FINALLY - a TRUE DETROIT WINTER is BACK , complete with deep powder and ideal conditions for snowshoeing. Here is our #ExpeditionEssentials guide to the best gear, destinations, and tips for venturing into snowshoeing near Detroit! " Dude - what even is snowshoeing? " I heard that question, give or take a few variations, several times within a 48 hour period. I had just led Expedition Detroit's first ever guided snowshoe tour for two first-timers, so I naturally couldn't pass up any opportunity to talk about that experience and how much fun the tour participants and I had. As those questions kept pouring in, I quickly realized that snowshoeing across the Detroit region wasn't as prolific as I thought it might be. Our latest string of warm winters certainly hasn't helped, given that effective snowshoeing conditions typically require at least 6 inches of snow accumulation. The snow gods simply haven't blessed the Detroit region enough for this sport to catch on. Which is truly a shame given our vast outdoor amenities that snowshoes are perfect for unlocking. When I think of the utility - and joy - of snowshoeing, I think back to the Winter of 2008-09. We were on a family vacation to Park City, Utah, and my brother had an injury that prevented him from snowboarding. But, for some reason, he was cleared for other activities like snowshoeing, something we as a family had never done before. My parents booked a tour that transported us deep into the Wasatch National Forest. We each donned snowshoes for the first time, laughing at each other as our legs adjusted to the awkward footing at the trailhead. Then we took our first steps into deep powder, backcountry conditions - and a sensation of invincibility set in. Snowshoes allow you to travel across snow-covered terrain without sinking or struggling via " flotation ," meaning snowshoes spread your weight evenly over a large, flat surface area. We were able to trek efficiently through several feet of fresh snow that would've otherwise swallowed us whole. A whole new recreational genre had been unlocked. If snowshoeing is truly novel to our region, then it's Expedition Detroit's pleasure to trek deeply into the informational "powder"of snowshoeing near Detroit. This "Ultimate Guide to Snowshoeing near Detroit" outlines the best gear, trails, tips, and opportunities for guided snowshoe tours (including rentals) near Detroit! GEAR UP: Snowshoe Gear Essentials One of our core principles includes writing every Expedition Detroit article from a place of authenticity. " If you haven't lived it, then don't write about it, " which is our shorthand iteration of the Henry David Thoreau quote " How vain it is to sit down to write when you have not stood up to live." This expectant level of authenticity is especially relevant here since snowshoeing is relatively new to the Expedition Detroit platform. Now that Winter 2025-26 has FINALLY brought back consistent powder to the Detroit region, we've spent the last few weeks donning our snowshoes and trekking through both new backcountry lines and classic hiking trails. We even led our inaugural guided snowshoe tour at Maybury State Park earlier this month! Here are Expedition Detroit's dollar-backed, top-of-market selections for the best snowshoeing gear currently on the market. Let's get into it. The Essentials: Snowshoes and Poles One of the most beautiful aspects of snowshoeing is its simplicity. All that's really required for jumpstarting your backcount ry adventures is a moderate upfront investment in " The Essentials " of snowshoes and poles; after that, you can either utilize typical winter recreational clothing that you already own or splurge to look like a professional on the trails. SNOWSHOES: Evo Trail Snowshoes Brand : MSR Cost : $169.95 Technical Features : ParaGlide bindings feature 2 roller buckles and toe stops that make placing your feet and securing and removing straps simple and intuitive—even while wearing gloves. Stretch mesh bindings comfortably hug your feet with no pressure points and fit nearly any footwear. Steel traction rails and brake bars molded into the decks provide secure and lasting grip. Molded plastic decks withstand harsh conditions. Max recommended load with tails (not included): 250 lbs. POLES:   Trail Back Trekking Poles Brand : Black Diamond Cost : $99.95 Technical Features : Comfortable dual-density EVA foam grips with extensions allow for multiple grip options so you can switch up your hand positions on the move. Adjustable webbing straps for added comfort and security. Aluminum construction is lightweight and durable for dedicated trail use. FlickLock technology allows for quick adjustability on the trail and makes it easy to pack the poles away when necessary. 3-section design is easy to stow Includes 1 set of trekking baskets and 1 set of snow baskets. Sold as a pair. NEW FOR WINTER 2026 Not looking to purchase new snowshoes? NO PROBLEM! Expedition Detroit is proud to offer the largest variety of SNOWSHOE RENTAL services throughout Metro Detroit. Our seamless online booking platform includes personnel meeting you at the trailhead, fitting you on site, and meeting you back at the same trailhead 2 hours later for equipment return. We'll even provide tips on where to explore! Staying Warm : Layered Clothing As the famous Norwegian saying goes, " There's no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing ." For winter weather, you should always dress in layers , especially for the cooler-to-freezing temperatures that fluctuate in the Detroit region during the winter. Here's a refresher on layering : Base Layer ("underwear layer") : Arguably the most important layer; the goal is to wick sweat off your skin. For snowshoeing near Detroit, midweight long underwear is a good choice for all-around use. Lightweight is best for mild conditions and heavyweight for below-freezing temps. Look for fabrics like polyester or wool that wick perspiration away from your skin and dry quickly. Middle Layer ("insulating layer") : Should retain body heat to protect you from the cold. In general, thicker/puffier equals warmer . For your upper body, most snowshoers prefer a puffy down or synthetic insulated jacket . If you prefer fleece , make sure your jacket is heavyweight fleece. Outer Layer ("shell layer") : Largely weather-dependent; shields you from wind and rain and provides extra insulation. In winter, it is important to have a fully waterproof jacket rather than merely water resistant. However, t hese also need to be breathable so that perspiration wicked away by your base layer can escape. Snowshoeing pants typically have b reathable, wind- and water-resistant performance material . You should also add in a few "accessory items" to your winter clothing kit. These include a basic wool or synthetic beanie , insulated gloves with waterproof/breathable shells, glasses or googles, and non-cotton socks . With regard to socks, extra-thick pairs will not keep your feet warm if your boots become too tight. GET OUT THERE: 3 Most Popular Trails for Snowshoeing Near Detroit As our resident outdoor enthusiasts know, you never experience the same trail twice in Metro Detroit. Beyond the company that you share the trail with and sights encountered, our region's four seasons' worth of shifting trail conditions means that you'll never run out of creative ways of enjoy Detroit's outdoors. Even in just winter , the ever-changing snow levels equate to infinite combinations of snow-hiking, cross-country skiing, and - for the really deep, thick powder - snowshoeing. If you're ready to ramp up your snowshoeing adventures for Winter 2025-26, then here are the Detroit region's top 3 trails for snowshoeing near Detroit ( according to AllTrails ): 1. SILVER LAKE TRAIL |    Pinckney State Recreation Area | Pinckney, MI Distance : 2.6 Miles Elevation Gain : 190 ft. Route Type : Loop Pinckney Recreation Area is where generations of Detroiters have fallen in love with some of our region's wildest trails and backcountry experiences. While that may sound intimindating, the stunningly beautiful Silver Lake Trail is one of the park's most beloved and beginner-friendly trails - especially for a new experience like snowshoeing near Detroit. This forested loop through the heart of Pinckney Rec winds through a beautiful forest filled with abundant wildlife. The route offers views of three lakes and passes some tranquil ponds. Several climbs along the way make for a great workout - especially on snowshoes! EXPLORE THE SILVER LAKE TRAIL YEAR-ROUND WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT 2.    VALLEY, RIVER, AND MEADOW TRAIL LOOP    |    Heritage Park    |    Farmington Hills, MI Distance :  2.1 Miles Elevation Gain :  131 ft. Route Type : Lollipop loop Nestled in the heart of Metro Detroit is one of our region's top destinations for snowshoeing near Detroit : Farmington Hills' 211 acre "Heritage Park," including its celebrated 4.5 mile trail network . More specifically, the forested and wildlife-abundant "Valley, River, and Meadow Trail Loop" is heralded as a top destination for both snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The peaceful trail explores a large part of Heritage Park as it winds through natural paths, crosses the Upper River Rouge , and meanders through beautiful woods. 3. BLUE, WHITE, AND ORANGE LOOP TRAILS   |    Bald Mountain State Recreation Area |    Orion Township, MI Distance :  6.7 Miles Elevation Gain :  452 ft. Route Type : Connected Loops In 1983, the DNR crew stationed at Bald Mountain State Recreation Area headed out into its northern woods with one objective: attract winter recreational enthusiasts. While Bald Mountain's initial trail plans were geared towards cross-country skiing, the extensive trail network has also attracted throngs of snowshoeing enthusiasts - especially during deep powder conditions that are idyllic for snowshoeing. Fast-forward to winter 2025-26, the DNR's efforts created one of the most sought-after trail networks in the entire state - Bald Mountain's famous Blue, White, and Orange Loops . HIT THE TRAILS: Guided Snowshoe Tours near Detroit If you've reached this point of the article, then congrats: you're not only near the end, BUT snowshoeing is DEFINITELY in your future for this upcoming winter! A core part the Expedition Detroit mission is to go beyond simply educating our readers about the world-class outdoor opportunities found within an hour's drive of Downtown Detroit. Our top-rated guided trips serves the purpose of connecting the dots between education and experience, especially for anyone taking their first steps into the evergreen joy of a life lived in the outdoors. Ready to lace up snowshoes this season?? Check out our three "Guided Snowshoe Tour" offerings for Winter 2025-26. Each tour provides an opportunity to rent snowshoes and poles - or feel free to bring your own! THE CLASSIC ROUTE: Maybury State Park Guided Snowshoe Tour Northville, Michigan | Best for beginners This introductory-level guided snowshoe tour traverses Maybury State Park's beloved main " Hiking Trail Loop "! Setting off from the 8 Mile Road trailhead, this 3.1 mile trip crosses the park's "wooded highlands," wildlife-dense marshlands, the picturesque Maybury Pond, and uncover the ruins of the Maybury Sanatorium. THE SCENIC ROUTE: Proud Lake State Recreation Area Guided Snowshoe Tour Commerce Township, Michigan | Enjoyable for all skill levels This moderate-level snowshoe tour on the " Expedition Loop Trail " offers an engaging 3.1-mile loop along the southern bank of the Huron River, through towering pines, and around Proud Lake's stunning central marsh. Your highlight-reel adventure will provide plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife, capture breathtaking photos, and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of one of southeast Michigan's most beloved wetland habitats. With an easy trail rating and minimal elevation gain, it's perfect for all skill levels! THE ADVENTURE ROUTE: Highland State Recreation Area "Mount Kanzer" Guided Snowshoe Tou r Milford Township, Michigan | Best for intermediate and experienced snowshoers This moderate-level guided snowshoe tour leads intrepid adventurers to the highest of Highland's three towering moraines: Mount Kanzer , standing tall at an elevation of 1,160 feet. Starting at the southernmost trailhead of Highland - just north of Downtown Milford off of Weaver Road - the trail takes a southern approach to Mount Kanzer following the rolling "Milford Connector Trail." Once across Cooley Lake Road, the trail loops around Highland's southern marshlands until summiting Mount Kanzer just past the mid-way mark. Don't forget to stay on the lookout for abundant wildlife as you complete your summit push! This article contains affiliate links that align with Expedition Detroit's Disclosures Policy. This article does not constitute an endorsement by Expedition Detroit of any of the featured equipment or destinations for snowshoeing near Detroit.

