can bring your own ORV (ORV license and trail permit still required) or ORV rides provided by volunteers will be available. In addition, there will be a food truck, music, veterans' service organizations and more. Registration is required.

The park, designed by off-road enthusiasts and built and shaped from former sand and gravel mines, features 4x4 trails, single-track trails, steep hills, water crossings, rock crawls and other cool elements.

Visit Oakland County Parks to learn operating hours, features, requirements and more.

Help us welcome metro Detroit-based outdoor media company Expedition Detroit as our newest "These Goods are Good for Michigan? partner!

Expedition Detroit produces original content that highlights the best outdoor experiences within an hour's drive of downtown Detroit. The company will donate a portion of proceeds from its online store ? featuring recreational and everyday clothing designed for exploring the outdoors ? to benefit state parks, trails, and waterways.

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

The DNR Outdoor Adventure Center in Detroit offers plenty of fun ? both indoors and outdoors ? for all ages.

Enjoy hands-on activities, exhibits, simulators and more, as well as a?slate of outdoor and cultural programming. You'll find a variety of archery and educational programs for kids and seniors, family hikes, a boater safety class, a hummingbird feeder making class and many more on the OAC event calendar.