Milliken State Park Activities

Sponsored by Pure Michigan, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is putting together fun FREE activities all weekend long in Milliken State Park.  While River Days takes place June 23-25, the Park is open all year long, right next to Rivard Plaza and Pavillion. Some of the fun activities you'll see this year are listed below:

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will provide a variety of hands-on activities, including a rock climbing wall for children and adults in the William G. Milliken State Park & Harbor during the festival. Guests can stroll through the park and talk with wildlife and fish experts, foresters and conservation officers. There will also be laser gun trailer to educate families on hunting. Booths will be set up across the park with education games tables, live animals and fishing demonstrations. Festivalgoers will also have a chance to try their hand at archery and other outdoor skill challenges.

Wildlife

“Get up close and personal with Michigan’s wildlife with a hands-on display of animal furs, skulls and replica tracks and scat!  Go wild for Michigan’s wildlife!” 

Let’s Go Fishing!

Come learn how to tie the simplest knot in fishing, take a pic with Mr. Muskie, and fill out a pledge to go fishing this summer – all at Fisheries Division’s booth! Give-aways and informational materials will be on hand, as well as folks to answer all your fishing questions.

Fascinating Forestry

Learn about how important trees are to the health and well-being of Michigan’s residents and environment. Smokey Bear will be joined by his fire officer friends who will bring fire equipment and games to help spread the message of fire prevention and safety.

Ready, Aim, Fire!

Come try target shooting with a BB gun in a safe and fun environment with Jakes Take Aim BB Gun Shooting from the National Wild Turkey Federation! Jakes Take Aim is designed to help pass on traditions of hunting, teach the principles of habitat management, hunting ethics, safety and responsible hunting. 

Nature Discovery - Michigan Amphibians and Reptiles

This exhibit is always a huge hit! It is a highly interactive experience, where you have the opportunity to hold a Blue Racer, watch a Box Turtle eat worms, feed crickets to frogs, and discuss any of the amphibians or reptiles with the staff! This is bound to be an exciting time for all ages!

School for Outdoor Leadership and Adventure Recreation - (SOLAR)

Come talk to one of the enthusiastic staff members to see how you can get involved! S.O.L.A.R is a social club that offers classes and trips for all skill levels and interests for wilderness enthusiasts! Some of these activities include: backpacking, kayaking, biking, skiing, bird watching, and many more! 

Laser Shooting Trailer - Law Division

Try your hand at the DNR’s Laser Shot activity.  Our Law officers will assist visitors in the new Laser Shot trailer.

Aquatic Invasive Species Education - DEQ, WRD, MSU

Stop by and learn all about Michigan's aquatic ecosystems and the effects from aquatic invasive species. 

Rock Climbing Wall

Oakland County Parks will join us and provide information on camping and enjoying the Oakland County Park System.  Visitors can attempt the new Climbing Wall!! This will take place on Saturday and Sunday only in the William G. Milliken State Park & Harbor during the festival.

Wildlife Recovery - Birds of Michigan - Live

Talk with one of the staff members to gain information, and see some of the tools used by officers to protect Michigan’s wildlife and manage our historical native species. This will focus on birds of Michigan, which you will get to see up close!

Archery - Marketing and Outreach Division

Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources will offer visitors to try archery at our “National Archery in the Schools”/Recreational Archery Range on the Riverfront and in the new Outdoor Adventure Center near Milliken State Park. Ages 8 years and up only!

Michigan Department of Agriculture - Eat Well Booth

Pure Michigan FIT is all about making healthy food choices and staying physically active.  Stop by the booth to spin the Fruit and Veggie Facts wheel to learn about Michigan grown fruits and vegetables and their health benefits; and roll the Pure Michigan FITness dice to get your blood pumping for a strong heart and healthy body. This is brought to you by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and our Pure Michigan FIT partners.

Outdoor Adventure Center Information

Learn all about how the DNR manages beautiful state parks, forests, and wildlife! After this visit, you will want to go out and physically explore the spectacular outdoors!

Wildlife Trailer

Take a walk through the Huron Clinton Metropolitan Authority's trailer and see many different fascinating sights of Michigan wildlife! 

Parks Explorer Guide

Stop by and learn a handful of information about what Michigan Park Explorers do!