Agri-Tourism: Fresh Air, Food & Fun
Local Events & Happenings
Camping Offers a Cheap Getaway
Travel With Friends & Family
Fairs & Festivals
Free Fishing Weekend
What’s Biting Where?
Buy Your Fishing or Boating License Online
Know Michigan’s Boating Laws
Part of the fun of traveling around Michigan is seeing those quirky sights you won’t find anywhere else. Some are close enough for a cheap
“one-tank” trip.
There are hundreds of sites around the state, but just to name a few: World’s Largest Weather Vane (Montague); Elsie the Cow (Elsie); Mystery Spot (St. Ignace); 30-foot tall neon Kielbasa (Hamtramck); and Man Killer Clam! (Cheboygan).
Some folks like to spend a day in Paradise; others like to drive through Hell. You can also visit several towns on the 45th parallel marker. This is all in addition to the many world-class tourist destinations Michigan offers.
If you’re in the Lansing area between now and Sept. 14, check out “Michigan’s Roadside Attractions,” a special exhibit at the Michigan Historical Museum. Admission is always free.
Agri-Tourism: Fresh Air, Food & Fun
Michigan is an innovative state, so it’s no surprise that we’re at the forefront of a growing new industry. Agri-tourism combines two of our state’s top three industries (agriculture and tourism, of course) to serve two purposes: fill an economic need and meet many people’s desire to get back in touch with where their food comes from.
Agri-tourism provides inexpensive opportunities for you and your family to support local businesses and create and sustain jobs that keep our neighbors employed.
Examples of agri-tourism:
- U-pick farms
- Farmers markets
- Cider mills
- Corn mazes
- Dairies and creameries
- Vineyards
Being an “agri-tourist” is as easy as visiting a pumpkin patch in October instead of buying your pumpkin at a big-box grocery store.
Visit michiganfarmfun.com for a searchable database of farmers markets and other agri-tourism destinations in Michigan. You can also download a directory to print.
Local Events & Happenings
During these tough economic times, many of us are tightening our belts and cutting back on vacations or skipping them altogether. Fortunately, there are inexpensive or even free ways to have fun right here in Michigan, in every season.
With summer here, we can finally get out on the water that makes the Great Lakes State the envy of boating and fishing enthusiasts across the country. We can relax on one of the Great Lakes, and enjoy a glorious sunset or sunrise, or kayak and canoe on one of Michigan’s more than 11,000 inland lakes and 36,350 miles of rivers and streams.
Michigan is also home to more than 100 public beaches, two National Lakeshores and the only national marine sanctuary in the Great Lakes–​ the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary in Lake Huron. Whether driving or boating, trips to one of our more than 100 lighthouses make a great adventure.
Keep in mind that by spending your money in Michigan, you’re supporting Michigan businesses and helping to keep your fellow residents working. By investing in Michigan, we’re investing in ourselves.
I am honored to be your voice in Lansing, and I welcome hearing your thoughts, concerns and questions. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if I can be of assistance to you or your family.
I hope you and your family have a safe and happy summer!
Camping Offers a Cheap Getaway
Camping in one of Michigan’s many campgrounds is a fun, inexpensive way to explore the unspoiled beauty of our state.
Michigan’s state park system offers a wide range of camping for all needs. It also is the first in the nation to offer wireless Internet service at certain public parks and harbors and several state welcome centers.
At Michigan.gov/dnr you can search for campsites and trails by location, amenities and other features. Sites fill up at some parks quickly, so it’s best to make reservations; you can do this on the Web site up to six months in advance.
Search for your ideal State Park or Forest Campground
Search by county or by the activity you're looking for. Discover a campsite perfect for a tent or an RV, find the perfect fishing hole, or discover a new pathway or trail for hiking, biking, snowmobiling and more.
http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/Default.aspx?SearchType=campgrounds
Travel With Friends & Family
Traveling Michigan is even better with friends and family.
You can plan trips together by visiting Michigan.org. The site is consistently among the top-ranked state tourism sites in Web traffic, according to the international tracking company Hitwise. It lists Michigan’s best tourist destinations, national and state parks, and other places and events of interest.
The site also features the award-winning “Pure Michigan” ads narrated by actor and Michigan native Tim Allen.
While you’re there, you can order a free copy of “Michigan Travel Ideas,” the state’s official travel guide. This colorful 120-page magazine is packed with information about an amazing range of places and events all around the state.
Fairs & Festivals
It’s Not Summer Without Them
Try venturing out to one of the many events around the state and discover the amazing variety that Michigan communities offer.
Find a directory of festivals and fairs at www.michiganfun.us.
Every summer, Michigan sets two days when all fishing license fees are waived for residents and visitors alike on both inland and Great Lakes waters. This year’s Free Fishing Weekend is June 13-14. Enjoy!
Find out with the weekly fishing report: check it out at Michigan.gov/dnrfishing or call (517) 373-0908.
Anglers also can learn where the DNR has stocked fish.
Check out the DNR’s Web site at www.michigandnr.com/fishstock.
Buy Your Fishing or Boating License Online
At Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources
Web site (www.mich.gov/dnr), you can:
- Buy boating, fishing and most hunting licenses and print them on your own printer. License prices remain the same as in 2008 and are valid through March 31, 2010.
- Purchase 2009 resident State Park Motor Vehicle Permits and Boating Access Permits ($24 each).
- Give the gift of Michigan’s outdoors. Gift cards are available in denominations of $15, $30 and $50 and can be redeemed online for licenses for fishing, hunting and other outdoor activities.
Know Michigan’s Boating Laws
Download a free PDF of Michigan Boating Laws and Responsibilities at: boat-ed.com/mi/handbook/
Harbor Reservations and Access Sites
Michigan has more than 90 harbors and harbors of refuge. To learn about harbor fees or to reserve a
slip, visit: www.midnrreservations.com
or call (800) 447-2757.
To find access sites by location, fish species and other factors, visit: www.mcgi.state.mi.us/MRBIS