Happy Spring!
We’re so happy the warmer weather is starting to join us here in Michigan and we can get outside without so much cold weather gear! This spring break we took a day trip to Detroit to check out the DNR Outdoor Adventure Center.

If you’ve never heard of the DNR Outdoor Adventure Center, take a look! It is really fun driving into the city, seeing the beautiful skyline and all of the historic buildings, then just walking into this amazing outdoor space.

I think the concept here is just really great. Taking the outdoors and putting it in an urban environment introduces families who may not often venture outside the city to the great outdoors and all that the DNR and Michigan have to offer.

The space also gives the ability to try out different activities you may have never tried before. There are so many hands-on activities, exhibits and simulators. I loved that you can touch the waterfall, get your hands wet, and step on stepping stones right through the water. They do a great job of making it an immersive experience.

I also love that there’s a lot of learning to be had. There are lots of spaces to learn about the DNR and how they take care of State Parks, State Forests, fish and wildlife.

The age range is big here. I think kids and adults of all ages can learn something new from the many exhibits, and it’s real fun to explore! I don’t think there’s a too young age, but teenagers may find it a little “young”. Don’t tell our 12 year old I caught him having fun though.

The cost to get in is very reasonable. Just $5 for adults, $3 for kids under 12 and Seniors.

There are many events going on here throughout the year as well, including free days, and archery on specified days. We were sad to see the archery was not happening while we were there, but I’d love to go back and check out a class, hike, or try our hand at archery. For a full list of events and admission rates, click here.

To see a full map of the space, click here.

Greyson really loved trying out a snowmobile, with footage of a trail from the UP! He also got to sit in a kayak and paddle down a river, as well as fish in a fishing boat!

I think my favorite part of the Adventure Center was the DNR Airplane. Kids (and adults) can sit in a DNR airplane and feel like they’re flying since it sits high in the air. It just looked really neat when we first saw it and Greyson couldn’t wait to check it out.

After you visit the Adventure Center, walk across the street to the William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor. This was state park #32 for us! The Park is right next to the OAC, sitting right on the harbor of the Detroit river. Take in the view, see Canada, and maybe even catch a freighter coming through! The park sits on a portion of the city’s Detroit Riverwalk, which provides a beautiful walk along the river and all kinds of recreation and fun in the warmer months.

Lastly, no day trip is ever complete for us without crossing another Michigan brewery off of our Michigan brew tour list. We stopped in Atwater Brewery, which was right down the street. Table games, great drinks (Faygo!), and a pretzel that was out of this world. It was a great day all around. Definitely put the DNR Outdoor Adventure Center, and Detroit on your list!