Top Ten Outdoor Events near Detroit throughout July 2025
- Dan Cooke
- Jul 1
- 8 min read
JULY IS OFF WITH A BANG! With our area's recreational opportunities exploding with incredible events this month, we have zeroed in on these "Top Ten Outdoor Events near Detroit" for navigating your perfect July in our region's outdoors.
Picture your perfect summer morning or evening in the Detroit region's idyllic outdoors. The sun is eagerly rising or lazily setting over your lakeside vista. The towering trees are reflecting a golden glow off of their uniform foliage. A fawn haphazardly chases after its mother. The consistent hum of the bullfrogs and song birds ease you into the day.
CRACK! Without warning, an explosion rips through the tranquil scene. While you remain shell-shocked for a moment, idling for a few heartbeats in fight or flight mode, an ensuing applause assures you that said explosion was not only intentional, but anticipated by a larger crowd.
"That's right," you say to yourself as a calmer mind prevails. "It's July."
Indeed, friends - the most explosive month of the year has arrived, both for pyrotechnics and outdoor events near Detroit! Regardless of whether you'll experience the quick startle of a firework exploding or a race gun firing, the woods, trails, and parks throughout the Detroit region will come ALIVE over the next several weeks. Bike relays, paddle races, trail events... you name the activity, Detroit's got a recreational event fine-tuned for it.
Without further delay, here are the Top 10 Outdoor Events near Detroit going down this month. We can't wait to see you out there!
1. Light Up the Trails at the Milford Firecracker Races
July 4th | Milford, MI | 8:00 a.m.
Kick off your Fourth of July celebrations with a BANG! As expected with any bona fide American holiday, our #ExpeditionPartners Running Venture invite you to the Trail Town of Milford, Michigan for an Independence Day racing event.
Kicking off at 8AM sharp - just in time to also catch Milford's Parade - runners can choose between the Milford Firecracker Race's 5K, 10K, and 1 Mile "Fun Run" events. All races start at Milford Central Park and then run onto the Milford Trail before finishing back at Central Park. Each registered runner registered participant will receive a custom shirt, finisher award, and refreshments.
2. Crush some Gravel at the BIG Gravel Grind
July 6th | Thedford, ON | 8:00 a.m.
Back for its SECOND year, we invite you to join Team Expedition Detroit in riding the BIG Gravel Grind in Thedford, Ontario this weekend! Last year we rode the 40K event and absolutely loved cycling the rolling terrain just south of Lake Huron. We even created what became the "Official Aftervideo" for the inaugural 2024 event.
This year we're doubling down and riding the 80K event! Both routes kick off and wrap up at the Legacy Recreation Centre situated in Thedford. One of the best aspects of this event includes that it embraces a non-competitive spirit, encouraging riders to fully enjoy the experience. Participants are welcome to pause at designated fuel stations, regroup, and connect with friends and fellow cyclists.
Each distance comes with an array of benefits. All participants will receive event jerseys, a swag bag, bike assistance throughout the ride, well-marked routes, complimentary food and drinks at the finish line, and the option to purchase beer.
Couldn't be more stoked to head over the border for another lap!
3. Learn the Art of Adventure at Indian Springs
July 6th | Indian Springs Metropark | 10 a.m.
Come learn the art of adventuring with the Huron-Clinton Metroparks at their Adventuring 101 event! Perfect for all ages, this event at Indian Springs Metropark entails learning and practicing some of the most important skills every outdoorsperson should master. The program naturally ventures outside for trailside adventures after learning the best ways to pack a hike bag, practice good trail etiquette, read a map, and be stewards of our natural lands. The program wraps up with an open discussion of the best places to get outside this summer, so bring some of your favorite local suggestions.
This program starts indoors, concludes outside, and includes a leisurely walk. Expect to walk about 1 mile along frequently rolling or slightly hilly terrain on grass, dirt, gravel, and pavement. No prior experience is necessary. In-program group discussion will be encouraged.
4. Race for Summer's Favorite Beer at the Oberun 5K
July 18th | Ypsilanti, MI | 6:30 p.m.
Each of us have a moment when summer finally arrives. Obviously we mean on a metaphysical level, not a simple turn of the calendar. Maybe it's the taste of the first hot dog at Comerica Park, when the boat finally launches, or the crackle of a roaring campfire.
For me, it's that first swig of a bottle of Bell's Oberon Ale - Michigan's official summer beer. And there's truly no better way to celebrate mid-summer than planning a 5K race themed solely around said beer.
Bell's Brewery invites its faithful yet again this year to participate in the summer racing rite known as the "Oberun 5K." The 5K race concludes at a beer garden serving up none other than ice-cold Oberon beer. Participants will also earn a coveted bottle opener finisher's medal and a finisher's pint glass. Better yet, the race's after party taking place at Wiard's Orchard will feature bonfires, sand volleyball, corn hole, food trucks, and more beer. Proceeds from this event benefit the Huron Waterloo Pathways Initiative in support of the Border to Border (B2B) Trail.
5. Space Out at a Dark Sky Preserve
July 19th | Point Pelee National Park, ON | 7:30 p.m.
Enjoy mid-summer by spacing out into the cosmos over at Point Pelee National Park - the best stargazing destination in the Detroit region - for a celebratory "Dark Sky Nights" event! This outing is especially catered towards star-gazing tourists willing to brave cooler temperatures at night, with amenities including extended visitor hours, seasonal star charts, and the combined natural beauty of the park and the cosmos.
6. Paddle the Beautiful Isle in the Belle Isle Classic
July 20th | Belle Isle Park | 9:00 a.m.
