Free S'mores at Michigan State Parks

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is hosting a series of events offering free s'mores at over 20 state parks and recreation centers in Michigan this summer!

All are invited to bring a blanket and enjoy some free s'mores while watching the Perseid meteor shower August 8 - 15.

"Meteors & S'mores" will also include astronomy presentations, free movies and twilight yoga at some locations.

Many programs start in the late evening, but the best viewing time for meteors is at the darkest time of the night, after midnight. Visitors are encouraged to bring blankets, seating, bug spray and water or other beverages to enjoy a night of stargazing.

There is no charge to attend Meteors & S'mores, but a Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry to any Michigan state park.

Saturday, Aug. 8

Fort Wilkins Historic State Park (Keweenaw County), 8 p.m. (meet at parade grounds). This program features an astronomy presentation by Gannon University professor Joel Kimball and free use of high-powered telescopes to view the night sky.

Sunday, Aug. 9

Wilderness State Park (Emmet County), 9 p.m. (meet at nature center fire circle)

Van Buren State Park (Van Buren County), 9 p.m. (meet at explorer guide area)

Tuesday, Aug. 11

Brimley State Park (Chippewa County), 8:30 p.m. (meet at day-use area)

Burt Lake State Park (Cheboygan County), 9 p.m. (meet at fire pit west of interpretive building)

Van Riper State Park (Marquette County), 9 p.m. (meet at campground shelter building)

Wednesday, Aug. 12

North Higgins Lake State Park (Crawford County), 9 p.m. (meet at beach pavilion)

Young State Park (Charlevoix County), 9 p.m. (meet at park baseball field across from campground loop 4)

Leelanau State Park (Leelanau County), 9:30 p.m. (meet at day-use pavilion)

Lake Hudson Recreation Area (Lenawee County), 10 p.m.

Rockport Recreation Area (Alpena), 8 p.m. (meet at Rockport Harbor County). This program will feature a planetarium program and a twilight yoga session.

Thursday, Aug. 13

Hoeft State Park (Presque Isle County), 9 p.m. (meet at campsite #1)

Holland State Park (Ottawa County), 9 p.m. (meet at beach campground fire pits). This program features members from the Shore Line Amateur Astronomical Society.

Clear Lake State Park (Montmorency County), 9 p.m. (meet at day-use pavilion)

Friday, Aug. 14

Pontiac Lake Recreation Area (Oakland County), 9 p.m. This event is open only to campers.

Ionia State Recreation Area (Ionia County), 9 p.m. (meet at beach day-use area). This program will include a movie night, showing “Guardians of the Galaxy”.

Fort Custer Recreation Area (Kalamazoo County), 9 p.m. (meet at Whitford Lake event staging area)

Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland County), 10 p.m. (meet at beach day-use area)

Rifle River Recreation Area (Ogemaw County), 10 p.m.

Seven Lakes State Park (Oakland County), 10 p.m. (meet at the beach)