Passport to Summer: Hudsonville Ice Cream, DNR & Pure Michigan partner to promote Michigan

It may be 25 degrees with lake effect snow in the forecast, but three Michigan organizations are partnering together to promote the abundance of resources available to both Michigan visitors and residents.

It may be 25 degrees with lake effect snow in the forecast, but three Michigan organizations are partnering together to promote the abundance of resources available to both Michigan visitors and residents. 

Holland, Michigan-based Hudsonville Ice Cream is partnering with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Pure Michigan to launch an integrated campaign that will kick off today with their “Create a Flavor” contest.  

The campaign will continue throughout the summer with an RV ice cream tour crossing the state promoting the popular DNR Recreation 101 program. As the official ice cream of the Michigan State Parks, Hudsonville Ice Cream will distribute the winning flavor to retail outlets and ice cream parlors throughout Michigan and the Midwest as well as during the RV ice cream tour this summer.  

“As the No. 1 Michigan-made ice cream brand, we are thrilled to be partnering with two great organizations like the DNR and Pure Michigan,” said Bruce A. Kratt, director of sales and marketing for Hudsonville Ice Cream.  “Our ice cream is the perfect treat when enjoying all that Michigan has to offer – memorable vacations at the beach, family camping trips or simply relaxing and watching those 9 p.m. summer sunsets.  And the RV ice cream tour happening this summer will certainly be the ‘sweetest’ way to promote the DNR’s Recreation 101 program and all it has to offer.”  

The Pure Michigan state park ice cream contest runs through January 29, and the winning flavor will be chosen from a panel of Outstanding Outdoor Kids and celebrity judges.  Outstanding Outdoor Kids will be chosen from nominations for kids who demonstrate actions that have gone above and beyond to preserve, protect and promote outdoor recreation opportunities in Michigan.    

Flavor contest entries will go through Hudsonville Ice Cream’s website www.hudsonvilleicecream.com. The grand prize for the winning ice cream flavor includes free Hudsonville ice cream for a year, a one-week stay in a Michigan state park or harbor of the winner’s choice, a $1,000 gift card from Meijer and Pure Michigan merchandise.    

“We are excited to partner with Hudsonville – their pride in being a Michigan-based company matched our enthusiasm for stimulating recreation-based tourism.  This campaign is an excellent way to get Michigan residents involved in encouraging others to get outside and enjoy the best of Pure Michigan - woods, waters and now ice cream,”  said Ron Olson,  chief of the DNR Parks and Recreation Division.  

A key goal of the partnership is to spread the word about the DNR’s Recreation 101 program and Recreation Passport. The Recreation 101 program is designed to introduce participants to the fun and fitness available in Michigan's woods and waters through free, introductory and hands-on lessons at Michigan state parks.  

The RV ice cream tour will also highlight the Recreation Passport – your $10 ticket to Michigan state parks, recreation areas and boat launches.  The Recreation Passport, which also supports state-forest campgrounds, trails and historic treasures and provides grants to neighborhood parks, can be purchased at a Secretary of State venue when renewing your vehicle registration.  By purchasing the Recreation Passport at a Secretary of State venue, passport holders can also take advantage of the Passport Perks program, which offers discounts at hundreds of local businesses throughout the state.  

“Pure Michigan focuses on the people, places, opportunities and treasures that are uniquely Michigan,” said Elizabeth Parkinson, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.  “This is a fun way to deliver an important message about the wealth of recreation opportunities in the state, as well as the unique taste of Michigan.”  

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.