Tawas Is my Favorite

I have been camping at Tawas Point State Park since I was a child (I am now a grandma). Two years ago while camping; my husband had a heart attack (at home while I was up north). The staff members at Tawas Point State Park were awesome. They helped me in any way I needed as I made arrangements to have my camper packed and moved. It was a very stressful time made much easier by the support and understanding from park staff.

Last year, my granddaughter and I camped at Tawas State Park for 2 weeks. We both had a fabulous time. She especially enjoyed the activities planned by the park rangers. The night nature hike was her favorite and her "nature book" is still a topic of conversation even after 4 months.

We are looking forward to 2008! 

Deb, Pinconning

Brimley State Park

Our favorite place is Brimley State Park, because of the boats, the beach, the locks, and it is a great base fro which to visit the entire eastern UP.

Richard, Tecumseh

Every State Park is my Favorite

Every State Park is my favorite and special in its own way. They each all have their own personality. Some examples are:  Algonac is the perfect place to just sit and relax with the family, a friend and even a romantic setting with that special loved one and watch the freighters move along the St. Clair River. Lakeport is perfect for taking strolls through the many trails in the woods and along the long beach looking for those special rocks that wash ashore and the beautiful sun rises over Lake Huron. Metamora-Hadley is ideal to take the family and kids to for the simple reason it has it all for the whole family. Hiking (the perfect exercise for the whole family), Fishing, (what a way to bond with the kids), Swimming (well, maybe dad will stay back and relax while mom takes the kids). This park has it all from renting a boat to a general store. Seven Lakes is small but cozy and close to home and you can't beat the miles of hiking and bicycling trails within the park and the fishing on one of it's many lakes is excellent for the beginner and the serious fisherman too. Yep, I can go on forever talking about all the fun and memories with family and friends my family and I have had at the many Michigan State Parks that we've been to and will continue to use. Just sitting here writing this and thinking of all my memories, I closed my eyes and pictured me sitting at the camp fire and I can still hear it and smell the fire wood burning and hear my friends laughing telling stories and jokes. So you see, every State Park is special to me. I have met and made a lot of new friends through my years camping  and If people would try different parks once in a while it will open a whole new door to their camping and traveling experiences throughout Michigan and you'll see why I can't pick just one special place because they all are special in their own way. Sincerely,

Wally

Part Two from Wally

Thank you very much for enjoying my letter, and it would be a pleasure knowing that it will be used in an issue of the e-newsletter. I have a grandson almost who is 5. We have a class c motor home and love to travel all through Michigan. Our grandson goes with us every time and really loves fishing, hiking and biking with me. He is the light of my life. I wrote my favorite park letter to you from my heart because I have been to them all and can tell you first hand how much fun we have had. We have a good size group (about 20 campers) that gets together a few times a year at the state parks. Our favorite get together, is the fall harvest at Lakeport in October. Thank you for taking the time to read and hear my thoughts.  Sincerely,

Wally, Ferndale

Holly Recreation Area

My husband, kids and I absolutely love staying at Holly Recreation Center Campground. We drive over from Port Huron every chance we get. The lake is child friendly, with lots to do! The camp sites are so nice because we like the woods and they have that "feel", while still being close to everything that you need. We go on a nature hike every time, and the kids love to play in the big field, whether it is chasing grasshoppers or playing soccer. The people are always friendly too.

It has always been a wonderful experience. Thank you! 

Roberta & Luis, Port Huron

Lexington Harbor

Lexington, MI. The harbor is a great place to relax, especially if you arrive on a boat. Very laid back. Restaurants and watering holes are a short walk up the hill. The place is clean and the offerings are many.

Dave, Fraser

Indian Lake State Park

My name is Brian and I'm 51 years old. I've been camping in Michigan campgrounds for about 45 years.  My Mom & Dad started all 8 of us kids when we were very young.  We range from 49-62 years of age.  I camp about 45 days a year in summer and fall.  I love being outdoors.  It is my haven. I have canoed ALL the Great Lakes and must of the rivers.  We have hiked all of Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park and camped in tents and slept under the stars.  I own a pop-up now.  But my best campground in all of Michigan is Indian Lake State Park.  I have always had a great time there with my wife and three children and our three labs.   We all think God made Indian Lake for us, we been to the big springs

10 times and still love it.  Thank you.

Brian, White Lake

Fisherman's Island

My daughter and I have done yearly 'Mother/Daughter' camping trips for over 20 years.  2007 was the first of a new era, the 'Mother/Daughter's/Grand Daughters' camping trips.  Over the years my daughter and I have camped at different campgrounds across the Lower Peninsula but for the last four years (and planning on 2008 already) we have camped at one of the beach sites at Fisherman's Island.  We love Lake Michigan and rustic camping. Fisherman's Island gives us both as well as a beautiful secluded campsite.  And of course, the sunsets are awesome!!!
Thank you for keeping campgrounds like this available so we can carry on a camping tradition. 
Nanc, Midland

I Like the Whole Outdoors…

I like the whole outdoors for hiking, fishing, boating, camping and just for its beauty of wildlife.
I am retired but support the DNR by buying fishing licenses and boating registration.
Keep up the good work.  Thanks,  

Fred, Flushing

Tahquamenon Falls…

On December 23, 2007, my Dad and I visited the Upper Falls of Tahquamenon Falls.  I had the pleasure of visiting the falls this past summer with my husband, but this was Dad's first visit since the 1970s. 
It was raining the day and night before we visited the falls, but it stopped raining before we headed out to the falls.  Before it started raining, there was approximately 12 inches of snow on the ground at the falls, but on the day we visited, the snow level was down to 6 inches.  The air temp was approximately 25 degrees Fahrenheit, with little wind.  The walk to the brink of the Upper Falls was a bit slow-going, but Dad and I were prepared with our boots and winter wear.  The view from the viewing area was magnificent!  There was still open water at the base of the fall and the roar of the water rushing over the falls was astounding!

The steps to the brink were completely clear of snow and ice - brilliant design.  The view of the falls from the brink were as breathtaking as we both remembered from our previous visits.  My only disappointment is that I don't live closer to the falls to be able to visit more often.  It's one of the most beautiful landmarks of the great state of Michigan!

Deb, Milwaukee

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the State's natural resources for current and future generations.
Visit the Michigan Department of Natural Resources

The Natural Resources Commission is the governing body for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. In providing a strategic framework for the DNR to effectively manage the state's resources, the NRC works closely with a broad cross-section of constituencies to establish and continuously improve natural resources management policy.
Visit the Michigan Natural Resources Commission