Love. Trails. Powder. If that trio sounds like an amazing time to you, then a February spent in Detroit's outdoors may become your new favorite month of the year - especially with these " Top 10 Outdoor Events near Detroit " coming down the pipeline for February 2026! February in Detroit's outdoors typically keeps you guessing . One day you'll have your cross-country skis clipped in or snowshoes strapped on tight, trekking through fresh powder looking for backcountry ski lines. A week later and you might be running the same line with your trail runners , shorts , and a light long-sleeve shirt. At least that's how Februaries past have played out. February 2026 is looking ALL-TIME though. A "true winter" vs. a " shoulder-season prelude " where we'll actually properly skiing the "Big Four" resorts. Or explore trails that are perfectly groomed for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter hiking . Maybe even set out on a winter backpacking expedition or relax at a favorite " glamping " destination. In this season of love, we encourage each of you to fall deeply in love with each sporadic moment that February may throw at us. And if you're looking for easy "Valentine's Season" date ideas, well, these top 10 outdoor events near Detroit will provide the perfect ice breaker for your new recreational love ! Spoiler : Keep scrolling for SPECIAL DISCOUNTS ON RACE ENTRIES below! 1. Fall in Love with Winter along the Detroit River Throughout February   | Valade Park, Detroit, Michigan and Belle Isle Park "When in doubt, head to the Detroit Riverfront ." That has been our go-to advice for visitors to Downtown Detroit for the last decade, and it has become an easier and easier sell thanks to the ground-breaking team at the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy . All February long, head down to Valade Park for a full schedule of programs and events, including the return of their signature themed weekends, winter wellness activities, and so much more. The highlights include their " Winter in Valade " weekend events, a " Lunar New Year "celebration on February 14th, a " Polar Power Walk " with Urban Solace on February 15th, and more. On top of all of this, you'll have the opportunity to explore one of the best riverwalks in America . But wait, there's more. On February 7th , follow the Riverfront Trail over the MacArthur Bridge to Belle Isle Park for " Shiver on the River "! Hosted by a conglomeration of Friends of the Detroit River , the Detroit Historical Society , Belle Isle Conservancy , and the Belle Isle Nature Center , this FREE eco-fair will feature caricature drawings, a magic show, ice carvings, open entry to the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, and more! Friends of the Detroit River will host the event inside the Dossin Great Lakes Museum from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M, and the Belle Isle Nature Center will host event activities at the Nature Center from 11 A.M. to 4 P.M. EXPLORE BELLE ISLE STATE PARK WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT Photo courtesy of Crystal Ski Holidays 2. Viva la Après at Detroit's Big Four Ski Resorts Throughout February | Alpine Valley, Mt. Brighton, Pine Knob, and Mt. Holly Ski Resorts Of all of the time-honored traditions associated with a ski trip, you would be hard-pressed to beat a good ol' fashion Après-ski. For the uninitiated, " Après" is loosely defined as any pre or post-ski activity that typically involves a healthy level of rivalry or debauchery. And don't worry, friends - Detroit's " Big Four Ski Resorts " have plenty of Après to go around. Here are the main highlights this month at the Big Four: Live music at Alpine Valley (February 15th) College Nights at Mt. Brighton (every Friday) Beer Tasting at Mt. Holly (February 18th) Dew After Dark at Mt. Brighton (February 27th) Cardboard Classic at Alpine Valley (February 28th) 3. Experience the Best of Winter in Detroit at Rouge Park's "Winterfest" February 7th   | Rouge Park, Detroit  | 12 p.m.     Bundle up and head over to Detroit's west side for a fun-filled - and FREE - winter celebration at Rouge Park Winterfest ! Hosted by Friends of Rouge Park , this annual winter festival promises a fun-filled day for the whole family to enjoy a variety of winter-time fun, treats and activities on Detroi t's premier west side park. Winterfest will be filled with plenty of activities and amenities to warm you up during this coldest of Detroit months. Hang out by the bonfire with s'mores or get your heart rate up by sledding down the hill. You can even try some cross-country skiing, snowshoeing , or ice skating ( equipment provided on-site )! 4. Run like a Champion at the Super 5K February 8th   | Novi, Michigan | 8:30 a.m. Yes, the rumors are unfortuantely true: the Detroit Lions are not, yet again, playing in the Super Bowl. Shocker, we know. That doesn't mean you can't run like a champion, though! Super Bowl Sunday is a de facto American national holiday, even if the Feds never formally acknowledge it as one. And, whenever there's a holiday, there will always be an appropriately themed holiday 5K run to support it. For the Detroit region, our premiere Super Bowl 5K run - the " Super 5K " - is annually hosted by our friends at RF Events . Lace up the shoes, burn some pregame calories, and earn that spot on the couch! 5. Explore Your State Parks with Expedition Detroit ! All February   | 11 Michigan State Parks and Recreation Areas From winter wonderland bliss to frozen arctic tundra, for us at Expedition Detroit , it doesn't matter what crazy weather February may throw at us. We'll keep leading our top-rated guided trip s across the Detroit region's most beautiful state parks , and we hope that you'll join us! This February, we are planning a select offering of guided hiking , snowshoeing , and night hiking day trips throughout Metro Detroit. For anyone interested in our guided snowshoe treks, note that we offer no-risk reservation transfer options  for any treks that are cancelled due to conditions. In other words, we GUARANTEE that you will enjoy a world-class experience in Detroit's oudoors! The Expedition Detroit  team is proud to represent the Michigan DNR's largest commercial provider  of guided hikes, backpacking expeditions, wildlife viewing tours, and snowshoe tours and rentals 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 . P.S. Subscribers to our content  get discounts on our guided trips AND online store  items... NEW! Premium Snowshoe Rentals near Detroit for Winter 2026 Photo courtesy of Brigham Health Hub 6. Embrace the WTF Life at Winter Trail Fest 2026 February 14th | Island Lake State Recreation Area | 10:30 a.m. Freezing temperatures. Snow-covered trails. Half-marathon trail racing event. If at least one of these descriptors gave you a "WTF?" sentiment coupled with curiosity, then congratulations - you've found your perfect mid-winter racing event! If logging serious miles in the dead of winter is moderately appealing to you, then we strongly encourage joining the off-season running faithful at the the fourth annual " Winter Trail Fest . " This year's edition goes beyond Winter Trail Fest's famous half-marathon or 5-mile race events, adding half-marathon and 5 miles " Ruck Races " too. Bonus points if you also join in June's " Summer Trail Fest Ultra and Half Marathon ," appropriately acronymed "STFU," or March's "west side" "WTF" event, through the new " WTF-STFU 2026 Bundle ." Photo courtesy of Video Vision 360 7. Feel the Love at Cupid's Undie Run February 14th | Detroit, Michigan | 12 p.m. You really didn't think we'd publish this "Events Article" without a Valentine's Day themed race, did you..? Oh, and we found a good one. Strip down and feel the love (while probably going numb) at the " Cupid's Undie Run " through Downtown Detroit ! Join thousands of runners in cities all across the U.S. to support patients affected by neurofibromatosis, a genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body and affects 1 in every 3,000 births. The run appropriately starts with ample drinking and dancing to warm up, followed by a mile(ish) run in your best undies, before concluding with an epic dance party at the finish line. 8. Ski under Candlelight at a Special Winter Trails Event February 14th | Metamora-Hadley State Recreation Area | 6:30 p.m.    Head over to Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area to experience one of this winter's most unique recreational events! The Michigan DNR invites you to cross-country ski (or snowshoe) a groomed trail through the park, but illuminated by candles at night . Then warm up by the fire with a refreshment. If there is a lack of snow, this will convert into a hiking event. This event is open to all ages. Bring your cross-country skis or snowshoes ( skis and snowshoes will not be available to borrow or rent ). Dress for the weather. No advanced registration required. Photo courtesy of runABC 9. Run Off the Cold with a Frosty 5K February 21st   | Milford, Michigan | 10 a.m.  As much as we love winter's cold - and take advantage of every opportunity that we can to #OptOutside during Detroit's coldest, darkest months - we must admit that winter can take its toll. Especially when it comes to gearing up for the 2025 racing season. If this sounds like you, then we invite to you LACE UP with us for a " Frosty 5K " in Milford ! We're joining forces with our #ExpeditionPartner Running Venture in encouraging the Detroit region to run off the cold in a community-focused 5K. All race participants will receive a custom winter beanie, finisher medal, and complimentary refreshments. The Frosty 5K is also the first installation of Running Venture's NEW " Run Milford " Series! This 4-race bundle provides a 20% discount on ALL races covering the entirety of the 2026 events calendar. We'll be promoting the Run Milford Series throughout this year, so stay tuned for more racing content as 2026 progresses! SAVE 15% ON YOUR RACE REGISTRATION WITH CODE " 15EXPDET26 "! Photo courtesy of Vail Resorts Management Company 10. Light Up the Night at Dew After Dark February 27th   |  Mt. Brighton Ski Area   | 5 p.m. Back for its second year, the team at Mt. Brighton  will be lighting up its terrain park with their epic " Dew After Dark " freestyle event! Beyond fully-lit jumps, rails, and slopes, Dew After Dark will feature MTN DEW samples, exclusive Dew After Dark swag, "Rail Jam," live music, glow sticks, and the good vibes that you can only expect at Mt. Brighton . Keeping with the holiday spirit, we couldn't pass up an opportunity to tell you all - our growing, dynamic community - how much we love and appreciate you. Wishing you nothing but the best for this month and rest of the 2026 wi nter season. And, as always, we can’t wait to see you out one, two, or all of these events! 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.

Happy New Year, Detroit!! Now that 2026 has FINALLY arrived, here are the Expedition Detroit team's top " New Year's resolutions " to accomplish in Detroit's outdoors this year, covering the most ambitious, exciting, and rewarding experiences that the Detroit region has to offer. There's a simple beauty to the start of a new year. Like a skier ready to drop into a pristine powder run, or a paddler launching into perfectly still water. And for so many New Year adventurers, establishing a few ambitious new year "Outdoor Resolutions" can provide the framework for plotting a route through the wilderness of opportunity that is a 2026 spent in the Detroit region's outdoors. I'm far from being alone in looking forward to setting new goals for a new year. In fact, the " New Year's Outdoor Resolutions " social trend is so widespread that there's a growing body of research regarding the science of accomplishing or failing to achieve such goals. The TL;DR summary of the research is that successful outdoor New Year's Resolutions typically consist of the following characteristics: Specific or well-defined ( e.g., "Train for and run a marathon " vs. "Exercise more" ) Framed in positive, actionable terms ( e.g., "Eat more broccoli" vs. "Stop eating Big Macs" ) Focused on the goal-setter's own, individual interests ( vs. societal, familial, or work-place expectations ) Keeping these traits in mind, the Expedition Detroit team has curated this list of 10 specific, ambitious, actionable, and rewarding New Year "Outdoor Resolutions" to be accomplished over the next 12 months . Spoiler alert , each of these resolutions directly involve world-class experiences in the Detroit region's outdoors. But these aren't just any experiences - completing any of these goals could easily stand out as your " Outdoor Highlight of 2026. " Oh, and as a little New Year surprise, we've included a special offering below regarding our 2026 guided trips offerings ..! Here are the top 10 New Year " Outdoor Resolutions " that we will be striving for this year: 1. Ski or Ride ALL of the Big Four Resorts Mt. Brighton, Alpine Valley, Mt. Holly, and Pine Knob Ski Resorts | Skiing or riding down the slopes of each of Detroit's pristine "Big Four" ski resorts Don't let today's spring weather fool you - each and every new year for us in Detroit begins in January , during the dead of winter, within a northern climate. Lasting now will return , hopefully sooner than later, and while our backcountry skiing aspirations will be on hold for a bit, Detroit's "Big Four" ski and snowboard resorts are up and running! In line with our recently updated article on the "Big Four" ski resorts, each of these resorts have special attributes that make them well worth a visit over the next few wintry months. Alpine Valley provides a full-service mountain within a stone's throw of the Detroit region's best hiking, paddling, and mountain biking destinations. Mt. Brighton has state-of-the-art facilities and direct connections to world-class ski resorts around the country. Mt. Holly provides skiers and riders with Up North-caliber vertical terrain. And Pine Knob packs the largest adrenaline punch for our resident terrain park junkies. Those are just the 30,000 ft. highlights; to get the full experience, take on all four mountains this season and rediscover your love for our local runs ! Look for us on the chairlift. 2. Complete a Century Ride across the Detroit Region Southeast Michigan | Complete a "Century" 100 Mile Bike Ride from On most bucket lists, " Running a Marathon " tends to wear the crown as the top fitness-related goal to be accomplished during one's lifetime. We get it - running a marathon is undoubtedly an ambitious, hard-fought, and life-changing achievement. One that consumes most of a year just in the preparation for race day. Love the idea of running a marathon, but not a huge fan of the running part? We've got great news for you: biking a 100-mile "century" is often viewed as just as challenging and rewarding of an experience , but without the high impact, intense muscle shock, and greater recovery time . With the explosion of interest in gravel biking in recent years across the Detroit region, it's only a matter of time before large, well-organized gravel biking races will annually occur across southeast Michigan's growing trail network. For now, completing a century will most likely consist of a self-guided, herculean effort. That's where we come in. Linked here is our recommended " Expedition Century Ride " across the northwestern rim of the Detroit region. Navigating from Richmond to Munith, this ride follows the " Great Lake to Lake Route 1 " trail along the following connected trails: Macomb Orchard Trail ( ride begins at eastern trailhead ) Clinton River Trail West Bloomfield Trail Michigan Airline Trail Huron Valley Trail Kensington Connector Trail Island Lake Pathway Fieldcrest Pathway Mike Levin Lakelands Trail State Park ( ride ends along trail near Munith Community Park ) For a more challenging experience, start at the Richmond trailhead and continue southwest towards Munith. For the most challenging experience, start at either trailhead - and then ride it back once you reach the other. 