You fancy yourself an outdoorsy person. You track the almanac religiously so you can keep an eye on the weather throughout the state. Your gear is on point, always. And if you hear about an interesting hiking trail, you’re sure to check it out, pronto. Trouble is, not everyone in your circle is as devoted to nature as you are, so it’s sometimes a hard sell to get your people to invest in a road trip and subsequent outdoor adventure.
That’s why you need some easy options in your back pocket – some activities that just about everyone can handle. We’ve done some looking and asking around and found some super fun things to do all over Michigan, that don’t require a bunch of outdoors skills. Check ’em out.
- Fly fishing in the Au Sable River
Werwin15/Flickr For a world-class fly fishing experience, the Au Sable is the place to be.
- Strolling Beaver Island
Mike Maehr/Flickr While Mackinac Island is the more touristy of the large Michigan islands, this one is more secluded, making for an idyllic nature walk.
- Climbing to Big Sable Point Lighthouse
Michiganseagrant/Flickr Looking for a quick, but decent workout? Try climbing the 130 steps that lead to the lighthouse here.
- Sunbathing at Hamlin Lake
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr Once you’re done with the Big Sable hike, relax lakeside at this other Ludington State Park area destination.
- Canoeing at Holly Recreation Area
Scott Smithson/Flickr Canoeing is such a family friendly activity. Everyone can take turns paddling and the Holly Recreation area is a great place to do it.
- Camping along the Manistee River Trail
Thirdangel/Flickr You and your camping mates will get a nice work out during a winding hike, so stopping overnight for camping will be a welcome break.
- Splashing around Metro Beach
Mike Boening Photography/Flickr There’s Lake St. Clair to dip your toes in, but there is also a splash park for the kiddies and a pool area for lap swimming.
- Picnicking at Nordhouse Dunes
Mark Montri/Flickr Picnic season has officially begun, so pack that basket full of sammies and salads and head to these picnic-friendly dunes.
- Tubing the Platte River
Mark Goebel/Flickr What could be more relaxing than rolling down the gentle Platte River on an inner tube?
- Dog walking at Stony Creek Metro Park
Scott Smithson/Flickr Grab your four-legged buddy’s leash and portable water bowl, and cruise around this sprawling park.
Some fun, huh? Tell us, where are your favorite easy-to-do outdoors places in the Mitten?
Werwin15/Flickr
For a world-class fly fishing experience, the Au Sable is the place to be.
Mike Maehr/Flickr
While Mackinac Island is the more touristy of the large Michigan islands, this one is more secluded, making for an idyllic nature walk.
Michiganseagrant/Flickr
Looking for a quick, but decent workout? Try climbing the 130 steps that lead to the lighthouse here.
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
Once you’re done with the Big Sable hike, relax lakeside at this other Ludington State Park area destination.
Scott Smithson/Flickr
Canoeing is such a family friendly activity. Everyone can take turns paddling and the Holly Recreation area is a great place to do it.
Thirdangel/Flickr
You and your camping mates will get a nice work out during a winding hike, so stopping overnight for camping will be a welcome break.
Mike Boening Photography/Flickr
There’s Lake St. Clair to dip your toes in, but there is also a splash park for the kiddies and a pool area for lap swimming.
Mark Montri/Flickr
Picnic season has officially begun, so pack that basket full of sammies and salads and head to these picnic-friendly dunes.
Mark Goebel/Flickr
What could be more relaxing than rolling down the gentle Platte River on an inner tube?
Grab your four-legged buddy’s leash and portable water bowl, and cruise around this sprawling park.
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