Enjoy 4 Seasons of Outdoor Activities in Central Michigan and Great Lakes Bay
With four distinct seasons and countless ways to enjoy them, the Great Lakes Bay and Central Michigan region offers outdoor adventures that feel both expansive and effortlessly accessible.
From ice fishing and championship-level golf to boating and biking, you can discover numerous outdoor recreation opportunities for warm summers, chilly winters and those perfect days in between, says Kayla Pionk, the director of public relations and leisure tourism at Go Great Lakes Bay.
Time to Chill Out
When the snow falls, the region’s brisk winters bring with them a season of quiet beauty and outdoor activity. At the heart of the experience is the Midland City Forest – the city’s largest park – which transforms each winter into a vibrant winter sports park.
Families and outdoor enthusiasts gather for sledding, ice skating, tobogganing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing beneath a canopy of snow-covered trees.
For those seeking a deeper connection to nature, the Chippewa Nature Center offers more than 19 miles of trails winding through woodlands, wetlands and along the river’s edge. In winter, these paths invite hikers, snowshoers and cross-country skiers to explore a landscape that feels both peaceful and expansive.
“Extending northwest from Midland to the city of Clare, Pere Marquette Trail provides access to city and county parks as well as historical and natural areas,” Pionk says. “It’s one of the most heavily used trails in Michigan.”
Hit the slopes to ski, tube or snowboard on a variety of runs for all skill levels at Snow Snake Ski and Golf, says Lori Schuh, Clare County CVB executive director. Clare County has miles of trails through lush forests and picturesque landscapes for snowmobiling.
At Saginaw’s Hoyt Park, an outdoor rink for ice skating and hockey awaits, complete with warming house and skate rentals. Skate indoors at Martin Ice Arena in Mt. Pleasant.
In Bay County, ice fish at Saginaw Bay or cross-country ski, snowshoe or fat-tire bike at Bay City State Park.
Ready to Warm Up?
When the snow melts and spring returns, locals and visitors alike trade ski poles for paddles and snow boots for golf shoes.
Deerfield Nature Park in Mt. Pleasant is a four-season destination park, says Jordan Ensing, marketing coordinator for the Mt. Pleasant Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.
“It’s home to over 8 miles of trails for hiking and biking and weaves around the Chippewa River, where you can start a tubing trip down the river,” Ensing says. “Two of the top-rated disc golf courses in Michigan are located there as well.”
Disc golf is popular throughout the region. Test your skills at Old Airport Disc Golf in Au Gres, The Runway Disc Golf located in Alma or Mid Michigan College’s Heron’s Nest Course in Harrison. Ensing says the entire region is also known for golf, with 13 golf courses within a 30-minute drive of Mt. Pleasant.
The region boasts a rich variety of watery pursuits, starting with the public swimming beaches at Bay City State Park, Wilson State Park and Saginaw Bay – the latter of which is home to some of the nation’s best walleye fishing. “Anglers from around the world visit here,” Pionk says.
Whether paddling gentle currents or drifting along in a tube, the rivers offer a peaceful vantage point from which to enjoy the region’s natural beauty. Across the area, communities have worked to improve access to these waterways. In Midland County, a growing network of accessible canoe and kayak launches ensures more residents and visitors can comfortably enjoy the rivers, reflecting the region’s commitment to welcoming outdoor recreation.
Local outfitters make getting on the water easy. Cedar River Outfitters in Gladwin provides rentals for paddling the scenic Cedar River, while those exploring the Chippewa River can launch with Buckley’s Mountainside Canoe or Chippewa River Outfitters. For those who prefer a traditional dip, St. Louis also offers a public swimming pool.
Tobico Marsh, a 2,000-acre nature preserve, features miles of trails and two 32-foot observation towers, while Central Michigan University’s Neithercut Woodland offers a deep dive into the area’s diverse woodland ecosystems.
The 42-mile Fred Meijer Heartland Trail and the scenic Bay City Area Riverwalk also offer stunning views of the local landscape and the Saginaw River.
With both an abundance of stunning natural resources combined with maintained trails, parks and carefully groomed golf courses, this region has something for everyone. “Outdoor recreation is woven into the fabric of the Great Lakes Bay region,” Pionk says.
Get to Know Great Lakes Bay and Central Michigan
Want to learn more about living and working in Saginaw, MI, and the surrounding communities? Check out the latest edition of Livability Great Lakes Bay – Central Michigan Region.