Do you have a passion for the outdoors? Michigan Department of Natural Resources is looking for entrepreneurs to open businesses inside state parks.

Think of it: instead of driving downtown of fighting freeway traffic, you could commute to the beach every day for your job. If you want to run a concession stand, a retail store or rent watercraft to happy campers, Michigan DNR may have the perfect opportunity for you.

They may seem to be an unlikely business ally, but one if the goals of Michigan DNR is to make state parks more enjoyable for everyone. Right now, they are looking for "outdoorpreneur" partners and taking bids, proposals and ideas for concession stands, watercraft and equipment rental, food trucks and other vendors and businesses to operate at a dozen different state parks, recreation areas, conference centers and harbors across the state. The DNR also works with small businesses to provide RV rentals and guide services to visitors, as well as welcomes new ideas and thinking outside what’s always been done. The current opportunities range from just down the road at Fort Custer Recreation Area all the way up to the Porcupine Mountains, take a look:

Fort Custer Recreation Area | Augusta

  • Store and watercraft rental

Holland State Park | Holland

  • Beach concession

Interlochen State Park | Interlochen

  • Park concession

Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park | Traverse City

  • Bicycle and watercraft rentals

Ludington State Park | Ludington

  • Stores, bicycle and watercraft rental

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park | Ontonagon

  • Ski hill, chalet, cafeteria, stores, vending machines, disc golf

Presque Isle State Harbor | Presque Isle

  • Restaurant

Ralph A. MacMullen Conference Center | Roscommon

  • Watercraft rental

Tippy Dam Recreation Area | Brethren

  • Food truck

Warren Dunes State Park | Sawyer

  • Mobile food concession

Waterloo Recreation Area | Chelsea

  • Horse stables

Wilson State Park | Harrison

  • Water park and/or mobile food

For more details on opportunities and links to bid packets, deadlines and everything else, click here.

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