Michigan state parks news - August 2025

You're invited to ride Michigan's 4,000 miles of off-road vehicle trails and/or scramble areas during Free ORV Weekend.

Residents and out-of-state visitors legally can ride DNR-designated routes, trails and the state’s six scramble areas Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 16-17, without an ORV license or trail permit. All other ORV rules and laws still apply, and the Recreation Passport is required where applicable. 

If you like what you experience, please consider purchasing an ORV license and trail permit. Fees generated are reinvested into the ORV system, benefiting trail expansion, annual trail grooming, infrastructure improvements and more.

The entrance fee for Holly Oaks ORV Park is also waived for the weekend.

Thanks to the relentless efforts of the DNR and local communities, all state parks, boating access sites and state forest campgrounds (except one) in the 12 impacted counties have been restored following the devastating March 28-30 ice storm.

We're also excited to report that 65% of state-managed motorized and nonmotorized trails have reopened, a huge step in restoring access for outdoor enthusiasts. Work continues on the sections of trail that remain closed following a prioritized and phased approach to safely reopen all impacted trails for public recreation. This incredible effort was made possible by DNR staff, trail partner groups and many hard-working volunteers, who have dedicated more than 41,000 hours.

You can find a map and dashboard with the latest status of state-managed trails on the DNR’s ice storm storm response page.

When you're on the water, keep an eye out for commercial fishing operations. These commerical fishing nets are often found near popular ports, marked by tall buoys with orange flags and typically a fair distance apart.

Getting snagged in a net or its lines not only impacts recreational anglers, tribal fishers, state-licensed commercial businesses and scientists, but can cause serious damage to your gear or boat's motor.

If you become entangled, 1) turn off the engine or put the boat in neutral, 2) cut yourself free using wire cutters and/or label your gear if left behind, 3) mark the net's location on your GPS and attach a buoy or jug for officials and 4) report GPS coordinates to an enforcement agency. Find contact info and learn more.

Experience Silver Lake State Park on horseback! As part of an ongoing effort to expand year-round recreation at Silver Lake, a shoreline horseback riding season takes place annually Nov. 1-30 (except Thanksgiving).

Equestrians can ride a predetermined route along Lake Michigan. A staging area is available at the start of the route.

Reservations open Sept. 1 at 8 a.m. at MiDNRReservations.com (use the equestrian tab and staging area filter) or call 1-800-447-2757. The cost is $10 per horse per day, with 125 slots available daily.

The DNR and the Belle Isle Conservancy want your input! We're considering 11 potential large-scale projects to enhance Belle Isle Park in Detroit and need your help to rank them.

Whether you're a regular visitor or just love this beloved park, please take our online public survey to help guide the new strategic development plan. Your feedback is crucial as we explore funding for these significant enhancements. The survey closes on Labor Day.

If your Labor Day weekend travel plans include crossing the Mighty Mac Monday, Sept. 1, please keep in mind that the Mackinac Bridge Authority closes the bridge 6:30 a.m. to noon for the Annual Mackinac Bridge Walk.

If you're looking for things to fill your time during the closure, participating in the Mackinac Bridge Walk is FREE (and registration isn't required). There's also lots to do on both sides of the bridge, such as visiting Mackinaw City or Ocqueoc Falls in the Lower Peninsula or exploring St. Ignace or Fayette Historic State Park in the Upper Peninsula.

For even more ideas, check out the new RecSearch website. With its location-based search and powerful filters, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time.