3. Paddle the Entirety of the Huron River National Water Trail Proud Lake State Recreation Area to Lake Erie Metropark |  Multi-day canoe camping adventure along the Detroit Region's longest water trail While we at Expedition Detroit have written extensively on the beauty of the Huron River - especially during peak fall colors - the true blessing of the river is that it provides an endlessly flowing supply of recreational opportunities. Day paddles, fishing, wildlife viewing, hiking, biking, camping, hunting along its banks...if you can dream it, chances are the Huron will provide an opportunity to experience it. In spite of these incredible activities, we must give credit where credit's due and crown the most adventuresome, comprehensive, and awe-inspiring endeavor that one can pursue on the Huron: Thru-paddling the entirety of the Huron River National Water Trail's 104-mile route . Launching at the headwaters of Proud Lake , the official water trail route guides paddlers through several of the Detroit region's idyllic parks and quintessential trail towns along the journey to Lake Erie. Milford , Dexter , Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and Flat Rock are the trail's official "Water Trail Towns," although the trail provides for ample exploration opportunities throughout the Huron-Clinton Metroparks , state recreation areas, and other destinations that encompass its surroundings. There are four official canoe campgrounds along the water trail: Kensington Metropark (appropriately located off of Group Camp Rd.), Island Lake State Recreation Area , Hudson Mills Metropark, and Lower Huron Metropark. As the above map shows, there is quite a stretch between the Hudson Mills and Lower Huron campgrounds - a 38.7 mile stretch. A previous expedition camped at a "secret campground" location referred to as "Superior Pond" to break up this segment, but we are unsure whether this pre-approved "campground" was located on private property. We'll dig a little deeper into that detail, but for the time being, we would advise maybe breaking up that segment with a night spent in Ann Arbor or Ypsilanti. A proper beer , burger, and bed rarely hurt anyone. As a bonus perk of completing the thru-paddle, you will earn access into the Huron River Watershed Council's "Huron104" Trail Registry . Huron104 lists the names of each successful adventurer that has completed at least 100 distinct miles of the water trail within a calendar year. As of the date of this article, the registry lists only 53 names - and only three were added to that list in 2025. Is that a comprehensive list of everyone who has completed the trail from point-to-point? Probably not, but it's hard to imagine a better way to add an adventuresome exclamation to this year than joining such an exclusive club. 4. Ride the Century Challenge during the Milford Bike Fest Milford, Michigan | Completing a 100 Mile Challenge at Michigan's Quintessential Mountain Biking Festival Call us jaded, but our taste for adventure drifts subconsciously towards the extreme. The experiences that push our bodies to the limit, demand more energy than we thought we were capable of delivering, and leave us with a newfound appreciation for what the human body is capable of. Several of these resolutions fit into that genre of adventure, but I have to be completely transparent: just the thought of taking on the Milford Bike Fest's " Century Challenge " makes my palms sweat ( sorry, keyboard ). The MCMBA-sponsored Milford Bike Fest is, at its core, a celebration of southeast Michigan's mountain biking community. The festival occurs in Milford because of the trail town's central location to five world-class single track mountain biking trails, including the top-tier Highland A-B-C-D loops . While the festival comes complete with live music, complementary drinks, food discounts, and hundreds of your new favorite riding buddies, everyone knows that the main draw of the festival is the Century Challenge . Here's the challenge: completing a mountain biking ride that covers THE ENTIRETY of all five trail systems that are readily accessible from Downtown Milford over a distance of at least 100 miles. These include the Milford Trail, Highland State Recreation Area , Hickory Glen, Proud Lake State Recreation Area/the Kensington Connector , and Island Lake State Recreation Area . I have biked each of these trail systems independently, and each one packs one hell of a punch. So, the thought of conquering all five in a single day ...yeah, that's definitely one way to earn a post-ride beer! We're crazy enough to give it a go. Please, comrades, join us on this odyssey! 5. Conquer ALL of Detroit's Black Diamond Trails Bald Mountain, Brighton, and Highland State Recreation Areas | Hiking - or trail running - the trinity of the Detroit region's most difficult trails When it comes to hiking trails, not all trails are created equal. That's a good thing - you wouldn't want to take someone making their first steps towards a lifelong fitness journey on a summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro . Such an endeavor would likely kill their drive to ever set foot on a trail again ( or just to ever hike with you again ). The same concept holds true for our local hiking trails. Here at Expedition Detroit , we have already covered our area's top-ranked trails for every genre of hiker. We have also wrote about our most accessible trails for venturing out on a night hike . But for this special article - the shoot-for-the-moon "New Year's Resolutions" article - we're aiming for our three toughest, steepest, and most challenging trails: our three "Black Diamond" rated-trails at Bald Mountain, Brighton, and Highland State Recreation Areas. We wrote a feature on these trails in the past, so we won't recreate the wheel now. What I will state here though is that completing this triple crown of Detroit hiking is no easy feat: the combined stats of these trails are 1,560 feet of elevation gain over 37.6 miles of Southeast Michigan's most rugged, variable, punishing, yet beautiful terrain. As of the end of 2025, we have been able to complete the Bald Mountain and Highland trail systems. So for 2026, conquering Brighton is a very high priority . Who knows, we may go crazy and try to knock out all three trails in a single day...stay tuned my friends. Stay tuned. CONQUER HIGHLAND'S A-B-C-D LOOPS WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT 6. Cross the Gordie Howe International Bridge and Bike the Trans Canada Trail in Windsor Windsor, Ontario | Crossing the Gordie Howe Bridge and exploring the extensive trail system located south of the border In one of our earliest articles, we made a prediction that Detroit will claim its place as the international trails capital of North America . Yes, the State of Michigan's immense investment in trail infrastructure as part of its campaign for Michigan to earn recognition as our nation's " Trails State " has facilitated immense momentum for our city's outdoor recreation economy. Our Canadian cousins have undeniably acted as pioneers in this space: the Trans Canada Trail , the longest recreational trail network in the world covering over 15,000 miles, extends directly to Windsor’s Riverfront Trail . Will we ever trek across all of the TCT's 15,000 miles, completing an epic journey from the Atlantic waves of St. John's Island to the icebergs of the Northwest Territories? Eh, probably not in this lifetime. THAT BEING SAID, in 2026, U.S.-based Detroit region residents will FINALLY HAVE A DIRECT TRAIL LINK to the 15.5 miles of the Trans Canada Trail that stretch across Windsor's northern shores! This beautiful segment of the TCT includes the stunning Windsor Riverfront Trail, Malden Park, and Ojibway Prairie Provincial Nature Preserve. We can't wait for the opportunity to bike, hike, or run seamlessly from Detroit's greenways to Windsor's trails! 7. Visit Every "County Park" in your Home County Throughout the Detroit Region | Exploring every "County Park" in either Livingston, Monroe, Oakland, Washtenaw, or Wayne Counties Across the Expedition Detroit platform, we've largely publicized our region's Michigan State Parks and Huron-Clinton Metroparks as world-class destinations. That's for good reason, too: our State Parks and Metroparks are not only indescribably beautiful, but pristine destinations for year-round recreation and adventure. Our region is also blessed with a handful of national parks, but there's another, prolific category of parks. One that often gets overlooked in light of the foregoing. In 2026, we're excited to FINALLY shine the Expedition Detroit spotlight on our resident county parks - especially the extensive systems within Oakland , Washtenaw , and Wayne Counties. Special shoutout to our friend Brendan Freeman at Shades of the Outdoors for inspiring this challenge with his conquest of the Washtenaw County Parks during 2025. 8. Run the Detroit Free Press Marathon (or its other events) Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario | Running in our region's hallmark race across two international border crossings We've said it once, twice, and will say it proudly a million times more: the Detroit Free Press Marathon is the crown jewel in the treasure trove of Detroit's outdoor events calendar . The race embodies everything that we love about our region's outdoors: breath-taking views from the Ambassador Bridge, international fraternization along the Windsor and Detroit riverfronts, and heartwarming, encouraging interactions with Detroiters and Windsorites throughout the event. Yes, we are generally more pro-trail running than road running . However, the Detroit Free Press Marathon will forever lure us back on an annual pilgrimage to the concrete labyrinth of Detroit's core routes . We emphatically urge you to join us in this amazing, heart (and lung)-pounding race that briefly turns the attention of the international running community towards our great city . In 2025, Team Expedition Detroit was proud to FINALLY cross the 26.2 miles off of its bucket list. The Detroit Free Press Marathon is consistently ranked as one of the best marathons in the United States, including the official designation of THE " Best Marathon in the U.S. " for 2025. However, due to the race's popularity, its main two events - the Full Marathon and International Half Marathon - have ALREADY SOLD OUT for 2026. Seriously. Fortunately, the Detroit Free Press Marathon weekend has several concurrent events during "marathon weekend" which are still available for registration. Team Expedition Detroit will be running the "International Wonder" series, which includes the 1 Mile, 5K, and International Half Marathon events. We strongly encourage you to REGISTER TODAY for the remaining events, and we'll see you at the starting corrals next October! 9. Actively (or Passively) Support Conservation Throughout the Detroit Region | Proactively supporting the conservation of our natural resources through hunting or simply buying a hunting license Here's an uncomfortable truth for some recreationists: in our sprawling suburban ecosystem, hunting and fishing are vital to the DNR's ongoing conservation efforts . Rapid deer population growth has unleashed mayhem on southeast Michigan's habitat sustainability, vehicular safety, and the environmental longevity of the Great Lakes region. Add in the material detriment of decreasing hunting and fishing license sales on the DNR's annual budget , the net result is that our developed region can't afford to lose its hunters and anglers. While we strongly encourage anyone looking to lead a more environmentally-conscious lifestyle to consider actively supporting conservation by hunting or fishing in 2026, we adamantly argue that all ethical outdoor recreationists should purchase a hunting and/or fishing license . The DNR desperately needs our participation in its greater conservation mission to properly care for the outdoor spaces that we love. Actively hunting or fishing gets you in the game, but even just purchasing a license - with no intention of hunting or fishing - will provide the DNR with revenue to reinvest into the sustainability of our wilderness. Easily the best $20 you'll spend this year. Expedition Detroit proudly supports the Michigan Wildlife Council 10. Fully Embrace an Outdoor-Centric Lifestyle Throughout Southeast Michigan | Learning to incorporate the benefits of the outdoors into everyday life - no matter the season If you are able to accomplish only one outdoor New Year's resolution in 2026, we sincerely hope it's this one: to incorporate the benefits of Detroit's outdoors into your everyday life. You read that correctly, everyday life. Rain or shine. Hot or cold. Light or dark . The full spectrum of our outdoor ecosystem. The Norwegians have perfected this approach to an outdoor-centric lifestyle - their word for it, both a noun and verb, is " Friluftsliv ." By prioritizing friluftsliv's "get outdoors, every day, no matter what" lifestyle, Norway experienced a fundamental cultural transformation that has resulted in improved mental health, the good standard of societal fitness levels, and the prioritization of environmental conservation. The best part about this " friluftsliv resolution" is the least physically-demanding resolution on this list - just spending any amount of time in nature counts as a successful friluftsliv outing. The difficult aspect of this goal, as with any truly transformative goal, is consistency . If your 2026 New Year "Outdoor Resolutions" include common - yet transformative - goals like "spending more time outdoors" or "exercising more," then we have the PERFECT opportunity for you: the Expedition Detroit "Ultimate Flex Plan "! The Ultimate Flex Plan is not only our latest guided trip package offering , but resulted from the direct input from our most experienced and passionate guided trip participants. As the name suggests, this plan is geared towards anyone who identifies with the following characteristics: You love exploring your local outdoors You love low-impact exercise You love boosting your mental health You love fulfilling promises made to yourself You love the flexibility of being able to choose your own adventure You love paying a low price for a lifetime of experiences If we just described YOU, then we strongly encourage you to check out Expedition Detroit's "Ultimate Flex Plan" and start your transformative journey TODAY! Before signing off on this article and getting a jump on these resolutions, we also formally want to invite you to join us on each and every one of these goals. Another less-known characteristic of successful goal-setting is accountability . Well, this article is our team's public accountability notice. We fully intended on accomplishing each of these New Year's Resolutions, and we hope to see you on the trail, in the river, or across the finish line. Happy New Year, Expedition Detroit community! As always, we can't wait to see you out there.

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 tha t 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. Photo courtesy of Hunting Network, LLC 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. Photo courtesy of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy 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! Photo courtesy of Huntington Place 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. Photo courtesy of UltraSignup.com 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 the ir 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 Photo courtesy of Vail Resorts Management Company 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 e xclusively 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 wo uld 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.

