Upper Peninsula fairgoers will be treated to a sampling of Michigan's natural wonders and recreational adventures at the Department of Natural Resources' (DNR) Pocket Park open Aug. 16-21 at the 2005 U.P. State Fair in Escanaba.

Click here to see the daily schedule of events at the DNR Pocket Park.

The one-acre Pocket Park, developed, designed and built by DNR staff, features interactive displays, daily seminars, demonstrations and hands-on activities for all ages, to allow fair visitors to sample and learn about hunting, fishing and outdoor recreational opportunities.

"Through this exhibit, we want to encourage everyone to sample the fun in our Pocket Park, then make a point to visit state parks and forests, learn about fishing and hunting and seek out ways to engage in Michigan's out-of-doors into the future," said Ann Wilson, U.P. Pocket Park coordinator.

The Pocket Park, located just inside the main gate of the fairgrounds features a pond stocked with about 6,000 hybrid bluegills for catch-and-release fishing, pellet gun and archery ranges, an authentic fire tower suspended 12 feet off the ground and accessible by ramp or steps, a U.P. minerals display and extensive native plant landscaping.

"The Pocket Park has been an evolving project and now is one of the focal points of the fairgrounds and the area community," Wilson said.

In addition, more than 20 outdoor-related presentations, including live birds of prey and reptiles, outdoor cooking and camping, tree stand safety clinics, Safari Club International's Sensory Safari, activities for children, and much, much more are scheduled throughout the week of the fair.

There is no fee to participate in any of the activities in the Pocket Park. Fair visitors are encouraged to come to the Pocket Park, catch a fish, shoot bow and arrow, or pellet guns, see and touch the live animals and enjoy this beautiful oasis at the U.P. State Fair.