© 2024 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

'Three Free' Weekend Offers Free Fishing, Off-Road Riding, And Entry To State Parks

Introducing youngsters to the thrill of fishing is a big part of this longtime Michigan tradition
Michigan DNR

 

Outdoor enthusiasts have three major reasons to get out of the house this weekend. The Department of Natural Resources has announced the return of the “Three Free” weekend. 

 

Saturday, June 12, and Sunday, June 13, are days that encourage residents and nonresidents of Michigan to fish, ride off-road trails and visit state parks - all free of charge.

 

 

 

“Three Free” weekend includes fishing without a license, an event that has been offered since 1986, said Sierra Medrano, Michigan DNR communications representative.

 

“Free fishing weekend pretty much provides a great opportunity for those who are interested in fishing to give it a try and for those who haven’t fished in a while who are interested in getting back into it. It’s a great opportunity for those to do it with family or with a friend, or even just by yourself.”

 

Those who wish to participate may enjoy fishing on both inland and Great Lakes’ waters. No species of fish is off limits, but all Michigan fishing regulations still apply.

 

Medrano said this weekend and environmental stewardship go hand-in-hand. 

 

“We’re also talking about protecting our resources too. So that’s something that you know the DNR feels strongly about. We want to protect our resources for the current anglers and the future anglers to come.”

 

Residents and out-of-state visitors can also legally ride without buying an Off Roading Vehicle license or trail permit during “Three Free” weekend. All other ORV rules and laws still apply.

 

Riders will have access to almost 3,800 miles of off-road trails along with the state’s six scramble areas (Bull Gap, Black Lake Scramble Area, Holly Oaks ORV Park, The Mounds, Silver Lake State Park and St. Helen’s Motorsport Area). *There is an additional entrance fee at Holly Oaks ORV Park.

DNR conservation officers are advising caution ahead of Free ORV Weekend. Sgt. Cary Foster recommends that participants be courteous of inexperienced riders.

 

“Be patient with them. You know, everybody was inexperienced at one point. For our inexperienced riders, just focus on what you’re doing. Riding ORV’s can get a lot faster than they think, it is really quick. And most importantly just be safe and have fun.”

DNR conservation officers manage the state’s ORV recreational safety education and enforcement activity. They released a list of the top 10 ORV violations conservation officers encounter:

  • Operating at excessive speeds

  • Careless or reckless riding

  • No ORV license or trail permit 

  • Allowing an unsupervised minor to operate an ORV

  • No ORV safety certificate

  • Riding without a helmet

  • Riding under the influence

  • Riding with more people than the ORV was manufactured for 

  • Riding on the wrong side of the road or trail

  • Trespassing or operating in a closed area

Sgt. Foster said the biggest reason these violations occur is because riders are not prepared.
 

“They don’t learn the rules, they don’t learn where roads are open or trails are open, where they can or can’t ride, they don’t know all the laws.” 

 

Additionally, “Three Free” weekend is waiving the recreation passport fee, so those participating gain vehicle access to Michigan’s 103 state parks and 1,300 state-managed boating access sites. 

 

The DNR urges everyone to recreate responsibly. Before you head out on the trails or water, visit the Do Your Part website to learn more.

 

McKoy's story is brought to you as part of a partnership between WKAR and Michigan State University's Knight Center for Environmental Journalism.

 

Related Content
Journalism at this station is made possible by donors who value local reporting. Donate today to keep stories like this one coming. It is thanks to your generosity that we can keep this content free and accessible for everyone. Thanks!