Recreation & Outdoors

Get Outside

In the Ann Arbor area, nature doesn’t just sit quietly in the background—it jumps out, waves hello, and invites you on an adventure. From kayak runs along the Huron River to secret wooded trails and parks that feel like a second home, the Ann Arbor area is an outdoor lover’s dream with a distinctly Michigan twist.

The Ann Arbor area, recognized as an urban oasis of recreational opportunities, offers both big city attractions and wide-open spaces with miles of scenic trails to explore. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Ann Arbor area is a truly thrilling experience.

From kayaking, canoeing, tubing and stand-up paddle boarding on theHuron River in the summer, to cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice skating in the cooler months, there’s plenty to do. Washtenaw County’s impeccably-maintainedparks offer ample opportunity for hiking and picnicking. Near the charming city ofChelsea, just west of Ann Arbor, some of the best mountain biking trails in the state wind through expansive state parks and recreation areas.

You can purchase licenses and permits quickly atMichigan Department of Natural Resources. Find all of the ways to enjoy the outdoors in the Ann Arbor area and all around Michigan atExplore Michigan Outdoors.