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Still looking to embark on an epic summer road trip? Look no further - these 10 national parks near Detroit provide idyllic outdoor destinations to satisfy your regional wanderlust. Hint: don't forget your passport! We have a confession to make: the Expedition Detroit team was largely not in the Detroit area last week. As our social media following is already well-aware, we spent last week on a road trip back to Detroit from Bozeman, Montana. A multi-day adventure spent exploring timeless destinations like Little Bighorn National Monument, Devil's Tower National Monument, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, and Badlands National Park. Each of these classic Americana experiences earned our full endorsement. Road trips and national parks . Hard to imagine a more iconic dynamic duo. Just mentioning either concept stirs up an innate sense of unbridled adventure and opportunity. Ever sense President Ulysses S. Grant signed the act that established Yellowstone National Park as the world's first national park in 1872, Americans have loaded up their wagons and cars to venture out into the open road and explore the country's most beautiful, exotic, and wild destinations. Canada's history of conservation followed a similar trajectory, including the establishment of Banff National Park in 1885 and the world's first national parks government body in 1911. Yellowstone, Banff, and the great national parks of the west should hold a coveted place on every outdoor enthusiast's bucket list. That goes without question. However, the national park systems constituting the "best idea that we've every had" stretch from sea to shining sea, covering the breadth of ecology diversity that has established North America as a recreational dream trip for the global outdoor community. And yes, several immaculate destinations selected for eternal conservation by our national governments are located within driving distance from the Motor City. So, in the choice words of author Jack Kerouac, all you need to kick off your next national parks adventure is "a wheel in your hand and four on the road." Here are 10 national parks near Detroit that are primed and ready for your next road trip this summer:

The second installation of our #TrailTownSpotlight series, we're highlighting the best features of Northville, Michigan for every hometown outdoor enthusiast. Check out why we are celebrating this oasis of adventure opportunities within the heart of the Detroit region! If you take a quick look at the map on our Destinations page , one overarching aspect includes that the majority of Detroit's premiere outdoor opportunities are found along the outer rim of our region. Geography bears the responsibility for that - the western rim of rolling, forested hills and the great waterways of the east naturally draw recreationists towards the periphery. But there's one particular location that jumps out on our map as an oasis of adventure within the great interior of the Detroit region. The home of a state park, the the northern terminus of a premiere biking trail, and an innovator for the expansion of community outdoor recreation opportunities. MEET NORTHVILLE, MICHIGAN That location, my friends, is Northville, Michigan . A place that I've grown to love dearly over the last 15 years. A town that continues to invest in its outdoor opportunities. A community whose collective conservation efforts are well worth the recognition that we are aiming to provide in this article. It is our pleasure to re-introduce Northville - a city and township straddling both Wayne and Oakland Counties that is home to over 30,000 residents. Dating back to 1825, Northville's historic city center has evolved through the centuries into a dynamic and thriving " Pure Michigan " downtown. Northville represents the ideal prototype of a city that has both preserved its 19th century victorian, "frontier" character while developing its core center to attract business suited for the 21st century. Most importantly, Northville has emphasized not only preserving its outdoor spaces during such innovative development, but actually expanding recreational opportunities for generations to come. OUTDOOR HIGHLIGHTS

Welcome back to our #TrailTuesday Series! This edition explores one of the Detroit region's most beloved MTB routes and trail running destinations: Maybury State Park's Mountain Bike Trail. Join us as we rediscover this primetime biking, running, and hiking trail! "Yeah. I'm the stupidest person on the trail." I remember saying those words audibly to myself during the summer of 2008 on a blisteringly hot day. Despite living in Northville for a year, I had finally completed the half mile journey from my parents' house to Maybury State Park - an outdoor destination almost literally in our backyard that had piqued my curiosity, but had yet to inspire a visit. Somehow I had learned that Maybury had a mountain bike trail within its confines. This was good. I lived within biking distance and therefore could avoid the hassle of squeezing my aging mountain bike into the trunk of the 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee that I was driving. I threw on some gym shorts, an old t-shirt, my running sneakers, and a flat-rimmed hat. Then I started biking towards the park. Yes, you read that correctly. I did not wear a helmet - or any MTB-appropriate gear - which from my teenaged perspective made sense for two exceedingly stupid reasons: 1. Bike helmets weren't "cool." 2. How difficult could a mountain biking trail in Southeast Michigan really be? Then I actually started biking Maybury State Park's mountain bike trail, and I quickly realized how foolish I was. For starters, watching expert riders burn past me on top-market bikes wearing gloves, biking shorts , and - yes - very