Michigan state parks news - December 2022

Following another successful off-road vehicle riding season and the first official shoreline horseback riding season this past November, the DNR is expanding outdoor recreation at Silver Lake State Park.

An all-new fat-tire biking season will take place at Silver Lake ORV Area Dec. 15-March 15. Riders will enjoy 450 acres of open sand dunes, elevation changes of 80-100 feet, access to Lake Michigan and sunsets over the lake from the top of the dunes.

Learn more about Silver Lake's fat-tire biking season, including riding rules and tips, the Recreation Passport requirement and parking information, at Michigan.gov/SilverLake.

Stellar views of Lake Superior, a natural terrain park, glades (woodsy trails cut between each run), a triple chairlift, ski runs, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, rentals and lessons ? plus a chance to visit the "most beautiful state park in the nation," according to a Travel Lens recent study.?You?ll find all this and more at the Porcupine Mountains Winter Sports Complex.?

Just?inside the entrance to Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in Michigan's Western Upper Peninsula, this winter sports complex has something for everyone: first-timers, aspiring intermediates, thrill seekers, trail enthusiasts and anybody looking for some snowy outdoor fun.?All that's needed is a Recreation Passport to enter the park and a lift ticket to use the triple lift.

Keep an eye on Michigan.gov/SkiThePorkies or the Porkies Winter Complex Facebook page?for the opening date (targeted for Dec. 30).

Registration is open for the Bob Ross-inspired Happy Little Virtual 5K April 22-28, 2023.

Everyone who participates gets a Happy Little T-shirt, a commemorative bib number and finisher's medal. Registration is $34, and proceeds support tree planting and forest protection efforts in state parks.

The event has now been expanded to include Ohio, South Carolina and Wisconsin. Just pick the state where you want proceeds to go when registering.?

Each year, we send online surveys to campers and boaters to help us learn which amenities and services are most important and how we can best meet their needs.

To encourage and thank those participants, we offered $100 state park and harbor gift cards to several respondents.

Congratulations to this year's winners: Ariel from Ionia, Michigan; Cameron from Charlevoix, Michigan; John from Ontario, Canada; John from?Mentor, Ohio; Sowmya from Troy, Michigan; Susan from Coopersville, Michigan and Zach from Midland, Michigan. Thank you to everyone who participated!