Easter ‘Egg-stravaganzas’ set at Michigan State Parks April 23

The Easter Bunny is busy hiding eggs in several Michigan state parks and recreation areas, and the Department of Natural Resources welcomes youngsters and families to bring their baskets and join in the hunt.

All Easter events are being held on Saturday, April 23, at varying times, at the following state parks or recreation areas:

Bay City State Recreation Area Easter Egg Hunt (Bay County) 
The Bay City State Recreation Area will host an Easter Egg Hunt beginning at 11 a.m. at the day use area. Participants will be divided into various age groups, with special prizes awarded to children finding winning eggs. The Easter Bunny will also make a special appearance. Bay City State Recreation Area is located at 3582 State Park Dr., north of Bay City, five miles east of Exit 168 off I-75. For details, contact the park at 989-684-3020.

Egg Hunt on “Old Baldy” - Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland County) 
The Easter Bunny is hiding thousands of eggs at Bald Mountain Recreation Area. From 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., children up to age 12 are welcome to join in the search for Easter eggs at the Cherry Ridge picnic area. Some eggs are filled with candy or special prizes. Everyone will win something. Bald Mountain Recreation Area is located at 1330 East Greenshield Rd., 1.5 miles east of M-24 in Lake Orion. For details, contact the park at 248-693-6767.

Lakeport State Park Easter Festival (St. Clair County) 
Join the Easter Bunny, the Easter Chicken and Scooby-Doo for an Easter Festival beginning at 11 a.m. at the park pavilion. Children, from toddlers to teens, will be divided into separate age groups to gather eggs and search for the golden eggs that contain special prizes. Families should bring a bag to carry prizes home, and remember to bring a camera. Lakeport State Park is located at 7605 Lakeshore Rd., approximately 15 miles north of I-94 off M-25, near Lakeport. For details, contact the park at 810-327-6224.

Easter Egg Scramble at Maybury State Park (Wayne County) 
Get the family together for the annual Easter Egg Scramble at Maybury State Park. Activities for children of all ages begin at 10 a.m., followed by the scramble for Easter eggs spread over a grassy area. The Easter Bunny will also be available for pictures. Maybury State Park is located at 20145 Beck Rd., west of Northville. Park entrance is off Eight Mile Road, five miles west of I-275, four miles north of M-14, or four miles south of I-96. For details, contact the park at 248-349-8390.

Young State Park Easter Egg Hunt (Charlevoix County) 
Young State Park will sponsor an Easter Egg Hunt starting at 11 a.m. at Mirror Pond. Participation is limited to children ages 10 and under. Families can enjoy a bonfire, hot cocoa and cookies, and a visit with the Easter Bunny after the Easter egg hunt. Young State Park is located at 02280 Boyne City Rd., off M-75, north of Boyne City. For details, contact the park at 231-582-7523.

All events are free; however, a Recreation Passport is required for vehicles entering a state park or recreation area.

The Recreation Passport has replaced motor vehicle permits for entry into Michigan state parks, recreation areas and state-administered boating access fee sites. This new way to fund Michigan's outdoor recreation opportunities also helps to preserve state forest campgrounds, trails, and historic and cultural sites in state parks, and provides park development grants to local communities. Michigan residents can purchase the Recreation Passport ($10 for motor vehicles; $5 for motorcycles) by checking "Yes" on their license plate renewal forms, or at any state park or recreation area. To learn more about the Recreation Passport, visit www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport, or call 517-241-7275.