cool helmets , reinforced that mountain biking was indeed a sport that requires dedication for mastery. Second, the trail was v ery challenging for a novice mountain biker . I still remember my hands slipping off of my handlebars from nervous sweat due to how vulnerable I felt without a helmet. Last and most important, despite the palatable embarrassment and anxiety that defined my initial ride into the world of mountain biking, I'll never forget the life-altering impression that Maybury imprinted on me . The sense of wonder that such a beautiful, wild, and challenging trail had been hiding in plain sight right across Beck Road. That the park's idyllic forests, pastures, ponds, and marshes existed in the heart of a rapidly growing community. A discovery of a new refuge from the stressors, noise, and chronic distractions of modern life. Right from the script of a Hallmark movie, I had played the bumbling fool that stumbled into love at first sight with this new outdoor destination. A passion that prompted me to buy a damn bike helmet, continue riding and running Maybury's trails, and further explore the Detroit region's most prestigious outdoor destinations . A love that steadily evolved into launching this platform last year. It is our privilege to come full circle and reintroduce Maybury State Park now. MEET MAYBURY STATE PARK

Welcome back to our #TrailTuesday Series! This edition treks across one of the Detroit region's most beloved trails - if not THE most beloved trail - Brighton Recreation Area's Penosha Trail . Join us as we rediscover this iconic trail. "Pace yourself, Lucy - the climb is coming." My trail pup pauses for a second to look at me, confused why I'm slowing down our pace as we're hiking through a rolling, mature oak forest. We are roughly two miles in at this point, and she's clearly feeling trail-confident despite resting most of the past winter. She wants to keep pushing on - maybe a distracted squirrel might come into range - but a quick glance at the trail map shows that a challenge waits on the horizon. One last, imposing moraine to summit before a gradual, rewarding decline. All great trails seem to showcase this feature: a notable, slightly unnerving element that adds a flavor of adventure to an otherwise leisurely experience . An "Everest Summit Push" is the quintessential example, but other top-tier trails like the Inca Trail's "Dead Woman's Pass" climb, the ascent for Lake Solitude at Grand Teton National Park, and even Michigan's #1 ranked Mosquito Falls and Chapel Falls Loop all have defining challenges that induct these trails into the proverbial "hall of fame" of unforgettable outdoor experiences. We invite you to test this hypothesis at Brighton Recreation Area's Penosha Trail . Try to ignore the adrenaline rush as the trail's dramatic ridge line steadily contrasts against the sky, finally unveiling the challenge ahead. Fully-embrace the satisfaction of emerging from the tree-line to catch your first glimpse of the exposed summit. And for a moment - a fleeting, beautiful moment - allow the summit experience to completely redefine your perception of the Detroit region's outdoors. The drive, adventure, and opportunity that our wild places incite within all of us. If ( no, when ) you find yourself standing and smiling on Penosha's summit hill, then you will understand exactly why the Penosha Trail continues to reign as one of Michigan's top 10 trails . This trail has a timeless magic to its forested corridors, marshland boardwalks, and dramatic climbs. An experience that will surely bring you and your trail pup back for many, many more hikes to come. It is our honor to reintroduce the Penosha Trail and Brighton Recreation Area now. DISCOVER THE PENOSHA TRAIL WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT! MEET BRIGHTON STATE RECREATION AREA

Don't be fooling around this April 1st! Several Michigan alcohol restrictions kick in with the turn of the calendar. Don't worry, Detroit trail beer enthusiasts - here's your ultimate guide on how to responsibility - and lawfully - enjoy that crisp, well-deserved post-trail beer! Photo courtesy of River's Edge Brewing Company What do St. Patrick's Day, Game Day, Opening Day, and a "Trail Day" all have in common? They are all best experienced with at least one ice-cold beer . That is not just our opinion; we at Expedition Detroit stand by that statement as an empirical fact, especially when it comes to the outdoors. We're only half kidding here - there's a decent amount of research supporting that a post-hike beer can actually provide certain health benefits . Scientific evidence supports that drinking a limited quantity of beer (i.e., one beer) after a hike, run, or paddle may benefit you by replenishing glycogen stores for endurance, supporting bone and connective tissue regeneration, causing a slight reduction of cardiovascular risk, and promoting neurological longevity benefits. Yeah. We're serious. While the health benefits of beer may still be subject to debate, the symbiotic relationship between the outdoor recreation and craft brewing industries is a tangible, undeniable fact. For many outdoor enthusiasts, it’s practically assumed that a day spent on the trails or slopes will conclude at a local brewpub. Don't believe us? Stop by River's Edge Brewery in Downtown Milford on a Saturday between April and November and try to count the mountain bikes or kayaks on full display in the parking lot. More importantly, breweries are often on the front lines of environmental conservation and advocacy. Local and national craft beer companies consistently spearhead grassroots campaign s and benefits for natural resource protection, including Bell's annual " Go Where the Trail Leads You " fundraiser for the completion of the North Country National Scenic Trail . Here's our point: beer is best