Embrace your "Winter Arc," Detroit! Here are the core health benefits that you can obtain from cold weather exercise this winter , including our top recommendations for experiencing new activities in the Detroit region's world-class outdoors. You can always smell it first. Long before the Detroit region's trails and forests become adorned in white, or even the first frost glistens across an open field. Several weeks prior to the industrial activation of a chair lift or searching the garage for your snowshoes. Sometime in mid- to late-fall, without fail, a rouge gust of wind brings a crisp smell that alerts all of the senses to an undeniable fact: winter is coming . For some of our local residents , that gust provides an early warning call to get out of dodge. A signal to vacate the outdoors and follow the birds south to warmer climates. For others - our favorite cohort of recreationist - winter's arrival means the unlocking of one of the Detroit region's greatest assets. The unboxing of nature's greatest restorative gift. The illusive "fourth season" that nearly all Michiganders boast about in their reasons for living in the mitten, yet so few actual seem to love. For me personally , winter in Detroit is my favorite season for countless reasons. Beyond the beauty of fresh snowfall across our local parks, winter brings out a sense of adventure unmatched in any other season. From the absence of crowds (and bugs) to the novelty of marking fresh tracks on a favorite trail or ski run, winter's bounty remains our region's most undervalued recreational asset. This article goes beyond my personal affinity for the coldest months of the year. Here, Team Expedition Detroit advocates for why winter should be every outdoor enthusiast's favorite season due to the unique physical AND mental health benefits of cold weather exercise. Better yet, we even tack on our favorite winter past times. Embrace your "Winter Arc," Detroit. We'll see you on the trails. HEAT UP THE COLD : Physical Benefits of Cold Weather Exercise During the warmer months of the year, participants on Expedition Detroit's guided tours have consistently inquired about one aspect of our operations: " When do you guys stop operating for the year? " They're typically shocked at my response. " Oh, we don't stop. We operate year-round. In fact, our cold weather hikes are actually the best for you. " A few seconds of blank stares is typically the final response before a topic change. But just to reiterate, that's not just our subjective belief. Research from reputable health institutions like Harvard Medical School and Aston University dogmatically back up our stance. Here are physical health benefits of cold weather exercise vs. indoor - or even warm weather - exercise: Enhanced Endurance Cold weather exercise can supercharge endurance capacity compared to identical warm weather exercise since the colder temperatures reduce your heart rate and sweat production, therefore allowing you to exercise more efficiently. Fat-Burning Capability Exercising in cold weather can transform "white fat," specifically belly and thigh fat, into calorie-burning brown fat. Sunlight Exposure Cold weather outdoor exercise - even in overcast conditions - still provides much-needed sunlight exposure vs. indoor exercise. Boosted Immunity Cold weather exercise not only helps you fight off any symptoms of a cold or flu, but reduces the likelihood of infection. Cross-Training Opportunities The variable of conditions found during winter means that cold weather exercise provides unmatched opportunities for cross-training different muscle groups through a variety of exercises. On a personal level, one of the intangible benefits of founding this company back in 2022 has been the near-absence of "sick days" that I've experienced since then - especially during "cold and flu season." I whole-heartedly attribute the cold weather exercise inherent to leading guided hiking trips and snowshoe tours across the Detroit region's Michigan State Parks to this health trend. And on behalf of our team, I invite you to experience the same with Expedition Detroit as you kick off - or maintain - your "Winter Arc" fitness goals in the new year. EMBRACE THE CHILL : Mental Health Benefits of Cold Weather Exercise Cold weather exercise in the Detroit region comes with a certain super-charged, X-factor too: it's fantastic for your mental health. Why? Starting with the obvious, because it gets really, really cold around these parts. And dark. And gray. Basically, it gets very inhospitable, very quickly, for your average fair weather explorer. If that sounds counter-intuitive, you're not wrong. Those conditions prompt more than half of Americans to become less active during the winter months. Unsurprisingly, most Americans' mental health also plummets during this time of year. Seasonal Affective Disorder ("SAD") especially runs rampant during this time of year, stemming largely from reduced sunlight, serotonin irregularities, social isolation from time spent indoors, and lower Vitamin D levels. As those who suffer from SAD are painfully aware, the condition can quickly spiral and compound on itself; symptoms of the disorder include loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities as well as decreased energy and fatigue, therefore making the infliction increasingly more difficult to treat. While medical professionals are still assessing how to effectively treat disorders like SAD, one commonly heralded " best practice " for mitigating - or altogether avoiding - the condition includes cold weather exercise. Medical studies have supported that exercising in nature "actually increases the levels of dopamine, serotonin, and natural endorphins that are released through the body,” says Dr. Morgan Busko of New York-Presbyterian Westchester, a sports medicine physician. Research has even shown that doing exercise in nature can help improve cognitive performance. As we've covered before , cold weather exercise also provides an excellent opportunity to strengthen your mental resiliency . Consistently encountering - and overcoming - the discomfort of a Detroit winter will gradually normalize facing and conquering adversity. Beyond fortifying your capacity to recreate in all conditions, increased resiliency provides compounding benefits like improved self-esteem, confidence, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Here are three ways that you could introduce resiliency into your wintertime recreational agenda: TAKE ICE BATHS. Yes, believe the hype that you've seen all over social media. Taking regular ice baths (i.e., at least 11 minutes per week) have been purported to reduce inflammation and swelling, boost your mood, relieve sore muscles, aid in recovery, support immunity, and generally improve mental health.* CAMP OUTDOORS. Camping season does not end during the warmer months. In fact, simply sleeping outside throughout the year has proven to improve immune system functionality and speed up metabolic rates. During winter, studies show that continuing to camp in cold conditions helps reduce inflammation, improve our brain's cognitive functionality, and further increase metabolism as the body burns more fat to keep warm. LEARN A NEW SPORT. When the snow starts falling and the ice freezes over, a whole new wintry world of outdoor recreation comes alive. The Detroit region provides ample, beginner-friendly terrain for adventure athletes of all genres to learn, hone, and pursue mastery in novel recreational fields. Better yet, the act of acquiring a new skillset has been proven to diminish the onset of dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and other memory-affecting ailments. When it comes to "learning a new sport," here are Expedition Detroit's field-tested recommendations for this Winter 2025-26 season. GET OUT THERE: Expedition Detroit's 5 "Go-To Activities" for Cold Weather Exercise The beauty of cold weather exercise is found in its spectrum of variety. Yes, you can absolutely continue trail running or hiking in most cold weather conditions. But especially when the snow gods start unleashing their bounty of blessings across the Detroit region, new opportunities await that simply do not exist during most of the recreational year. These "Go-To Activities" highlight unique opportunities for cold weather recreation found only within northern climates like Metro Detroit . We hope they inspire your next snow day adventure. 1. Downhill Skiing or Snowboarding | Best for Action Athletes and Adrenaline Junkies Did you know that Michigan has the second-most ski resorts of any U.S. state? Better yet, we have FOUR beloved ski resorts located within an hour's drive of Downtown Detroit. Even better still , each of Detroit's " Big Four Ski Resorts " are OPEN for the 2025-26 season, and currently have better skiing and riding conditions than most resorts in the mountain west. Why should you consider skiing or snowboarding this winter? Oh boy ...where to even begin. Beyond the phenomenal exercise that skiing and snowboarding provides for your legs, core, and even arms/shoulders for skiers, these sports are BY FAR the most exhilarating for speed hounds and adrenaline junkies. These sports are also the most appealing for every experience level, seeing as each of the "Big Four" ski resorts near Detroit feature terrain suitable for first timers to seasoned pros. 2.   Snowshoeing |    Best for Deep Powder Exploration When the powder starts piling, it's time to bust out the snowshoes . We're talking at least 6 inches or more of compiled snowfall in order to fully capitalize on snowshoeing's efficacy of traveling across snow-covered terrain. The main benefit of snowshoes vs. hiking boots involves its " flotation " capacity, meaning snowshoes spread your weight evenly over a large, flat surface area to avoid sinking in or struggling through deep snow. Snowshoeing attracts most winter recreationists due to the minimal amount of equipment required, the relative affordability of that equipment, and the negligible amount of skill required for proficiency on snowshoes. Beyond obviously acquiring a sturdy pair of snowshoes, we strongly recommend acquiring multi-sport trekking poles for additional stability. Always remember to dress appropriately  for the conditions, especially when snowshoeing. Best practices are to start "slightly cold" at the trailhead, seeing as your body temperature will warm up dramatically as you engage the trail. You will burn noticeably more calories snowshoeing vs. hiking , especially given the additional weight on your feet. BOOK A GUIDED SNOWSHOE TOUR WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT! 3.   CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING |    Best for Long Distance Trail Expeditions and Cardio Fanatics In case you haven't heard, the Detroit region's rolling topography - especially along its outer rim along the Jackson Interlobate Range - has made Southeast Michigan a cross-country skier's paradise for over a century. Most of our region's first trail systems were built specifically for cross-country skiing. Huron Meadows Metropark even maintains both skate-style and classically groomed cross-country ski trails, covering more than 15 miles of trails groomed for tracked, classic skiing and more than 11 miles of trails groomed for skate-style skiing on moderate terrain with rolling hills. Why should you consider cross-country skiing, especially in relation to downhill skiing? While both exercises provide a great workout, cross-country skiing offers a low-impact, joint-friendly, yet heart-pounding cardio workout that's an ideal off-season pairing for runners and cyclists. Cross-country skiing, with its narrow skis and gliding stance , challenges balance, builds lateral stability in the hips, all while strengthening your arms, legs, and core. Cross-country skiers that ski at least 60 minutes per week during the winter can even benefit from cited reduced risk of heart attacks, development of type 2 diabetes, stroke, and developing high blood pressure. 4.   Late Season Hunting |     Best for Conservation and Deep Woods Contemplation Hold up - a hunting activity in a winter-themed article? That's right, Detroit region residents. Due to our over-abundance of whitetail deer, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has specifically created special extended hunting periods that last until the end of January for our local hunters. In fact, the DNR is practically begging for hunters to stay out in the field and focus their efforts on harvesting a doe. Beyond vitally aiding in our state's wildlife conservation efforts , there are non-game taking rationales for keeping the camo out of storage for the next month and a half. With regard to physical exercise, any successful hunter can attest to the feat of strength that accommodates retrieving a harvested whitetail. However, Expedition Detroit is a firm believer that the main benefit of hunting stems from the mental aspects of the activity - especially during the winter months . Beyond the resiliency required to sit in the stand in sub-freezing temperatures, the ethereal sensations of watching the sun rise and set over a snow-glistened landscape, silently and purposefully observing the natural world around you, and all while trying to minimize your influence on your natural environment - until a pivotal moment - provides a grounding and primal experience that all outdoor enthusiasts should enjoy. 5.   Hiking and Running |     Best for Thawing and Lighter-Snow Conditions We believe it was Confucius who first penned the ancient proverb, " If it ain't broke, don't fix it. " Alright. It was definitely not Confucius. Regardless, the concept absolutely applies when it comes to continuing your hiking and trail running cold weather exercises all winter long! Even the most passionate winter aficionados know that not all conditions are created equal. For example, as I type these words, it's currently ~50ºF outside in Metro Detroit. The foot+ of snow that had blanketed the Detroit region a week ago is rapidly melting, knocking out at least two of the five activities listed here. That's the primary benefit of hiking and running throughout winter: it's almost always an option, especially hiking. There's no off-season for the Detroit region's trails, so even when the snow is a no-show, you can always lace up the boots or sneakers for an outdoor adventure. Better yet, you can always book a guided outdoor experience with yours truly. BOOK A GUIDED WINTER HIKE WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT This article serves as an opinion piece to educate but should not be used as direct medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional(s) before making changes to your medications, diet, or physical activity habits. *Note : Medical experts recommend avoiding ice baths if you have a history of heart problems.

With the arrival of the "offseason" for Detroit's running community, now is the perfect time to implement a strength training into your endurance regimen! Here are Team Expedition Detroit's 5 best strength training exercises for runners - complete with verified results. It started at Mile 8. A slight discomfort just outside of my right knee that quietly made its presence known as my run neared Proud Lake's Organizational Campground . Each stride along that long straightaway provided plenty of time for self-assessment. "Is my pace too fast?" Definitely - I was moving roughly 45 seconds per mile faster than my target long-run pace. Time to slow down. " Am I striking incorrectly?" Nope, strike placement seemed fine. Just needed to keep landing intentionally. " Okay, maybe I just need a quick stretching break. No big deal. " I utilized the boulders at the edge of the campground to implement a thorough mid-run stretch. None of these assessments mattered. By Mile 9, this noticeable discomfort had progressed to objective pain. By Mile 10 the pain felt like a knife digging into my knee. The limping started shortly thereafter. Long run: over. The extent of my injury - acute medial meniscal discomfort due to overtraining and under recovery - became evident over the coming days. After nearly a full season of high-performing races and long runs, including a mid-season Kilimanjaro summit for some extra flair, I was now humbled to a mere 1 mile run before severe pain flared up again. I opted for two full weeks of rest in a last-ditch effort to preserve my Detroit Free Press Marathon aspirations. The net benefit of that rest? I could now run a whopping 1. 25 miles without pain. Great . My 2024 marathon dreams were objectively crushed, and as the jubilant headlines and social media posts flooded the Expedition Detroit feed, I was left licking my wounds and wondering which micro-decisions led to this ultimate failure. KNOWLEDGE IS POWER: Recovery Starts with Assessment

Written by Dr. Eric Reilly, here we thoroughly examine one of the most pressing health risks in the Detroit region - chronic physical inactivity - and the profound medical benefits of hiking your favorite trails! This Halloween, I wanted to share a true tale of terror that haunts the Detroit area’s medical community . A silent killer that moves undetected through each of its neighborhoods. A verifiable infliction that thrives within its host for years before it rears its ugly head. No, this isn’t a virus, parasite, or a mutated variant of the cordyceps fungus. This killer is chronic physical inactivity , and it’s running rampant throughout North America – and particularly in the Detroit region. THE VULNERABILITY OF THE DETROIT REGION This should hopefully not come as a surprise, but remaining active and exercising regularly is paramount in protecting your health . Regardless of your demographic, and especially in the Detroit region. Why? Because in terms of Metro Detroit's personal health, the deck is most likely stacked against us. For starters, our modern work schedules and physically latent jobs make active lifestyles immensely difficult to prioritize . The average working adult in the United States works 34.6 hours per week and the average commute in Metro Detroit is 55.2 minutes round trip. Crunching the numbers, it’s fair to estimate the average working adult in Metro Detroit spends roughly 32% of their awake time at work, allotting for 8 generous hours of sleep. However, it isn’t just the time spent at work, but also the type of work which plays a major role in one’s health. Some studies suggest sedentary occupations have high occurrences of heart attacks, strokes, and premature death. Even when away from the office, work and life in general can be mentally taxing. To cope with mental stressors, individuals may make poor food choices and adopt idle home habits, which can exacerbate negative health outcomes. Within the Detroit region, this particular issue is compounded since many areas fall into a “ Food Swamp ” classification, defined as communities that often have high-calorie, low-cost food options – in addition to financial constraints. Stated differently, Food Swamp conditions typically cause healthier food options to remain scarce or beyond the budget. As a result of these factors, mass routines of dormancy have spread a “physical inactivity epidemic” that is wreaking havoc across Michigan. Physical inactivity is one of the leading causes of common diseases such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, atherosclerosis, and heart disease. When uncontrolled, conditions such as diabetes can lead to serious ailments such as kidney failure, loss of limbs, and heart attacks. Nearly 25% of Michigan residents do not exercise monthly, 35.1% have high blood pressure , 34.7% are obese, 11.7% have diabetes, and 29% of all deaths are from cardiovascular disease . PITFALLS OF OVER-THE-COUNTER SHORTCUTS One could reasonably assume that simply taking medication will solve their medical problems, but medications alone may not fix the cause - and can have debilitating side effects. For example, common medications for high blood pressure cause the blood pressure to appear lower, but the underlying disease often still exists. Such medications can act as a short-cut for symptom management, but one should consider making long term changes – such as diet and exercise – to help reverse the disease. Just like on the trail, shortcuts in medicine can be dangerous. Without proper long-term disease management, the damage can compound and high blood pressure can lead to kidney failure, stroke, heart failure, and even death. While standard practices like surgery can solve some physical problems, all surgeries have risks and those risks grow exponentially when a patient presents with severe underlying conditions or disease. For example, obese patients undergoing surgery have higher risks of developing infections, kidney failure, blood clots, and unplanned hospital readmissions. If an obese patient is taking a GLP-1 agonist, they have increased risks of perioperative aspiration which can result in respiratory failure and death. One may assume the increased risks would lead to less surgery in obese patients but, to the contrary, the chances of having a knee replacement are 8 times higher for patients with a BMI over 30, and 28 times higher for a BMI over 35. Clearly, the safest journey through life is one which minimizes disease burden and the need for medical treatment. By preventing common diseases, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, one can reduce the risk of severe complications such as strokes, heart attacks, and kidney failure. Luckily, an easy and affordable way to help prevent and reverse common disease is through physical activity – such as hiking around Metro Detroit! TRAIL THERAPY FOR PHYSICAL LONGEVITY Now that we’ve hopefully scared any inactivity right out of you, let’s shift this article’s focus to how important physical activity is in preserving one’s quality and longevity of life. Better yet, let’s utilize a practical example to illustrate how you can incorporate a methodical approach to physical exercise into your recreational passions: hiking Island Lake Recreation Area’s Yellow Trail Loop . The Yellow Trail Loop is a 40 minute drive from downtown Detroit and spans 5.5 miles with 278 feet of elevation gain, which is enough of a hike to get anyone’s heart pumping. But, what does that exercise do? For starters, the average person burns roughly 100 calories for every mile walked. With elevation considered, walking this trail could burn roughly 500-700 calories. Regular exercise and aerobic activities - like hiking the Yellow Trail Loop - can provide phenomenal health benefits over a lifetime. Such a trail-centric lifestyle can cut the risk of coronary heart disease in half, lower blood pressure by up to 10 points, reduce insulin requirements in type-1 diabetes, reverse type-2 diabetes, lower cholesterol levels, decrease risks of colon cancer, enhance the immune system, reverse osteoporosis, and improve bone density. HIKE THE ISLAND LAKE YELLOW TRAIL LOOP WITH US THIS FALL! Hiking specifically can increase one’s baseline metabolic rate, which makes it easier to maintain weight loss – as opposed to dieting where weight can be regained easily. Hiking also releases stored endogenous catecholamines, which can relieve muscle tension and anxiety . Hiking can even improve sleep through sun-induced balance of circadian rhythms and regulation of hormones. Physical benefits aside, the mental benefits are immeasurable . Embracing nature, observing wildlife, appreciating the solitude, and removing oneself from the chaotic congested streets of everyday life can be soul cleansing. By definition, a hike is just a long walk on a trail. If the idea of a "hike" is insurmountable, then any aerobic activity – preferably outdoors – is a great substitute to reap similar health benefits. Even just a walk around the block helps more than sitting inside. The physical and mental health benefits of regular exercise , such as hiking, are clear. Life is busy and it is difficult to prioritize oneself, loved ones, work, diet, exercise, and everything else the world demands. Yet, it is even harder to manage those priorities when faced with personal health ailments. The keys to remaining healthy are regular doctor appointments, diet, and exercise. Even when feeling healthy - go in for an annual check-up with a physician, substitute the fried food for vegetables, and make efforts to increase your physical activity. Lace up the boots and try a new trail, or a bike ride, or even a walk around the block. Refer to Expedition Detroit to find inspiration for new local trails . Don’t be afraid to wake up early and catch a sunrise from a dew-dropped wooded path. The more you do it, the longer you will be able to keep doing it. As best stated by professional snowboarder Jeremy Jones, “…wake up early for a dawn patrol or jump into that cold mountain lake and send while you can.” EXPERIENCE THE DETROIT REGION'S #1 NIGHT HIKING ADVENTURE! Dr. Reilly is an anesthesiologist born and raised in Southeast Michigan. Dr. Reilly is currently an Attending Anesthesiologist & Clinical Instructor at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, Washington, as well as a Regional Anesthesia and Acute Pain Medicine Fellow at the University of Washington Medical Center. Outside of the hospital, Dr. Reilly is an accomplished backpacker, deep powder skier, and an invaluable early supporter of Expedition Detroit . He credits his grandfathers for teaching him the beauty and spirit of Michigan’s great wilderness. This article serves as an opinion piece to educate but should not be used as direct medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional(s) before making changes to your medications, diet, or physical activity habits.

