Vintage Trailer & Motor Coach Club to Tour Eight Northern Michigan State Parks

History buffs, camping enthusiasts and the public are invited to explore and learn about thirty vintage campers during the Tin Can Tourists northern Michigan state park vintage camper tour, July 24 – August 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 and tour the campers during the event. Tin Can Tourists are happy to talk about these unique and historical trailers and share their photos and fond camping memories.

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

7/24 – 7/27: Port Crescent State Park (Huron County

7/30: Straits State Park (Mackinac County)

7/31 – 8/1: Grand Marais Woodland Park (Burt Township Park; not a state park)

8/2: Baraga State Park (Baraga County)

8/3 – 8/4: Fort Wilkins State Park (Keweenaw County)

8/5: Porcupine Mountains State Park (Ontonagon County)

8/6: Bewabic State Park (Iron County)

8/7: Indian Lake State Park (Schoolcraft County)

8/8: 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, visit midnrreservations.com or call 1-800-44PARKS (1-800-447-2757).

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