The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) hopes to share the love (of the great outdoors, that is) on Valentine's weekend with a number of Mitten Mixer events at state parks. Mitten Mixers are designed to bring people togetheMichigan state parks' Mitten Mixer programs on Valentine's weekend are a great way to meet others who love the great outdoors.r who enjoy spending time outdoors - whether it's with a significant other, a group of friends, or a brand new group of people.
These programs feature a variety of activities, including snowshoe hiking, cross-country skiing, coffee tastings, bonfires and more. All Mitten Mixer programs are free of charge; however, a Recreation Passport is required for vehicles entering state parks and recreation areas.
Mitten Mixers are scheduled at the following state parks and recreation areas:
Yankee Springs Recreation Area (Barry County)
Saturday, Feb. 15, 10:30 a.m.-noon
EcoTrek Fitness will lead a cross-country ski, snowshoe hike or winter hike depending on the weather. Rent skis or snowshoes from Lee's Adventure Sports, www.leesadventuresports.com. Send an RSVP (required) by Friday, Feb. 14, to signup@ecotrekfitness.com.
Brimley State Park (Chippewa County)
Saturday, Feb. 15, noon-4 p.m.
Snowshoe or hike along a packed hiking trail, try other winter activities and enjoy free refreshments. Call the park at 906-248-3422 for details.
Holly Recreation Area (Oakland County)
Saturday, Feb. 15, 2-4 p.m.
Enjoy a photo scavenger hunt hike, games, a bonfire and coffee tasting at Overlook Shelter. Call the park at 248-634-8811 for details.
Tahquamenon Falls State Park (Luce County)
Saturday, Feb. 15, beginning at 3 p.m.
Take a guided snowshoe hike through the Upper Falls. Call 906-492-3415 for details.
Hartwick Pines State Park (Crawford County)
Saturday, Feb. 15, 7-9 p.m.
Take a moonlit snowshoe hike on the trails starting from the Contact Station. Call the park at 989-348-7068 for details.
For details, please visit www.michigan.gov/gogetoutdoors and find the appropriate event listing. Events are free to attend, but a Recreation Passport is required for entry into the state parks. In addition to the Mitten Mixers, Michigan state parks offer dozens of outdoor recreation programming opportunities (listed by date on the GO Get Outdoors calendar) perfect for the whole family.
The Recreation Passport is an easy, affordable way for residents to enjoy and support outdoor recreation opportunities in Michigan. By checking "YES" for the $11 Recreation Passport ($5 for motorcycles) when renewing a license plate through the Secretary of State (by mail, kiosk, online at www.expresssos.com or at branch offices), Michigan motorists get access to state parks, recreation areas, state forest campgrounds, nonmotorized state trailhead parking and state boat launches. The Recreation Passport is valid until the next license plate renewal date. Nonresidents can purchase the Recreation Passport ($31.10 annual; $8.55 daily) at any state park or recreation area or (annual passes only) through the Michigan e-Store at www.michigan.gov/estore.
Learn more about this creative way of sustaining Michigan's outdoor recreation and natural resources at www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport.
Contact: Maia Turek, 989-225-8573 or Ed Golder, 517-284-5815
