‘Three Free’ weekend June 9-10 makes fishing, off-road riding and state park entry easy

Grab a fishing rod, ride Michigan’s off-road trails and/or pay a visit to your favorite Michigan state park for free – all in the same weekend.

On two back-to-back days, June 9-10, the Department of Natural Resources invites residents and out-of-state visitors to enjoy Free Fishing Weekend, Free ORV Weekend and free entry into state parks.

All fishing license, ORV license, trail permit and Recreation Passport fees are waived those two days, though all other regulations still apply.

ORV riding

“Depending on where you choose to go in Michigan during the ‘Three Free’ weekend, you could enjoy all three outdoor recreation experiences,” said Bill O’Neill, DNR natural resources deputy director. “That weekend is the perfect opportunity to give a new sport or hobby a try, or introduce friends to an outdoor activity you love.”

The DNR’s annual “Three Free” weekend gives visitors plenty of reasons to explore Michigan’s great outdoors:

  • Take advantage of Free Fishing Weekend. Twice a year, residents and nonresidents can enjoy a weekend of fishing without a license. For more information, visit michigan.gov/freefishing.
  • To encourage visitors to enjoy free fishing at a state park, the DNR waives the regular Recreation Passport entry fee that grants vehicle access to Michigan’s 103 state parks during both winter and summer Free Fishing Weekends. Learn more at michigan.gov/recreationpassport.
  • During two Free ORV Weekends each year, Michigan residents and nonresidents legally can ride DNR-designated routes and trails without purchasing an ORV license or trail permit. The second Free ORV Weekend is Aug. 18-19. For more information, visit michigan.gov/orvinfo.

For questions about Free ORV Weekend, contact Jessica Holley at 517-331-3790. For questions about Free Fishing Weekend, contact Elyse Walter at 517-284-5839.