Michigan is one of the best states for outdoor enthusiasts to call home. This region features some of the most beautiful places in the world! Some of these locations include pristine public beaches and stunning sandstone cliffs. Plus, Michigan is home to the only marine sanctuary in the Great Lakes.
If you’re considering moving to Michigan, you may be curious about what this state offers. Whether you enjoy solo weekend hiking trips, extreme sports, or group recreational activities, Michigan has something for everyone to enjoy.
If you love being outdoors or want to get more active, keep reading and figure out new activities to enjoy Michigan to the fullest!
Enjoy Breathtaking Views During a Scenic Hike at Mt. Baldy
If you love a good challenge, you’ll enjoy a visit to Mt. Baldy in Eagle Harbor, Michigan. This challenging hike is one of the highest lookout points at The Nature Conservancy. It’s a doable trail that’s about six miles round-trip. Plan to spend at least three hours here.
During your trek, you’ll have the opportunity to spot snowshoe hares, peregrine falcons, and various other birds native to this area. If you’re new to hiking, you may want to condition yourself beforehand. While the hike is strenuous, the incredible mountaintop views of Lake Superior are worth the effort.
Explore the Beaches at Bete Grise Wetlands Preserve
Many people are unaware that Michigan is home to some of the nation’s most beautiful public beaches. Are you in need of a beach day? Then, consider traveling to the Bete Grise Wetlands Preserve. This area includes over one and a half miles of clean, sandy beaches alongside Lake Superior.
Spend a day relaxing on the shore with your family. Another idea is to explore the area while kayaking through the channel. Just north of the beach, you will find Lac La Bell. Lac La Bell is a charming coastal town featuring delicious dining opportunities and vacation rentals. Plus, there are plenty of hiking trails to enjoy during your beach trip.
Watching Wildlife in the Upper Peninsula
The Upper Peninsula is a densely forested region of Michigan situated on the tip of Wisconsin. McMahon Lake Preserve is located in Luce County and is the perfect destination for spotting wildlife. Look for woodpeckers, wolves, coyotes, and bears during your visit.
The 2.7-mile loop trail is open to visitors year-round and is terrific for novice hikers who want to explore the area with little difficulty. The foliage is breathtaking in the fall. The land has remained undeveloped, so setting foot in this preserve is like stepping back in time.
Spend Your Nights Under the Stars in Michigan
One of the best features of Michigan is that many regions are free from light pollution. So the lack of pollution makes it the perfect place to stargaze. Maxton Plains Preserve at Dudley Bay is a popular spot for this pastime. The open spaces give you the best view of the night skies. You may even catch a glimpse of a meteor or falling star.
Because of its latitude and darkened skies, Michigan is one of the only locations in the United States where you can view the northern lights. In addition to stargazing, Maxton Plains Preserve is an excellent spot for geocaching, birdwatching, and hunting.
Enjoy a Thrilling Day of Whitewater Rafting on the Menominee River
While Michigan is not necessarily known for water sports, whitewater rafting is a popular summer outdoor activity. Head to the Upper Peninsula and enjoy an adrenaline rush. There, you can raft through Piers Gorge on the Menominee River. This river provides some of the best rafting experiences in the state. While there are options for novice rafters, there are also more advanced rafting expeditions. The more challenging rides feature thrilling obstacles you can use to help sharpen your technical skills.
Conclusion
You should consider living in Michigan for many reasons if you love spending time outside. Here, you can easily take advantage of all the outdoor adventures the area offers, regardless of the season.
In addition to many outdoor activities, Michigan offers other perks to living in the state. For example, you can get medical marijuana by applying for a medical marijuana card online. (Learn more about the process here.) With marijuana, you can find relief from chronic pain, treat anxiety, and heighten your outdoor experiences. Although, be careful if you plan to do any activities requiring much concentration!
With proximity to sparkling lakes, scenic trails, and family-friendly outdoor activities, nature enthusiasts can always find something fun to do in this great state.
