When we think about a state fair, what usually comes to mind are the carnival rides, viewing the livestock and special exhibits, seeing the produce and other products made by local growers, terrific entertainment and, of course, the corn dogs, elephant ears and cotton candy.

All those things are mainstays but, today, our two state fairs in Michigan offer even more diversity. Plan to visit the DNR Pocket Park at the Upper Peninsula State Fair in Escanaba and the Outdoor Skills Center at the Michigan State Fair in Detroit, where the entire family can learn about our state's natural resources and hunting and fishing heritage.

"Our two 'mini' parks have been a highlight of the state fairs for several years," said Patricia Stewart, chief communications officer for the Department of Natural Resources. "They provide opportunities for visitors to learn outdoor skills that may provide the incentive to engage them in those activities for years to come."

More than 100,000 people are expected to attend this year's Upper Peninsula State Fair, Aug. 12-17, and the majority of them, especially those families with younger children, will head for the DNR Pocket Park, a one-acre parcel of woodland beauty centrally located in the fairgrounds. The main attractions are the Upper Peninsula-shaped pond for catch and release fishing, an archery range and a pellet gun range.

"Kids love the chance to catch a bluegill, shoot a pellet gun or hit an archery target," said Ann Wilson, U.P. Pocket Park coordinator.

But new this year is the recently renovated resource center, which features an interactive classroom and meeting facility. The project was completed with funds from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund and fairgoers are invited to a ribbon cutting on Governor's Day, Aug. 16.

"The building is our official welcome center and completes the Pocket Park as it was originally intended," Wilson said. "It is very satisfying to see the finished product."

In addition to the fishing pond and shooting ranges, fairgoers also can tour the 11 specialty gardens, all featuring native species, and enjoy a variety of daily programs. The U.P. Pocket Park also features an authentic fire tower for the public to climb.

The Outdoor Skills Center at the Michigan State Fair, Aug. 22 through Sept. 1, is a substantial effort to bring Michigan's hunting, fishing and outdoors heritage to the residents of our state's largest urban area.

"Children who live in the urban areas often have fewer opportunities to participate in outdoor activities," Stewart said. "It is wonderful to watch children who have never had the chance to fish or shoot previously to try those skills for the first time, and find it not only easy to learn but a lot of fun, too."

To ensure everyone has fun learning how to fish, volunteers at each fishing station along one side of the Lower Peninsula-shaped fishing pond stand ready to help bait the hook, untangle fishing lines and even take a fish off the hook and release it back to the pond.

"Most kids are real excited to catch their first fish and there are smiling faces all around after hitting a bull's-eye," said Bonnie Arthur, coordinator of the DNR's state fair activities in Detroit. "Our goal is to provide these kids with a quality experience."

This year's fair also will include several DNR exhibits called "Tools of the Trade," featuring a mix of vehicles and equipment used by biologists, technicians, researchers, foresters and conservation officers that will be on display throughout the park.

"We want to show the public the unique type of work we do while managing our natural resources," said Kevin Frailey, DNR Interpretive Services manager. "It also will be a mini-career fair because all of those people will be on hand to answer questions about their jobs and the work they do." All activities at the U.P. Pocket Park and the Outdoor Skills Center in Detroit are free once the fair admission price is paid.

The U.P. State Fair runs from Aug. 12-17. The DNR Pocket Park will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Admission to the fair is $8 for persons 13 and older, $5 for children 6-12 and children 5 and under are free. Parking also is free.

The Outdoor Skills Center at the Michigan State Fair, Aug. 22 through Sept. 1, is open from noon to 6 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, and from noon to 7 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Admission to the fair is $10 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under, children under 3 are free. The fair is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Parking is $7.