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"*Michigan state parks news - October 2025*"

Meet our 1 millionth campers of 2025!

two campers, a dog and staff holding 1 millionth camper camp night sign

The McIntyre family received a fantastic surprise last month when they were recognized for holding the DNR's 1 millionth camp night reservation of 2025!

While the McIntyre family has camped in many other state parks, this was their first visit to South Higgins Lake State Park [ [link removed] ]. Staff gave them a warm welcome and presented them with a Michigan camping-themed basket, including a $150 state park and harbor gift card [ [link removed] ]. Congratulations on this cool badge of honor!



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All-inclusive Winter Wonderland registration open

chairs around a campfire with snow and snowshoes

Does a cozy winter getaway nestled along the shores of Higgins Lake near Roscommon entice you? That’s the backdrop for this two-night, three-day adventure at the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center [ [link removed] ]!

Join the RAM and Outdoor Adventure Center staff Jan. 7-9 for an all-inclusive experience packed with outdoor adventure, including guided winter birding, an evening owl prowl, special presentations on winter ecology and wildlife and more.

This getaway is perfect for individuals, families or couples eager to embrace the season. For just $375 (or $344 if you share a room), your package includes two nights of comfortable lodging, five delicious meals and all guided activities and presentations. Register for 2026 Winter Wonderland [ [link removed] ].



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It’s Firewood Month: Don't move it!

firewood in shrink-wrap with a certified firewood Michigan sticker

Whether you’re planning an epic campfire at a state park or a cozy night by the fireplace, Firewood Month is the perfect time to brush up on best practices.

Your bundle of wood is one of the easiest ways for invasive insects and diseases to hitch a ride and infest new locations. Here are some helpful reminders [ [link removed] ]:


* Aged or seasoned wood is not safe to move. A recent study showed insects continued to emerge from firewood even three years after it had been cut.
* Buy firewood near where you will burn it – a good rule of thumb is only using wood that was cut within 50 miles of your fire.
* Certified, heat-treated firewood is safe to move long distances. Look for a federal stamp or seal on the package.
* If you buy firewood and don’t use it all, don’t bring it home or to your next destination.

We need your help to keep our forests healthy! Read the full article [ [link removed] ]. 



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*Finding your path is easy in The Trails State*

two horseback riders smiling on horse along trail

Single-track. Switchback. Rail trail. Off-road. Backcountry. Water. Equestrian. Multi-use. Looped. Out-and-back. Smooth and paved.

Here in Michigan, we’re lucky to have all these trail types and then some.

We are known as The Trails State for good reasons: Michigan is home to more than 13,700 miles of designated state-managed trails and thousands of miles of local, county and federally managed trails. This time of year, there is something especially magical about exploring and being in nature – whether deep in the woods, at your local state park or on a paved path in your city. Autumn’s vibrant color display is as stunning as it gets while on a trail.

Did you know each fall we celebrate Michigan Trails Week? Read more about our state’s trails in this Showcasing the DNR story [ [link removed] ].

"And if you’re taking to the trails using an e-bike this fall, we’d like to hear from you! Our e-bike survey [ [link removed] ] remains open through Nov. 1."



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MC4T event at Tawas Point State Park marks 68th statewide event

group of volunteers posing in front of lighthouse

Michigan Cares for Tourism [ [link removed] ], or MC4T, has spent more than a decade mobilizing tourism industry volunteers to help tourism sites across the state. These volunteers complete a full day of work, ranging from brush-clearing and painting to light construction and preservation.

Just last month, more than 140 volunteers spent two days in Tawas Point State Park – also informally known as the "Cape Cod of the Midwest" – working to improve facilities for birders, campers and beach-goers, such as building boardwalks and birding stations, painting structures and more.

With this relationship, the DNR has provided more than $1 million in labor and materials through the work of nearly 6,000 volunteers. Thank you, MC4T!











*Michigan.gov/StateParks [ [link removed] ]*

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This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Michigan Department of Natural Resources · Deborah A. Stabenow Building, 525 W. Allegan St., PO Box 30028 Lansing MI 48909 · 1-800-439-1420