Get all your fishing information here, including rules and regulations, license info, the weekly fishing report and much more. Use the link above to visit the fishing home page, or go directly to your area of interest below:
Get all your hunting information here, including hunting season dates, rules and regulations, and much more. Use the button above to visit the hunting home page, or go directly to your area of interest below:
Information on DNR shooting and archery ranges, rules and regulations, resources to get started and more. Use the button above to visit the target shooing and archery home page, or go directly to one of the pages below:
Find snowmobile trail permit info, maps, rules and regulations and more. USE THE BUTTON ABOVE TO VISIT THE SNOWMOBILE HOMEPAGE or go directly to you area of interest below:
Want to find tasty morel mushrooms in the forest? Click the box above for tips and tricks to fill your basket.
Find cross-country ski, ice fishing , snowmobiling info and much more.
Find facility info, overnight info, an event calendar and much more.
Find a great trail experience near you - whether you want to hike, bike, snowmobile or ride an ORV. From long, paved linear trails to rugged forest terrain, Michigan offers trail opportunities for all abilities and interests.
Visitor Centers across the state provide education programs, field trips, archery, fishing, trails and much more. Click the box above to see all our locations, or click the individual location below.
We administer grants that enable our local partners to promote the lifestyles we all enjoy by providing recreational opportunities, enhancing wildlife habitat and ensuring public safety. Visit the grants home page by clicking on the button above, or view a specific area of interest below:
Recreational Safety and Hunter Education
Learn about Michigan's diverse range of fish, plants, trees, reptiles, amphibians, insects and mammals. Click the box above to see all species, or click the species group below.
DNR educators across the state provide fun, educational activities, programs and workshops year-round for adults, families and kids. Click the box above to see all our offerings, or click the program below.
DNR educators provide classroom lessons, field trip opportunities, professional development and experiential programs to teachers around the state. Click the box above to see all our offerings, or click the program below.
DNR forest resources professionals maintain healthy forests, manage wildfire, maintain responsible harvesting certifications and improve wildlife habitat. Click the box above to learn more about Michigan's state forests.
All DNR-related boards, committees, and advisory groups
Find seasonal, part-time and full-time job openings with the DNR
Search is currently unavailable. Please try again later.
The web Browser you are currently using is unsupported, and some features of this site may not work as intended. Please update to a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge to experience all features Michigan.gov has to offer.
July 29, 2025
If you’re interested in helping young people connect with Michigan’s rich natural resources and traditions, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources needs mentors to assist in staffing the DNR's Pocket Park during the fair, which runs from Aug. 11-17.
The Pocket Park is located within the Upper Peninsula State Fairgrounds in Escanaba.
Last year, over 10,000 visitors enjoyed the park during the state fair, and volunteers this year will be able to assist again with activities like helping kids in catching and releasing bluegills in the Upper Peninsula-shaped pond, shooting pellet guns or bows and arrows, staffing the fire tower and greeting visitors.
“Pocket Park mentors will get to introduce kids to new skills and experiences in the outdoors,” Pocket Park interpreter Jalen Sims said. “You get to see kids catching their first fish, shooting their first pellet gun or bow and arrow. It’s a rewarding experience for mentors and guests alike.”
Volunteer training for all activities is provided. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old (unless under special, preapproved circumstances) and pass a background check. A meal and a shirt will be provided. To volunteer, register online.
“Come join us in making a difference in the lives of young people while enjoying some fun outdoor activities,” Sims said. “If you’re part of a business, organization, club, or group, think about sponsoring a shift during the fair – it's a great way for your team to volunteer together!”
The Pocket Park offers fun, free programs all summer long and weekends during the fall. Questions about the park or volunteering at the fair? Contact Pocket Park interpreter Jalen Sims at 906-789-0714.
Accompanying photos are available are available for download and use in the DNR's online photo collection. Credit Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
