Courtesy art

LANSIN – The Michigan Department of Natural Resources encourages everyone to take advantage of “Three Free” Weekend, coming up Saturday, June 13, and Sunday, June 14.

It’s two full days when Michigan residents and out-of-state visitors can grab a fishing rod, ride the off-road trails and visit state parks, boating access sites and other outdoor locations – all free of charge.

“This season, we’re encouraging newcomers to discover the outdoors and inviting longtime outdoor explorers to dust off their gear and get out there,” said DNR Director Scott Bowen. “Whether you want to cast a line, hit the ORV trails or relax in Michigan’s award-winning state parks, ‘Three Free’ Weekend checks all the boxes.”

The DNR’s “Three Free” Weekend includes:

-Free ORV Weekend. Legally ride 4,000 miles of state-designated routes and trails and the state’s six scramble areas without purchasing an ORV license or trail permit. Visit Michigan.gov/ORVinfo for the latest ORV trail, safety and closure information.

– Free Fishing Weekend. Fish for all in-season species, all weekend long, without a license. All other fishing regulations apply. Visit Michigan.gov/FreeFishing for more information.

– Free entry to state parks. To encourage people to pursue free fishing and other outdoor fun, the DNR Recreation Passport that grants vehicle access to Michigan’s 103 state parks, 1,000-plus state-managed boating access sites and many other outdoor spaces is waived for the weekend. Learn more about Passport benefits at Michigan.gov/RecreationPassport.