consumed within and in defense of nature . However, as some of us may have found out the hard way, some of our state and community parks don't always permit the consumption of alcohol ( a few major changes for 2025 too! ). That's where this guide comes in handy: a comprehensive cheatsheet so that you can plan on where and when to crack that post-trail lid . Cheers! Photo courtesy of Short's Brewing Company MICHIGAN STATE PARKS AND RECREATION AREAS Each of Michigan's pristine state parks and recreation areas vary in size, natural features, and world-class recreational opportunities. Unfortunately for beer enthusiasts, our state lands in the Detroit area also vary in their alcohol rules, regulations, and policies . Here is a high-level summary for each of our region's state parks and recreation areas. OPEN FOR CONSUMPTION* Legal to possess or consume alcohol without restrictions in the following locations: Algonac State Park Bald Mountain State Recreation Area Highland State Recreation Area Ortonville State Recreation Area Waterloo State Recreation Area Wetzel State Recreation Area EXPLORE HIGHLAND STATE RECREATION AREA WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT LIMITED LIBATIONS - April 1st through Labor Day It is illegal to possess or consume alcohol in the following locations: Brighton Recreation Area : Bishop Lake day-use area (April 1 through September 30th ) Holly Recreation Area : Day-use areas south of McGinnis Road. Island Lake Recreation Area  (except for rented picnic shelters) Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area Pinckney Recreation Area : Rented shelters in the Silver Lake and Halfmoon day-use areas, as well as within .25 miles of Pickerel Lake day-use area Proud Lake Recreation Area : Day-use areas east of Wixom Road. Seven Lakes State Park William C. Sterling State Park : Day-use areas. HIKE BRIGHTON'S FAMOUS PENOSHA TRAIL WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT ZERO BOOZE ZONE It is illegal to possess or consume alcohol in any of the following locations: Belle Isle Park Dodg e #4 State Park Maybury State Park Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area (only prohibited in day-use areas within park) William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor *must be 21 years of age or older to possess or consume alcohol. DISCOVER MAYBURY STATE PARK WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT Photo courtesy of the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority HURON-CLINTON METROPARKS The Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority - the governmental body that administers the Metroparks' fantastic 13 destinations - has made our job very easy by publishing rules and regulations that cover the entire Metropark system. For alcohol, only beer and wine may be consumed in picnic areas or other areas specifically designated by the Metroparks. Stated differently, the default rule for the Metroparks is that alcohol is not permitted unless: within a picnic area, or in a specifically-designated area. For obvious reasons, the Metroparks also prohibit the possession of any alcoholic beverages in any closed-off area of the parks. So let's all collectively agree to not be that guy . Thanks. Photo courtesy of OpenWeb Technologies Ltd. COUNTY PARKS In general, the " default rule " for consumption of alcohol within Michigan's public parks is that such recreational methods are permissible. That being said, the law providing such admissibility also includes fairly large exceptions for anti-consumption ordinances implemented by local governments or agency regulations. The following rules and regulations apply to parks that are administered by the Detroit region's various county parks and recreation departments : Livingston County General Rule : There are no apparent restrictions on the consumption of alcohol within Livingston County parks. Macomb County General Rule : Rules and regulations are administered by municipal parks and recreation departments. Monroe County General Rule : There are no apparent restrictions on the consumption of alcohol within Monroe County parks. Oakland County General Rule : Alcoholic beverages may be brought into and consumed within Oakland County parks. Exceptions : No alcohol may be possessed or consumed at dog parks, waterparks, waterpark parking lots, concession areas, golf courses (other than Red Oaks), banquet facilities, or other areas specifically prohibited by individual park rules . Washtenaw County General Rule : Unlawful to consume or be in possession of alcohol within any park. Exceptions : Lawful to possess and consume alcohol with a valid Alcohol Permit at specified Independence Lake pavilions and facilities. Wayne County General Rule : Unlawful to consume or be in possession of alcohol without a written permit . Exceptions : Bottled or canned beer in Middle Rouge Parkway, Lower Rouge Parkway, Bell Creek Park, Lola Valley Park, and Venoy-Dorsey Park. St. Clair County General Rule : Lawful to consume or possess alcoholic beverages within county parks. Exceptions : Use and/or possession of alcoholic beverages may be prohibited in specifically designated areas . Yes, we admit it - we mostly wrote this article out of pure admiration for a beloved past time, the post-trail beer . Beyond that sentiment, we sincerely hope that this article provides a useful guide for you in navigating the alcohol restrictions that appropriately govern our favorite outdoor destinations. Nothing can kill the joy of an amazing MTB ride or thrilling trail run faster than an unexpected visit from a police or conservation officer. Know the rules. Enjoy the ride. Sláinte . Please always remember to drink responsibility . If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of alcohol addiction, please click here to access resources that are available for you .

