Outdoor Adventure and Discovery Center

A Gateway to Exploring Michigan's Great Outdoors

The State of Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the State's natural resources for current and future generations.

As part of the DNR, the Parks and Recreation Division's role is to acquire, protect, and preserve the natural and cultural features of Michigan's unique resources, and to provide access to land and water based recreation and educational opportunities.

Efforts are now underway to create a one-of-a-kind Outdoor Adventure & Discovery Center that will provide visitor's with opportunities to see, feel, hear, and touch Michigan's outdoors.   

To be located along the Detroit River, the Globe Building will be the home of the Outdoor Adventure & Discovery Center.  The Center will serve as a “Gateway” to introduce Michigan youth and adults to activities that can be experienced at Michigan's parks, beaches, trails, and harbors. 

Outdoor recreation experiences will be provided through various simulated recreation experiences. Displays and exhibits will tell about the natural and cultural resources that can be found throughout Michigan. The facility will have access to real life learning areas that can be found next door at the William G. Milliken State Park & Harbor.

Initial plans call for having visitors experience fishing for Great Lakes salmon, shooting at targets in an archery range, climbing inside an eagle's nest or bears den, riding a mountain bike, or skiing downhill.

In the News

• DNR Rides Into The D (CBS 62 - Detroit, February 25, 2013)
• Whitney Building, Globe Trading work to start (Detroit Free Press, March 26, 2013)
• Detroit becoming an urban outdoors destination (The Daily Tribune, October 12, 2012)
• Detroit Riverfront renewal: Gov. Rick Snyder to break ground for DNR outdoor activity center (Mlive, October 5, 2012)
• DNR launches Globe Building (Inside Michigan's Great Outdoors, November 2012)