Michigan Outdoors

Michigan outdoors. Where the nation’s largest fresh water coastline - surrounded by Michigan's Great Lakes - invites us to swim, boat and sink our toes in the sandy Michigan beaches. Where 3,100 miles of ORV trails twist through national and Michigan state parks. Where 11,000 inland lakes are teeming with fishing stories waiting to be told. Come outside and play. Among the wind, water, earth and sky of Pure Michigan outdoors.

Parasailing the Straits of Mackinac

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It's a beautiful sight as you gaze over the mighty Mackinac Bridge high above the waters of the Straits of Mackinac. You are parasailing and the view is tremendous. Join Michigan's adventure travel expert Byron Goggin as he provides you with a Pure Michigan Minute all about a great parasailing adventure.

Michigan Icefest - Pure Michigan Minute

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Michigan's adventure travel expert, Byron Goggin, visits the Marquette and Munising areas of Michigan to show you how to get involved in the sport of ice climbing. See how easy and fun it is. Find more Michigan vacation ideas featured by the Pure Michigan Minute.

Trails of Michigan, Sleeping Bear Dunes Climb

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The National Lakeshore of Sleeping Bear Dunes consists primarily of a 35-mile stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline, featuring immense sand dunes rising as high as 460 feet above the lake, sculpted entirely by the winds and waters. Round trip from the parking area to the Lake Michigan shoreline is about 3.5 miles. That may not seem like a long way but you are also hiking up and down fairly steep terrain. Wear shoes because some days the sand can get pretty hot.

Video courtesy of Trails of Michigan

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - Empire, Michigan

West of Traverse City, this immense sandbox covers the Lake Michigan shoreline plus two pristine islands, encompassing historic sites, scenic drives, forests and Michigan fishing. Clamber a dune, or climb almost 100 miles of hiking trails which traverse everything from high vistas at Empire Bluff Trail to wildflower fields at Bayview Trail. This is Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Photo courtesy of Midwest Living and Brian Confer

Michigan RV Rentals

Michigan outdoors brings ample opportunities to enjoy fun and exciting adventures any time of the year, but many Michigan RVers will tell you that autumn is their favorite season to travel around our state. Visit the Michigan Association of Recreation Vehicles & Campgrounds (MARVAC) for more information.

Photo courtesy of the Michigan Association of Recreation Vehicles & Campgrounds (MARVAC)

Fishing in Holland, Michigan

Spend a day at the breakwaters of the Holland State Park angling for perch. Troll Lake Michigan for five species of sport fish aboard Holland charter boats with an experienced captain. Fish Michigan's inland lakes and rivers for pan fish, walleye or bass. Whatever your pleasure, enjoy some of the best sport fishing in the Midwest.

Photo courtesy of Holland Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Kayaking in Michigan on the AuSable River

Outfitters offer guided kayaking tours of Michigan's scenic AuSable River for all ages and ability levels. Kayak trips last for two to four hours, depending on the kayak course you choose.

Photo courtesy of Midwest Living

Sailing in Grand Haven, Michigan

Miles of soft, golden sand, rolling dunes and towering trees make the area one of the most attractive Lake Michigan beach towns. When walking along the beach, listen for the “singing sand,” a phenomenon unique to Lake Michigan beaches. This photo is off the shores of Grand Haven.

Photo courtesy of Grand Haven Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Tahquamenon Falls State Park - Paradise, Michigan

Tahquamenon Falls State Park is a must-see for anyone who enjoys natural beauty in its finest setting. View the falls close up in this Michigan state park. The soothing rush of water from the 200-ft-wide Upper Falls drops nearly 50-ft, making it one of the largest falls this side of the Mississippi River. The Lower Falls are equally magnificent and gush around an island.

Photo courtesy of Upper Peninsula Travel & Recreation Association

Wolverine Campground - Genesee County, Michigan

Nestled in a pine forest on the shores of the Hollo Reservoir, Michigan's Wolverine Campground has daily park activities to keep your family active. Swim at Buttercup Beach and fish on the Holloway Reservoir.

Photo courtesy of Genesee County Parks & Recreation Commission

Michigan Snow Days

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Remember snow days? When the schools were closed and the day was wide open. This winter, every day is a snow day in Pure Michigan.

Explore Michigan Outdoors at Michigan.org