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month , we're exploring the many ways that living an outdoor lifestyle can actively benefit your mental health. #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth Let’s be honest: life can be hard. Really, uncomfortably, ridiculously hard. Between bills, work, exercise, family, and friends — sometimes even just thinking about navigating through the day can make your head spin.  Unfortunately, current data reflecting the mental health epidemic in the United States is alarming. According to a 2022 study , 46%   of adults under the age of 35 said they had recently experienced feelings of being so stressed that they felt that they could not properly function in their daily lives. That's not even including those of us who soldier on - even when we’re clinically burnt out  - and ready to sleep for a year straight. So...is there any good news? Fortunately, YES . Better yet, there’s something free and accessible to everyone that can greatly help us all deal with everyday life's ups and downs.  Making nature a part of your daily routine will have a MAJOR positive impact on your mental health.   In this article, you’ll learn: Why being outside is so good for your mental health Ways you can live an outdoor lifestyle (without needing to become a mountain recluse) How you can still get the benefits of an outdoor lifestyle when living in a major city Why is Being Outside So Good for Mental Health? Is spending time outdoors good for you? Absolutely! Nature has countless mental health benefits for you to enjoy.  Plus, scientists are discovering increasingly more positive effects on mental health every day. Let’s get into it. An Outdoor Lifestyle Lowers Stress Levels  SO MANY people struggle with high levels of stress. It’s an epidemic in its own right. When you’re clinically stressed out, your nervous system stays on high alert. It can mistake everyday circumstances (like a looming deadline or a difficult conversation) for a life-and-death situation. Your body, as it was evolutionarily programed, goes into fight or flight mode.  Prolonged periods of high stress significantly increase your risk for other mental health problems and weakens your immune system. But if you get outside a little bit each day, you significantly reduce the negative effects stress has on your body - even if for just 20 minutes. ☀️ An outdoor lifestyle can reduce stress by: Lowering your cortisol (stress hormone) levels, especially when compared to urban environments   Easing your muscle tension Stimulating your senses to help you be more mindful Recent studies have supported that spending time in nature can lower your cortisol levels and ease your muscle tension. Nature can also calm down your sympathetic nervous system that controls your fight or flight response. Plus, when you’re outside, it’s significantly easier to practice mindfulness . All of your senses simply come alive. For example, you can… Feel the sun on your skin  Smell the freshly cut grass  Hear the birds chirp Taste the salty air by the seaside See the sunrise or sunset  Just noticing what’s around you will draw you into the present moment. Mindfulness is a proven mental health solution to reduce stress. Getting Outside Reduces Anxiety & Depression Symptoms Unfortunately, many of us will deal with anxiety and depression throughout our lives. Both can make it difficult for you to function and complete everyday tasks if left untreated. Mental health professionals often recommend time outside to combat symptoms associated with these disorders.   ☀️ Getting outside can reduce depression and anxiety symptoms by: Getting you out of your head and reducing intrusive (undesirable) thoughts Lowering activity in the part of the brain linked to negative thought patterns Encouraging movement and exercise Medical studies have noted a " significant and sizeable " correlation between green space and postitive community mental health reports. Nature's instinct mindfulness is a key remedy for helping you "get out of your own head." Instead of lingering on negative or harmful thoughts, nature encourages us to turn our attention outward and focus on the hear-and-now vs. the troubles of modern life.  Going outside also encourages movement . And, as we all know, exercise provides so many positive benefits for both our physical and mental health. An Outdoor Lifestyle Helps You Get Better Sleep It’s no surprise that sleep plays an important role in your mental health. We all wake up a bit cranky if we get less than especially 5 hours of sleep.  But did you know that going outside can actually help you sleep better ?  ☀️ An outdoor lifestyle helps you get better sleep by: Resets your circadian rhythm from natural sunlight Increasing melatonin production so you can fall asleep faster and easier Lowers symptoms of stress, depression, and anxiety Your circadian rhythm is your body’s internal clock that tells you when it’s time to sleep and when it’s time to wake up. It does this by releasing different hormones at different points throughout the day.   Your circadian rhythm works largely through exposure to natural sunlight and darkness. Experiencing sunlight during the day helps your body produce more melatonin at nighttime.  Net result? You'll have a much easier time falling - and staying - blissfully asleep.  Getting Outdoors Improves Your Mood An outdoor lifestyle not only decreases negative mental health symptoms. It also helps increase positive mental health symptoms. Like improving your mood . So, if you need a mood-boost, try getting outside! ☀️ Getting outdoors helps you improve your mood by: Increasing feelings of calm, joy, and creativity  Helping you experience awe Strengthening your self-confidence Decreasing negative emotions creates a trickle-down effect. Nature creates more space for you to experience positive emotions. It opens up more headspace for joy, creativity, and awe. When you look at beautiful nature scenes, you experience awe. Which helps improve your overall mood . An Outdoor Lifestyle Helps You Feel Less Lonely Loneliness may not seem like that big of a deal. But as humans, we’re hardwired as social creatures. We NEED connection .     Without meaningful relationships, our mental health suffers. You’re at more risk for other mental health disorders when you feel chronically lonely.  ☀️ An outdoor lifestyle helps you feel less lonely by: Giving you a sense of connection with the natural world Encouraging connection with other people An outdoor lifestyle encourages you to make meaningful connections.  You get exposed to not only more people when you get outside, but you also foster a connection with nature. Realizing and appreciating that you’re a part of something bigger than yourself helps you feel less lonely. Easy Outdoor Activities to Improve Your Mental Health  Now that you know all of the amazing ways that nature improves your mental health, let’s talk about how to put that knowledge into action .  There are so many ways you can incorporate outdoor activities into your daily routines so that you can live an outdoor lifestyle. Here are just a few ideas for including simple outdoor activities into your daily life: Take fresh air breaks.  Working in an office all day long? Take a couple of minutes to step outside when you go on your breaks.  Drink your morning coffee outside.  Instead of at the kitchen table, take your coffee onto your balcony or porch.  Exercise outside.  If you already exercise regularly, try taking it outside. You’ll get the benefits from both the exercise AND the fresh air . Short walks.  You’re busy. If you don’t have time for a full-on hike , take a five-minute walk outside instead.  Indoor plants.  Bring nature inside with indoor plants. Yes, even if you don’t have a green thumb (certain houseplants like the snake plant are pretty hard to kill). Invest in your outdoor future. If all else fails, sometimes investing in your own outdoor future will be the driving force to finally kick-start your time in nature. Fortunately, booking an experience like a guided hike within a local park can be an efficient and cost-effective way to reap nature's mental, physical, and social benefits.   These are all activities you can easily incorporate into your everyday. They increase your outside time without taking away from your busy schedule. What if I Can’t Get Myself to Go Outside? Anxiety and depression can sometimes make it difficult to get out of bed, let alone plan a day outside. We're all merely human, and some days the weight of modern life bears down more aggressively than others. So what can you do if you’re struggling to get outside? Here are a few simple ways to get more nature exposure when you’re struggling with motivation: Look out a window .  If you can’t get outside, don’t beat yourself up - just looking outside is the next best thing. Studies show that patients even recover from surgery faster when they have a hospital room with a window . Sit on a balcony or porch . If you don’t have the energy or motivation to go on a walk, try switching locations by sitting on your balcony or porch.  Get an indoor plant . If all else fails, bring nature to you. You can order a houseplant online and have it delivered right to your door! Exercise . Even turning your living room into a makeshift gym through knocking out 20 minutes of push ups, sit ups, and jumping jacks will for 20 minutes will benefit your mental health by reducing anxiety, depression, and by improving self-esteem and cognitive function. The key is to start small.  You don’t need to hike a mountain on day one. Small incremental steps, done consistently overtime, can yield staggering results. Where can I Find Nature? This is unfortunately a very common question, especially here in the Detroit region. For one historical or societal reason or another, many aspiring Metro Detroit outdoor enthusiasts do not believe that they live near nature definitely a valid question. More than half of the world’s population currently lives in cities.  Easy places to find nature in major cities like Detroit: Public parks and greenways like the Dequindre Cut Greenway Botanical gardens like Ann Arbor's Nichols Arboretum Riverwalks and waterfronts like the award-winning Detroit Riverwalk Community gardens N ature is truly everywhere  if you go looking to experience it - and your mental health will thank you. EXPLORE NATURE ON BELLE ISLE WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT We want to hear from you!  How has nature impacted your mental health? Leave us a comment below! Disclaimer : This information is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a therapist or other qualified mental healthcare provider with any questions that you may have regarding a medical condition.

