Extraordinary Outdoors

Pure Michigan has the proximity to water and great communities that Mirna Valerio seeks for her work life balance. Follow her from Aspen Park to Sugarloaf Mountain where she finds some of the best Michigan outdoor adventures along with cool culture spots such as the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park and Rockwell Republic.

True North Outpost is a Norway-based adventure business, co-founded by Nate Alwine. Nature turned his love of Michigan’s outdoors into a thriving business. Today, he helps guests experience the best the Upper Peninsula offers—from catching a thrill barreling down whitewater rapids to exploring the rugged yet gentle wilderness. Watch as he shares what makes adventures in Michigan so memorable.

In 2004, the Skrocki family founded a business—Sleeping Bear Surf—built on Michigan’s best water sports and adventures. Recently, Ella Skrocki has taken the surf rental and retail shop to a new level—she teaches and charters surf trips for adventurous visitors and creates community by hosting beach clean-ups and women-only surf clinics.

Watch as she lives out her mission to encourage her students to protect Michigan’s Great Lakes—inspiring everyone she meets through her enthusiasm for teaching and love of the outdoors.