The Recreation Passport is your key to winter fun at state parks

Whether you ski, sled, toboggan, ice fish, snowmobile or snowshoe, Michigan’s state parks offer lots of seasonal fun. Michigan motorists can get in on the fun by buying a Recreation Passport when they renew their plate tabs or get a new plate, Secretary of State Ruth Johnson reminded residents today.

Many state parks offer snowmobiling, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing opportunities and events, among other wintertime outdoor activities, and state boat launches are great places for anglers to find new ice-fishing spots. Select state parks offer winter camping opportunities in lodges, yurts, tepees and several types of cabins.

“Winter is a great time of year and offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation,” said Johnson, who loves the outdoors and has been known to kayak in January. “I encourage people renewing their plate tab to help support Michigan’s exceptional parks by buying a Recreation Passport. For only $11, the natural wonder of Michigan’s woods and waters can be yours all year long.”

The Recreation Passport allows Michigan motorists the option of paying an additional $11 per vehicle, or $5 per motorcycle, when renewing a vehicle registration or registering a new vehicle. The letter “P” is printed on the vehicle tab of people who have bought the Recreation Passport. The passport allows entry into Michigan state parks and recreational areas, forest campgrounds, and boat launch and nonmotorized trail head parking for no additional cost.

“Michigan’s state parks, trails, boat launches and other outdoor spaces are true treasures. They make our state a great place to live, work and play,” said Department of Natural Resources Director Keith Creagh. “Checking ‘yes’ to the Recreation Passport allows people to enjoy these treasures and ensures that these important natural areas will be around for generations to come.”

A nonresident vehicle Recreation Passport is available at any state park or online at www.michigan.gov/estore.

Motorists can renew plates for individually owned or leased cars, pickup trucks, vans and motorcycles up to six months before they expire. Most customers can renew online at ExpressSOS.com, which features Print N Go technology, allowing users to buy their tabs online, print off a receipt and carry the receipt as proof of renewal until their tabs arrive in the mail. Tabs may also be renewed through the mail or at a Secretary of State office. License plates that expire on a day when state offices are closed can be renewed the next business day without penalty.

In FY 2014, more than 1.9 million Recreation Passports were issued, generating almost $21 million for state parks.

Learn more about the state parks Recreation Passport at www.Michigan.gov/recreationpassport.