The grand, festive finale of our #EmbraceTheDark Series, we invite you to join us in celebrating the shortest solar day of the year through one, two, or all of these top 5 experiences for making the most of the 2025 Winter Solstice in Detroit's outdoors . Let's start this article with good news: TOMORROW, December 21st , is one of the best days of the year to get outside . In all respects, it will be a weird day. A very, very short and cold day. The perfect day to carpe diem , because if you blink, well, you just might miss it. Tomorrow is December 21st, 2025, a.k.a. the " Winter Solstice . " It marks not only the official first day of winter in the northern hemisphere, but also the shortest solar day of the year. The sun will rise at 8:04 a.m. and set at 5:04 p.m., providing us with exactly 9 hours, 4 minutes, and 6 seconds of daylight. The perfect timeframe to make every moment count in Detroit's outdoors. Before diving into our "Top Five Experiences," let's acknowledge one glaring contradiction: this #EmbraceTheDark article is not about the dark. If anything, it's about the fear of the dark - five ways to maximize the fleeting amount of daylight that greatly expands our ability to recreate uninhibited in the outdoors. So yes, we're breaking from the status quo a bit here - but given the natural human aversion to setting out for nocturnal expeditions, we figured most readers would appreciate ending this series on a brighter, sunnier note. Here are the top five experiences for experiencing the Winter Solstice in Detroit's Outdoors . 1. Watch the Sunrise from "The Tip" at Point Pelee National Park The single best way to kick off the shortest solar day of the year is by venturing to the single location where you are most likely to witness its genesis . We tested this theory back in 2022 and can confirm its veracity. A quick glance at our Destinations map will further prove our point: "The Tip" at Point Pelee National Park in Ontario, Canada wins out as the most dramatic location to experience a sunrise in the entire Detroit region. Hiking out to Point Pelee is just the tip of the ice burg (pun intended) for experiencing the national park. We've referenced Point Pelee numerous times throughout our articles - including a full #TrailTuesday feature - but Canada's second-smallest national park packs a massive recreational punch for outdoor enthusiasts of all genres. We're talking extensive marsh kayaking, beach hiking, pristine cycling, and world-class bird watching. Absolutely worth a full-day visit over the holidays if you're unable to make it out tomorrow morning for sunrise. 2. Support Michigan Wildlife Conservation from the Stand Did you know that we're only just past the halfway point of Southeast Michigan's deer season...? That's right - deer season in the Detroit region continues all the way until the very end of January. In fact, Detroit region hunters have the most expansive and inclusive hunting opportunities  in the entire state . This Winter Solstice, Southeast Michigan hunters can add purpose to their recreation by participating in this year's " anterless deer season ." Between now and January 12th, 2025, Michigan hunters may hunt antlerless deer on both private and public lands open to regular firearm hunting. Be sure to continue wearing hunter orange in the field for this time period! Why is this season so important? As we've highlighted several times this season, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources  has specifically called on lower peninsula hunters to focus primarily on harvesting a doe . Increased doe harvests provide several long-term ecological and economic benefits , including reduced cases of disease transmission, vehicle accidents involving deer, deer population balancing, and destruction of farmland. GEAR UP FOR HUNTING SEASON WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT! 3. Hike a New Trail for your Mid-Day Exercise Unable to get that morning run in? Eh, hike it off - but figuratively and physically. Tomorrow's "mid-day" point will hit at exactly 12:30 p.m., right in the dead center of a typical lunch hour. We strongly encourage you to seize this rapidly diminishing moment of daylight to zip up your jacket, lace up your boots, and ground yourself in at least 30 minutes of hiking on a "new-to-you" trail . Similar to a morning run, scientific studies have proven that recreating in the outdoors during both the weekends and the workday - even if such recreation comprises solely of a walk around a park near your office - immensely boosts productivity cognitive functions while decreasing hormones inducing stress, anxiety, and depression. These mental health benefits are further amplified when exploring new environments vs. familiar routes that you could probably sleepwalk. For your own sake, we challenge you to find a new trail in your immediate vicinity that you can spend a "mental health hike" exploring today. Who knows, it may become your next go-to park for a mid-day walk... until next year's Winter Solstice prompts the discovery of another. 4. Watch the Sunset from a Chairlift Elevation be damned, there is one undeniable aspect of Detroit's "Big Four" ski resorts that our local hills absolutely crush: night skiing . I don't care how many times you've skied or snowboarded at the Big Four, there's a childlike instinct that comes out when the giant lamps start to glow around sunset. Your legs could be shaking a bit after carving up the slopes all day, but when those lights start to illuminate the hill, a surge of new life springs from the illuminated snow. As we mentioned earlier, tomorrow's sunset is scheduled for 5:04 p.m. Fortunately for our resident night riders, each of the Big Four have special, discounted tickets that run from 3 p.m. until the resorts close. In other words, you should be on the slopes with plenty of time to maximize the Solstice's remaining daylight, caught a multi-colored #PureMichigan sunset, and burn the late-night oil churning turns under the lamps. Name a better way to catch the final rays of the shortest day of the year - we'll wait. 5. Explore Your State Parks AT NIGHT with Expedition Detroit Contrary to popular belief, your adventure in Detroit's outdoors doesn't have to end once the sun goes down. Especially now that we're in the heart of the "dark days," treat yourself to a nocturnal expedition by saving your spot on one of our fan-favorite "Night Hiking Safaris" this winter! While our classic " Maybury Night Hiking Safari " remains Expedition Detroit's top-rated experience, we've decided to expand our night hiking adventures to Proud Lake State Recreation Area's " Expedition Loop " and Highland State Recreation Area's " Haven Hill Loop " for this winter season! On the Winter Solstice, we will be leading a special celebratory night hike to explore the rolling landscapes, wetlands, heights, and ruins of Haven Hill. The hike will take place from 6PM to 8PM, so don't forget your headlamp! EXPLORE HIGHLAND'S HAVEN HILL WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT We're celebrating the Winter Solstice spent in the outdoors because this day encapsulates the values of Detroit's growing outdoor community. Making the most of every opportunity accessible to us. Not allowing any obstacles, whether those are man-made, environment-induced, or literally celestial like sunlight quantity, to affect your capacity for embracing and thriving in an outdoor lifestyle. Forcing us to face the reality that not all days are created equal, but that fact should motivate rather than discourage us from lacing up the running shoes, strapping on the helmet, or adding an extra layer before getting after it. There's definitely a formal definition for the word "Expedition," but we're not going to Google it for this article. This Winter Solstice, let's each invent our own definition, starting with " the maximization of every outdoor experience presented to you today. " That's our expedition for this Winter Solstice - and we can't wait to see you on the trail.

Brighton. Alpine. Holly. Pine Knob. You know them, you've skied them, and generations have loved them. But what makes each resort stand out from the pack? Are there any special features, offerings, or other traits that could influence buying one lift ticket over another? We dive into these questions and more in our official Guide to the "Big Four" Ski Resorts near Detroit - UPDATED FOR THE WINTER 2024 SEASON! Ladies and gentlemen, it's officially time to sharpen your skis, wax your boards, update your helmet , and buy that jacket you've had your eyes on. The snow makers are blowing - and as of today the real stuff is FINALLY falling again - which means winter has arrived in Detroit ! As excited as that makes us, let's hit the pause button real quick and look outside the window. While we at Expedition Detroit HQ do not see enough of that sweet, fluffy powder to kick off our wishlist of backcountry skiing and snowshoeing adventures , the snow's delayed arrival highlights an under-appreciated element of our region: We have four premiere ski resorts within an hour's drive of our near-sea level city . Four destinations that get busy cranking out snow in November while we're still waiting on Jack Frost to show face. Our "Big Four" resorts - Alpine Valley, Mt. Brighton, Mt. Holly, and Pine Knob - have formed the bedrock of Detroit's wintry outdoor economy for generations, providing slope access to generations that would otherwise need to travel hundreds of miles for the same experiences. This article provides much-overdue recognition and information regarding each of the Big Four. Beyond providing stats and recommendations, we also want to highlight what makes each of these resorts stand out in their own right. New for the 2023-2024 season, we've also included information on each resort's can't-miss events happening throughout this winter. Spoiler alert : you're going to want to ski all four by the time that you finish this article. ALPINE VALLEY SKI RESORT | White Lake, Michigan Hours : Weekdays: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Weekend: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Saturday) or 9 p.m. (Sunday) Elevation : 1,210 feet Vertical Rise : 300 feet Total Runs : 17 Pass Affiliation : Multi Pass All-Day Lift Ticket Price : $67 ( Monday-Thursday ) or $82 ( Friday-Sunday, Holidays ) Expedition Detroit Award : Best for the Weekend Warrior Imagine this: you start your day with a leisurely paddle down the Huron River , launching from Milford Central Park for an out-and-back to Proud Lake State Recreation Area. After a quick refueling stop in Downtown Milford , you bust out the fat tire bike for a ride through either the Milford Mountain Biking Trail or Highland State Recreation Area's A-B-C-D Loops. Still not enough adrenaline for a Saturday? Well, thank God you packed your skis - Alpine Valley Ski Resort is less than 5 miles away from the Highland MTB trailhead. Beyond having the most affordable lift ticket prices in the Detroit region, Alpine Valley provides the most equal distribution of beginner, intermediate, and expert slopes among the Big Four. The expert-rated slopes feature the resort's terrain park runs, which Alpine Valley has improved significantly in recent years. The resort also boasts the Hornet's Nest Lounge, an ideal après-ski destination for enjoying favorite cocktails, dancing, entertainment, and a panoramic view of Alpine Valley's ski slopes. Multi Pass : Alpine Valley, Mt. Holly, and Pine Knob are all members of the regional " Multi Pass " network. The Multi Pass costs $825, so snagging this pass will make the most sense if you plan to hit these resorts consistently throughout the season. Other resorts included in the Multi Pass that are outside of the Detroit region are Bittersweet (Ostego, MI), Alpine Valley Resort (Elkhorn, WI), and Searchmont (Sioux Ste. Marie, ON). FEATURED WINTER 2024 EVENTS: PENNY & DAN LIVE   | January 7th and 28th, 2024   |   Close out your January Sundays on the slopes at the Hornet's Nest Lounge for great drinks and live music provided by local artist duo Penny & Dan ! AVSBX KICK-OFF PARTY | January 17th , 2024 | Alpine Valley invites you to head to the Hornet's Nest Lounge for a kick-off party for its 2024 SBX Racing League ! JUSTIN ROSE LIVE   | February 4th and 18th, 2024   |   Close out your February Sundays on the slopes at the Hornet's Nest Lounge for great drinks and live music provided by local country artist Justin Rose ! MT. BRIGHTON | Brighton, Michigan Hours : Weekdays: 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. ( Early Season Hours ); Weekend: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Saturday) or 8 p.m. (Sunday) Elevation : 1,330 feet Vertical Rise : 230 feet Total Runs : 24 Pass Affiliation : Epic Pass All-Day Lift Ticket Prices : $60 - 70 (Monday - Friday), $94 (Saturday - Sunday)* * Early season pricing in effect until December 22nd Expedition Detroit Award : Best for the Jet-Setting Explorer Although Mt. Brighton has been around since 1960, Vail Resorts ' acquisition of the mountain in 2015 breathed new life into the Detroit region's largest man-made ski resort. Vail's acquisition included a $10 million investment into improvements like new chairlifts, enhanced beginner terrain, new base area facilities and children’s ski and ride school center, innovative terrain parks, and a state-of-the-art snowmaking system. Eight years later, the net results of those improvements includes transforming Mt. Brighton into an "out west enclave" in the Detroit region , including the modern amenities that top-tier skiers and snowboarders should expect from an industry-defining powerhouse like Vail. While the quality of Mt. Brighton's well-manicured runs and cutting-edge facilities provide the most imminent attraction for riders, the value emanating from the resort's Epic Pass inclusion is undeniably powerful. Especially if you were to purchase the discounted Epic Local Pass , you could ride not only Mt. Brighton to your heart's content, but take a few trips to world-class resorts out west, back east, or around the world with the same pass . As much as we sing the praises of Detroit's outdoor recreation opportunities, we're certainly not immune to the allure of big mountain skiing. Mt. Brighton and its Epic Pass affiliation make such adventures more economic, efficient, and practical for us all. FEATURED WINTER 2024 EVENTS: DUCT TAPE DERBY   | January 20th, 2024   |   Start saving your cardboard to design a vehicle or sled made of only reused cardboard, duct tape, and paint to race down the hill at the Duct Tape Derby ! Join the fun with music, giveaways, outdoor food and bar, and more. DEW AFTER DARK   | February 23rd, 2024   |   Taking night skiing to a whole new level! The Drew After Dark event features live DJs, a "Rail Jam," glow sticks, giveaways, and more. SLUSH CUP   | March 2nd, 2024   |   Check out the annual Slush Cup for the biggest spring party of the season! Pond skimming competition (age 7+), music, outdoor bar, tons of giveaways and prizes, and more. MT. HOLLY | Holly, Michigan Hours : Weekdays: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Weekend: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Saturday) or 9 p.m. (Sunday) Elevation : 1,115 feet Vertical Rise : 350 feet Total Runs : 19 Pass Affiliation : Multi Pass All-Day Lift Ticket Price : $69 ( Monday - Thursday ) or $82 ( Friday - Sunday, Holidays ) Expedition Detroit Award : Best for the Downhill Bomber Mt. Holly may not be the largest, highest, or most glamorous of the Big Four, but it packs a big punch right where it matters the most: more vertical feet of downhill than any of the other resorts. Located just on the northwestern edge of the Detroit region, M t. Holly benefits from the dramatic, rolling hills that define Southeast Michigan's premiere terrain for outdoor recreation. As such, Mt. Holly's deep descents provide the resort with proportionately more advanced terrain than any of the other Big Four. Similar to Alpine Valley, Mt. Holly also provides the wintry cherry on top for an area already absurdly blessed with outdoor opportunities. The resort is conveniently located in between the western and eastern branches of Holly State Recreation Area , with the park's premiere mountain biking trail maintained by the Clinton River Area Mountain Bike Association located within eyesight of the resort's summit. The eastern branch of Holly State Recreation Area also entails opportunities for hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing . Legs feeling a little wobbly after capitalizing on the additional vert? Fortunately for all of us, Mt. Holly also features a spacious Bavarian-style lodge with two cafeterias, a fireplace room, and a lounge with additional fireplaces. Hard to imagine a better setting to loosen up the boots, order a stein, and kick back after an exhilarating day on the mountain. FEATURED WINTER 2024 EVENTS: THE DESALLE BROS LIVE   | December 28th - 30th, 2023   |   Head over to the Lift Lounge for live music and good vibes, featuring local artices The DeSalle Bros ! More Winter 2024 Events  at Mt. Holly to come...stay tuned! PINE KNOB SKI RESORT | Clarkston, Michigan Hours : Weekdays: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Weekend: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Saturday) or 9 p.m. (Sunday) Elevation : 1,201 feet Vertical Rise : 300 feet Total Runs : 17 Pass Affiliation : Multi Pass All-Day Lift Ticket Price : $69 ( Monday - Thursday ) or $82 ( Friday - Sunday, Holidays ) Expedition Detroit Award : Best for the Terrain Park Junkie Before I converted to a Detroit region local back in 2007, my family made annual pilgrimages to Southeast Michigan during the winter holidays. One of those trips included a ski day at some local resort I had never heard of: Pine Knob . Aside from the vague, childlike memories of the slopes, I remember my surprise at how quickly we got to and from the resort from our lodging in Bloomfield Hills. All of my other ski trips required either hours in the car towards the Appalachians or a flight to the Rockies - this resort felt practically in our backyard. My childhood experience was far from unique. Located just 30 minutes from the City of Detroit, Pine Knob provides the most accessible ski and snowboard destination for the vast majority of our region's resident recreationists. Aside from accessibility, Pine Knob stands out as Southeast Michigan's preeminent destination for terrain park opportunities. Over the last few years, the resort's #TheKnobProject initiative has facilitated massive investments in new jumps, a progression park, a 1000 ft. high-speed tow tope, a "jib bus," and a "monster jump." If you're a terrain park junkie, this is definitely the hill for you. While Pine Knob features extensive terrain parks and intermediate/advanced-rated slopes, the resort also offers plenty of beginner-friendly amenities for newer skiers and snowboarders . The Pine Knob Ski and Snowboard School is dedicated to providing newer riders with a fun and safe experience within their programs, which include alpine, telemark, snowboarding, and even terrain park lessons for visitors of all ages and abilities. FEATURED WINTER 2024 EVENTS: MERRY MITTEN CLASSIC   | December 23rd, 2023   |   A celebration of Michigan snowboard culture, the 5th annual Merry Mitten Classic will feature a jam session, shoutouts, prizes, and an epic apres party. More Winter 2024 Events at Pine Knob Ski & Snowboard Resort to come...stay tuned! Ski season has undeniably arrived in Detroit, but we must note that the Big Four just opened over the past few weeks, so the slope conditions are less than ideal to say the least. Roughly 50% of each resort's runs are open, but the "skiability" of each mountain's terrain will improve steadily as precipitation and snow-making efforts progress. In other words, primetime is coming, so we encourage you to start making your lift ticket purchases NOW if you haven't already. We're closing out this article with a quick, shameless plug for our #EmbraceTheDark series . Each of these resorts offer exceptional night skiing and riding opportunities, so we invite you to join us in occasionally switching up our chilly night hikes or bikes for some hot laps at your resort of choice. Fortunately, no additional night gear is required for skiing or snowboarding under the lights - just bring the right lift ticket and a spirit of adventure. We'll see you at the top of the hill.

