Find Moments of Pure Greatness
Out in the Open
Discover connection with nature that calms and fresh-air excursions to soothe the spirit.
Lose Yourself in Nature + Find Yourself at Peace
Come here to lose yourself in nature, and find yourself at peace. That’s pretty easy to do in a place where cool rivers flow and tree-lined trails wind through sprawling countryside and even past waterside scenery.
So, lace up your shoes. Pump up the tires. Bring your best binoculars — there’s no telling what you might find when you let nothing but the fresh air and a free spirit move you. Breathe in deep. Birdwatch. Leaf-peep. And do whatever comes naturally in a place where you can slow down and simply be.
Things To Do
Follow the sunshine, fresh air, and this list of top outdoor attractions to make the most of your summer adventures when you Go Great Lakes Bay in Michigan!
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Immerse Yourself in Buds + Blooms
From lush, sprawling botanical gardens that cover 110 acres in color to serene Japanese gardens revered among the most authentic in North America — these gardens of the Great Lakes Bay are each worth a visit. Take your time while wandering through them all!
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Shiawassee NWR | @mi_playground
Go Great
A $20 million, four-year effort, the creation of the Canopy Walk and other features within Whiting Forest of Dow Gardens is the Foundation's largest project ever, officially opened to the public in October 2018.
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Go Great
Located just south of Saginaw is a 10,000-acre respite where you can walk for miles without seeing another human being. The only chatter to be heard is that exchanged between the birds and the squirrels. And the scenery in every direction looks like something from a Monet painting. Welcome to the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge.
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Go Great
Experience the splendor of Mother Nature’s beauty and soar to new destinations by making birding your new go-to activity when you Go Great Lakes Bay in Michigan.
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Go Great
Dow Gardens — and its Whiting Forest, Canopy Walk and other features within — offer a year-around menu of novel experiences, a virtual merry-go-round of adventures circling the seasons, a picnic of perspectives.
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Outdoors by Season
Lush forests & scenic trails are spectacular any time of year. But the experience? It’s entirely different in each Pure Michigan season.
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Outdoor Attractions
If cool freshwaters and close to 100 miles of scenic trails weren’t enough — these outdoor attractions will draw you in even closer to nature.
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Trails
In any season and however you’ll see them — discover our trails’ most flawless miles.
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Biking
With unspoiled miles of regional trail and mountain biking loops through Midland City Forest, this place has paths that can soothe the soul or satisfy an adventurous spirit.
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Birding
Thanks to its unique real estate where two biotic provinces overlap — bringing a blend of flora & fauna you won't find anyplace else — the Great Lakes Bay is a birder’s oasis.
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Parks
When it comes to simple, unspoiled greenspaces, these pocket parks have an allure all their own.
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Farms + Orchards
Find more than you came for at these apple orchards & pumpkin farms, cider mills & berry patches — in a taste of Pure Michigan that’s sweet & perfectly simple.
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Golf
Spend a weekend finessing your long drives at two of Michigan's must-play public golf courses, Apple Mountain and The Fortress, or an afternoon sharpening up your short game at more than a dozen others.
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June 30th
Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge
There are future dates for this event and it is currently underway.
July 2nd
Finn Road Park - Quanicassee Wildlife Area
There are future dates for this event.
