Outbound Collective logo
  • United States
  • Michigan
  • Michigan

    Top Spots in and near Michigan

    • Mesick, Michigan

      Backpack the Manistee River Trail

      4.0
      17.6 mi
      Starting at the Red Bridge River Access Area just off North Coates Hwy (about 8 miles east of Brethren, Michigan) there is a small parking lot opposite of the trailhead where you can leave your car. The trail is part of the North Country Trail (NCT) so it is well marked with signs leading the way...
      Read more
    • Port Austin, Michigan

      Kayak to Turnip Rock

      5.0
      Only accessible by a kayaking adventure, Turnip Rock is a one-of-a-kind natural wonder.Although it is close to shore, all land surrounding it is privately owned and therefore not accessible by foot. Kayak rentals can be found in downtown Port Austin.Most of the trek is over shallow water. Upon ar...
      Read more
    • Glen Arbor, Michigan

      Hike Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

      4.4
      3.5 mi
      There are two approaches to conquering the Dune Climb at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. You can run to the top (the preferred method for those under the age of 10). Or, you can slowly trek up the side of this seemingly vertical wall of sand, breathing and sweating heavily, cursing each l...
      Read more
    • Free Soil, Michigan

      Camp in the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness

      4.6
      The Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area is located south of Manistee along an extremely isolated shoreline. Most hikers prefer to camp two nights along the shores of Lake Michigan, but some choose to call the dunes home for weeks at a time. This is an area of backwoods camping, where sites can be est...
      Read more
    • Munising, Michigan

      Backpack Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

      5.0
      43 mi / 500 ft gain
      The time of the year is one of the most important factors of this trip. DO NOT under any circumstances plan this trip for a time during mid June - mid August. The black flies at this time of the year are more than a nuisance. They are seemingly resistant to even 100% DEET, and can bite through cl...
      Read more
    • Munising, Michigan

      Miners Falls

      4.8
      A simple hike from the trailhead will take you through the woods and to the viewing deck of Miners Falls. There are well marked signs to the trailhead from the main road, which is extremely helpful with the lack of cell phone service in the area. The hike is 1.2 miles round trip and requires no ...
      Read more
    • Eagle Harbor Township, Michigan

      Backpack Isle Royale NP's Greenstone Ridge Trail

      5.0
      41.12 mi / 3235 ft gain
      Isle Royale National Park consists of Isle Royale, a fifty mile long and nine mile wide island in Lake Superior, and about 45 smaller islands around (and within) it. Remote and undeveloped, the shores can be visited by watercraft, but the only way to see the interior is to walk across it. Because...
      Read more
    • Ludington, Michigan

      Hike to Big Sable Point Lighthouse

      4.7
      3.6 mi
      Big Sable Point Lighthouse is perhaps one of the most scenic locations in Michigan. A 3.6 mile round trip hike along the Lake Michigan shoreline will bring you to the destination, which is nestled among sprawling sand dunes. Each evening, it offers a stunning sunset along the sandy beaches.A shor...
      Read more
    • Leland, Michigan

      Camp on South Manitou Island

      5.0
      South Manitou Island is situated off of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Lake Michigan. The island is only accessible by a two-hour ferry ride, which leaves once a day from Leeland.Upon arriving at the island boat dock, you'll soon realize this isn't an ordinary experience. South Man...
      Read more
    • Shingleton, Michigan

      Chapel Loop

      5.0
      10.27 mi / 1306 ft gain
      The trail loop from Mosquito Beach to Chapel Rock takes hikers through woods, to the edge of cliffs, and to the bottom of beaches along the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The trail head begins inland and contains a 10.4 mile loop to numerous locations and viewing areas. The cliffs tower to h...
      Read more
    • Manistique, Michigan

      Explore Kitch-iti-kipi ("Big Springs")

