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Programs for all

A group of children with backpacks are led by an older man also wearing a backpack

Programs for all

Skill building for adults and kids

A man and boy stand together in the snowy woods wearing hunter orange. The man is showing the child how to hunt.

Learn to hunt

New to hunting? Or interested in learning but not sure where to start? We've put together helpful resources to get you started, including hands-on classes and online videos.

a family canoeing together

Stepping Stones

By building connections one step at a time, Stepping Stones aims to bring Michiganders of all ages, body types, abilities, orientations and backgrounds together through fun and educational activities that celebrate the outdoors by creating a sense of community.
An instructor teaches people proper ice fishing techniques at an OSA Hard Water clinic

Outdoor Skills Academy

These classes offer expert instruction, gear and hands-on learning for a range of outdoor activities. Classes offered for a fee, and are for ages 16-plus (10-plus with an adult).

Children Fishing with their parents at Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area

Learn to fish

Get all the info you need to get started fishing, including free classes in state parks, in-depth skills clinics through the Outdoor Skills Academy, how-to videos and more.

A volunteer shows a child how to use a bow and arrow

Learn archery

Find archery classes offered at select state parks across the state. You can also find classes at the Outdoor Adventure Center and through the Outdoor Skills Academy.

A group of women all wearing bright pink shirts attend a lecture inside classroom

Becoming an Outdoors Woman

Workshops are geared toward women ages 18-plus and provide opportunities in shooting and hunting, fishing and ecosports such as kayaking, camping or orienteering.

Educational opportunities for families, adults and schools

visitor looking in aquarium

Visitor centers

Fun and educational nature exhibits with access to nearby trails. Each center has interpreters leading a variety of programs for schools and other groups.

Inside the Outdoor Adventure Center, showing the airplane and bridge exhibits

Outdoor Adventure Center

Located on Detroit’s riverfront. Get a taste of Michigan’s great outdoors in the heart of the city, with hands-on activities, exhibits, simulators and more.

The auto exhibit inside the Michigan History Museum with a historic red Corvette

Michigan History Museum

Located in downtown Lansing. Learn about our state's history throughout three floors of exhibits. Take a self-guided tour and learn more from docents.

Visitors discover how the DNR raise millions of fish for Michigan Lakes, rivers and streams

Fish hatcheries

Learn how the DNR raises and stocks fish. Many of our hatcheries have interpretive centers, and all have staff who can give your class or group a guided tour. 

A cartoon owl family studies an insect in a jar with a magnifying glass

Nature at Home

Find great activities, apps, videos, virtual tours and much more, for all ages. We have everything you need to connect your family with nature.

An explorer guide talks to kids gathered around a picnic table at a beach in a state park

Nature programs in parks

Free seasonal outdoor education programs in over 40 state parks. From mammals to birds, dunes to wetlands and more, learn about the resources in the parks you visit.

Opportunities for youth

a child holds up a fish that she caught

Fun fishing info

Have a young person who wants to go fishing or already loves to go? We've got information to help you on future trips and fun activities for kids of all ages that will get them "hooked" on the sport! 

Group of boys and girls standing in the grass on a trail with woods in the background

Scouting with the DNR

Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts are among the oldest of our partners in improving habitat and supporting outdoor recreation activities. Check out our "Get involved" page to find volunteer and stewardship opportunities for your troop!