July
19, 2005
Upper Peninsula citizens and visitors can participate in what is
being billed as the largest outdoor recreation event in the country on
Saturday, July 23, as Project GO – Get Outdoors kicks off at 10 a.m.
that day.
“Project GO – Get Outdoors will emphasize the importance of outdoor
recreation to our state’s quality of life,” said Department of Natural
Resources Director Rebecca Humphries. “Michigan is blessed with amazing
natural resources, and Project GO is one way we can showcase them to our
citizens and visitors.”
Project GO – Get Outdoors will take place in state parks, recreation
areas and water access sites around the state. A motor vehicle pass is
required for entrance to a state park or recreation area, however, 50
participants at each event will receive “GO Passes,” which can be
redeemed for a free visit to a state park before Dec. 31, 2005.
All activities start at 10 a.m. unless otherwise noted. In the U.P.,
residents can choose from the following activities:
 | Baraga State Park in Baraga County: There will be a hike
and educational program about the Emerald Ash Borer at the day-use
pavilion. |
| Tahquamenon Falls State Park in Chippewa County: A Falls to
Falls North Country Trail Hike will take place starting at the Lower
Falls day-use area. Participants will ride a shuttle to the Upper
Falls and hike back on a four-mile trail at their own pace.
Refreshments will be provided. |
| DeTour Harbor Marina in Chippewa County: This musical
program begins at 7 p.m. and is part of the marina’s Saturday Night
Music Series. |
| Fayette State Park in Delta County: Fayette’s “fearless”
nine will put on a historic baseball demonstration at the park’s
baseball field. |
| Lake Gogebic State Park in Gogebic County: Enjoy a
nature-themed scavenger hunt with the campground host and learn more
about the natural resources of the area. |
| Twin Lakes State Park in Houghton County: Kids can enjoy a
fishing tournament with special instruction on casting and baiting
tips. Sidewalk chalk art and a scavenger hunt also will be held. |
| Bewabic Sate Park in Iron County: Kids of all ages can
decorate their bikes and join a parade to show off their handiwork.
|
| UP State Fair DNR Pocket Park in Escanaba: Several
education demonstrations will start at 10 a.m., including a tree stand
safety clinic, archery, fishing and a garden tour. |
| Fort Wilkins Historic State Park in Keweenaw County:
Children can participate in “Games from the Past” to learn about
child’s games from the 1800s. At 8 p.m., the park interpreters will
demonstrate life at Fort Wilkins in the 1800s. |
| Father Marquette Memorial Scenic Site in Mackinac County:
There will be a 15-station interpretive trail hike at this historic
site. Also, campground hosts from Straits State Park will hold a
sidewalk chalk drawing event for children after the walk. |
| Mackinac Island Historic State Park in Mackinac County:
There will be a cannon firing and guided tour of Fort Mackinac. An
entire day of events will culminate with a Heritage Baseball Classic
at 7 p.m. at the baseball field along Huron Road. |
| Mackinac Island State Harbor: A scavenger hunt will help
families learn more about the history of the island. Questions and
clues can be collected from the Dock Shack on the west shoreline. The
cannon firing marks the start time. |
| Van Riper State Park in Marquette County: A bike parade
through the campgrounds is among the highlights of a day-long
celebration, which also includes an orienteering workshop,
interpretive hikes, a beach bash and firefly catching at dusk. |
| Wells State Park in Menominee County: Build a birdhouse kit
and make a contribution to help fund construction of playscape at the
park. Craft projects and additional games are scheduled throughout the
day. |
| Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in Ontonagon County:
Participants should check in at the Lake of the Clouds and Visitor
Center for an entire day of activities including a Lake of the Clouds
Canoe and Rustic Cabin tour. Canoe trips around Lake of the Clouds
will depart at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. CDT. A guided hike of the
rustic cabins will step off at 10 a.m., and a shuttle bus to historic
copper mines in the park will leave at 2:30 p.m. The Porkies Festival
and an open house at the Presque Isle Campground also will be
available for visitors. |
| Bond Falls Scenic Site in Ontonagon County: This site will
celebrate the grand opening of a newly renovated and accessible
facility along with Project GO. There will be a ceremony and ribbon
cutting with soft drinks and cake being served. This event will start
at 11 a.m. CDT. |
| Palms Book State Park in Schoolcraft County: There will be
a historic game demonstration of shuttlecock. Also, there will be
interpretive displays of animal pelts, mounts and the history of the
Indian Lake area. |
“Project GO-Get Outdoors celebrates outdoor recreation and the role
it plays improving the quality of life in Michigan,” said DNR Parks and
Recreation Division Chief Ron Olson. “Whether biking, hiking, camping,
swimming, boating, fishing, hunting or simply exploring nature, park and
recreation facilities provide opportunities for people of all ages and
all backgrounds to enjoy our state's diverse natural resources.
Participants can improve their health and show their support for
Michigan's recreation opportunities.”
A complete list of statewide Project GO-Get Outdoors events is available
at the DNR Web site.
