Vintage trailer, motor coach club tours northern Michigan

Tour to visit eight Michigan state parks

History buffs, camping enthusiasts and the public are invited to a unique opportunity to see roughly 30 vintage campers during the Tin Can Tourists’ northern Michigan state park vintage camper tour, July 24-Aug. 8.

The Tin Can Tourists is a vintage trailer and motor coach club open to all makes and models of campers. A number of the trailers have been meticulously renovated, and area residents are invited to stop at the state park campgrounds to see the campers during the event (please note that for the safety of campers, non-camping visitors may not be able to drive or park in the campground). Camper tours will be available at Port Crescent State Park’s vintage camper show, from noon to 4 p.m.

Below is a schedule of the tour. The campers will arrive at the parks at various times before 5 p.m. and spend the evening at the park. Campers leave at varying times on travel days for the next park on the tour:

• July 24-27: Port Crescent State Park (Huron County) – tours July 25 noon-4 p.m.
• July 30: Straits State Park (Mackinac County)
• July 31-Aug. 1: Grand Marais Woodland Park (Burt Township Park; not a state park)
• Aug. 2: Baraga State Park (Baraga County)
• Aug. 3-4: Fort Wilkins State Park (Keweenaw County)
• Aug. 5: Porcupine Mountains State Park (Ontonagon County)
• Aug. 6: Bewabic State Park (Iron County)
• Aug. 7: Indian Lake State Park (Schoolcraft County)
• Aug. 8: Burt Lake State Park (Cheboygan County)

“The Tin Can Tourists devote so much time and energy into reviving their campers,” said Port Crescent State Park Supervisor Betsy Kish. “It’s a really fun and heartwarming event, seeing people of all ages connect with the owners and learn about the history behind their campers.”

The Tin Can Tourists club was organized in 1919 with the objective of uniting fraternally all autocampers. By the mid-1980s, the group was no longer in existence; however, Forrest and Jeri Bone re-established the club in 1998. The organization is open to all who share a desire to preserve and promote vintage trailers and motor coaches through social gatherings and information exchange.

Visitors come from around the state to see the campers. A convenient way to enjoy the vintage campers and spend time with the owners is by reserving a campsite at a participating park and staying for the weekend. To check state park camping availability and make a reservation, visitwww.midnrreservations.com or call 1-800-44PARKS (1-800-447-2757).

For more information about the Tin Can Tourists contact Brandon Morrison at brandon_morrison@hotmail.com or visit the group webpage at www.tincantourists.com. For information about a specific state park, please call the park directly.

Inside Michigan’s Great Outdoors subscribers are always the first to know about reservation opportunities, state park events and other outdoor happenings. Visit www.michigan.gov/dnr to subscribe now.

There is no charge to attend the vintage camper tour, but a Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry to all participating state parks.

A Recreation Passport grants vehicle access to any Michigan state park, boat launch, state forest campground or nonmotorized state trailhead parking. Residents can purchase the Passport for just $11 ($5 for motorcycles) at the time of Michigan license plate renewal through Secretary of State. Forgot to check “YES” during renewal? Residents and nonresidents can purchase a Recreation Passport window sticker during regular business hours at state parks. Learn more about how the Recreation Passport supports state parks, local outdoor recreation opportunities, historic and cultural sites at www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport.