Two hikers atop Lake of the Clouds in Michigan's Upper Peninsula
Major Industries

Outdoor Products

Adventure is Always Calling in Michigan

For more than 100 years, Michigan has been the place where innovation meets the outdoors. From inventing the modern snowboard and synthetic fly line, to designing the iconic Ford Bronco and the world’s first all-electric adventure vehicle at Rivian, Michigan has always been the place to design, develop, and deliver the tools and gear of the great outdoors.

Michigan outdoor product jobs are available across the spectrum including advanced manufacturing jobs in boating, as well as all-terrain and recreational vehicles. Careers in design and engineering are also growing in the state encompassing outdoor recreation gear and products, and innovations being used in the clean and blue tech industries. Additionally, there are opportunities available with organizations involved in the development and protection of Michigan’s land and water resources.

Discover the career possibilities of working in Michigan’s outdoor recreation industry while living in an outdoor lover’s paradise. Surrounded by 20 percent of the world’s freshwater and home to more than 11,000 inland lakes, 650 public golf courses, and known as the #1 trail state in the nation, Michigan is where your 9-5 and 5-9 can be equally steeped in outdoor adventure.

Outdoor Recreation and Products by the Numbers

Outdoor Products Companies in Michigan

Employers in Michigan are fostering some of the most innovative career opportunities in outdoor recreation products.

What Michiganders Are Saying

Thanks to Michigan’s leadership in mobility design, innovation, and manufacturing, we are in a natural position to lead the nation in employment and investment in outdoor recreation manufacturing. Michigan’s leadership role in this sector will continue to grow as outdoor recreation vehicles such as boats and off-road vehicles follow the automotive industry into an electrified future.

Glenn Stevens Jr. headshot
Glenn Stevens Jr. Executive Director MICHauto

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Chasing Waterfalls

Inclusivity in the Great Outdoors

At the Michigan Ice Fest in Munising, locals and international climbers alike team up to welcome first-time climbers from across the country (and beyond) each February to learn an exciting new sport while helping people of all cultures and backgrounds experience the beauty and wonder of Pure Michigan.

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ice climber
Gear Up & Go

Grand Rapids Sporthaus Expands Brand

There’s apparel specifically designed for outdoor activities that will hold up to the weather, elements, and rigorous paces an outdoor enthusiast puts it through. Then there’s apparel that looks outdoorsy and might even be made by a true outdoor brand but really shouldn’t be worn for any strenuous activities. Michigan outdoor specialty retailer Bill and Paul’s Sporthaus and sister store Beyond split that difference. The Sporthaus in Grand Rapids, which is about 10,000 square feet, stocks the technical outdoor apparel, gear, and equipment, and Beyond in Ada, a suburb, carries many of the same brands but few of their technical offerings.

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Snowboarder at Mt. Brighton in Michigan
Powder Pros

There's Snow Place like Home

For Benjamin Bartz, the U.P. is more than the place where he lives and works – it’s a way of life. As general manager of the Snowriver Mountain Resort in the western reaches of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Benjamin Bartz has turned his life-long love for the great outdoors into a thriving career.

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Benjamin looks at skis in resort shop

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What's up in Michigan?

Stay up to date with the latest news from Michigan.

New Investments Position Michigan to Lead Outdoor Experience and Recreational Vehicle Innovation Read More
Press Releases

New Investments Position Michigan to Lead Outdoor Experience and Recreational Vehicle Innovation

State and local partners announce grant awards and resources for continued growth.

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Michigan Commits More than Half a Million Dollars to Decarbonize its Waterways through Fresh Coast Maritime Challenge Grant Program Read More
Industries, Press Releases

Michigan Commits More than Half a Million Dollars to Decarbonize its Waterways through Fresh Coast Maritime Challenge Grant Program

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the first-ever cohort of maritime grant recipients to support Michigan’s ‘Fresh Coast Corridor’. Six companies – Arc Boat Company, Aqua superPower, Hercules Electric Mobility, Lilypad, Michigan Technological University and Voltaic Marine, Inc. – will receive $506,000 in total grant funding to establish what will become an evolving network of shore-side charging facilities for clean-fueled marine vessels […]

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CSUS Trails class to collaborate with Michigan Department of Natural Resources Read More
Industries, Press Releases

CSUS Trails class to collaborate with Michigan Department of Natural Resources

The students in Community Sustainability course Michigan Trails- Policy, Law, and Building (CSUS 491), will be working cooperatively with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to address real-world needs in outdoor trail recreation across Michigan starting fall 2023. As a result of this exciting agreement with MSU and the DNR, students will be working alongside Tim Novak, the State […]

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