Michigan Cares for Tourism Lauren Janes

Back in 2013 Michigan Cares for Tourism launched its first event: the cleanup of the Mill Lake Outdoor Center.

Michigan Cares is a nonprofit that partners with the state’s tourism industry. The group works to not only develop and preserve sites across Michigan, but it also engages the tourism community, educates about the state’s unique destinations, and enhances visitor experiences.

Everyone that works is a volunteer and all the money that goes into the group goes directly back to the tourism industry.

So, back to 2013, that first event was at the Mill Lake Outdoor Center. It sits in the Lower Peninsula's largest state park: The Waterloo Recreation Area. For over a decade Mill Lake's cabins, infirmary, classrooms, and staff quarters sat empty.