      4.5
      Kitch-iti-kipi is a beautiful and easily accessed attraction in the southern region of Michigan's UP. The springs are a short 11.5 mile drive from the town of Manistique and are the perfect side trip for a UP getaway.Parking is plentiful at Palms Book State Park and a parking attendant will check...
      Read more
    • Pinckney, Michigan

      Blind Lake Loop

      10.56 mi / 860 ft gain
      Finding a quiet, relatively secluded place to backpack can be difficult in Southeastern Michigan. However, backpacking at Blind Lake in the Pinckney State Park is a fantastic option for those searching. Blind Lake is accessible by a 7 mile hike in from Silver Lake, but can be approached from seve...
      Read more
    • Sawyer, Michigan

      Camp at Warren Dunes State Park

      4.0
      If you wish to enjoy Warren Dunes in peace and natural solitude, you'll arrive at the campground outside of the Summer season. You can make your reservationshere. Upon arrival you'll decide between the "modern" or "semi-modern" camping loops. The semi-modern loop provides vault toilets, water spi...
      Read more
    • Honor, Michigan

      Camp at White Pine Campground

      4 mi / 200 ft gain
      This is one of the cheapest ways to stay near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore overnight. You'll have access to the beach right near your campsite. It's remote enough to be quiet, and it's not a very long hike.There are only 6 campsites available, and they come on a first come, first serve ...
      Read more
    • Munising, Michigan

      Miners Castle to Au Sable Lighthouse

      3.0
      27.32 mi / 2323 ft gain
      This trip works best with two cars where the first is dropped off at the Twelvemile Beach Parking Lot, and carpooled over to the Miner's Castle Parking Lot. Both lots can be easily found in the Pictured Rocks National Seashore Map, or on Google Maps. Start your day at Miner's Castle by checking ...
      Read more
    • Holland, Michigan

      Watch a Sunset at Laketown Park

      4.7
      Laketown Park is located between Saugatuck and Holland Michigan. The parking lot is at the end of 142nd Ave, and is directly next to the stairs that take you up and over the dunes to the beach. There are no official restrooms here, but there is a small pit toilet.It takes about 5-15 minutes to cl...
      Read more

    Camping and Lodging in Michigan

    Petes Lake Campground
    Inwood Township, Michigan

    Petes Lake Campground

    Detroit / Ann Arbor KOA Holiday
    Ypsilanti, Michigan

    Detroit / Ann Arbor KOA Holiday

    Monroe Co. / Toledo North KOA Holiday
    Petersburg, Michigan

    Monroe Co. / Toledo North KOA Holiday

    Marion Lake Group Site
    Watersmeet, Michigan

    Marion Lake Group Site

    Emmett KOA Holiday
    Emmett, Michigan

    Emmett KOA Holiday

    Ludington East / Pere Marquette River KOA Holiday
    Township of Branch, Michigan

    Ludington East / Pere Marquette River KOA Holiday

    Guides, Insights and Stories from Michigan

    10 adventures in the Great Lakes: an under-the-radar outdoor paradise

    10 adventures in the Great Lakes: an under-the-radar outdoor paradise

    Shalee Blackmer

    Great Lakes Winter Hotspot: A 72 Hour Getaway in Marquette, MI

    Great Lakes Winter Hotspot: A 72 Hour Getaway in Marquette, MI

    Joe Whitson

    72 Hours in the Winter Wonderland of Traverse City, Michigan

    72 Hours in the Winter Wonderland of Traverse City, Michigan

    Holly Mandarich

    Everything You Need for a Winter Getaway in Traverse City, Michigan

    Everything You Need for a Winter Getaway in Traverse City, Michigan

    Holly Mandarich

    Winter is Coming: 6 Videos to Inspire You to Visit Michigan's Upper Peninsula

    Winter is Coming: 6 Videos to Inspire You to Visit Michigan's Upper Peninsula

    Josiah Roe

    8 Reasons to Put Marquette, Michigan on Your Bucket List

    8 Reasons to Put Marquette, Michigan on Your Bucket List

    The Outbound Collective