June 7-8 brings no-cost outdoor fun for all, including free entry to parks, trails, and fishing across Michigan.

Michigan’s ‘Three Free’ Weekend Returns June 7-8 with Outdoor Access for All

Michigan’s annual Three Free Weekend returns Saturday and Sunday, June 7-8, offering residents and visitors a rare chance to enjoy the outdoors without fees. Organized by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the weekend includes free fishing, free off-road vehicle (ORV) trail access, and waived entry fees to all state parks and boating sites.

“This is the perfect opportunity to step outside, spend time with your family, and experience the best of Michigan’s natural resources — all for free,” said DNR Director Scott Bowen.

Free Fishing: No License Needed to Cast a Line for Two Days

Fishing at the Three Free Weekend — Caught a fish!Family fishing in Detroit’s Palmer Park

Anglers can fish without a license during Free Fishing Weekend, allowing access to all in-season species across inland lakes, rivers, and the Great Lakes. While the license requirement is lifted, all other state fishing regulations still apply.

Additional safety and how-to resources for new or returning anglers can be found at Michigan.gov/FreeFishing and Michigan.gov/HowToFish.

Free ORV Riding: Access 4,000 Miles of Trails Without a Permit

3 Free Weekend — ORV photo shoot near Baldwin, Michigan in the Manistee National Forest

Motorized trail users can take advantage of Free ORV Weekend, which allows legal riding on 4,000 miles of state-designated ORV routes and six scramble areas — all without needing an ORV license or trail permit. However, riders should check for trail closures due to ongoing cleanup from the March 28–30 ice storm that severely affected northern Michigan. Trail status updates and maps are available at Michigan.gov/ORVinfo.

The DNR reminds riders to follow the Ride Right campaign: ride at safe speeds, ride sober, and stay on the right side of trails.

Free State Park Entry: Recreation Passport Requirement Waived

Two women enjoy a June kayak outing on Lake Michigamme at Van Riper State Park in Marquette County.

The DNR is waiving the Recreation Passport requirement for the weekend, granting free vehicle access to Michigan’s 103 state parks, over 1,000 state-managed boating access sites, and numerous campgrounds and forest roads.

The passport usually costs $13 annually for vehicles with Michigan plates and more for out-of-state visitors. For this weekend only, it’s free for all — but many sites may still be undergoing storm-related cleanup. The latest updates are available via the DNR’s interactive dashboard on the ice storm response page.

Be Prepared and Recreate Responsibly During Three Free Weekend

The DNR is emphasizing safety and stewardship throughout the weekend. Visitors are encouraged to review guidance at Michigan.gov/DNREducation, which includes safety tips for fire prevention, ORV riding, beach safety, and boating. With early June temperatures still potentially low, cold water shock in lakes remains a risk, particularly in the Great Lakes.

Invasive species prevention is also a key message. Boaters should clean equipment before transport, and trail users are urged to remove debris from clothing, shoes, and gear before heading to another location.

The DNR encourages all visitors to follow the #RecreateResponsibly guidelines to keep Michigan’s outdoor spaces clean, safe, and open for future use.

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