Department of Natural Resources state parks and recreation officials today announced Mitchell State Park has formed a partnership with the Cadillac/Wexford Transit Authority (CWTA) and Niche Communications to benefit campers at Mitchell State Park.

The partnership offers campers a great fuel saving opportunity as they will be able to take free bus service from the state park to desired destinations in Wexford County and receive a token for a return ride to the park. Niche Communications will reimburse CWTA for campers using the bus system.

Mitchell State Park campers can take the bus to go shopping, sightseeing, golfing or fishing at one of the numerous crossings on the various rivers in the area. There are many specialty shops, a movie theater and a museum in Cadillac. Johnny's Fish and Game Park is another attraction campers may wish to visit where they can catch rainbow trout or see domestic and wild animals that include deer, llamas and buffalo.

Vance Edwards, director of the CWTA, suggested campers consider visiting the Antique Auto Festival in June and the Arts Festival in July, both held in Cadillac. The bus also will provide service to Manton and Mesick for the town festivals and farmers' markets.

Campers can arrange to be picked up at the bus stop, located by the park's campground host site, by calling 888-647-5465 (toll free). Hours of operation are from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.

For more information on the free bus rides for campers, contact Vance Edwards at (231) 775-9411, or contact Mitchell State Park at (231) 775-7911.

Mitchell State Park is located at 6093 M-115 in Cadillac. Camping reservations can be made online at www.midnrreservations.com or by calling 800-44-PARKS.

All motor vehicles entering a state park or recreation area must display a Motor Vehicle Permit, available for purchase at the park entrance. Cost is $24 for a resident annual and $6 for a resident daily. A nonresident annual is $29 and a nonresident daily is $8.