Outdoors

Coverage of parks, camps, trails, river and riverside activities, lake and lakeshore activities during all seasons.

A Lake Michigan overlook at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Shutdown closes Sleeping Bear Dunes visitors center, ranger programs 

Campgrounds and park destinations remain open.

Latest in Outdoors
Crowdfunding helps public projects across rural Michigan

A crowdfunding platform for civic-minded projects has helped dozens of communities across Michigan.

Pictured from left to right: Saugatuck Township Treasurer Jon Helmrich, Saugatuck Township Trustee Brenda Marcy, Saugatuck Township Manager Daniel DeFranco, and Maryjo Lemanski, founder of the Saugatuck Douglas Fennville Arts Initiative.
Saugatuck Township’s first public art seen as ‘start of something bigger’

A bold new sculpture in Saugatuck Township blends safety, art, and vision, marking the community’s commitment to beauty and innovation.

Redlum Farm Preserve offers 20 acres with biking courses, a kids’ balance track, walking trails, a pond, and restored habitats..
Redlum Farm Preserve opens, expands biking options in Holland

Redlum Farm Preserve opened in August, connecting northside parks with trails, offering beginner-friendly biking, and drawing more than 500 people.

Stewardship Series continues this summer and fall with two additional all-ages workshops. 
Little Forks Stewardship Series builds momentum for Nelson Woods Nature Preserve

Little Forks Conservancy’s free 2025 Stewardship Series offers hands-on workshops at local preserves, teaching conservation skills from insect habitats to invasive species control and native seed collection.

A rendering of winter activities at the proposed 285-acre recreation park.
Saving Sugar Loaf: Leelanau Conservancy unveils ambitious recreation plan for former ski resort

The Leelanau Conservancy has big plans for the long-dormant ski resort property, transforming the 285-acre site into a year-round public recreation area.

Complete: The last stretch of the White Pine Trail is paved

The last section of the popular White Pine Trail has been paved. The trail is now the third longest paved trail in the United States. 

Small Town, Big Market: Wildflower & Wren returns to downtown Clare

Wildflower & Wren Markets is bringing its “Small Town USA Market” back to downtown Clare for the third year on Sunday, August 10, 2025. Featuring nearly 40 local vendors offering vintage goods, boutique items, handmade products, and farm-fresh favorites, the event draws hundreds of visitors and boosts the local economy. Held at the historic Johnston Elevator, the one-day market will also feature food trucks, live music, and community spirit—all organized by Clare local Lacey Badelt.

Ludington’s ‘moment of awe’ trail poised for reconstruction

A popular and scenic trail at Ludington State Park is being reconstructed to meet modern safety and construction standards. 

A forested parcel up for auction in Montmorency County in the northern lower peninsula.
Some 125 properties included in upcoming DNR auctions

“These lands are used for a variety of recreation activities and also support the state’s economy through tourism, the timber industry and job creation," said Scott Whitcomb, who is director of the DNR’s Office of Public Lands.

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