Michigan state parks news - December 2024
|
Looking to grow your business in state parks?
From beachside concessions and food trucks to farming activities and vending machines, we have exciting opportunities for you to launch your small business in state parks.
The DNR collaborates with small businesses to elevate visitor experiences by offering a wide range of services, including concessions, retail, food services, rentals, water park operations, guided tours and more. Through a competitive bidding process, selected businesses can secure contracts lasting up to seven years.
Many opportunities are open for bidding now. Visit Michigan.gov/StateParkConcessions.
|
Plan your fat-tire biking adventure on Silver Lake's dunes
Embrace winter with two wheels! As part of an ongoing effort to expand year-round recreation at Silver Lake, a fat-tire biking season will take place Dec. 15-March 15.
Conquer 450 acres of open sand dunes, challenge yourself with 80-100 foot climbs and soak in breathtaking views of Lake Michigan – all from the top of the dunes! There's no fee other than the Recreation Passport requirement.
Learn more about Silver Lake's fat-tire biking season, including riding rules and tips and parking information, at Michigan.gov/WinterFun.
|
ICYMI: Holiday gift guide
 |
|
Need gift inspiration? The DNR's 2024 holiday gift guide has plenty of unique gift ideas for the outdoor adventurer on your list.
Plus, our official merchandise partner, Traverse City-based Great Lakes Proud, creates and curates lifestyle merchandise and sustainably sourced apparel for Michigan state parks, trails and boating.
|
Porkies Winter Sports Complex set to open Dec. 27
Just inside the entrance to Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, you'll find the Porcupine Mountains Winter Sports Complex. Whether you're a novice skier, an intermediate snowboarder, an adrenaline junkie, a cross-country skier or simply looking for winter fun, there's something for everyone.
The winter sports complex features stellar views of Lake Superior, a triple chairlift, ski runs, a natural terrain park, glades (woodsy trails cut between each run), trails for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, and more. All that's needed is a Recreation Passport to enter the park and a lift ticket to use the triple lift.
Keep an eye on Michigan.gov/SkiThePorkies or the Porkies Winter Complex Facebook page for the opening date (targeted for Dec. 27).
|
Join us for exclusive look at behind-the-scenes state park projects
The second installment of the Inside Michigan State Parks webinar series highlights how nature-based play can nurture young minds and bodies.
The upcoming virtual session takes place Monday, Dec. 16 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. You'll hear from the Natural Learning Initiative experts on nature-based play who have insight into designing experiences that help shape how children engage in the natural world. Register for the Dec. 16 webinar.
These projects are made possible thanks to support of the Recreation Passport and the $2 Difference, as well as donor contributions and purchases of outdoor-inspired products from the DNR’s These Goods are Good for Michigan partners.
|
|
|
|
