This is a great year to start a Black Friday tradition of getting family and friends into the outdoors. The leftovers and shopping can wait while everyone enjoys and explores wonderful places in the Great Lakes State. Whether it is a short stroll in a nearby park or a longer hike in a state park or national forest, making a commitment to get outside reminds everyone that one of the greatest gifts in Michigan is enjoying amazing wild places and green spaces.
Michigan’s unusually mild autumn has turned crisp, with snowfall and freezing temperatures occurring throughout the state. “There's no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing,” said Alfred Wainwright, which is good advice during this colder season. So it is time to pull out the warm clothes and be prepared for the weather while enjoying the outdoors. Black Friday is a good day to get started, with some offerings under the banner of #OptOutside.
- A hike at Island Lake Recreation Area is being offered by the Friends of Island Lake with the Crossroads Group encouraging participation.
- The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is sponsoring a hike on the Detroit Riverfront and Dequindre Cut, starting at the Outdoor Adventure Center in Detroit.
- On the thumb, Columbus County Park is offering “a guided stroll through the rolling hills, hardwood forests and stunning views of the Belle River.”
- On the other side of the lower peninsula, join a stewardship event at the Saul Lake Bog Nature Preserve near Rockford, one of the places protected by the Land Conservancy of West Michigan.
But there is no need to look for a sponsored event when there are so many opportunities statewide to get outside. Nearby parks and trails offer easily accessible adventures for the whole family. Black Friday is an opportunity to learn about local parks, nature centers and other outdoor spaces for the first time. Websites for cities, townships and counties will often include a tab with information about recreational trails and parks within the community.
Use the search term ‘nearby parks or trails’ online to discover hidden gems for the family to enjoy. Websites for the Michigan Association of County Park and Recreation Officials and the Michigan Recreation & Parks Association can help locate nearby opportunities as well, although not all their links are active.
In southeastern Michigan, the Huron-Clinton Metroparks offer 13 different parks with almost 400 miles of trails for hiking, bicycling and water trails, as well as cross-country skiing in winter. Visitor fees are charged for entry to metroparks.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources provides an interactive map of state-managed non-motorized trails allowing visitors to find convenient sites to explore.
As plans come together, be aware that hunting season is open so be sure to check whether hunting is allowed. If so, plan to wear hunters orange to ensure visibility.