Free days in Minnesota and Michigan state parks

On the second weekend of June, everyone is invited for a day of fishing, hiking and trail riding.

© Torsten Muller

The second weekend in June is a good time to try something new in Minnesota and Michigan.

On the second Saturday of June, admission to all Minnesota state parks is free.

Check for naturalist-led events. This year, they included guided nature hikes in many parks as well as programs on fossils, falcons and frogs.

The $7 daily vehicle charge will be waived in state parks, and it's free to borrow GPS units and kits for birding, fishing and kids' discovery any time.

In Michigan, the second weekend is Free Fishing Weekend and Free ORV Weekend, with free fishing, free off-road vehicle trail riding and free admission to Michigan's 103 state parks.

On other days, non-residents pay $9 for a day pass. Off-road vehicle riding also is free on Aug. 20-21.

Here are some of the good places to fish in Michigan.

Where to stay

Minnesota has a large selection of camper cabins, guesthouses and even tipis. Reserve early for weekends.

For more, see Lodgings in Minnesota state parks.

Michigan has an even bigger selection of mini-cabins, rustic cabins, camper cabins, lodges, yurts and tipis.

For more, see Michigan's great lake cabins.