BERRIEN COUNTY — Three free opportunities that normally cost money and time filling paperwork to partake in will be free this Saturday and Sunday, courtesy of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Residents and non-residents of the state can fish without a license, enter state parks without paying fees and ride an off-road vehicle on designated trails without paying for a license and trail permit.

Normally, an annual fishing license cost $26, while 24-hour passes cost $10. According to the MDNR, all public bodies can be fished on, as are private properties owned by prospective fishers.

All other fishing regulations, like the number of fish caught, still apply.

A local fishing store is offering services and hosting events that coincide with free weekend.

Al Floyd and Ed Macheta said they and the other staff of Rusty Hooks Bait & Tackle in downtown Niles are happy to offer fishing tips and fishing locations to those taking advantage of the weekend, regardless of experience.

“A lot of these fishermen, they don’t like you to know where they’re fishing,” Floyd said. “The way I see it, if they’re fishing, they’re coming back to get more bait, so we want them to go out fishing.”

The local fishing store will also have items 10 percent off in-store and will be present from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Saturday’s Sportsman Flea Market on 1549 Lake St.

“We’re an authorized Fenwick dealer,” said Macheta about the fishing rod company. “So, one thing nice about that, if you break a pole, you don’t have to send it out. You can just bring back to us, and we replace it.”

Those who enjoy fishing can then attend an in-store fish and chips lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. next Friday, June 14, Floyd said.

Fishing is allowed at some Michigan state parks, which will be free to enter this weekend. Usually, a $16 entry fee or an $11 for entry with a license plate renewal is needed, said Drew Montgomery, park manager of Warren Dunes State Park in Weesaw Township.

“Come out and see what you’re missing,” he said. “If you’re not a recreational person, come out and just enjoy the recreation of the great state of Michigan.”

Warren Woods State Park in Three Oaks Township is the closest state park to Niles.

The free weekend comes just before Warren Dunes’ Lake Michigan Shore Wine Festival next Saturday. The wine-tasting event, complete with food trucks and live music, is one of the state park’s biggest events, Montgomery said.

The free weekend also coincides with the centennial anniversary of the Michigan State Parks Commission, which led to the creation of all Michigan state parks today.

Montgomery said he just hopes the weather holds out for state park visitors.

Residents and non-residents of the state are also able to ride an off-road vehicle on MDNR-designated routes without a license or trail permit Saturday and Sunday. Normally, a license costs $26.25 and a trail permit is an added $10. A second weekend of free ORV riding will take place on Aug. 17 and 18.

Off-road vehicles include ATVs and two, three and four-wheeled motorcycles.

The closest state-designated ORV site is the Cedar Creek ATV trail in Muskegon County.