Your Niles District Library card will be a great travel companion this summer.

Library card holders statewide can once again get free or discounted access to hundreds of Michigan’s state parks, historic sites, cultural attractions, campgrounds and recreation areas through the second annual Michigan Activity Pass program, sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources the Michigan Recreation and Park Association and The Library Network. This year’s program provides a new opportunity for fourth graders, offering them free access to Michigan’s national parks and lakeshores.

Beginning May 24, library card holders can print a free one-day pass, either at home or at their local library, which can be used at any of Michigan’s 102 state parks or 138 state forest campgrounds. The program also offers free or discounted admission to 170 historical and cultural destinations in Michigan. Destinations that offer free passes in our corner of the state include Krasl Art Center, Warren Dunes State Park, Grand Rapids Treetop Adventure Park and the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts.  Forever Curious Children’s Museum and The Gilmore Car Museum offers MAP users a buy-one-get-one discount. 

New this year, parents or educators of fourth graders can access the National Park Service’s Every Kid in a Park initiative, which provides free passes to Michigan’s national parks and lakeshores, including Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Isle Royale National Park, Keweenaw National Historic Park, North County National Scenic Trails, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and River Raisin National Battlefield Park.

“Michigan is home to some tremendous state and national parks, and exploring these areas is a great way to get exercise while enjoying the outdoors,” said Suzanne Miller Allen, director of community responsibility at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. “Blue Cross is proud to support the Michigan Activity Pass in making these destinations an inexpensive way for Michigan residents to stay healthy and active this summer.”

DNR Chief of Parks and Recreation Ron Olson echoed this sentiment.

“It is so important for kids to have shared experiences with their family — both educational and physical. The Michigan Activity Pass gives parents a fun, low-cost way for kids to experience Michigan’s historic and cultural resources while spending time with family,” Olson said.

For more information on the Michigan Activity Pass, including a complete list of supported venues and participating libraries, visit michiganactivitypass.info. 

 

Nancy Studebaker is the executive director at the Niles District Library. She can be reached by email at director@nileslibrary.net