It used to be that staying overnight in a state park meant pitching a tent or hauling an RV. Visitors can still do that, but, as travelers' needs and preferences have changed, so have the options available at Michigan's state parks.
This summer the Michigan History Center will enter its 41st season of a unique program in historic site interpretation at Fort Wilkins Historic State Park, at Copper Harbor, in Keweenaw County.
The Barbara J. Brown Family History Seminar, taking place virtually July 9-10 this year, promotes family history awareness and teaches genealogy research skills.
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park's small band of experienced rangers are skilled at search and rescue missions and first aid to face the challenges of the park's 60,000 acres of virgin hardwoods and hemlocks, waterfalls and wilderness.
The DNR celebrates its centennial this year, and Stewart - who recently retired - was there for half of that 100 years. He shared some reflections on the department's story and his role in it.
Peregrines can be found on every continent except Antarctica. While it's now fairly common to read about falcons nesting, it wasn't always that way.
The Survey Vessel Steelhead set forth from Charlevoix for its first year of fisheries surveys on the lakes in 1968. Since construction of the survey boat, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has gone on to commission vessels at each of its Great Lakes research stations.
A reflection on a reflecting pond.
In the southwest corner of Michigan, the Dowagiac River, one of the largest cold-water streams in the region, flows into the mighty St. Joseph River, near the City of Niles. Annual stocking by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources there supports a popular brown trout fishery.
Taken too soon, these loyal and dedicated officers made the ultimate sacrifice, which continues to be remembered through their family generations. Each year, during National Police Week, active Michigan conservation officers salute and place a state of Michigan flag at each gravesite to honor the fallen.
Have you ever wondered where those salmon and trout the Michigan Department of Natural Resources stocks in the Great Lakes and tributaries come from? The Little Manistee River Weir and Egg Collection Facility is the place where this story starts.
Heading outdoors for some springtime adventure and recreation can produce some spectacular results. Some of the best advice for those new to the outdoors and veterans of woods and waters alike is to "know before you go."
Earth Day is today, April 22, which each year commemorates the anniversary of the modern environmental movement's birth in 1970. As we celebrate our planet, remember that we are an important part of our world - and we can all help keep it safe, healthy and clean for everyone.
A massive effort to vaccinate people in the Detroit area against COVID-19 rolled out recently with mobile clinics and a clinic at Ford Field, where the Detroit Lions play football. The efforts have an assist from people who are used to jumping in and helping at a moment's notice - members of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources incident management teams.
Built in 1832, the tavern served as a wayside inn, bar and post office for travelers on the "Old Chicago Road." In the 1920s, the tavern would find new life as a roadside tourist attraction, and in 1965 it became a Michigan state park.
A reflection on the slow arrival of spring.
Blooming time for northern Michigan's three-petaled wild orchid, the trillium, is just around the corner. With this natural beauty in store, now is the time to start planning a getaway to the forest. Make lifetime memories while hunting for mushrooms, casting a line into a trout stream or catching sight of a free-roaming elk.
Park rangers are responsible for protecting, preserving and enhancing Michigan's state parks and natural resources, while ensuring the safety and welfare of park visitors. Learn more about these important employees.
In Michigan, we are lucky to have 11,000 inland lakes to enjoy. Whether we fish, swim or boat, we have plenty of options. Venturing out to new places can feel like a gamble. To fish a new lake, there are a few options an angler can try.
What’s the truth about mountain lions in Michigan? How many are there? Where are they? And how worried should we be? While memories of these big cats persist across the state, trying to find physical evidence to support reported sightings proved to be a bit like chasing a ghost.
Within the pages of Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park's collection of cabin logbooks – from 23 cabins and yurts across the span of 76 years – is the history of the park, written by the people who took the time to enjoy it.
Deep winter snow and prolonged ice cover on Upper Peninsula inland lakes can create conditions that present unique habitat challenges to fish. DNR Fisheries Division staffers annually survey a subset of U.P. trout lakes in late winter.
A meditation on the serenity of a winter's night under the gaze of a watchful star.
During late fall and early winter months, steelhead river fishing becomes a prized pastime for anglers seeking a unique challenge. It can also be a wonderful time to bond with family.
For decades, City of Detroit foresters industriously labored away in a quaint sawmill within Belle Isle Park until it was shut down over 40 years ago. Now, the 80-year-old sawmill building is getting a new life.
On March 30, 1921, the Michigan Department of Conservation – precursor to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources – was created. Throughout 2021, and especially in March, the DNR is commemorating and celebrating the 100-year anniversary of the department.
This year, with the need to avoid social gatherings and many indoor activities to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, winter may seem bluer than ever.Fortunately, Michigan offers ample antidotes to the winter blues in the form of outdoor recreation opportunities, with a variety of options for those of all abilities.