Welcome back to our #TrailTuesday Series! This edition explores the glistening lakes, vast marshes, and wooded ridge lines of Bald Mountain State Recreation Area's Blue, White, and Orange Loops . Join us as we conquer one of the Detroit region's "Black Diamond" trails on our first visit to Bald Mountain in Oakland Charter Township, Michigan! Some days it's easy to be an " Outdoorist ." The cloudless weather sits at an idyllic 60-something degrees. The trail is dry, clear, and teeming with wildlife. Depending on the time of year, you'll be surrounded by blossoming spring buds or vibrant fall colors . As #pure as Pure Michigan can get. And then ...some days you'll be hiking in peak "stick season." Muddy, cloudy, rainy, unbecoming stick season. For the uninitiated/unfamiliar with Noah Kahan's discography, stick season runs parallel with late fall and early spring. Its telltale signs include no leaves, no snow, and no flowers. Just... sticks . Monotone, damp, uninviting sticks. Here's the irony about stick season recreation though: it is, without a doubt, the most important time of the year for Metro Detroiters to hit the trail. Especially with our region's shorter days this time of year, clinical studies unfortunately show that mental health conditions plummet in the offseason months. Additionally, a significant portion of our population simply cannot afford to lose out on months of physical, outdoor recreation due to our region's high rates of preventable health conditions . A critical benefit of hiking during stick season also includes the simple act of accomplishing a difficult, rewarding task . By choosing not to wait out poor weather on the couch - opting instead to subject yourself to southeast Michigan's raw elements - you will unleash the floodgates of resiliency benefits that correlate directly with such feats. In fact, leading research shows that the more difficult the task, the more profoundly you will experience the neurological benefits associated with challenging your status quo. The Expedition Detroit team packed this mindset with us on our recent visit to Bald Mountain State Recreation Area in Rochester, Michigan. We picked one of our region's more challenging trails, on a pouring, muddy January afternoon, at a destination that we had yet to visit. Our goal was to recreate in the least hospitable conditions possible. The virtually nonexistent number of fellow hikers solidified that we were on the right track. "Perfect," I said audibly at the empty East Graham Lake trailhead. "Now the adventure really begins." MEET BALD MOUNTAIN STATE RECREATION AREA

Welcome back to our #TrailTuesday Series! This edition explores the towering pines, vast meadows, and glistening snow-covered vistas of Island Lake State Recreation Area's Hickory Ridge Trail ! Join us as we capitalize on the Detroit region's first snowfall by exploring Island Lake's most accessible - and possibly most beautiful - trail. Let's start with a polarizing confession: I am a "Thanksgiving believer." That means that I absolutely refuse to engage with the connotation of "Christmas" until that extra plate of turkey has reached its final destination, a post-meal nap has concluded, and a Detroit Lions loss has adequately been mourned. I try not to take hard stances on trivial matters, but I will absolutely die on the hill of delaying any Christmas activities until Black Friday at the earliest . I may or may not have lost relationships over this belief. Where did that irrational stance originate? Right here in the Detroit region's outdoors . Growing up as a Michigan transplant to Washington, D.C., my family always made the pilgrimage back to Metro Detroit on the Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving. That 8 hour drive from the Mid-Atlantic to the Great Lakes struck my impressionable mind as a seasonal rite of passage: the gradual shift of fall into winter , with one final autumnal act to go before the great jovial wave of Christmas cheer covered all. Don't get me wrong - I absolutely love winter ( and Christmas, I swear I'm not the Grinch ). In fact, a large part of why I vividly recall that episodic childhood experience involves the Thanksgiving weekend snowfall that always seemed to arrive in step with our family minivan . For a D.C. kid, venturing out into the snow-covered expanses of the parks near my cousins' homes felt like journeying into the frontier of the "Great White North." An adventurous expedition from fall into winter. And yes, an internalized sensation that winter recreation - in all of its varieties - starts after Thanksgiving. Fast forward a few decades, I'm making fresh tracks during yet another Thanksgiving weekend snowfall along the beach at Kent Lake . The crisp air, crunch sensation of fresh snow, and ethereal silence of the iced-over waves confirm that winter has finally arrived in Detroit. As the snow rapidly accumulates around me, a familiar childlike instinct starts compelling me to go explore. " Genius is no more than childhood recaptured at will. " That quote from 19th century poet Charles Baudelaire has inspired, both implicitly and directly, most of the growth of the Expedition Detroit platform. This winter, we invite you to join us on rediscovering your childlike genius along Detroit's stunning, snow-covered trails. Especially when those trails are as diverse, picturesque, and accessible as Island Lake State Recreation Area's Hickory Ridge Trail . MEET ISLAND LAKE STATE RECREATION AREA

