LANSING, MI (WHTC-AM/FM) – The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is waiving the entry fees to all Michgan State Parks, trails and boating access sites today.
It’t part of an effort called #OptOutside. The DNR encourages people to head into the great outdoors today with family and friends. The DNR hopes the free entry opportunity will encourage residents and visitors to explore new places and experience the outdoors’ many physical, mental and social benefits.”
The Michigan DNR says there are plenty of ideas to incorporate into popular day-after-Thanksgiving traditions, including opportunities to:
- Find a new mile to hike or run on one of more than 12,500 miles of state-designated trails.
- Cast a line in a state park and put fishing on your Friday festivities menu.
- Try mountain biking.
- Jump on the Iron Belle Trail – the longest designated state trail in the nation – and crisscross more than half of Michigan’s counties along both hiking and biking routes.
- Find a new hunting spot by exploring one of Michigan’s vast recreation areas.
- Enjoy the peace and quiet of camping in the off-season.
- Download a geocaching app and take part in an outdoor treasure hunting game that utilizes GPS-enabled devices.
- Seek out historical markers and learn a little bit more about Michigan’s backstory.
- Make a bird-watching scavenger hunt for kids and start a list of the birds you spot.
The #OptOutside movement was started by outdoor recreation cooperative REI Inc. in 2015 to encourage people to spend time outdoors on Black Friday. For the third year in a row, the Michigan DNR has encouraged people to utilize the outdoors as part of their Thanksgiving weekend celebrations.
