Michigan DNR, McDonald's, General RV unveil custom RV heralding Recreation Passport program

Statewide initiative features 34-foot RV visiting 40 public events throughout Michigan

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. – McDonald’s and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) recently unveiled a customized, 34-foot recreational vehicle (RV) in Traverse City that will serve as a rolling billboard to invite Michiganders to participate in the MDNR’s Recreation Passport program.

Here's a link to by a report by Channel 9&10 reporter Sara Simnitch on the unveiling event.

For just $11, Michigan residents can purchase a Recreation Passport, a special license plate tab available at all Michigan Secretary of State locations. The Passport allows them to explore nearly 400 outdoor recreation destinations, including state parks, state forests, boat launches and trailheads.

“We are extremely proud of Michigan’s natural resources and outdoor recreational opportunities,” said Ron Olson, Chief of the Department of Parks and Recreation. “By partnering with McDonald’s, we will raise awareness about our Recreation Passport program among hundreds of thousands of people at public events and on the road throughout the state. We are grateful to McDonald’s for helping us share the wonderful benefits of the Recreation Passport program.”

The custom RV, with the theme “Eat. Trek. Repeat.,” highlights the MDNR’s Recreation Passport program, featuring state park logos and images along with McDonald’s wholesome products. Planned stops and visits for the RV include parades, festivals and special events across the state, including: The National Cherry Festival in Traverse City, Ionia Free Fair, Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival, Flint’s Crim Festival of Races, Frankenmuth Auto Fest and the St. Joseph County Grange Fair.

In addition to helping underwrite the cost of the RV program, McDonald’s will staff and bring the RV to community events across the state, helping the MDNR share its message with an estimated 1 million people statewide.

“We are happy to have the opportunity to work together with the MDNR to connect Michigan families to healthy, active family activities such as bike and walking trails, kayaking, fishing, camping and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world,” said Pancho Gonzalez, vice president and general manager for Michigan Region McDonald’s. “This program continues McDonald’s commitment to help our customers embrace healthy, active lifestyles.”

MDNR and General RV, which is based in Wayland, Mich. and provided the RV for the program, are also teaming up to offer a contest to win one of four one-week RV rentals. Each RV rental comes with a one-week campsite rental at one of Michigan’s state parks (pending availability).