Many Michigan state parks and recreation areas are planning fishing or other activities Feb. 16-17 to celebrate Winter Free Fishing Weekend. From ice fishing activities to evening snowshoe hikes, state parks are offering something for everyone to "GO-Get Outdoors" during Presidents Day weekend.

The following parks will offer special activities on Saturday, Feb. 16: Rifle River Recreation Area in Lupton and Bay City Recreation Area are both hosting Winter Festivals; Seven Lakes State Park near Holly is offering an ice fishing clinic; Hoffmaster State Park in Muskegon and Hartwick Pines State Park in Grayling are both hosting evening snowshoe hikes; Port Crescent is hosting an evening of cross-country skiing on candlelit trails; and Sterling State Park in Monroe is featuring the annual Muskrat Run. In Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Indian Lake State Park near Manistique is planning a day of "Free Fishing Fun."

On Sunday, Feb. 17, Clear Lake State Park in Atlanta will have staff on hand to teach the young and first-time anglers how to fish for perch and splake.

During Free Fishing Weekend, the Department of Natural Resources waives the fishing license requirement. However, all other fishing regulations will apply.

For more information on any of these events or ice conditions, contact the individual park. For general questions regarding events, contact Cheryl Greaney at (517) 373-0399.

More information on events can be found on the "GO-Get Outdoors" calendar at www.michigan.gov/dnr, under "Recreation, Camping and Boating."

All motor vehicles entering a state park or recreation area must display a Motor Vehicle Permit, available for purchase at the park entrance. Cost is $24 for a resident annual and $6 for a resident daily. A nonresident annual is $29 and a nonresident daily is $8.