There are countless exciting outdoor adventures in Michigan, including national parks, lakes, and miles of hiking and bike trails. You may enjoy skiing, snorkeling, sandy beaches, freshwater fishing, and more in the Wolverine state. Even an international park for night sky viewing exists! There are also lots of campgrounds to enjoy the great outdoors.
Michigan has plenty of great outdoor adventures, from beaches to mountains and everything in-between. Check out our list below to ensure you hit the best spots. We hope you have a fantastic time!
National Parks in Michigan: Fun Outdoor Locations
The National Park Service is in charge of seven locations, among them Isle Royale. The outdoors is the focus here. For a feeling of being close to nature, there are moose and inaccessible pathways. If you enjoy hiking, head to the North Country Scenic Trail, which spans eight states and more than 1,000 miles across Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas. There, you’ll find plenty of options for adventures.
Visit Pictured Rocks on Lake Superior, the nation’s first national lakeshore, for an all-arounder. It has everything: breathtaking sandstone cliffs, lovely beaches, woods, and hiking routes. Another national lakeshore that provides breathtaking vistas is Sleeping Bear Dunes. In addition to these notable locations, Michigan also has more than 100 state parks and recreational sites.
Michigan’s Lakes as Outdoor Recreation
Lakes must be mentioned while discussing outdoor recreation in Michigan, of course. There are four Great Lakes and 11,000 inland lakes to discover. In addition, there are 36,000 kilometers of rivers and streams that provide great water. Thunder Bay’s shipwrecks are a well-liked location for such excursions. You can go kayaking to experience life on the sea or snorkeling to witness life beneath the surface.
Remember the things in the lakes, such as Mackinac Island. The famed fudge is made in the car-free “Jewel of the Great Lakes,” which also boasts stunning landscapes like the Arch Rock formation. Then, of course, there are things found around the lakes, such as the sandy beaches that line Lake Michigan’s shoreline. They provide the ideal setting for relaxation, rest, and safety.
At the tip of Michigan’s Thumb is the vibrant little village of Port Austin. It’s famous for its farmer’s market and the ability to paddle out to the Port Austin Reef Lighthouse and Turnip Rock.
Michigan’s Outdoor Recreation Includes Water Sports
Naturally, there are plenty of options to get out on the water with so many fantastic water sites. There are several chances for paddlesports, and renting kayaks and canoes is a popular way to enjoy this state’s waterways. Did you know that a lake, river, or stream is seldom more than six miles away in Michigan? The fact that water sports are so prevalent is due to the number of great beaches and lake access points there are in the state.
You may either take it easy on a leisurely meander down the river, get serious on the rapids, and push yourself hard. Viewing Michigan’s breathtaking countryside from the water will give you a perspective that hasn’t been topped, no matter which angle you like. For these breathtaking sights, choose from one of the numerous National Water Trails, including
The four Great Lakes are undoubtedly a major appeal, and you can take a boat ride to get a sense of their size. In Michigan, where boating is quite popular, you can choose from a huge selection of marinas, harbors, and amenities. From your position onboard, set sail, experience the rush of water skiing, or observe the numerous islands and lighthouses.
You could prefer a different kind of water-related activity, in which case you’ll be happy to hear that Michigan is home to one of the world’s top freshwater fisheries. There are some excellent bass lakes and premier fly-fishing spots here, but that’s not all; the water in Michigan is home to 150 different species of fish.
Canoe Or Kayak At Isle Royale National Park
If you’re a fan of canoeing, it’s hard to top the Isle Royale National Park in Lake Superior. The park is home to over 200 islands and about 1,500 miles of shoreline.
You can canoe around the park and enjoy some of the most spectacular scenery in the Midwest. Winding through islands, thick forests, and small waterfalls, you’ll see wildlife like moose and wolves up close.
There are two main ways to get to Isle Royale: by boat or seaplane. Both ways take you to Rock Harbor Lodge, where most people stay while exploring the island. However, before you go, review canoe skill videos to refresh your backwoods skill set.
If you’re looking for an adventure with lots of history behind it, then taking a tour of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is right up your alley!
Michigan’s Outdoor Activities: Snow Sports
In the winter, Michigan is spoiled with various activities, from skiing and snowshoeing to snowmobiling and dog sledding. Would you like to try something a little unique? Ice climbing and other outdoor activities are appropriate in Michigan. The summit of frozen waterfalls, also known as icefalls, offers breathtaking views and a tremendous sense of accomplishment. With a variety of heights to reach, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is a wonderful place to try ice climbing.
There is just one other state in the U.S. that has more ski areas than this one, so if you’re seeking for them, you won’t be disappointed. There are over 40 ski areas in this state. Choose from, among others, Kingdom Come, Voodoo Mountain, Gorge Glades, and Sidewinder. Downhill skiers and snowboarders are at home. Michigan is proud to have the only ski flying hill in the country and the Midwest’s steepest vertical drop.
In terms of snowmobiling, Michigan is at the top. Did you know that the area has more than 3,000 miles of plowed trails? They are the ideal approach to take advantage of the spectacular snowfall. What better way to take in the splendor of this state, with its interconnected winter landscape of frozen lakes, meadows, and forests? Celebrate at occasions like the International 500 Snowmobile Race and the Michigan Snowmobile Festival.
Not only that. The vistas across the ice terrain and the rush of being carried by a husky pack are exhilarating. There are also several sporting events, including the Tahquamenon Country Sled Dog Race, the CopperDog 150 in Calumet, the UP 200 in Marquette, and the Kalkaska Winterfest.
Bring your hats, scarves, and gloves for these cold-weather activities. A thick head of hair also helps keep the chill at bay. Discovering how to ski is only one of the many things you can do in Michigan.
Trails for Biking and Hiking in Michigan
It’s a terrific way to spend the summer in Michigan’s Thumb because there are so many walking paths to discover throughout the state, like those at the Huron Nature Center.
The North Country Scenic Trail, full of breath-taking passages and not simply because you’ll be hiking hard, has already been described. The Iron Belle Trail offers the ultimate challenge if that’s what you’re looking for. The Michigan state’s 48 separate counties are traversed by this, the nation’s longest officially recognized state path. A path is also available for bicycles.
Considering biking, there are 1,300 miles of trails to choose from. Whether you desire a leisurely ride with the family or a challenging mountain bike trail to cover, you may use pedal power to navigate the hills and forests of Michigan. The International Mountain Biking Association Silver Level Ride Center is located in Copper Harbor. The state of Michigan is ideal for enjoying life while riding a bike.
Final Thoughts About Outdoor Adventures in Michigan
Michigan has a lot to offer outdoorsmen and nature enthusiasts, with thousands of acres of state parks, plenty of forest preserves and wildlife to explore, and some fantastic Great Lakes shorelines. While the climate may be unpredictable at times, the outdoor opportunities available in Michigan never disappoint. Go get ’em!
It is, therefore, evident that Michigan truly offers a spectacular array of outdoor experiences just waiting for you to enjoy.