Since our beginning, we have proudly proclaimed that Detroit is a world-class outdoor destination. Well, the fine folks at the USA SUP National Championships agree: this year's Belle Isle Classic will constitute THE NATIONAL STAND-UP PADDLEBOARD CHAMPIONSHIP EVENT!
That's right - at this year's event, the best SUPers in the country will be ripping around Belle Isle Park in sprint, technical, and 10K racing events. Held on the scenic waters of the Detroit River, the event features a range of races, showcasing both elite talent AND community participation. Competitors of all levels will gather to test their skills, enjoy the vibrant paddling community, and vie for national titles in an exciting, high-energy atmosphere!
The very best part? In the words of the event hosts, "No salt, no sharks, no jellyfish, and no earthquakes or hurricanes!"
This event will occur rain or shine, so participants are encouraged to dress appropriately for the conditions and wear Coast Guard-approved PFDs (life vests). The total paddling reaches an estimated 6.7 miles, so aspiring paddlers should train to cover such lengths within a 2 hour cutoff time. There's also a 200 participant maximum for this event, so REGISTER TODAY if you are interested in participating!
7. Get Hooked on Fishing along the Detroit River
July 20th and 27th | Outdoor Adventure Center, Detroit, MI | 9:30 a.m.
“If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. If you teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime.” While we've all heard this famous Lao Tzu quote, the exceptional team at the DNR Outdoor Adventure Center invites you not only to feed your families for a lifetime, but instill a lifelong appreciation for nature along the Detroit River!
Head over to the OAC with your loved ones for one of their "Get Hooked on Fishing!" events! Occurring both on July 20th and 27th, these events will introduce participants to fish identification during a catch-and-release fishing program. Equipment, bait and instruction will be provided; beginners are welcome!
Participants must be age 8 or older. A fishing license is required for adults age 17 and older. All children under the age of 17 can fish for free with adult assistance.
8. Get Jurassic at the Pterodactyl Triathlon
July 23rd | Island Lake State Recreation Area | 6:00 p.m.
Completing an outdoor race of any kind typically represents one of the crowning achievements of a month well spent. With a triathlon - especially at a destination as idyllic and well-suited for swimming, biking, and running as Island Lake State Recreation Area - you get a 3-for-1 special that's a bucket list-worthy accomplishment. Anyone who's completed such a feat will back us up on this point.
As the temperatures continue to rise well into July, treat yourself to an unforgettable experience by diving into the cool waters of Kent Lake during the RF Event's Pterodactyl Triathlon race! The "Pterodactyl" represents the third installment of RF Event's summer-long "T-Rex Triathlon Series" - everyone's favorite mid-week triathlon race. We'll plan on seeing you at the beachhead!
EXPLORE ISLAND LAKE RECREATION AREA WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT
9. Ride with Your Crew at the Tree Farm Relay
July 26th | Lakeshore Park, Novi, MI | 8:45 a.m.
Get ready to roll out the red carpet and hit the trails at the 20th annual Tree Farm Relay Event at Lakeshore Park in Novi - the MCMBA's biggest, boldest, most action-packed race yet!
This year, the Detroit region's mountain biking community is celebrating 20 years of epic racing at Tree Farm with a theme inspired by the silver screen. Gather your team of four, channel your inner legends of the big screen, and prepare for a mountain bike relay filled with thrills, chills - and maybe even a few plot twists!
10. Run on Island Time at the Aloha Races
July 27th | Kensington Metropark | 8:00 a.m.
Run, smile, aloha! Winding down an action-packed July, embrace the aloha life at the "Aloha Run" events! Hosted for the first time at Kensington Metropark, our friends at Kona Running invite you to join in on an unforgettable day of running, fun, and the "aloha spirit."
This year, runners can choose from 5K, 10K, half-marathon, and 30K events. Runners should expect to be amazed by the natural beauty of Kensington Metropark, with its rolling hills, serene lakes, and lush greenery at every turn. Bring the whole family and enjoy a day of outdoor fun, with activities, entertainment, and delicious food available for all ages!
BONUS: EXPLORE NEW TRAILS WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT!
Throughout July (and beyond!) | 11 Michigan State Parks and Recreation Areas
Looking to FINALLY capitalize on July's beautiful weather and explore your local Michigan State Parks?? Perfect - we are ECSTATIC to invite YOU to join us on our top-rated Guided Trips!
For two years now, the Expedition Detroit team has been proud to represent the Michigan DNR's largest commercial provider of guided hikes, backpacking expeditions, and trail running coaching session across ELEVEN of the Detroit region's most pristine state parks and recreation areas. Each of our guides has the field experience, wilderness first aid training, park knowledge, and outdoor passion that you can - and should - expect from any world-class trail experience.
New for Summer 2025, we're STOKED to not only introduce FOUR NEW TRAIL OFFERINGS, but also our newest guide, Bria! Bria will be leading the following new trips:
Silver Lake Trail Loop at Pinckney State Recreation Area
Richardson Trail at Brighton State Recreation Area
Lakeview Trail Loop at Waterloo State Recreation Area
Hickory Hill Loop at Waterloo State Recreation Area
Bria will also be taking over some classic Expedition Detroit fan-favorite experiences, including Brighton's Penosha Trail hike and Pinckney's Crooked Lake Trail. We hope that you'll join Bria and the rest of the Expedition Detroit team on a guided outdoor adventure soon!
P.S. Subscribers to our content get discounts on our Guided Services AND online store items.....
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.
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