Copyright M Live Michigan
Whether it’s a trip to a Lake Michigan beach or an Up North waterfall, some of the best memories at Michigan state parks are made at the onsite concession stands. Sometimes that means a sticky sweet treat at an ice cream shop, renting a kayak to get in on the action or needing a last minute poncho for the everchanging Michigan weather. Michigan’s concessions are both a landing place for visitors and a launchpad for small businesses. There are currently 23 concession bids open across state parks in both peninsulas. Here’s a few businesses the state’s most popular parks are seeking: Holland State Park - watercraft rental on Lake Macatawa Rifle River Recreation Area - watercraft and bike rental near the park entrance Silver Lake State Park - Mobile food within the ORV area Tahquamenon Fall State Park - Firewood vendor at the Lower Falls campground Warren Dunes State Park - Camp store at campground entrance and gift shop at Lake Michigan day-use area. You can find a full list of open state park bids here. The Department of Natural Resources partners with small businesses to serve as park restaurants, gift shops, rental outfitters, water park operators, guide services and more. These opportunities are available through a competitive bidding process with the ability to enter into a contract for up to seven years. Park concessions are held to a high standard, according to the DNR bid page. “We seek bidders who understand that every point of customer contact is an opportunity to educate and inspire and/or commit to employing best stewardship practices,” according to the DNR. The DNR gives examples of high-quality stewardship from partners: using compostable flatware or recycled products, using environmentally friendly cleaning products or collaborating with indigenous communities and local artists to sell retail products that tell the story of that place.
