Michigan state parks news - July 2025

Thanks to a historic $273 million federal infusion from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, Michigan state parkgoers have reason to celebrate. 

This federal COVID-19 relief funding, which was outlined in Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Building Michigan Together Plan, has been a game-changer for the state parks system, allowing the DNR to significantly reduce a decades-long backlog of vital repair and maintenance projects and support the development of a new state park in Flint – the first in Genesee County.

While many improvements wrapped up this summer and over the past year, significant work has been actively transforming our parks since early 2024. More specifically, out of 168 planned improvement projects, 73% (122 projects) are already completed or are in progress.

To learn more, read the full press release or explore the DNR's state parks progress page.

There are few things more pleasing than setting a beautiful outdoor table for a campfire meal or bringing fresh flowers into your kitchen.

When exploring the outdoors, it might feel like the perfect touch to gather a few wildflowers for your table. However, for delicate plants like trillium and orchids, picking them often leads to their demise.

To protect Michigan's natural beauty and support our vital pollinators, picking wildflowers on state-managed land is prohibited. This rule is in place to protect wildflowers just as trees are protected on state land. However, foraging for mushrooms, berries and edible fruits or nuts for personal use is still allowed, and another way you can bring nature to your table or kitchen.

Instead, please leave all wildflowers wild. Every plant plays a role in ecological stability, and removing even one can accelerate a population's decline.

Many state parks and other outdoor spaces boast incredible amenities and services that enhance the visitor experience, all thanks to dynamic partnerships with dozens of passionate Michigan businesses and dedicated state park friends' groups.

Imagine everything from food trucks and equipment rentals (bikes, kayaks, paddleboards and more) to gift shops, ice cream treats, dune rides, horseback riding and whitewater rafting.

By collaborating with these small business owners, the DNR can significantly expand its offererings. Dive deeper into these impactful entrepreneurial partnerships – read our recent Showcasing the DNR story. 

Each month, volunteers roll up their sleeves and assist with natural resource conservation activities at several volunteer stewardship workdays in state parks across southern lower Michigan. 

No experience is necessary, and all equipment and instruction are provided. More details about each workday and how to register can be found on the volunteer stewardship workday calendar.

The DNR's Outdoor Adventure Center in Detroit marks its 10^th anniversary this month, and we're inviting all Michiganders to experience why this unique destination is truly worth celebrating.

Located in the historic Globe Building along the city's riverfront, with the Dequindre Cut greenway right outside, the OAC offers exciting interactive activities, exhibits and simulators. Kids of all ages will love walking behind a waterfall, reeling in a big fish from a fishing boat, hitting the trails on a mountain bike or snowmobile and much more.