In honor of the Winter Solstice, here is Expedition Detroit's guide to harnessing the physical, mental, and cultural benefits of Norway's transformative "Friluftsliv" approach to winter recreation. " Yeah ...these definitely aren't waterproof." It's 9 a.m. sharp and I've just reached the Vidden trailhead in Europe's rainiest city: Bergen, Norway . A ~10 mile trek across the roof of Bergen lies ahead, starting with 1,300 steps to reach Bergen's highest point, Ulriken. I had assumed my brand new trail shoes were waterproof; the unmistakable sponging noise emanating from my feet dictated otherwise. At the halfway point on those stairs, I turned around to admire a nonexistent vista of Bergen that the thick mist robbed me of. The density of the cloud cover shrouded over the world below, save only the barren hillside and carefully-placed stone steps within my immediate vicinity. Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven" played on a loop in my head, and since I had found myself alone in this cloud country, I decided to sing along: " There's a lady who's su- " Just seconds into belting my best Robert Plant impression, the show ended as I realized that I was not alone on the stairs. A figure dressed in all white emerged from the mist below, climbing at an alarmingly quick pace. I had read about the "legendary athleticism" of Norwegians, so seeing this figure trekking up the hill lit that competitive fire burning within every American. Soaked shoes be damned , I was going to beat this person up the mountain. Yeah ...I didn't . A few minutes later I found myself on the side of the trail, giving him a courteous " Hallo " as he ran right past me and up the stairs. In my defense, this was clearly not his first time on this trail - the dude was decked out in trail running swag, dressed more for an Olympic heat than a casual morning trek like yours truly. He ran up this slick stairs like a mountain goat - and was heading back down before I could even summit . Summit of Mt. Ulriken - Bergen, Norway Beyond upholding the national stereotype, what impressed me the most about this particular Norwegian wasn't his pace, technique, or sponsors, but simply that he was out there in those conditions . And he wasn't alone - as I completed the Vidden Trek, I crossed paths with countless Norwegians of all ages enjoying downpour conditions along the trail. From young school children to elderly couples, they ventured through the windswept, rain-clogged terrain like a bluebird summer's day. I tried to emulate the locals by seizing every recreational opportunity that day, including a "true summit" of Mt. Ulriken. Back in the States, a quick Google search unveiled that my experience wasn't some rare encounter with extraordinary outdoor enthusiasts. Norway, along with Scandinavia as a whole, has adopted a social construct known as " Friluftsliv " (pronounced "free-loofts-liv"). While this word translates roughly to " open-air living " or " free air life ," its practical application to Norway's year-round outdoor culture, quality of life, and national heritage has fundamentally changed the country for the better. In fact, despite experiencing more rain, cold, and less daylight than most countries on earth, Norway consistently ranks as one of the world's happiest countries . As we in the Detroit region head into our " dark season " - which, again, is significantly tamer than Norway's - we would immensely benefit from a wholesale adoption their friluftsliv lifestyle. Just like Scandinavia, the Great Lakes region as a whole is blessed with a four season climate that perfectly supports year-round recreation ( verifiably one of many reasons for a century of Scandinavian emigration to the Great Lakes ). We already have the temporal elements, recreational infrastructure, and world-class destinations to reap the benefits of friluftsliv . All that we're missing is the cultural component - the critical missing piece that this article is intended to remedy. INTRODUCING FRILUFTSLIV: NORWAY'S FAVORITE PASTTIME Centuries of Norwegians have instilled an integral love for nature in humanity's most sustainable way: habitual and generational introduction to seasonal recreation . Similar to the modern father who teaches their child to hunt or mother that skies just behind her toddler, Norwegians recognized the purely recreational benefits of spending time in nature long before the term friluftsliv was first penned by Henrik Ibsen in 1859 . In doing so, Ibsen simply wanted to create a name for his country's love of spending time in remote locations for spiritual and physical well-being. The Norwegian government, on the other hand, decided to formalize their citizens' connection with nature . The government created a set of laws that codified Norwegians' right to enjoy friluftsliv, including the famous " Right to Roam. " The government also sponsors "libraries" where outdoor enthusiasts can "check out" outdoor gear. Even Norway's educational system has followed suit, including the establishment of several outdoor kindergartens (friluftsbarnehager) where the children spend 80% of the time outdoors, and the opportunity to earn a bachelor's degree in friluftsliv. According to Norway's official tourism site , friluftsliv is not "just a thing," but rather "a whole philosophy, a way life." Friluftsliv represents a "commitment to celebrate time outdoors, no matter your age, physical condition, and regardless of the season and weather forecast." Better yet, there's no wrong way to friluftsliv - regardless of whether a Norwegian has embarked on a multi-day cross-country skiing expedition or is spending an afternoon relaxing in their hammock, the universal goal of a successful friluftsliv endeavor involves "relaxing, refreshing, and re-energizing." Unsurprisingly, friluftsliv constitutes Norway's most preferred recreational activity, with a reported 90% participation rate . Seriously. And, with participation figures that high, Norway boasts equally impressive data regarding the physical and mental benefits of its recreational culture. MENTAL AND PHYSICAL BENEFITS OF FRILUFTSLIV This should hopefully come as a shock to no one, but regular physical exercise is extremely good for you. This is a point that the Expedition Detroit team tries to reinforce across the entirety of our platform, including Dr. Eric Reilly's fantastic article on the longevity benefits of hiking that we strongly recommend for everyone to read. Thanks to friluftsliv , Norwegians have reaped these health benefits for generations. Norway's population enjoys a verifiably good health status : the country's life expectancy of 83.3 years is the highest in Europe, its has one of the lowest rates of deaths from treatable causes among Europe, and 75% of the population is categorized as being "in good health." When discussing winter recreation, however, we place slightly more emphasis on the measurable mental health benefits of friluftsliv . As we mentioned prior, engaging in friluftsliv isn't limited in Norway to specific activities, demographics, or seasons. Anyone, at any point in the year, time of day, or temporal condition, can engage in a friluftsliv adventure. As you may have predicted, the mental health benefits from such accessibility - especially during winter - are astonishing . Norwegian studies have demonstrated that just being in outdoor spaces for extended periods of time reduce anxiety and improve cognition. In a 2020 survey, 90% of Norwegians stated that they felt less stressed and in a better mood after spending time in nature - regardless of their recreational activity of choice. In 2023, the U.N.'s " World Happiness Report " ranked Norway as the seventh happiest country in the world, while both Bergen and Oslo placed among the top 10 happiest cities Specifically with regard to the mental health benefits of winter recreation, health psychologist Kari Leibowitz , PhD noted an interesting fact regarding Norway's population. Her work found that " the further north people lived, the more positive their view of winter was – and that this mindset that ‘winter is wonderful’ was associated with life satisfaction and psychological wellbeing .” Here's the wildest part : that data comes from cities like Tromsø where the sun does not rise between November 21st and January 21st. Despite the perpetual darkness, locals actually report lower levels of wintertime depression due to continuing to engage in recreational activities like hiking, dogsledding, skiing, whale watching, and viewing the Northern Lights. HOW DETROITERS CAN ADOPT FRILUFTSLIV THIS WINTER Now that we've inundated you with more Norwegian recreational knowledge than you ever wanted to learn, one looming question remains: If Norway can harness the physical and mental benefits of prolonged winter, then why can't we..? Spoiler alert : not only can the Detroit region successfully adapt the friluftsliv lifestyle to our outdoor culture, but we would be fools not to. The health statistics regarding the Detroit region are disappointing at best when compared to Norway's high-flying stats. The average life expectancy within the City of Detroit has dropped to 69 over the last decade, Seasonal Affective Disorder ("SAD") hospitalizes an estimated 500,000 Americans each year, and historically marginalized demographics within the Detroit region like Black and Hispanic residents are statistically more likely to encounter severe and incapacitating symptoms of SAD - while paradoxically having less access to beneficial treatments. Will the widespread adoption of friluftsliv remedy these societal ills overnight? We wish so, but sadly, no. As we have covered, it took even the Norwegians centuries for the outdoor lifestyle to fundamentally permeate and change its culture. But hardly anything good in life comes quickly, and i n light of the explosive growth that Detroit's outdoor industry is continuing to experience post-pandemic , NOW represents the perfect opportunity to start implementing friluftsliv's core components into our wintry recreational ecosystem. Here are four friluftsliv actions that you can start adopting today: 1. DRESS APPROPRIATELY FOR THE CONDITIONS | There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing. At the core of Norway's outdoor cultural phenomenon lies one simple belief: " There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing. " I learned this lesson firsthand while hiking 10+ miles in water-logged hiking shoes. Others have learned through nearly freezing to death, both in Scandinavia and throughout the Great Lakes region. Friends, here's the best news: you do not need to re-learn this lesson . When it comes to cold weather recreation, the name of the game is simply dressing in layers . Here's a crash-course on layering : Base Layer ("underwear layer") : Arguably most important layer; goal is to wick sweat off your skin. Middle Layer ("insulating layer") : Should retain body heat to protect you from the cold. Outer Layer ("shell layer") : Largely weather-dependent; shields you from wind, snow, sleet, and rain - and provides extra insulation. Specifically for the Detroit region, your middle layer should provide enough warmth to handle freezing temperatures. Likewise, your outer layer should be waterproof for sleet and snowy conditions. For visibility purposes, also look for jackets that have reflective attributes  like reflective logos and other hits that light sources will pick up. The final clothing items that you should include in your winter recreation gear checklist are for your extremities. Regardless of whether your middle or outer layer features a hood, we always recommend a warm beanie  or similar hat to cover your head and ears. Gloves or mittens  are also an essential, especially if you plan to carry trekking poles  with you. Last but certainly not least, don't forget warm and durable hiking socks  to ground your trek. 2. CONTINUE RECREATING OUTDOORS | Friluftsliv is more than just an activity, it’s a lifestyle. Now that you're fully-outfitted for the cold, the next step is both the simplest and hardest: keep recreating outdoors . As any Norwegian can attest, a " friluftsliv offseason" simply does not exist. Rain or shine, snow or mud, even light or dark , every day provides an opportunity for engaging in friluftsliv . Again, here's the most beautiful component regarding the friluftsliv lifestyle: the goal is finding peace and quiet, not necessarily breaking a sweat. Friluftsliv  is purposefully inclusive - in fact, we can't think of a more disability-friendly activity than simply pursuing the act of being present in nature . A winter friluftsliv outing could include a slow hike along your favorite snow-covered trail , cross-country skiing, fat tire mountain biking, ice skating, ice fishing, ice bathing ( more on that in a minute ), stargazing , or simply sitting by a campfire. BOOK A GUIDED HIKE WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT THIS WINTER! 3. BUILD RESILIENCY BY NORMALIZING DIFFICULTY | Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power. Alright...here's where we add a special Expedition Detroit twist on the friluftsliv ethos. One which Norwegian professional athletes have harnessed and utilized to dominate the Winter Olympics for nearly a century. A component that we vow to encourage as friluftsliv hopefully catches on throughout our region. Winter recreation provides the perfect opportunity to build resiliency . Grit. Toughness. Fortitude. All of the basic components required to excel in a sport, venture, pursuit, and life as a whole. Okay, we'll tone it back for a second. Just by simply engaging in friluftsliv during our winter months, you will instill some degree of resiliency into your life . Winter in Detroit is cold, and therefore uncomfortable. By consistently encountering that discomfort, you will gradually normalize facing adversity - and overcoming it. If we as a community were to comprehensively adopt that approach to our daily life, then only God knows what we other challenges we could overcome. Here are three ways that you could introduce resiliency into your wintertime recreational agenda: TAKE ICE BATHS. Yes, believe the hype that you've seen all over social media . Taking regular ice baths (i.e., at least 11 minutes per week) have been purported to reduce inflammation and swelling, boost your mood, relieve sore muscles, aid in recovery, support immunity, and generally improve mental health.* CAMP OUTDOORS. Camping season does not end during the warmer months. In fact, simply sleeping outside throughout the year has proven to improve immune system functionality and speed up metabolic rates. During winter, studies show that continuing to camp in cold conditions helps reduce inflammation, improve our brain's cognitive functionality, and further increase metabolism as the body burns more fat to keep warm. LEARN A NEW SPORT. When the snow starts falling and the ice freezes over, a whole new world of outdoor recreation comes alive. The Detroit region provides ample, beginner-friendly terrain for new skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers, and fat tire mountain bikers to hone their new skills. Better yet, the act of acquiring a new skillset has been proven to diminish the onset of dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and other memory-affecting ailments. 4. PERFECT YOUR "HYGGE" RECOVERY ROUTINE | Balancing intensity with deep rest and recovery keeps you fresh and strong In Robin Sharma's incredible book The 5AM Club , its fictitious protagonist Stone Riley provides a lifetime's supply of wisdom to his two pupils. While the majority of his lessons center on self-optimization and productivity, one particular lesson addresses the same but through an entirely different lens. One that provides the "ying" to resiliency's "yang." " You really must learn how to balance working intensity and brilliantly with deep rest and recovery so you can remain fresh and strong over a long career. " For Scandinavians, the restful component to friluftsliv's activism - and one that's especially important during the winter months - involves the concept of " hygge " (Danish, pronounced "hoo-guh"). Simply put, hygge embodies "the pursuit of joy and coziness." Think snow-covered rustic cabins, roaring indoor fires, big mugs of hot cocoa, thick blankets, great books, friends, family - a perfect escape from the often harsh realities of the season. Why should hygge be incorporated into the inherently outdoor lifestyle of friluftsliv...? In one word, recovery . Even the most ardent and expeditious of endurance athletes need a period of rest for their bodies and minds to heal from the demands of their life's pursuit. As such, we owe it to ourselves to create our own version of hygge this winter. A place where we can recover, unwind, and feel rejuvenated for the adventures ahead. For us at Expedition Detroit , our favorite version of hygge as of late has been utilizing a portable sauna after our workouts . While ice baths are largely recommended pre-work out, post-work out sauna sessions have been demonstrated to promote muscle recovery, improve heart health, and aid in relaxation. Please always hydrate before using a sauna, and experts recommend staying in for no longer than 10-20 minutes . *Note : Medical experts recommend avoiding ice baths if you have a history of heart problems.

