Michigan DNR “Three Free” Weekend is Coming Up

Everyone likes when things are free! It's Free -- times three -- this coming weekend in the state of Michigan!

Free ORV Weekend

The Michigan Department of Natural resources has a few weekends set aside in 2022 when you can go off-roading for free. Twice a year both residents and out-of-state visitors can legally check out some of the designated routes and trails without having to purchase an ORV license or trail permit. You will be able access 4,000 miles of state designated ORV routes and trails, plus the six scramble areas in our state (Bull Gap, Black Lake Scramble Area, Holly Oaks ORV Park, Silver Lake State Park, The Mounds and St. Helen's Motorsport Area) for free the weekend of June 11th & 12th. All other rules and laws still apply. There will be another Free ORV Weekend on August 20th-21st.

Summer Free Fishing Weekend

If heading off road is not your thing, how about doing some fishing? Just like with the Free ORV Weekends, twice a year the Michigan Department of Natural Resources also offers up Free Fishing Weekend. The first free fishing weekend was February 19th & 20th, but this upcoming weekend -- June 11th & 12th -- all fishing license fees will be waived. State residents and out-of-state visitors can give fishing a try on both inland waters and the Great Lakes for all species of fish. All fishing regulations will still be in place, despite not needed a fishing license that weekend.

No Recreation Passport Required

Also coinciding with Free ORV Weekend and the Summer Free Fishing Weekend is Free access to Michigan State Parks and Boat Access Sites. Recreation Passports usually cost $12 for vehicles if you purchase them with  your license plate renewals. If you wait to buy one at a state park, it will be $17 per vehicle. This coming weekend, June 11th and 12th, no recreation passport will be required to enter the state parks and boat access sites.

Mark it on your calendar and plan to get out an enjoy some of Michigan's finest ORV trails, lakes and streams, and state parks for free this weekend -- Saturday, June 11th and Sunday, June 12th -- with a Michigan "Three Free" Weekend!