Top 10 Outdoor Events near Detroit throughout January 2026
- Dan Cooke
- 1 day ago
- 8 min read
HAPPY NEW YEAR! Just like waking up to today's fresh snowfall, January provides a perfectly clean slate for pursuing your wildest outdoor goals for 2026. We're absolutely STOKED for all that this new year will bring for Detroit's outdoors, starting with these top 10 outdoor events near Detroit this month!
There's something beautiful about waking up on the morning of January 1st. The past year's successes and failures are logged into the annals of history. We're all provided with a clean slate - a perfectly snow-covered trail of a calendar year, ready for you and your adventures to mark its first tracks.
Even though January still falls within Detroit's "off-season" for outdoor recreation, we should all strive to continue with any momentum gained during the tail-end of 2025 and keep getting outside. In fact, we'd go so far as to argue that now is the single best season for recreating in Detroit's natural environment. The colder, darker days act as an antithesis to crowds, fair-weather adventurers, and other human elements that detract from an outdoor experience.
In other words, if you're training for spring races, looking for natural solitude, or simply hate sharing the trail with the masses, then January is your time to shine. These top 10 events are geared towards recreationists just like you, and we can't wait to see you at one, two, or all of these events!
1. Hike into 2026 on a "New Year Wander" Trek
January 3rd | Lake Erie Metropark | 10 A.M.
Do your New Year's Resolutions for 2026 involve getting outside or exercising more? If they do, that's fantastic - you are Expedition Detroit's favorite kind of person. And while we have discounted guided hiking packages that can help with those resolutions, our friends at Lake Erie Metropark have the perfect outdoor event for kicking off 2026 on the right foot.
TOMORROW, January 3rd, head over to Lake Erie Metropark for their aptly-named "New Year Wander" event! This two hour outdoor program consists of a leisurely trek through the park with frequent, informational stops. The wildlife trek through the park's frozen marshes concludes at the Lake Erie Marshlands Museum.
2. Learn the Basics of Bow Hunting - and then Get in the Stand
January 6th - 27th | Outdoor Adventure Center, Detroit | 6 P.M.
Did you know that the Detroit region is poised to become a preeminent bow hunting destination? It's true - with the rise of the popularity of archery, PLUS the documented need for an increase in annual deer harvests throughout southeast Michigan, our corner of the Great Lakes is ideally positioned to become the gold standard of ethical, efficient bow hunting.
Our friends at the DNR's "Outdoor Adventure Center" in Detroit are leading the charge for Michigan's next generation of bow hunters, including a four week "Bow Hunting 101" course kicking off next week! This course will introduce the skills and mindset for hunting with a bow and arrow. Each week will focus on a different part of the bow hunting process, with fun drills and games to help participants learn the importance of bow hunting to conservation. This hands-on program will cover scouting, identifying game, shot placement and tracking.
The best part about this course? It finishes just in time for you to showcase your new skillset in the field! The Detroit region is fortunate to have an extended "Urban Archery" season that lasts until January 31st, so course graduates will have just enough hunting days to test their new skills in the stand.
Participants must be age 8 or older. Close-toed shoes are required. Please review the Outdoor Adventure Center’s archery rules and regulations before attending class. Preregistration is required. On-site registration is not available after the registration deadline. Cost is $60 per person.
3. Defrost your Cross-Country Skis at the Frosty Freestyle and Krazy Klassic Ski Weekend
January 10-11th | Huron Meadows Metropark | 10 A.M.
Full-disclosure, the Expedition Detroit team has had cross-country skiing on our recreational activity wishlist for some time now. In other words, we're complete rookies at this sport - despite decades of downhill skiing experience. We've been looking for an opportunity to dive head first into this sport, and this year's iteration of Frosty Freestke and Krazy Klassic Ski Weekend represents an ideal chance to start getting into the action!
Located at Huron Meadows Metropark, "Frosty Fest" will include a man-made snow course of multiple 2.5km loops. If natural snow permits, then the races will take place on the normal cross-country ski trails. The race offerings include 5K (MI Cup Junior points), 12K or 15K (MI Cup Senior points, longer distance if natural snow), and the "Krazy Klassic" 12K and 5K distances.
Quick note on Huron Meadows Metropark: the metropark is dubbed the "Southeast Michigan destination for skate-style and classic cross-country ski trails." Skiers can choose from 14.8 miles of trails for classic skiing or 9 miles of skate skiing. All trails are groomed daily and are lighted at night. The metropark's "Ski Center" (Golf Starter Building) features classic-style and skate-style ski rentals and a heated lounge, restrooms, and snacks. Groups of 10 or more can make arrangements to rent skis during the week.
4. Embrace the Elements at the Detroit Fire & Ice Festival
January 10-11th | Valade Park, Detroit | 12 P.M.
Even in the midst of winter, you can always bet that something's heating up at Robert C. Valade Park along the world-famous Detroit Riverwalk. This January, you'll literally feel the heat at the Detroit Fire & Ice Festival - a special event among the month-long "Winter at Valade" festivities!
