Thursday, December 18, 2014

Michigan's SP Lodges Offer the Comforts of Home

The holidays are here and Michigan state park lodges are the perfect place for a fun and affordable staycation. These modern accommodations provide all the comforts of home, in a variety of beautiful outdoor settings. Reservations can be made up to one year in advance.

The Department of Natural Resources currently offers 13 reservable modern lodges, located at the following state parks:

Cheboygan State Park's modern lodge sleeps eight with three bedrooms, one bath, kitchen appliances, utensils, etc. provided. Call 231-627-2811 for reservations.

Furnace Hill Lodge at Fayette Historic State Park sleeps up to 10 people, includes a fuel-efficient furnace, remodeled kitchen, all appliances and bedding. Call 906-644-2603 for reservations.

Grand Haven State Park's modern lodge sleeps eight, is within walking distance to downtown Grand Haven. Includes TV/DVD player/VCR. Call 616-847-1309 for reservations.

Bass Lake Lodge at Highland Recreation Area sleeps six, includes a foosball table, TV/DVD player and gas fireplace. Call 248-889-3750 for reservations.

Sears and Roebuck Modern Lodge at Hoeft State Park features three bedrooms, sleeps up to eight people. Sun room, game room, master bedroom with attached bathroom. Call 989-734-2543 for reservations.

Dune Grass Villa at Mears State Park opens Feb. 1, 2015, sleeps eight and includes cable TV, a washer and dryer, fire circle and grills. Call 231-869-2051 for reservations.

Kaug Wudjoo Lodge at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park sleeps up to 12 people in a private location overlooking Lake Superior. Call 906-885-5275 for reservations.

River Hawk Lodge at Proud Lake Recreation Area features dormitory-style accommodations with community bathrooms in each wing. Nearby are horseshoe pits and campfire rings, and one of the most scenic rivers in southeast Michigan, the Huron River. Call 248-685-9315 for reservations.

Tahquamenon Falls Lodge, located halfway between the upper and lower falls at Tahquamenon Falls State Park, provides easy access to trails for hiking, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing, and accommodates up to eight people. Call 906-492-3415 for reservations.

Traverse City State Park Cottage sleeps 11, is only 2 miles from downtown Traverse City, one of the most popular resort towns in Michigan. Call 231-922-5270 for reservations.

Twin Lakes State Park's modern lodge sleeps six and is not far from local restaurants, a golf course, snowmobile/ORV trail, boat launch and picnic area, making it a convenient overnight stay for those looking to explore the area. Call 906-288-3321 for reservations.

Bay Stone Lodge at Wells State Park sleeps up to 10 people in a cozy, cottage-style house. Call 906-863-9747 for reservations.

Wilson State Park's modern lodge will be available May 8-Nov. 23, 2015. Features include TV/DVD player, gas log fireplace and overnight space for six. Reservations can be made up to one year in advance. To make a reservation, call 989-386-4067 if calling between Dec. 1, 2014-April 15, 2015 or 989-539-3021 if calling between April 15-Nov. 30, 2015.

Inside Michigan's Great Outdoors subscribers are always the first to know about reservation opportunities, state park events and other outdoor happenings. To subscribe to this and other DNR email updates, visit the DNR website at www.michigan.gov/dnr and click the red envelope to get started.

A Recreation Passport is required for any motor vehicle entering a Michigan state park, boat launch, state forest campground or nonmotorized state trailhead parking. Residents can purchase the Passport for just $11 ($5 for motorcycles) at the time of Michigan license plate renewal through Secretary of State. Forgot to check "YES" during renewal? Residents and nonresidents can purchase a Recreation Passport window sticker during regular business hours at state parks. Learn more about how the Recreation Passport supports state parks and local outdoor recreation opportunities at www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport.

Contact: Christa Sturtevant, 231-861-2703 or Ed Golder, 517-284-5815