The Detroit region's emergence as a world-class outdoor destination has originated from its stunning parks, beautiful trails, and abundant wildlife - especially within reclaimed green spaces. Now that we've entered "peak wildlife season," here are the "Big Five" of urban wildlife near Detroit! " Hold on guys - we need to drive quickly. Two lions are fighting up ahead. " Sleep immediately dissipated from my tired eyes. It was 7:20AM on a chilled winter morning in Pilanesberg National Park , South Africa. I had properly celebrated my birthday the night before, so wrestling myself out of bed for an early morning safari had been quite the feat. " Good things come to those who go ." I repeated Delta Airline's marketing motoo consistently as I climbed into the back of the safari truck. My expectations were in the gutter for that particular safari. Pilanesburg, although a destination where you could readily witness the"Big 5" of Africa's wildlife - lions, leopards, rhinoceros, elephants, and cape buffalo - was not as well-known for such sightings as the behemoth Kruger National Park. Plus, a large group of my fellow Americans had booked the same tour the day prior and only saw, as they put it, "Two baboons mocking us." With this in mind, I closed my eyes for a short recovery nap as we entered the park. Then the "lions announcement" rang across the truck's intercom. My eyes stayed wide open for the remainder of the safari, capturing one of the most incredible mornings of my life. The victorious lion at daybreak; Pilanesburg National Park, South Africa (2018) The prospect of witnessing Africa's "Big 5" in their natural savanna habitat has propelled the continent's tourism for over half a century. A similar phenomenon of conservation-based global tourism has grown in stride, with with estimates showing wildlife tourism contributing around $343.6 billion to the global economy and sustaining 21.8 million jobs. In 2024, the United States wildlife tourism market alone was valued at approximately $5.7 billion, and is projected to grow significantly, reaching nearly $9.9 billion by 2033. As conservation tourism continues to grow, other regions have followed Africa's example in designating their own "Big 5" animals. In North America , the typical candidates include the bison, moose, grizzly bear, gray wolf, and mountain lion , although polar bears, American alligators, bald eagles, black bears, and caribou also commonly make the cut. National Geographic even produced a 2012 documentary titled " America's Great Animals " on this topic, which you can stream on Disney+ . Our team at Expedition Detroit is also ecstatic about and fascinated with wildlife-based tourism - especially in relation to the dramatic changes in Detroit's ecosystem over the past several decades. Southeast Michigan's outdoor destinations now provide unparalleled opportunities to experience the "Big 5" of urban wildlife near Detroit, both within our resident wilderness areas and backyards. Let's get into what makes the Detroit region so unique for witnessing the "Big 5" of urban wildlife - as well as crowning Metro Detroit's own "Big 5" animals. REINTRODUCING DETROIT: A Resurgent Sanctuary for Urban Wildlife Resurget cineribus . For those of us who haven't kept up with their Latin, the phrase means "It will rise from the ashes." That motto should also ring a bell for our local outdoor enthusiasts - it's the later half of the official motto of the City of Detroit, created by Father Gabriel Richard after the great fire of 1805 had effectively leveled the city. The Detroit of 2025 could empathize strongly with the Detroit of the early 19th century. While we have thankfully not had to deal with an apocalyptic fire, the decades of socioeconomic decline that defined the later 20th century for Detroit led to the eradication of much of the city. Businesses closed. Neighborhoods lost. Entire communities displaced from the city. And yet, our city - and our region - persisted. "Detroit Never Left," as the Eastern Market mural proudly proclaims. Coming out of the 2013 bankruptcy, the city's grit and incontestable work ethic rebuilt a vibrant downtown, reinvigorated its neighborhoods, and not only preserved, but IMMENSELY expanded its green infrastructure. Detroit's parks and trails - especially the Detroit Riverwalk and Belle Isle - remain its crown jewels. The last decade+ has also witnessed an alternative means of resurget . One that is arguably the opposite - yet equally important - version of the shimmering new buildings of downtown. The vacated neighborhoods and eradication of blighted structures paved the way for the "original Detroit," i.e. the nature that has witnessed every phase of the city's progression, to reclaim its territory. Expansive green spaces and urban forests now cover what were once bustling, over-populated city blocks, leading urban developers, ecologists, and artists alike to study, manage, and marvel at nature's resilience. Stated differently, Detroit's long-forgotten wilderness has returned in full-force - along with its wildest inhabitants. With our central urban core now reverse-colonized by nature, it shouldn't come as a surprise that the suburban and rural exterior of the Detroit region has also experienced a dramatic uptick in "urban wildlife." What were once rare sightings of certain elusive animals has now become commonplace in community parks, backyards, and even main streets across our region. We are truly living in a golden age of urban wildlife viewing opportunities in the Detroit region - and here are the "Big 5" that are championing its resurgence. 1. Bald Eagle Binomial Name : Haliaeetus leucocephalus Endangerment Status: Least Concern (population increasing) Estimated Population within Michigan: 900 Most Active Season: Winter months, especially in early morning and late afternoon Big 5 Highlights The Bald Eagle represents far more than just America's national emblem. After facing near-extinction in the 1960s, the Bald Eagle population has rebounded spectacularly across the country - and especially along Metro Detroit's waterways. You'll typically see Bald Eagles soaring high in the sky, flapping low over treetops with slow wingbeats, or perched in trees or on the ground. Bald Eagles scavenge many meals by harassing other birds or by eating carrion or garbage. They eat mainly fish, but also hunt mammals, gulls, and waterfowl. Where to Experience Look for Bald Eagles near lakes, reservoirs, rivers, marshes, and coasts. For a chance to see large Bald Eagle congregations, check out wildlife refuges or large bodies of water in winter over much of the Detroit region. Notable Bald Eagle populations are visible year-round at the following outdoor destinations near Detroit: Kent Lake at Kensington Metropark Harsens Island Point  Mouillee State Game Area Point Pelee National Park Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge 2.  Coyote Binomial Name : Canis latrans Endangerment Status: Least Concern (population increasing) Estimated Population within Michigan: 30,000 - 50,000 Most Active Season: Mid-January - March (breeding season) around sunrise and sunset Big 5 Highlights No "Big 5" list would be complete without a region's apex predator. For the Detroit region's urban wildlife, the Coyote indisputably holds that crown. With cougars, wolves, and black bears effectively removed from Metro Detroit ( for the time being at least ), the Coyote stands alone at the top of the food chain as our region's most prolific carnivore. People are most likely to see and hear Coyotes during their breeding period , which typically occurs January through March. If there is a den nearby, people may also see the adults throughout the summer as they care for their pups. As fall approaches, pups begin dispersing from the den site to establish home ranges of their own. These young dispersing animals are sometimes more visible. Coyotes are active day and night; however, peaks in activity occur at sunrise and sunset. In urban or suburban areas, Coyotes will take advantage of the small mammals and birds that bird feeders and gardens often attract. They may even eat some of the fruits and veggies too. Coyotes are opportunistic feeders and have a keen sense of smell. Garbage or pet food that is left out overnight may also draw their attention. If there are Coyotes in the area, eliminating these potential food sources may make the area less appealing to them. Where to Experience Coyotes are incredibly smart and adaptable predators that have learned to survive in just about any habitat, including densely urban areas like the City of Detroit. They have especially established large urban packs within Northville Township, Southfield, Royal Oak, and Lathrup Village. Notable Coyote populations are visible year-round at the following outdoor destinations near Detroit: Several Oakland County Parks Rotary Park in Livonia Rouge Park Eliza Howell Park Legacy Park in Northville Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area Maybury State Park EXPLORE MAYBURY STATE PARK AT NIGHT WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT 3.   Wild Turkey Binomial Name : Meleagris gallopavo Endangerment Status: Least Concern (population increasing) Estimated Population within Michigan: 200,000 Most Active Season: Spring months, especially in early morning Big 5 Highlights Everyone loves a good comeback story, especially when that story involves wildlife restoration. And there's no better story than that of the North American Wild Turkey , which faced the brink of extinction as recently as the 1970s. Thankfully, science-backed conservation regulations restored healthy Wild Turkey populations not only in Michigan, but throughout the entire continent. Due to the resiliency and careful management of the species, Wild Turkey hunting in both the spring and fall continues to represent a cherished past time among Michigan's hunting community - as well as simply admiring the bird alongside your favorite trail. In the spring, male Wild Turkeys give a gobbling call to attract females. In courtship, males puff out their feathers, raise and spread their tails, swell their facial wattles, and droop their wings; in this exaggerated posture, they strut, rattling their wing feathers and making humming sounds. Wary and magnificent, Wild Turkeys usually get around by walking or running, but they can fly strongly, and they typically roost overnight in tall trees. Where to Experience The best habitat for spotting Wild Turkeys comprises of a mixture of woodland and open clearings. Although habitat preferences vary, we recommend visiting one of the Detroit region's many expansive oak-hickory forests , pine-oak forests, swamps, and grasslands. Wild Turkeys tend to roost in tall oak trees since acorns are their food of choice. Notable Wild Turkey populations are visible year-round at the following outdoor destinations near Detroit: Holly State Recreation Area Seven Lakes State Park Highland State Recreation Area Kensington Metropark Lake Erie Metropark 4.  White-Tailed Deer Binomial Name : Odocoileus virginianus Endangerment Status: Least Concern (population increasing) Estimated Population within Michigan: 2,000,000 (disproportionately in Southeast Michigan) Most Active Season: Late fall during the annual "rut," especially in early morning and late afternoon Big 5 Highlights While Michigan is home to the "Big 3" of the Cervidae family - Moose, Elk, and White-Tailed Deer - only one of those reigns supreme in the Detroit region. You guessed it: the White-Tailed Deer , our state's official animal, and the most prolifically-dispersed of the "Big Five." As I type these words, Michigan is currently on the tail-end of " The Rut, " i.e. the breeding season for White-Tailed Deer. The Rut represents the brief time of year when deer are the most active, especially the largest antlered, male deer actively searching for females to reproduce with. Stated differently, regardless of whether you're actively hunting for deer or interested in spotting the largest bucks in our region, there's no better time than late fall to experience the largest of the "Big 5" of Detroit's urban wildlife . White-Tailed Deer live in every county in Michigan and use many different habitats across the state. However, southeast Michigan is notably overpopulated with White-Tailed Deer due to a combination of ample food, shelter, and a lack of natural predators found within a suburban environment , as well as relatively limited hunting access paired with abundant hunting restrictions. Where to Experience Michigan's official state motto is " Si quaeris peninsulam amoenam circumspice ," which translates to "If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you." Well, in the Detroit region, our motto could easily be "If you seek a healthy deer population , look about you." White-Tailed Deer are so prolific throughout Metro Detroit that several suburban communities are interested in reinstating urban hunting seasons in order to reign in the ecological and societal havoc caused by too many deer. Notable White-Tailed Deer populations are located at the following outdoor destinations near Detroit: Most municipal parks throughout Metro Detroit, especially in Farmington Hills and Southfield Rotary Park in Livonia Maybury State Park in Northville Oakland County Parks, especially Lyon Oaks County Park Washtenaw County Parks 5.   Great Blue Heron Binomial Name : Ardea herodias Endangerment Status: Least Concern (population increasing) Estimated Population within Michigan: 250,000 Most Active Season: Spring and summer months, especially at dawn and dusk Big 5 Highlights The Great Blue Heron represents the "Official Unofficial" state bird of Michigan - or at least the Detroit region . Beyond its prominence on nature-related signs and insignias, the Great Blue Heron is a fixture across our region's inland and costal waterways. They're especially visible due to their impressive size ( ~4.5 feet tall with ~6.5 feet wingspan ), striking blue-gray feathers, and iconic "S" shaped neck. Their very slow wingbeats, tucked-in neck and trailing legs create an unmistakable image in flight. Great Blue Herons tend to wade slowly or stand statue-like, stalking fish and other prey in shallow water or open fields. Watch for the lightning-fast thrust of the neck and head as they stab with their strong bills. A study found that herons ate mostly diseased fish that would have died shortly anyway. Herons, like most of our regional birds, are legally protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Where to Experience Look for Great Blue Herons in freshwater habitats, from open coasts, marshes, sloughs, riverbanks, and lakes to even backyard ponds. They also forage in grasslands and agricultural fields. Notable Great Blue Heron populations are located at the following outdoor destinations near Detroit: Huron River, especially at Kensington Metropark Clinton River Lake St. Clair Metropark Palmer Park Rouge Park Belle Isle State Park, especially at the aptly-named Blue Heron Lagoon BOOK A GUIDED HIKE AT BELLE ISLE STATE PARK WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT What is your favorite animal that you've seen in the Detroit region's outdoors? Do you think that we missed an animal that should've been included in our "Big 5 of Detroit's Urban Wildlife" list? Let us know in the comments! Expedition Detroit is proud to showcase the Detroit region's world-class outdoor destinations, organizations, wildlife, and other amenities. If you operate a business, organization, or destination that you would like for us to highlight, please contact us at info@expeditiondetroit.com to learn more.