This year's Fire & Ice Festival will bring back "tons of medieval fun with a winter twist." All weekend long, you'll enjoy oversized fires, turkey legs, ice carving, vendors, live performances, and much more. The signature moment of the weekend will be the lighting of the Fire and Ice Tower - a 7 foot ice structure that will become a giant bonfire once lit at 6 p.m. on Saturday. You won't want to miss it!
5. Rev your Cardio Engine at the Detroit Auto Show 5K
January 17th | Downtown Detroit | 9 A.M.
Just a head's up, January 17th will be a MASSIVE day for outdoor events throughout the Detroit region. From 5Ks to cardboard derby races, there's something for everyone outside that Saturday. So, it seems fitting that the day's festivities should kick off right in the heart of the city during one of its signature events: the Detroit Auto Show 5K.
Hosted jointly by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Detroit Auto Show, and the Friends of the Outdoor Adventure Center, this year represents the inaugural resurgence of the classic Auto Show 5K! The route will follow the Detroit Riverfront Trail - including through the new Ralph C. WIlson, Jr. Centennial Park and Southwest Greenway - and start/finish outside the doors of the Detroit Auto Show.
Runners will receive not only a custom medal and hoodie, but also discounted tickets to the main Detroit Auto Show event (25% for public days). All proceeds from the race will help update the exhibits at the Outdoor Adventure Center.
6. Embrace the Elements in the Ode to Snow Ultra Race
January 17th | Holly State Recreation Area | 9:20 a.m.
Let's call a spade a spade: winter trail running in Michigan is not for the faint of heart. The cold temps, unpredictable conditions, and fleeting daylight has a cumulative effect of weeding out any recreationists that prefer their trails, clean, dry, and warm. The Detroit region's winter trails are the playground of our most passionate, badass, "no pain no gain" genre of runners.
If you fit in that camp, then oh boy - do we have the event for you.
Crazy trail runners, meet "Ode in the Snow": an up to 8 hour "backyard style" ultra trail race along the (in)famous Ode to Laz Trail Loop in Holly State Recreation Area. The trail constitutes a 4.167 mile trail loop that has approximately 450 feet of climbing, is 2/3 technical single track, 1/3 moderate walking/hiking path, and a few hundred yards of pavement. For the event, runners are free to pick their favorite distance or run as much as they'd like, starting at 9:20 a.m.
EXPLORE HOLLY RECREATION AREA ON A GUIDED HIKE WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT
7. Ditch your Skis at the Duct Tape Derby
January 17th | Mt. Brighton Ski Resort | 10 A.M.
Mt. Brighton may be famous for its impressive slopes, but this month the resort invites us all to ditch our skis and boards for its annual Duct Tape Derby event! Participants are encouraged to design a vehicle or sled exclusively out of reused cardboard, duct tape, and paint to race down the hill. Spectators will not only enjoy the hilariously fun racing action, but also live music, giveaways, outdoor food and bar, and much more.
For those charismatic souls interested in racing, note that spots are limited on a first come, first serve basis. Teams must be comprised of 2-3 racers, and no paint is permitted on the bottom of a sled. Register in advance by emailing your team name, participant names, and participant ages to MtBrightonSkiSchool@vailresorts.com.
8. Brave the Abominable Snowman Ride
January 17th | Pinckney State Recreation Area | 11 A.M.
Ignore the deniers: the Abominable Snowman exists, and it rips on a mountain bike. Don't just take our word for it, though - the Potawatomi Mountain Biking Association is hosting its annual Abominable Snowman Ride at the Glenbrook Yurt in Pinckney State Recreation Area on Saturday, January 17th. Riders are welcome to join in on as much or little of the scheduled 5 hour ride as they would like, and a post-ride bonfire is on the agenda!
DISCOVER PINCKNEY RECREATION AREA ON A GUIDED HIKE WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT
9. Keep your Head on a Swivel at HOOT-Fest
January 17th | Lake Erie Metropark | 6:00 P.M.
As we said - January 17th will be FILLED with exciting outdoor events near Detroit, with Lake Erie Metropark's "HOOT-Fest" representing the grand finale of an action-packed day!
The Metropark invutes you to join in their celebration of "all things owl" during this festival-style event. Enjoy an evening of owl-related crafts, "Owl Prowl" hikes in search of Screech Owls, owl pellet dissection, and more. Lake Erie Metropark is home to other species of owls in winter, so you never know “HOO” might show up. Don’t miss this exciting owl-themed event!
10. Close Out January at a Backwater Bonfire
January 31st | Oakwoods Metropark | 6:00 P.M.
In our professional opinion, one of the best ways to unwind after a long, action-packed month is to grab your buddies, head to a bonfire, and tune the world out as the fire crackles and the stars begin to shine. Sounds almost too good to be true, right?
Fortunately for all of us, our friends at Oakwoods Metropark have planned such an evening at their "Backwater Bonfire" event. This 90-minute event will feature everything that a bonfire should: s'mores, good conversation, and a beautiful, wildlife-teeming backdrop. Online pre-registration is required.
Happy New Year to you all, and wishing you nothing but the best throughout 2026. We can’t wait to see you at the trailhead!
Do you host an upcoming outdoor event that you would like to be featured in a future article? If yes, then we would love to hear from you! Please contact us at info@expeditiondetroit.com to discuss Expedition Detroit feature opportunities.