Michigan state parks news - October 2024

Kelly, Kathy and Valentino (the cat) were pleasantly surprised last month when they were named the official holders of the DNR's 1 millionth camp night reservation of 2024.

They receive a warm welcome from Baraga State Park staff and a Michigan camping-themed basket, including a $100 Michigan state park and harbor gift card.

These Howell-based retirees bought their 40-foot travel trailer and are enjoying their second year of camping. On this particular trip, they were exploring the Upper Peninsula with Kelly’s two brothers and going to watch their friend’s son play football at Michigan Tech.

Michigan's stunning freshwater harbors wouldn't be possible without the dedication of these unsung heroes.

With more than 82 harbors of refuge managed by township, county and state governments and private entities, Michigan's thriving boating community relies on the incredible work of our harbormasters. They provide boaters safe shelter during storms, fuel at the dock, a listening ear (for those big fish tales and harrowing Great Lakes adventures!) and much more.

While their jobs are in idyllic locations, it's often demanding and filled with unexpected challenges. Thank you for your dedication!

Thanks to $273 million in federal relief funding from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's Building Michigan Together Plan, several American Rescue Plan Act-funded projects in state parks are are now completed, underway or getting ready to start this fall or spring.

Imagine pitching your tent, hiking a trail or spending the day at the beach with many brand-new enhancements across the state's parks and recreation system, including repaved roads, upgraded toilet and shower buildings, electrical and water system updates, improved sanitation stations and more.

Visit Michigan.gov/DNRClosures to find a list of planned closures across all DNR facilities, including campgrounds, boating access sites, day-use areas and more.

Join Heather Durocher, trails and resources writer for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division, as she describes her personal experience with the North Country National Scenic Trail in this Showcasing the DNR story.

Discover the trail's rich history, the National Park Service partnership and the inspiring volunteers who contribute countless hours maintaining and improving the trail across eight states.

Readers will also learn about the Iron Belle Trail, which includes two routes – one for cycling, another for hiking – and totals more than 2,000 miles of trail between Belle Isle Park in Detroit and Ironwood in the western U.P.

Pictured: Cliff and Jane Denay, of Petoskey, Michigan, are avid hikers and North Country Trail Association volunteers.