Great Lakes, rivers and streams, more than 8 million acres of publicly accessible lands, and 12,000-plus miles of trails – when it comes to outdoor recreation opportunities, Michigan has a lot to offer. These resources provide connections with nature, healthier lifestyles, clean air and water and a natural heritage shared across generations. They are also a vital part of Michigan’s economy with thousands of outdoor recreation industry manufacturers and retail and service-sector businesses.
63% of Michigan residents participate in outdoor recreation each year.
Communities across Michigan recognize that outdoor recreation supports health, contributes to a high quality of life and—perhaps most importantly—attracts and sustains employers and families.
In Michigan, outdoor recreation annually generates:
$26.6 BILLION
in consumer spending
232,000
direct jobs
$7.5 BILLION
in wages and salaries
$2.1 BILLION
in state and local tax revenue
* The statistics on this page come from the 2017 National Outdoor Recreation Economy Report from the Outdoor Industry Association
The Outdoor Recreation Advisory Council makes recommendations to the Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry, the DNR and MEDC on ways to improve partnerships, collaborative strategies and policies that will increase the outdoor recreation economy, employment and consumer spending, and support conservation and public recreation assets.
LEARN ABOUT THE COUNCIL