Sports & Outdoors

Michigan’s parks offer something for everyone, from the novice adventurer to the seasoned outdoor enthusiast. When the snow starts to fall, head over to Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, the largest state park in Michigan, to hit the slopes on a snowboard or skis. As the weather warms up, lace up your boots and hike the North Country National Scenic Trail. And, when the sun is shining and the water is calling your name, grab a paddle and explore the stunning waters and breathtaking sandstone cliffs of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. No matter the season, one thing’s for sure: there is a never-ending to-do list to get lost in nature in Pure Michigan.

Michigan’s more than 11,100 lakes create a recreational paradise. Paddleboarding, kayaking and fishing are among the state’s most popular activities, with the state’s Great Lakes offering endless space for waterskiing, swimming and boating to Michigan must-visit islands, including the number one island in the continental US, Mackinac Island.

With so many options to soak up the sun on the water, Michigan’s lakes are the perfect destination to enjoy a coastal lifestyle in the nation’s inland.

Michigan is a haven for sports fans and boasts some of the most iconic teams in North America. Detroit alone is one of only 12 U.S. cities with teams from all four major professional sports leagues, including the NHL’s Red Wings, NFL’s Lions, MLB’s Tigers, and NBA’s Pistons — all playing right downtown. But it’s not just about the pros – across Michigan, college sports reign supreme with seven division one schools, including the University of Michigan, Michigan State University and back-to-back national champions, the Ferris State Bulldogs. Many other options play into the mix and include everything from minor league baseball and soccer teams to roller derby and recreational sports and social clubs. So whether you’re a die-hard fan or just appreciate a good game, Michigan is a place where you can always root, root, root for the home team.