Welcome back to our weekly #TrailTuesday Series! This edition explores a trail widely recognized as one of the Top 100 Trails in the entire country: Pontiac Lake's Mountain Bike Trail. Join us as we scale the climbs and ride the bends of this classic biking and hiking trail! "Yeah, I've been riding for a while now. Pontiac Lake was what really got me into it." Flashback to April of 2020, and my buddy has formally inducted me into the Detroit region's mountain biking faithful. I'm far from being the most recent convert - cycling in general, and mountain biking in particular, exploded as recreational interests during the peak pandemic era. There are legions of new bikers on Maybury's MTB trail that day, but I'm one of the lucky few to have an experienced guide waiting for me at each check point. I try to pick his brain about the sport at each of those points, mostly in an effort to buy myself an extra minute to catch my breath. "This trail's great, but Pontiac Lake is just another level. Definitely harder than this, but it might be my favorite in the state." Regardless of the pursuit, new minds are immensely impressionable. I can still vividly recall that conversation because of the imprint that it left on my perception of some local park known as " Pontiac Lake " - a place that I had never heard of and, frankly, was intimidated by. A trail that I would surely explore someday, via bike or boot, but certainly not that day. A little over three years later, I find myself finding standing at 1,118 feet - the highest point of Pontiac Lake's MTB Trail Loop. Despite the years of trail experience that I have now logged in the saddle of my bike, I'm actually a hiker during this inaugural pilgrimage to Pontiac Lake ( bike is finally out of the shop and ready for the season! ). As my eyes catch fleeting glimpses of the glistening waters of Pontiac Lake through the recently-bloomed canopy below, I'm a juxtaposition of emotions. Disappointment for not reaching this exact vista sooner in my life. Gratitude for having the interest and ability to stand here now. And excitement for presenting this miraculous trail to an audience so that they too can explore it - hopefully soon. It is our honor to reintroduce Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area now. MEET PONTIAC LAKE STATE RECREATION AREA

Welcome back to our weekly #TrailTuesday Series! This edition explores the highland loops of the West Bloomfield Woods Nature Preserve, a forested oasis amidst the abundant lakes of West Bloomfield Township, Michigan. "Hey Dan, have you ever explored the West Bloomfield Nature Preserve?" This question from my uncle at first seemed to spring out of left field, but I've come to accept that wearing any Expedition Detroit merch now constitutes a public invitation for any and all questions related to Detroit's outdoors. "No, can't say that I have," I replied over the hum of the ascending airplane that we were sitting within. "Well, you should. It's pretty cool." Our brief discussion ended there - most likely due to the number of relatives that we were speaking over - but the suggestion stuck with me. Not only is my uncle an accomplished outdoorsman in his own right, but at this point in Expedition Detroit's storied four month operating history, any suggestions for new outdoor destinations to explore are worth their weight in gold. Especially the destinations that I have never heard of. Fast forward 48 hours and my return flight to Detroit has already touched down. With an open Sunday afternoon and an activity-starved golden retriever on my hands, I fired up AllTrails to see which "Top 50" #TrailTuesday trails were in my general vicinity - particularly one with just enough mileage and terrain variation to fill up the remaining hours of daylight. Lo and behold, the closest, "yet-to-be-explored" trail just so happened to be located within a string of lakes in western West Bloomfield Township. A satellite image forming a green patch of forested oasis amidst the foreboding shades of blue of Orchard Lake, Upper Straits Lake, Morris Lake, and Mirror Lake. A local gem hiding in plain sight just south of Pontiac Trail. "Alright Lucy," I said to my pup as I powered down my laptop. "We've got ourselves a new trail to hike!" MEET THE WEST BLOOMFIELD WOODS NATURE PRESERVE

