Outdoor Recreation

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Outdoor Recreation

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For more than 100 years, Michigan has been the place where innovation meets the outdoors. From inventing the modern snowboard and synthetic fly line, to designing the iconic Ford Bronco and the world’s first “all-electric adventure vehicle” at Rivian, Michigan has always been the place to design, develop, and deliver the tools and gear of the great outdoors. As the outdoor industry continues to evolve and address new challenges, including sustainability, diversity and inclusion, Michigan remains – as it has always been – the place where the outdoors is invented, and reinvented.

Michigan ranks first in the nation in terms of its concentration of commercial and industrial designers (over four times the national average), employing over 4,000 across the state in 2020.

Michigan’s Outdoor Recreation economy contributed $10.8 Billion in value-add in 2021, supporting 109,595 jobs and $4.7 billion in compensation to employee households.

Nearly 6,000 of Michigan’s Outdoor Recreation jobs are in outdoor recreation-related manufacturing, such as boating, RV and gear manufacturing.

The Outdoor Recreation economy also impacts local retailers across the state, to the tune of $2.7 Billion, accounting for nearly 32% of the total value-add impact. Retail jobs supporting outdoor recreation totaled just under 41,000 in 2021.

There are more than 7,000 Outdoor Recreation Industry companies in Michigan, ranging from manufacturing, service providers and facilitators to retailers and wholesalers.

In 2021 Michigan ranked 5th in the U.S. for boating and fishing value-add, 6th in the U.S. for recreational vehicles, and in the top 20 in 7 other value-add categories.

The Great Outdoors: Michigan’s Growing Outdoor Recreation Industry

Outdoor recreation has long contributed to Michiganders’ quality of life. But increasingly, the businesses that design, test and produce outdoor recreation gear are being recognized for their role in creating jobs, attracting investment and sparking community vitality. Michigan’s Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry works with industry partners to elevate outdoor recreation business opportunities and resources across Michigan.

Notable Outdoor Industry Manufacturing Companies in Michigan

Welcoming New Faces to the Outdoors: Ice Climbing in Michigan's Upper Peninsula

At the Michigan Ice Fest in Munising, Upper Peninsula locals and international climbers alike team up to welcome first-time climbers from across the country (and beyond) each February to learn an exciting new sport while helping people of all cultures and backgrounds experience the beauty and wonder of Pure Michigan.

Outdoor Recreation Industry News and Podcasts

Outdoor Rec Industry Stories

Chasing Waterfalls: Michigan Ice Fest

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is an adventure lovers’ paradise that attracts outdoor enthusiasts year-round. But in mid-February, almost 1,400 people from seven countries and every state in the U.S. ventured to Munising in the U.P. to take part in the 31st annual Michigan Ice Fest. This year, Michigan's Outdoor Industry Office served as the festivals diversity program sponsor.

Little Bay Boards

Though paddleboards can be made anywhere, and Northern Michigan’s frigid winters make their use seasonal, Jason can’t imagine operating Little Bay Boards anywhere else. Michigan’s natural resources and beauty are unequaled and make the state a first-rate place to live, work and play 12 months of the year.

Uncle Ducky Outdoors

Demonstrating a fierce passion and commitment to their hometown roots, Uncle Ducky Outdoors offers customers from around the world a chance to experience the beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Paddles & Pedals

Through loan support from MEDC's Capital Access program and Northern Initiatives, Paddles & Pedals was able to position themselves for long-term success.

True North Outpost

True North Outpost is a Norway, Michigan-based adventure business, co-founded by Nate Alwine. Nature turned his love of Michigan’s outdoors into a thriving business. Today, he helps guests experience the best the Upper Peninsula offers—from catching a thrill barreling down whitewater rapids to exploring the rugged yet gentle wilderness. Watch as he shares what makes adventures in Michigan so memorable.

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Sleeping Bear Surf

In 2004, the Skrocki family founded a business—Sleeping Bear Surf—built on Michigan’s best water sports and adventures. Ella Skrocki has taken the surf rental and retail shop to a new level—she teaches and charters surf trips for adventurous visitors and creates community by hosting beach clean-ups and women-only surf clinics. Watch as she lives out her mission to encourage her students to protect Michigan’s Great Lakes—inspiring everyone she meets through her enthusiasm for teaching and love of the outdoors.

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Our Mission: Support, Grow and Promote

Outdoor recreation plays an important and growing role in Michiganders’ quality of life, leisure time and health. The Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry works with industry partners from many sectors to anticipate emerging trends, create effective policy and elevate outdoor recreation opportunities and resources across Michigan. The Office collaborates with Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in developing, promoting, and enhancing the state’s natural assets and outdoor businesses. As well as propel all aspects of the industry from manufacturing to retail, including access and enjoyment of the outdoors.

Michigan’s outdoor recreation manufacturers, retailers and destinations are major players in the national outdoor recreation economy. By joining the Confluence of States and signing the Accords, Michigan will partner with other like-minded states to support, grow and promote this significant industry. It also aligns our work with other states that value conservation and stewardship, health and wellness, and workforce and economic development.

Through participation in the National Governors Association's Outdoor Recreation Learning Network, the office also will work alongside other states to learn from each other and share best practices.

Additionally, 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.

Get in Touch

Outdoor recreation supports health, contributes to a high quality of life and—perhaps most importantly—attracts and sustains employers and families. When it comes to outdoor recreation opportunities, Michigan has a lot to offer. To learn more or to get in touch with the Office of Outdoor Recreation, please contact office director, Brad Garmon.

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