NORTHERN MICHIGAN – The Michigan Department of Natural Resources invites everyone to enjoy “Three Free” Weekend on Saturday and Sunday, June 7-8. It’s a chance for Michigan residents and out-of-state visitors to fish, ride ORV trails, and explore state parks and boating access sites — all free of charge.
“If you need a reason to get outdoors and explore Michigan’s best recreation, ‘Three Free’ Weekend is it,” said DNR Director Scott Bowen. “There’s nothing better than time outside with friends and family in places you love.”
What’s included:
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Free Fishing Weekend: Fish for all in-season species without a license. All other regulations still apply. More info: Michigan.gov/FreeFishing.
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Free ORV Weekend: Ride 4,000 miles of state-designated trails and six scramble areas without an ORV license or trail permit. Note: Some northern trails remain closed after the March ice storm. Check trail status at Michigan.gov/ORVinfo.
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No Recreation Passport Required: Get free vehicle access to Michigan’s 103 state parks, 1,000+ boating sites, and more. Learn about passport benefits at Michigan.gov/RecreationPassport.
Due to storm damage from the March 28-30 ice storm, the DNR is still assessing and cleaning up many state-managed locations. Check the DNR’s storm response dashboard for up-to-date closures and safety info.
Be safe, protect nature
To ensure a great outdoor experience, the DNR urges everyone to put safety first. Tips for ORV riding, boating, fire safety, and more are available at Michigan.gov/DNREducation. Pay close attention to wildfire prevention at Michigan.gov/PreventWildfires, and be cautious of cold-water temperatures on lakes and rivers.
Anglers can find fishing safety tips at Michigan.gov/HowToFish. Boaters should help prevent the spread of invasive species by cleaning and drying all gear and draining water from boats before transport.
Trail users are asked to remove dirt and debris from shoes, gear, and vehicles to prevent invasive species. ORV riders should always Ride Right—ride sober, at a safe speed, and on the right side of the trail.
Before heading out, visit the DNR’s Recreate Responsibly page for ways to stay safe and help protect Michigan’s natural resources.