After a brief hiatus, our #TrailTownSpotlight series is back! This edition crosses the border to explore the outdoor gems of Amherstburg, Ontario - possibly the single most historic recreational trail town in the Great Lakes region. All roads lead to Amherstburg, Ontario . Or at least that's our lingering sentiment after researching the Detroit region's outdoors over the past several months. Allow us to explain. Our first encounter with colonial Amherstburg dates back to our article on the Battles of Frenchtown - known predominately in the U.S. as the Battle of River Raisin - during the War of 1812 . The decisive British, Canadian, and Native American forces that routed the outnumbered Americans at Frenchtown ( now Monroe, Michigan ) had assembled at Fort Malden in Amherstburg, crossed the frozen Detroit River into Michigan, and later returned across the river on foot with hundreds of captured American soldiers during the infamous blood march now known as the " River Raisin Massacre ." In an unintended twist of fate, Amherstburg popped back up on the Expedition Detroit radar just a few weeks later. In honor of Black History Month, we published a two-part series on the Underground Railroad and its lasting legacy within the Detroit region. To our surprise, the long, clandestine trails of the railroad did not typically end in Windsor. Amherstburg, and specifically Fort Malden again, provided the final destination for tens of thousands of fugitive African Americans. While Detroit had the Underground Railroad codename of "Midnight," Amherstburg was referenced symbolically as "Dawn " - the light at the end of our history's most dark and dangerous trail. Beyond history, our research into southwestern Ontario's most popular trails ( future article spoiler ) led to uncovering 5 " Top Trails " within cycling distance of Downtown Amherstburg. Add in a healthy mix of Essex Region Conservation Areas, regional parks, and a dramatic coastline along the Detroit River and Lake Erie - well, let's just say that it didn't take much convincing for us to grab our hiking boots, passport, and hit the road. Here's our point: Amherstburg should be on the bucket list of every traveler to the Detroit region . A must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, street art fans, and foodies alike. It's our pleasure to formally introduce this quintessential Great Lakes colonial destination now. MEET AMHERSTBURG

The sixth installation of our #TrailTownSpotlight series, this edition highlights the natural gems of one of Michigan's most beautiful, historic, and - as of very recently - controversial destinations: Dearborn, Michigan. Join us as we explore and re-introduce this vibrant outdoor community! Photo courtesy of Downtown Dearborn First impressions matter. In human psychology, this is called the " Primacy Effect ": a cognitive bias where individuals tend to predominantly remember the first piece of information they encounter rather than any information they may receive later on . This first piece of information could comprise of a thought, experience, or second-hand description. When I hear the word " Dearborn ," my brain immediately time travels to a first impression resembling a humid evening in August, circa 1998. My family were Detroit region expats at the time, but we made semiannual pilgrimages back to the homeland. This particular year, the legacy of a distant relative was being honored at a special event located at some place called " Greenfield Village " in " Dearborn ." Those names meant nothing to me, other than a cessation in cousin playtime in favor of putting on formal clothes and driving some 30 minutes away. Stepping out of the car, I experienced immediate confusion regarding my surroundings. The bright red brick contrasting with white steeples. Row after row of older, victorian-styled buildings. Fancy old cars. Men and women in period clothing. Even an old train stationed not too far away. Sights that I had never seen in Michigan before. " Mom, are we at an amusement park? " She laughed. The memory ends before I can recall her response. Photo courtesy of Zoe Communications Group For decades, that memory of Greenfield Village constituted my sole impression of the City of Dearborn. After my family reestablished our roots in Southeast Michigan, new experiences and interactions started to accompany my connection with the city. I attended several weddings at The Dearborn Inn . Cycling from Plymouth to Dearborn along Hines Drive became a favorite past time. My father and I ran in the 2019 " Martian Invasion of Races " through its downtown. Most