Your monthly Michigan state park news is here!
Share or view as webpage [ [link removed] ] | Update preferences [ [link removed] ]
DNR banner with link to website [ [link removed] ]
"*Michigan state park news - December 2025*"
Volunteer campground hosts make state parks home base
Two smiling hosts and a ranger pose in front of a kiosk
Love the outdoors and want to make it home base for a couple of weeks? The DNR is looking for volunteers to work in Michigan state parks and some rustic forest campgrounds as volunteer campground hosts [ [link removed] ].
In exchange for about 30 hours per week helping visitors (answering questions, planning activities and basic maintenance), your campsite fees are completely waived.
________________________________________________________________________
Michigan snowmobiling: Covered by snow, funded by you!
two snowmobiles on snowy trail
Suit up! Michigan's official snowmobiling season is open through March 31.
Get ready to explore roughly 6,000 miles of DNR-designated snowmobile trails groomed by the DNR and dedicated snowmobile clubs, public roads and public lands (only where riding is authorized).
Trail grooming occurs once there is enough snow on the ground, so always check trail reports and closures before heading out. Remember to follow the Ride Right [ [link removed] ] safety precautions, including staying on the right side of the trail.
You can purchase your trail permit and find detailed maps at Michigan.gov/Snowmobiling [ [link removed] ]. "The snowmobile program is 100% funded with your trail permit dollars. "
________________________________________________________________________
*Book your self-guided Snowshoe and Cross-Country Weekend Getaway at the RAM Center*
view of leg and top of boot and snowshoe on top of snow
Enjoy a self-guided Snowshoe and Cross-Country Weekend Getaway [ [link removed] ] Jan. 30-Feb. 1 or Feb. 20-22 at the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center [ [link removed] ] in Roscommon.
Perfect for couples, friends, community groups and families, this all-inclusive, weekend provides easy access to endless outdoor fun. Explore miles of evergreen-lined trails on-site, visit Hartwick Pines State Park's old-growth forest or explore the region.
For just $275 (or $255 if you share a room), your package includes two nights of lodging, hot cocoa, five delicious meals and snowshoe rentals. Register for a Snowshoe and Cross-Country Weekend Getaway. [ [link removed] ]
________________________________________________________________________
Three unique 5Ks to support the OAC and tree-planting!
People running on pedestrian bridge, including one person with Detroit sweatshirt
Get ready to run, walk or roll! We've lined up three unique 5K events to support the DNR's Outdoor Adventure Center and tree-planting efforts. Check out the lineup!
_Detroit Auto Show 5K_ [ [link removed] ], Saturday, Jan. 17, along the Detroit Riverfront. You'll earn a T-shirt, medal and bib. Proceeds benefit the DNR’s Outdoor Adventure Center.
Lumberjack Pancake Run [ [link removed] ], Sunday, March 29, featuring both the Silver Dollar Mile and Flapjack 5K. You'll get a custom medal, lumberjack buff, Outdoor Adventure Center entry and a pancake breakfast. Proceeds benefit the DNR’s Outdoor Adventure Center.
Bob Ross-inspired Run for the Trees: Happy Little (Virtual) 5K [ [link removed] ], anytime between April 18-26, anywhere outdoors. You’ll earn a Bob Ross-inspired T-shirt, medal and bib. Proceeds support tree-planting and preservation efforts in state parks.
________________________________________________________________________
Recreation Passport grants provide nearly $2 million boost for local parks
The DNR recently announced that 15 communities will share $1.92 million in Recreation Passport grants [ [link removed] ] for local public recreation projects to build new accessible pathways, sensory playgrounds and more.
Your Recreation Passport [ [link removed] ] made this happen! Ten percent of the proceeds from Recreation Passport sales are granted to communities across the state for development and improvement of local public recreation facilities. View projects recommended for funding [ [link removed] ] for this year’s grant awards.
"Beyond the money allocated for Recreation Passport grants, revenue from sales of Recreation Passports supports operations, infrastructure and historic and cultural assets in Michigan’s state parks and recreation system".
________________________________________________________________________
Fat-tire bike 450 acres of Silver Lake sand dunes
two fat-tire bikers posed on top of a snow dune
Silver Lake State Park’s annual fat-tire biking season [ [link removed] ] runs Dec. 15 through March 15, offering a thrilling challenge across 450 acres of open sand.
To start your adventure, all you need is a Recreation Passport. Push yourself with challenging 80-100 foot climbs and soak in breathtaking views of Lake Michigan from the top of the dunes.
*Michigan.gov/StateParks [ [link removed] ]*
facebook icon circleX icon circleinstagram iconYouTube icon circlepinterest icon circle [ [link removed] ]email icon circleBluesky icon [ [link removed] ]
If you wish to no longer receive emails from the DNR,
please update your preferences here:
Manage Preferences [ [link removed]? ] | Unsubscribe All [ [link removed] ] | Help [ [link removed] ]
Need further assistance?
Contact Us [ [link removed] ] | Provide Feedback <
[email protected]>
Visit us on our website: Michigan.gov/DNR [ [link removed] ]
________________________________________________________________________
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
