Free Fishing, ORVing, and State Park Entry

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is offering a “Three Free” Weekend on Saturday, June 7, and Sunday, June 8. During these days, anyone can go fishing, ride off-road trails, and visit state parks. Boating access sites and other outdoor locations managed by the DNR are all available for free.

Go Fishing!

According to the DNR, Michigan residents and visitors to the state can fish for all in-season species, all weekend long, without a license. All other fishing regulations apply. Visit Michigan.gov/FreeFishing for more information. 

Trail Ride!

For this weekend only, “Michigan residents and vistors to the state can legally ride 4,000 miles of state-designated routes and trails and the state’s six scramble areas without purchasing an ORV license or trail permit,” according to the DNR.

No Recreation Passport Needed

The DNR says, “To encourage people to pursue free fishing and other outdoor fun, the DNR waives the regular Recreation Passport fee that grants vehicle access to Michigan’s 103 state parks, 1,000-plus state-managed boating access sites and many other outdoor spaces. Learn more about Passport benefits at Michigan.gov/RecreationPassport.”

Lots of Damage Up North

If you are thinking of heading north, be aware that “following the severe March 28-30 ice storm in northern Michigan, the DNR continues assessments and cleanup at many state-managed locations”, according to a press release from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The DNR says that you can find more at the DNR’s ice storm response page to view a dashboard with the latest status (open, partially open, temporarily closed) of state parks, state-managed trails, boating access sites, state forest campgrounds and state forest roads, as well as to find an interactive map, safety updates and more.

Have a great weekend in the outdoors!

Story by Jennie McClelland for BlueWaterParent.com

Photo provided by Michigan Department of Natural Resources