Michigan state parks newsletter - October 2023

To help streamline camping and overnight lodging reservations in Michigan state parks and recreation areas, we're shortening the overnight lodging reservation window from 12 to six months.

We've been keeping an eye on?lodging reservations for the past few years, and we've noticed that most people book within six months. By making this shift, we also acknowledge the challenges for our customers who can't plan 365 days out. Moving to the six-month window will help make things more consistent for everyone and better plan for maintenance.

To introduce the new six-month window with as little disruption as possible, a ?shrinking? booking window will begin Nov. 1, 2023, and will be fully implemented May 1, 2024.?

Find info on the "shrinking" booking window schedule.

With open hunting season occurring on public and private lands at all times Aug. 1-March 31, consider this your friendly reminder to wear blaze orange (often referred to as ?hunter orange?) when you?re out on the trails, especially during archery and regular firearm deer seasons.

While hunters do look out for hikers, bikers, horseback riders, runners and others outdoors, they are especially in tune with this highly visible color.?Don?t forget a hunter orange bandana, leash or harness for your pet, too!

Need some fall inspiration? Check out the DNR's fall color tour map.?

The Menominee River Recreation Area is a 7,652-acre park in the western Upper Peninsula featuring rocky gorges, towering pines and wide-open stretches of undeveloped river ideal for whitewater rafting, kayaking, fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing.

Kosir's Rapid Rafts, True North Outpost and Wildman Adventure Resort offer heart-pounding whitewater rafting and other adventures in the park through October. The river is still high, the water is warm, and the foliage is just peaking, so now is the perfect time to book a trip on Michigan?s premier whitewater rafting river.

Did you know we offer a variety of ways to get outside and help protect our parks through hands-on restoration and education? Each month, volunteers roll up their sleeves to help remove invasive plants that threaten high-quality ecosystems in state parks across southern lower Michigan.

Interested in joining us? Check out our calendar for upcoming opportunities and get ready to learn plant identification, see rare ecosystems, connect with others and enjoy time in the great outdoors. No experience is necessary, and all equipment and instruction are provided. Find more details on our volunteer stewardship page. We hope to see you out there!