The Bay City State Recreation Area is just one of many Michigan State Parks.
 / Mike Horne
Michigan’s State Parks have won the 2011 National Recreation and Park Association’s Gold Medal.
The Associated Press reports The Department of Natural Resources was told Wednesday about the honors.
The National Recreation and Park Association is a non-profit organization that is funded through donations, member dues, and charities. Every other year, they honor a state with the best State Parks.
This year, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources won the gold medal. Also competing for the prize were the Florida Park Service- Division of Recreation and Parks, Missouri Division of State Parks, and North Carolina State Parks & Recreation. You can see the full list of finalists in each category by clicking here.
Michigan residents know the beauty of their state, but we want to know which state park is your personal favorite. Tell us in the comment section below.