A great time to enjoy the great outdoors in Michigan is coming up!

After this past year and half we're all feeling pretty cooped up I'd imagine. Well, in a little over a week, you can outside and partake in some of the summertime activities the Mitten State is known for - for free!

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June 12-13, 2021 is Michigan's "Three Free" Weekend. Residents and non-residents can fish, ride off-road trails, and visit state parks, all free of charge.

The "Three Free" Weekend includes:

  • Free fishing: You won't need a license to go fishing on both inland and Great Lakes waters for all species of fish. All other fishing regulations will still apply.
  • Riding ORV trails for free: You can ride the nearly 3,800 miles of off-road, DNR-designated routes and trails, and the state's six scramble areas without purchasing an ORV license or trail permit.  All other ORV rules and laws still apply.
  • Waived Recreation Passport: You won't need Recreation Passport for entry into state parks and boating access sites.

Another free fishing weekend happens in Michigan in the winter. The next one will be February 19- 20, 2022.

There's also a second free ORV weekend coming up this summer, August 21-22, 2021.

The DNR say they have seen an increase in the number of people visiting parks, trails, boat launches, and rivers during the pandemic -- so it's more important than ever that we all do our part to protect our places and resources so we all can enjoy them for years to come.

Some tips from the DNR to keep ourselves and the outdoors safe are:

  • Clean up after yourself: Take all trash and recycling out with you when you leave an area.
  • Know your trail etiquette and follow posted rules.
  • Be on the lookout for ticks, which are abundant this year. Check yourself for ticks and make sure your pets are protected and check them often.
  • If you're going out alone, always tell someone where you are going.
  • If you build a campfire make sure to douse the fire with water, stir and douse again before leaving the site.

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