Meteors & S'mores at Nearby State Parks

Silver Lake dunes (photo by jhy)

from a news release of the Michigan DNR

Many Michigan State Parks are inviting residents to grab their blankets and head to participating Michigan state parks Aug. 9-16 to enjoy one of the biggest and most visible astronomical events of the year: the Perseid meteor shower.

These parks are staying open late and offering "Meteors & S'mores" events in honor of this natural light show. Many of these events feature astronomy presentations, as well as - you guessed it - s'mores.

In West Michigan:
• Tuesday Aug 12, Silver Lake State Park (Oceana County), 9 p.m. (meet at dune pedestrian lot)
• Tuesday Aug 12, Wilderness State Park (Emmet County), 9 p.m. (meet at amphitheater)

• Wednesday Aug 13, Young State Park (Charlevoix County), 10 p.m. (meet at park baseball field across from loop 4)

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

For the full list of 22 locations follow the link above.

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Historic Pavilion at Onaway SP Burns

pavilion after the fire(photo from 9&10 News)

from TV 9&10 and other sources

A fire yesterday at Onaway State Park, in Presque Isle County, burned so thoroughly that it may never be determined what caused the blaze. The 90-year-old structure was part of an historic district within the park.

The pavilion had been rented and used on Saturday, but connecting the fire definitively with that event is unlikely. The structure had burned to the ground before firefighters could reach the scene.

pavilion section (photo from the Presque Isle County Advance)

Onaway State Park was created when the land was donated to the State of Michigan in 1920. It had previously been a county park named Indian Orchard. Native Americans, travelers and settlers throughout history used the area heavily. The park sits on a huge limestone shelf and development of the park was an engineering feat.

It has not been determined what will be done about the loss, but the park manager states that the public will have input.


See Onaway State Park
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Rockport Becomes Michigan's Newest State Park

The old deep water dock at Rockport State Park in Michigan (photo by quiet solo pursuits)

a news release of Michigan DNR

State recreation officials announced that the "Rockport Property," previously managed as part of the state forest system, was transferred to the Parks and Recreation Division to become the newest state park in Michigan.

Rockport State Park offers many unique and special features. With 4,237 acres of land located on the shores of Lake Huron, north of Alpena, the property includes a deep-water protected harbor, an old limestone quarry of approximately 300 acres, a unique series of sinkholes, a dedicated Natural Area (Besser Natural Area), and a broad range of land types, vegetative cover, cultural resources and recreation opportunities. At the harbor, the Department has a boat launch facility, and there is a small park developed by Alpena Township on land leased from the State.

Future actions regarding Rockport State Park will be guided by the management plans for the park and with ongoing input from the NRTH Advisory Committee, which is currently engaged in forming a "Friends Group" for this park. Administration of the park will be handled by Harrisville State Park, and questions regarding its management can be directed to 989-724-5126.



See Quiet Solo Pursuits for more pictures
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Labor Day Events at West Michigan State Parks

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a news release of the Michigan DNR

Labor Day may mark the unofficial end to summer, but Michigan state parks are still bustling with activity. As summer winds down, GO-Get Outdoors and take advantage of the long holiday weekend to squeeze in one more camping trip, bike ride or paddling adventure. Check out what's happening in Michigan state parks over the Labor Day Weekend.

Sept. 3
Wilderness State Park (Emmet County) -- Talent Show
Campers and day users will get the chance to show off their talents during the Fifth Annual Talent Show at Wilderness State Park, taking place at 9 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 3, at the park's amphitheater. Donated prizes will be awarded. All interested parties may register with the park. Wilderness State Park is located at 903 Wilderness Park Dr. in Carp Lake. For more information or to register for this event, contact the park at 231-436-5381.

Sept. 3
Biking 101 along the White Pine Trail in Cadillac (Wexford County)
The Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park offers a 92-mile scenic biking trail between Cadillac and Grand Rapids. Learn to enjoy the trail to its fullest with a Biking 101 class scheduled for 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 3. The class will meet at the White Pine Trail Cadillac Staging Area, 7184 E. 44 Road in Cadillac, where staff from Mitchell State Park's Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center will offer the basics in bike maintenance and safety. Participants will take a five-mile ride at the completion of the class. Representatives from McLain Cycle and Fitness of Cadillac will provide an assortment of bikes for participants to demo, and loaner bikes will also be available. Children under 10 years old should be accompanied by an adult. In the event of rain, the program will be postponed or cancelled. For more information about either Biking 101 event or directions, contact the Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center at 231-779-1321.

Sept. 3
Biking 101 along the White Pine Trail in Grand Rapids (Kent County)
A Biking 101 clinic is also planned for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 3, at the Rouge River Park Trailhead, located at the south end of the trail in Belmont. Learn about riding the White Pine Trail system, new bikes and bike safety. All levels of riders are welcome. Representatives from Ada Bike Shop, Grand Rapids Bicycle Company, Greater Grand Rapids Bicycle Coalition and Village Bike Shop will be present with demonstrations, safety tips, trail maps and more. In the event of rain, the program will be postponed or cancelled. For more information about either Biking 101 event or directions, contact the Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center at 231-779-1321.

Sept. 5
Traverse City State Park (Grand Traverse County) -- 2nd Annual Labor Day Bridge Walk
Traverse City State Park is sponsoring its second annual Labor Day Bridge Walk (a mini version of the Governor's annual event). Join campers and park staff at 9 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 5 to walk the bridge overpass spanning U.S. 31 from the campground to the other side of the highway, then head to the park beach for activities and refreshments. Traverse City State Park is located at 1132 US-31 North in Traverse City. For details, contact the park at 231-922-5270.



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