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Michigan DNR Pocket Park

A view of the Pocket Park from above on Kids Fishing Day

Michigan DNR Pocket Park

Hours of Operation

The park is open seasonally from May 1 until Oct. 26.

Summer hours: May through August

Wednesday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Fall hours: September 1 through October 26 

Friday, Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Closed: October 27 – April 30

Located off U.S. 2, within the U.P. State Fairgrounds, the Pocket Park is open all summer and is free to enter.

The park features a fishing pond that is stocked with bluegill for catch-and-release fishing, archery and pellet gun ranges, a fire tower, wildflower gardens and an indoor classroom space. Trained staff offer introductory programs on how to shoot a compound bow and pellet gun safely and accurately at our designated shooting ranges.

Pocket Park education staff offer free programs for school groups, scouts, youth organizations and families to learn how to shoot or fish. Spring school field trips begin mid-May. Public programs take place Memorial Day through Labor Day and include archery, pellet guns, fishing, photography, mushroom ID and more.

Contact the Pocket Park at 906-789-0714 or email DNR-UP-PocketPark@michigan.gov to schedule a program for your group.

Exploring the Pocket Park

Free 30-minute programs focused on how to properly and safely shoot a compound bow. Instruction includes stance, posture, arm position, aiming, dominant eye and adjusting your shot. All equipment provided; includes 15-minutes of shooting time. Ages 5 and up.

See upcoming programs
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Free 30-minute programs focused on casting instruction, knot tying, fish identification and how to bait a hook. All equipment provided; includes 10-minutes of fishing time. 

See upcoming programs.

30-minute program focused on how to properly and safely shoot a pellet gun. Instruction includes eye dominance, gun handling, proper loading and range safety. All equipment provided; includes 20-minutes of shooting time.

See upcoming programs.

A small four-lane outdoor archery range is located within the Pocket Park. Trained staff operate the range and provide compound bows, arrows and instruction to all participants. The range is recommended for all people ages 5 and up. 

Contact the Pocket Park at 906-789-0714 to schedule a program.

Built in the shape of the Upper Peninsula, the fishing pond is stocked with bluegill for catch-and-release fishing. The park offers fishing during open hours and provides fishing poles and bait. Introductory fishing programs are offered for first-timers, schools and youth groups.

Contact the Pocket Park at 906-789-0714 to schedule a program.

The pellet gun range at the Pocket Park has four 25-yard shooting lanes and is covered by a pavilion. It is perfect for youth, or anyone, looking to boost their pellet gun skills.

Contact the Pocket Park at 906-789-0714 to schedule a program.