Gatherings & Activities

Events at Onaway State Park

From historic open houses and Native American Awareness Days to tie-dye mornings and volunteer work bees, events bring the Black Lake community together.

Michigan DNR Statewide Park Event ListingsYou can also check the official DNR calendar for state-wide seasonal events and park interpreter schedules.

Visit MI DNR Events

Schedule

Current & Upcoming Season

America/Detroit Timezone

2025–2026 Seasonal Schedule In Planning

Per FOOSP policy, we do not invent upcoming events or dates. The 2025–2026 volunteer trail cleanup days, regular business meetings, and summer children's programs are currently being coordinated with park staff.

Park History

Past Events & Traditions

A look back at recent gatherings that made a lasting mark on Onaway State Park.

Partnership with The 211 Bar and Grill & Bonz Beach FarmsMay 9, 2024

New Historic Replacement Pavilion Open House

4:00 PM – 8:00 PM (America/Detroit)The 211 Bar and Grill, 3444 M-211, Onaway, MI 49765

The Friends of Onaway State Park and DNR representatives presented the vision for the New Historic Pavilion Replacement. Community members viewed architectural plans, submitted suggestions, and gathered over a community spaghetti dinner in support of returning this historic centerpiece to park campers.

In cooperation with the Friends of Onaway State ParkLabor Day Weekend (Annual Tradition)

Native American Awareness Days Weekend

Friday evening through Sunday eveningOnaway State Park Campground & Pavilions

A cherished weekend celebrating cultural heritage and family-friendly park learning. Activities include blessing of the park, sacred fire teachings, medicine wheel teachings, dreamcatcher & corn-husk doll workshops, Grandmother Moon Drummers, rock painting, candy bar bingo, tie-dye shirts, and storytelling with s'mores.

Free & low-cost family recreationSummer Season

Summer Campground Family Activity Series

Weekly Camp Host ProgramsCampground & Nature Trail

Hands-on activities partnering with the Onaway State Park camp host: tie-dye t-shirt making, park scavenger hunts exploring the trails, glow-in-the-dark shirt nights, face painting, and geocaching adventures with 8 hidden FOOSP caches.