importantly, several of my closest friends - including a significant proportion of my law school class - all came from Dearborn . Men and women of diverse cultures and backgrounds, interests and passions. Amazingly, each and every one of them with a desire to make today slightly better than yesterday - to push themselves towards excellence. Exhibit A is our own Dr. Eric Reilly , a Dearborn High alum, accomplished anesthesiologist, and badass backcountry outdoorsman. I don't believe that my Dearborn story, as a long-term Detroit region local, is unique. Generations of Michiganders have fallen in love with the historic and culturally-diverse mosaic that defines Dearborn . A collective first impression that's overwhelmingly positive. On a national scale, however, Dearborn's public image is under siege. This first came to my attention watching a certain episode of "Designated Survivor," where Dearborn was depicted as a post-apocalyptic hellscape of suburban unrest. And then came this month's infamous article in the Wall Street Journal , which we will not be linking here. A xenophobic hitpiece, written by a non-local, intended to sow distrust within a flourishing community. For better and for worse, we in the Detroit region are no strangers to news headlines painting our communities with a broad, less-than-flattering brush. Especially by "painters" who have never left the confines of DTW . For us at Expedition Detroit , however, we identify with the words of Mark Twain - that "travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness." So, in the midst of the swirling headlines, we decided to trek down Hines Drive to Dearborn to experience the city firsthand. More particularly, we sought out Dearborn's outdoor destinations, outfitters, cafés, pubs, and other institutions that form the bedrock of its active community . Our mission at Expedition Detroit involves changing the national narrative regarding the Detroit region's status as a gateway to world-class outdoor destinations, so its our honor to reintroduce Dearborn here with a designation that we all can rally around: an innovative, historic, diverse, and flourishing " Trail Town ." Photo courtesy of Downtown Dearborn

The end of daylight saving time means that the Detroit region's shorter, darker days have arrived. Put differently, our region's BEST nights for stargazing are FINALLY BACK. Ready to admire the cosmos, Detroit? Here are the 10 best destinations for stargazing near Detroit - UPDATED FOR SPRING 2026. The Northern Lights above Maybury State Park - May 2024 Have you ever felt like the harder you try for a goal, the less likely you are to achieve it? If you have, you're far from alone. That sentiment is so profound that it's known in modern psychology as the " Law of Reversed Effort ," which suggests that conscious, forced effort can be counterproductive, and that achieving goals often requires relaxation, trust, and allowing the process to unfold naturally. Exhibit A: my long-standing goal to witness the brilliance of the Aurora Borealis phenomenon, aka the Northern Lights. I had traveled near and far to experience the Northern Lights. From backpacking in Alaska, visiting my brother in Norway , to skiing at Mount Bohemia in the U.P. , I had certainly "put in the work" for crossing the Northern Lights off of my bucket list . I was in the right places, at the right time of year - and yet, time and time again, no luck. And then, on a seemingly random May evening in suburban Northville, Michigan , I saw that my sister-in-law was calling my cell phone. "DAN - get outside NOW and look up!!" I walked outside of her Northville home with a view directly towards the towering tree of Maybury State Park . Sure enough, the starlit skies that typically adorned the park had an ethereal movement to them - a wispy, wavy, and colorful sheen that I had never experienced before. Without any warning or notice, the Northern Lights had arrived in the Detroit region. The light show was spectacular - and absolutely worth the wait. Amazingly, Maybury isn't even one of the best locations in Southeast Michigan for stargazing near Detroit. If nothing else, my Northern Lights experience proves that just a few acres of unadulterated green space can create a noticeable decrease in light pollution. So then, where exactly are the best locations within a major metropolitan area like Metro Detroit? Don't worry, we've got you covered - the Expedition Detroit research team has painstakingly reviewed clear sky charts and light pollution maps to pinpoint the exact locations of the least amount of light pollution. Naturally, we found some gems hiding in plain sight - perfect destinations for a starlit hike or romantic adventure. All within an hour's drive of Downtown Detroit. Happy stargazing, Detroit!