State parks could see record summer attendance

If you're planning a trip to Michigan's state parks this summer, expect some company.

The parks are on track to break attendance records this year, with more than 25 million visits expected.  

It’s mostly thanks to hot weather, lowers gas prices, and cheaper park passes, says Harold Herta of the Department of Natural Resources.  "We've seen a lot of people coming out to the parks this year that said, I haven't been to a state park in years, and I thought I'd try it out. Especially in the metro-Detroit area."

Herta says the crowds are straining the parks' infrastructure, such public toilets. He say they'll likely add staffers to manage the full capacity grounds. But Herta says if the weather gets too hot, people may skip the park and stay in the A/C.