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"*Michigan state parks news - September 2026*"

campfire with fall-decorated picnic table in the background

While we aren't trying to wish time away, those first hints of fall – crimson leaves and shorter, cooler evenings – are hard to ignore. Here are some ideas to embrace the season:


* Book a state park campsite or harbor slip [ [link removed] ], when you'll often find open midweek dates and weekend openings. Or, if you're looking for a more rustic experience, stay in one of 140-plus state forest campgrounds [ [link removed] ] located throughout Michigan's Upper and northern Lower Peninsulas.
* Walk, run, roll, bike! Find color along Michigan's 1,300 miles of state-designated trails [ [link removed] ].
* Seeking an adrenaline rush? Soar down the zipline at Michigan Luge Adventure Sports Park [ [link removed] ] in Muskegon State Park or take a whitewater rafting trip at at Menominee River Recreation Area [ [link removed] ] in the western Upper Peninsula. Outfitter companies keep whitewater adventures running through October.
* Volunteer at a stewardship workday [ [link removed] ].

"You can also use Pure Michigan's fall color map [ [link removed] ] to plan your t"rip." Just slide the leaf to scout predicted color."



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View the Porkies from above with fall color chairlift rides

couple riding on chairlift surrounded by fall color

Get a bird's-eye view of the western Upper Peninsula's stunning fall foliage and Lake Superior on a fall color chairlift ride [ [link removed] ] to the top of the Porkies Winter Sports Complex [ [link removed] ] in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park.

The chairlift is open weekends Saturdays and Sundays Sept. 26 through Oct. 11 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST.



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As swim buoys at state parks are removed for the season, swim area designation expires

three swim buoys in choppy water

As the weather cools and the days shorten, the DNR removes swim buoys and the Great Lakes flag system from state park beaches.

Once buoys are removed – a process that always starts after Labor Day – the area is no longer considered a designated swim area. While the beach remains open to the public, swimming is not recommended, and beachgoers are urged to pay keen attention to weather and water conditions.

Visit Michigan.gov/BeachSafety [ [link removed] ] for tips and information on safely visiting the Great Lakes, including buoyed swim beach locations, the beach flag warning system, Great Lakes currents (and how to escape them) and more.



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Experience vibrant autumn hues with specially adapted EnChroma lenses

EnChroma-enabled viewer sitting on observation deck

Experience Michigan's brilliant fall foliage in a whole new spectrum. Several state parks offer specially adapted EnChroma lenses or sunglasses [ [link removed] ] designed to help visitors with red-green colorblindness experience vibrant autumn hues more clearly, distinctly and vibrantly.


Following a recent expansion, these adaptive lenses are already available at the following locations: Porcupine Mountains Wilderness, Highland, Ludington, Maybury, William G. Milliken, Mitchell, Muskegon and Waterloo state parks and recreation areas.

"Even more parks will offer them soon, including Brimley State Park, Grand Haven State Park, Island Lake Recreation Area and Rifle River Recreation Area."



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Blaze orange keeps you safer in the woods during hunting season

hiker pointing to her blaze orange hat

To help reduce the risk of hunting accidents, always wear blaze orange when using trails on public or private land, especially during archery and firearm deer seasons.

While hunters are typically very vigilant, wearing this highly visible color is the best way to ensure they see you. Outfit your pet with a blaze orange bandana, leash or harness as well.

Archery season takes place Oct. 1-Nov. 14 and Dec. 1 -Jan. 1, and regular firearm deer season takes place Nov. 15-30. Find all hunting dates [ [link removed] ].










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DNR* Recreation Search*

Fishing pier? Check. Full hook-up? Found it. Picnic area? Definitely.

Use our powerful filters to find the perfect state park, campground, nonmotorized trail, amenity and more!

Michigan.gov/RecSearch ► [ [link removed] ]

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This email was sent to [email protected] using Granicus 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