If you’re wondering what to do in Michigan, you’ll discover that the state is synonymous with the outdoor activity you’d like to experience. Michigan has a lot to offer when it comes to being active and enjoying nature simultaneously. It’s hardly surprising, given that the Midwest has lakes, beaches, and forests. With that being said, here are some exciting outdoor activities you can enjoy with your friends and family.
Michigan Zoos
A stroll at any of Michigan’s zoos will have you looking at some exotic and familiar creatures of the animal kingdom. Detroit Zoo is home to chimpanzees, gorillas, giraffes, the Japanese giant salamander, red pandas, and penguins. Additionally, there are other zoo events where you can join a themed tour.
At Potter Park Zoo, not only does it house 160 animal species, but you can also enjoy family programs. There is one designed for kids with special needs and their families to experience animal meet and greets and even get the chance to ride camels.
Binder Park Zoo is home to critically endangered animals like the black and white ruffed lemur and the addra gazelle. It also has educational events under the conservation programs where you can learn about animals and allow volunteers to Adopt-A-Beach and join the cleanup campaign.
Deer Hunting
If you’re into deer hunting, you should head to Michigan on your next hunting trip. As a hunting state, it has a healthy deer population of over a million annually due to Michigan’s ecosystem. There are plenty of forests where the whitetail deer thrive that you may find enticing enough to buy Leupold scopes for your hunting rifle for the next hunting season. This area actively promotes deer hunting to manage the local deer population.
If you like a good challenge, the state has rugged areas in its vast hunting lands where hunters can share the space. Many have traveled to Michigan from other states to enjoy hunting on public land.
Paddling
Outdoor fun extends to water trail activities such as kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and canoeing. Spending time in the state’s waterways is among the favorite past times of water enthusiasts. Michigan has nine designated water trails, including the Central River Raisin Water Trail, Island Loop Route, and the Upper Grand River Water Trail.
Scenic Hikes
Most people enjoy hiking as a recreational activity. Hiking Michigan’s various trails are excellent for several reasons, including the state’s stunning natural beauty and the health benefits of being outside. For instance, you can try Mt. Baldy. The structure rises 730 feet above Lake Superior. For those who are up for the challenge, the Helmut and Candis Stern Preserve provides a difficult round-trip climb to the peak and back.
Another option is the North Country National Scenic Trail which has the longest trail in the United States upon completion, measuring 4,600 miles that traverse seven states. In Michigan alone, it’s 1,150 miles with varying trail difficulty. The terrain also shifts from flat country to wooded and lake views.
Northern Lights Viewing And Stargazing
Sometimes, the most spectacular sights are seen at night. The Headlands International Dark Sky Reserve is situated in Michigan’s northern area. It measures 550 acres and has two miles of untouched shoreline at Lake Michigan. It became a reserve in 2011, the 9th in the world dedicated to viewing the stars and when the northern lights are visible.
Hikers and bikers can use the forest paths during the day. In the winter, the area is popular with cross-country skiers. The bald eagle and osprey are only two examples of the area wildlife that can be seen and appreciated.
Sea Glass Hunting And Beach Walks
Whether you’re hunting for gorgeous sea glass or want to enjoy the day walking, you can head over to Silver Beach at St Joseph. It’s a popular place where enthusiasts comb for sea glass throughout the year. Beach glass can be found after a storm or when the snow melts. Other places where you can enjoy walks by the beach and sea glass hunting are Christmas Cove Beach and Tunnel Park.
Snowsports
Michigan is also a place for snowboarding, skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding, snowmobiling, and more. Furthermore, ice climbing is a great option if you’re looking for a more challenging sport. The winter season is the best time to test your climbing skills by ascending frozen waterfalls or icefalls. If you’re into rock climbing, you should give this a shot. If you’re searching for some thrills in the Midwest this winter, you might find them at Rocks National Lakeshore.
Camping
Michigan’s forests and reserves allow camping for everyone. Depending on the landscape, you can hike, hunt, bike, and fish. Pickerel Lake State Forest Campground offers these activities. It has 39 sites where you can camp by tent or stay by trailer.
Another campground you can head over to is the Tahquamenon Falls State Park which is almost 50,000 acres of underdeveloped woodlands. One of the most incredible waterfalls in the world may be seen along the Tahquamenon River, which brings the area a lot of attention. It’s more than 50 feet in height and has a width of nearly 200 feet.
Biking
Whether you want to go mountain biking, ride a tandem, or go laid-back for a stroll, there are a few biking paths you can choose to pedal and enjoy the day. Cruise along Old Mission peninsulas or at the Leelanau roads.
You can also find wooded or paved trails in the state. Dirt tracks are also present, like at the Timber Ridge Resort, with a 10.5 -mile paved pathway for easy biking. Another paved path is found at the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, where you can find gorgeous lakeshore views. You can also have a break and picnic in the area.
In Conclusion
You can enjoy many outdoor activities in Michigan, such as stargazing, paddling, sea glass hunting, camping, and more. These activities allow you to explore Michigan’s beautiful landscape and natural wonders. There’s just no reason to venture into the state and stay all the time indoors.
