If you’ve been waiting for the perfect excuse to get outside and explore Michigan, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources just handed you three of them. Coming up on Saturday, June 13, and Sunday, June 14, the DNR is offering its popular “Three Free” Weekend — two full days when Michigan residents and out-of-state visitors can grab a fishing rod, ride the off-road trails, and visit state parks, boating access sites, and other outdoor locations, all free of charge. Whether you’re a lifelong Michigander or a first-time visitor, this is one of the best weekends on the outdoor calendar, and it’s worth taking full advantage of. Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Free Fishing — No License Required
During the Free Fishing Weekend, all fishing license fees are waived for residents and out-of-state visitors alike. You can enjoy fishing on both inland and Great Lakes waters for all species of fish. That’s an incredible opportunity to wet a line without spending a dime. Just keep in mind that while the license requirement is lifted, all fishing regulations still apply — so things like bag limits, size limits, and restricted species rules are still in effect. If you’re fishing for muskellunge or lake sturgeon, mandatory harvest registration still applies. NE MichiganNE Michigan
Do I Normally Need a Fishing License in Michigan?
Yes — outside of the two free fishing weekends each year, a license is required for anyone 17 or older fishing in Michigan’s public waters. Annual fishing licenses cost $26 for Michigan residents and $76 for nonresidents. A senior annual license is available for $11 for Michigan residents age 65 and older and for residents who are legally blind. If you only plan to fish one day, a daily license is available for $10 for both residents and nonresidents. Licenses can be purchased online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses, through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish mobile app, or in person at most sporting goods stores and DNR offices across the state. WILXStateoutdoors
Free ORV Riding — Hit 4,000 Miles of Trails
During the Free ORV Weekend on June 13th and 14th, residents and out-of-state visitors can legally ride Michigan’s 4,000 miles of off-road vehicle trails and routes and the state’s six scramble areas without an ORV license or trail permit. That’s an enormous network of trails spanning the entire state — from the rugged forests of the Upper Peninsula to the dunes and lowlands of the Lower Peninsula. All other ORV rules and laws still apply, so ride sober, ride at a safe speed, and stay on the right side of the trail. And remember — you’ll need to bring your own ORV, as rentals are not provided through the program. Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Do I Normally Need a Permit to Ride ORV Trails in Michigan?
Normally, yes. A $26.25 ORV license is required to ride on eligible county roads, state forest roads open to ORV use, and the frozen surface of public waters. If you want to ride on state-designated ORV trails and scramble areas, you’ll also need a $10 ORV trail permit, bringing the total to $36.25. Both the ORV license and trail permit are valid for one year, running from April 1 through March 31 of the following year. They can be purchased online through the DNR’s eLicense system or at most sporting goods stores and ORV dealerships statewide. Michigan Department of Natural ResourcesMichigan Department of Natural Resources. The weekend of June 13th and 14th there is no permit required to ride.
Free State Park Entry — Recreation Passport Waived
The third “free” of the weekend is perhaps the most accessible for families and casual outdoor enthusiasts. The DNR Recreation Passport, which normally grants vehicle access to Michigan’s 103 state parks, 1,000-plus state-managed boating access sites, and many other outdoor spaces, is waived for the entire weekend. That means you can pull into any of Michigan’s stunning state parks — from Pictured Rocks to Sleeping Bear Dunes to Porcupine Mountains — without paying the entry fee. It’s a great chance to explore a park you’ve never visited before, and there’s no shortage of options across the mitten. This also applies for camping at any of the numerous state forest campgrounds across both the lower and upper peninsulas of Michigan. Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Do I Normally Need a Recreation Passport?
Yes, entry to Michigan state parks typically requires a Recreation Passport sticker displayed on your vehicle. As of January 1, 2026, the cost for vehicles is $15 when purchased at the time of license plate registration renewal through the Secretary of State, with a two-year option available for $29. If you miss the renewal window, you can still pick one up at a state park or DNR customer service center, though a $5 convenience fee applies. Motorcycles and mopeds are $7. For non-residents, an annual pass runs just over $42, with daily passes available for around $17 to $25. It’s honestly one of the best deals in outdoor recreation — a single annual pass gives you unlimited access to over 100 parks all year long. Michigan Department of Natural Resources + 2
Make the Most of “Three Free” Weekend
Whether you’re planning to cast a line on your favorite lake, tear up some ORV trails, or load up the family for a day at a state park, this upcoming June 13th and 14th is your weekend. The DNR encourages everyone — seasoned outdoor veterans and total beginners alike — to take advantage of this opportunity to discover what Michigan has to offer. More details on free fishing rules, ORV trail maps, and state park locations can be found at Michigan.gov/DNR. Get outside, Michigan — it’s free.