Learn all about owls at Michigan state parks' Owl Prowls

A nighttime adventure awaits this fall at Michigan state parks’ Owl Prowls, where visitors can learn all about owls and go on a guided hike to try to hear or see one. Owl Prowls take place throughout the state and feature various activities from park to park. Some programs feature an educational presentation, a chance to see owl pellets and real stuffed owls up close, a fun walk in the woods with like-minded night owls, nature stories and s’mores around the bonfire.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) park staff encourages guests to wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather, since the events will take place rain or shine. Optional items to bring include something to drink, a camp chair, flashlight or miner’s light, and a great outdoor or nature story to share around the fire.

Pre-registration is recommended or required, depending on each park's program. The programs are free of charge; however, a Recreation Passport is required for vehicles entering the state parks and recreation areas.

Owl Prowls are scheduled at the following state parks and recreation areas:

Brighton State Recreation Area (Livingston County)

Saturday, Dec. 7, 5 p.m.

Meet at Chilson Pond, located behind the park headquarters building. No pre-registration is required. Brighton State Recreation Area is located at 6360 Chilson Road, in Howell. For details, call the park at 810-229-6566.

Maybury State Park (Wayne County)

Saturday, Dec. 7, 6 p.m.

Meet at the concession building; use the 8 Mile Road entrance 1 mile west of Beck. Pre-registration is required at www.friendsofmaybury.org. Maybury State Park is located in Novi. For details, call the park at 248-349-8390.

Bald Mountain State Recreation Area (Oakland County)

Sunday, Dec. 8, 5 p.m.

Meet at the Hearth Shelter, located on the south side of E. Greenshield Road just west of the headquarters building in Lake Orion. No pre-registration is required. For details, call the park at 248-693-6767.

Sleepy Hollow State Park (Clinton County)

Sunday, Dec. 8, 5 p.m.

Meet at the east picnic shelter. Sleepy Hollow State Park is located at 7835 E. Price Road, in Laingsburg. To RSVP (recommended), call the park at 517-651-6217.

Lake Hudson State Recreation Area (Lenawee County)

Friday, Dec. 13, 5 p.m.

Meet at the campground; no pre-registration is required. Lake Hudson State Recreation Area is located at 5505 Morey Highway, in Clayton. For details, call Hayes State Park at 517-467-7401. 

Waterloo State Recreation Area (Jackson County)

Friday, Dec. 13, 7 p.m.

Meet at the Gerald E. Eddy Discovery Center. No pre-registration is required. The Gerald E. Eddy Discovery Center is located at 17030 Bush Road, in Chelsea. For details, call the Discovery Center at 734-475-3170 or the Waterloo State Recreation Area at 734-475-8307.

Bay City State Recreation Area (Bay County)

Saturday, Feb. 15, 2:30 p.m.

Meet at the Saginaw Bay Visitor Center in the day use area, 3582 State Park Drive, in Bay City. Enjoy a live Birds of Prey show, slideshow presentation, educational owl activities and games and an owl-calling hike. No pre-registration is required. For details, call the Saginaw Bay Visitor Center at 989-667-0717.

For details about these and other events at Michigan state parks, visit www.michigan.gov/dnrcalendar. To find a map for each state park (detailing the locations of visitor centers, shelters, campgrounds and other landmarks within each park), visit the DNR website's "key topics" page and choose a park from the alphabetical list.