Michigan state parks news - February 2025

For those who love staying overnight in state parks and are looking for a rewarding volunteer experience, we have what might be the perfect gig for you.

The DNR is seeking volunteer campground hosts. Hosts answer visitor questions, plan camper activities and perform basic maintenance, requiring about 30 hours per week. In exchange, campsite fees are waived.

Looking to experience a piece of maritime history in Tawas Point State Park? For $250 per person, Tawas lighthouse keepers live in a historic keeper's dwelling on Lake Huron. Keepers greet visitors, lead tours, perform basic maintenance and help with other duties.

Create happy moments on the trail or road, while supporting tree planting and forest protection efforts in state parks.

This popular event has expanded to 13 states, and is filling up fast.

Run, walk or roll at your own pace and location anytime April 19-27 (Earth Day and Arbor Day week). For $36, you'll receive your keepsake Happy Little T-shirt, finisher’s medal, commemorative bib number and shipping. 

Although registration is encouraged by April 1, race packets start shipping March 1. 

Whether you are hoping to dip your toes into a new field, seeking a summer gig or ready to share years of experience, the DNR has job opportunities available throughout this spring and summer:

• More than 1,300 summer park workers and many seasonal park rangers.
• Dozens of nature educators who will lead activities and present fun programs tied to each park's unique natural and cultural resources.
• A handful of historical interpreters to lead public history programming in some of Michigan’s most beautiful places.

From entry-level positions to experienced roles, the DNR offers a diverse range of job opportunities. Visit Michigan.gov/DNRJobs for the latest openings.

For more than four decades, Aaron Jones has spent two weeks each fall at Wilderness State Park. His annual up north vacation began when he was young and is a family camping tradition that dates back to the mid-1970s, when his parents decided to stay at this state park at the tip of the Lower Peninsula near the Mackinac Bridge.

To learn more about Aaron's family and their rustic cabin-camping adventures, you can read the recent Showcasing the DNR story or watch his story online. 

Join us for Lumberjack Days 2025, a three-day festival of fun and flannel at the Outdoor Adventure Center in Detroit.

• March 21-22: Get your hands dirty (and sawdusty) as you step into the boots of a true lumberjack for hands-on exhibits, including axe-throwing (12 years plus), a cross-cut saw demo, infused maple syrup tastings and more.
• March 21: For those 21 and older, join us at the Plaid Tie Dinner for a strolling dinner, bonfire and axe-throwing challenge. Tickets are $50 per person, and preregistration is required.
• March 23: Whether you’re running, jogging, or striding like a true woodsman, the Lumberjack Pancake Run leads you straight to the all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast. There's a Best Dressed Lumberjack and Best Beard competitions too.

Spring is around the corner, and it's not too early to start making plans after getting your boat out of storage!

Instead of tossing your boat shrink-wrap, recycle it through the Michigan Recycling Coalition's Marine/Boat Wrap Film Recycling program.

For just $12 per bag, you can transform shrink-wrap into something new, like TREX decking. It's easy to coordinate; here's how it works:

1. Purchase your $12 shrink wrap recycling bag(s) at the Dr. Shrink website.
2. Register for the 2025 program.
3. Deliver to a registered drop-off location near you by June 2.