Blog Archives

Who’s Getting Outside in 2025?

6/26/2025

2025 Outdoor Trends Show Strong Growth, Greater Diversity, and Rising Opportunity for Michigan
A joint message from Heart of the Lakes, mParks, and Michigan Trails & Greenways Alliance

As champions for outdoor access, open spaces, and community wellness, Heart of the Lakes, mParks, and Michigan Trails & Greenways Alliance are excited to highlight key findings from the newly released 2025 Outdoor Participation Trends Report and Outdoor Consumer Trends 2025. These reports reinforce what we see daily in Michigan: outdoor recreation is growing, diversifying, and becoming even more vital to public life and local economies.

From urban trails to backcountry preserves to neighborhood parks, Michigan’s open spaces are seeing the benefits—and bearing the weight—of this growing interest in the outdoors. These national findings directly inform how we plan, invest, and advocate for the future of our parks, recreation systems, trails, and conservation lands.

Record Outdoor Participation in 2024

The U.S. outdoor recreation participant base grew by 3% in 2024, reaching a record 181.1 million Americans, or 58.6% of the U.S. population age six and up. This growth included a surge of 5.3 million new participants, driven by youth, seniors, people of color, and high-income households.

Youth (ages 6–12): up 5.6%
Seniors (65+): up 7.4%
Black participants: up 12.8%
Hispanic participants: up 11.8%
High school grads (no college): up 11.2%

These trends are significant in Michigan and across the Midwest. Our region is home to some of the nation’s most accessible and diverse landscapes, from Great Lakes shorelines to dense forests to urban trails, and we’re seeing more people from all walks of life enjoy them.

Outdoor Growth is Driven by Diversity
and Access

The reports highlight a more inclusive outdoor community. Participation among Black Americans increased to 11.2%, and Hispanic Americans reached 14.5% of the outdoor participant base, the highest level on record. At the same time, White participation fell by 1.1%, indicating that people of color are driving outdoor growth.

This aligns with our shared mission in Michigan: ensuring that public lands and programs serve all people, not just some.

Hiking, Fishing, Camping, and Biking Lead the Way

The top five "gateway" outdoor activities in 2024 were:

Hiking
63 million participants

Fishing (all types)
54 million

Bicycling
58 million

Camping (all types)
53 million

Run/jog/trail running
56 million

These entry-level activities added an average of 2.1 million new participants each. And critically, participants in these activities were highly likely to branch out into other types of outdoor recreation—91% of campers and 85% of hikers also engaged in at least one other outdoor activity.

Families, Youth, and Seniors Are Leading the Way

66% of U.S. households with children participated in outdoor recreation in 2024—a record high.
More than 23 million older adults (65+) got outdoors last year, surpassing younger adult age groups for the first time.

This reinforces the importance of multigenerational and family-friendly programming, something Michigan's parks and recreation agencies and conservation groups excel at. Whether it’s a summer camp, fishing day, or a walk in the woods, these experiences build lasting connections to nature.

Outdoor Spending is Shifting

As participation grows, so does the diversity in how people engage. The Outdoor Consumer Trends 2025 report groups participants into three key categories:

Core Participants (5% of the market)

Participate frequently (e.g., hike 13+ times/year, fish 8+ times, run 51+ times)
Pursue technical or “epic” outdoor experiences
Spend the most: $2,188/year on average
Often seek challenge, adrenaline, and performance

Active Participants (50% of the market)

Participate regularly but less intensely
Engage for fitness, health, or family/community time
Spend $1,600/year on average
Represent the backbone of Michigan’s local park programming and trail use

Casual Participants (42% of the market)

Participate occasionally and with less technical knowledge
Prioritize emotional benefits like calm, balance, and happiness
Spend $1,400/year on average
Fuel demand for accessible trails, parks, and informal nature spaces

In Michigan, this means outdoor stores, programs, and messaging should focus on inclusive, low-barrier experiences and access to nature and recreation, and that sustainability and wellness are the top values for today's outdoor public.

What This Means for Michigan

These trends aren’t just national talking points; they reflect a fundamental shift in who uses Michigan’s parks, trails, and open spaces, how they engage, and what they need.

Local parks are essential for casual and active users, especially families, youth, and older adults.
Municipal investments in greenways, community trails, and year-round programming meet people where they are.
Public lands are increasingly welcoming broader audiences with interpretive signage, ADA-accessible trails, and inclusive stewardship programming.
First-time visitors often come for peace, solitude, and wildlife viewing, not just adventure.
Paddling, fishing, and swimming remain popular and are often a gateway for residents and tourists alike.

Opportunities for Michigan:

Prioritize accessible and inclusive programming, especially for families and underrepresented groups.
Highlight sustainable recreation and environmental stewardship, as eco-conscious values increasingly influence consumer behavior.
Design retail and outreach strategies that resonate with casual participants looking for balance, connection, and community, not just performance.

mParks + Heart of the Lakes + Michigan Trails & Greenways Alliance = Committed to Action

At mParks, Heart of the Lakes, and Michigan Trails & Greenways Alliance, we are using this data to:

Advocate for smart, inclusive outdoor policy and funding.
Support community-driven programming, especially in underserved areas.
Build strong coalitions to expand access to the outdoors for all Michigan residents.

Together, we’re shaping an outdoor future that reflects our state’s values, diversity, and natural abundance.

The Great Outdoors Meets Dad Mode

6/12/2025

Back in May, we asked moms to share their real stories from the front lines of parenting outside. The snack wins, the tiny triumphs, and the beautifully chaotic work of raising the next generation in nature.

Now it’s Dad’s turn.

We put out the call for trail tales, campfire hacks, and hard-earned wisdom from the dads who show up with muddy boots, duct tape solutions, and a steady supply of dad jokes. What came back reads like a DIY manual — full of heart, humor, and those everyday moments that somehow become lifelong memories.

So here’s to the dads who carry more than just the gear. The ones who turn sticks into swords, untangle the fishing lines, and calmly explain (again) why we don’t lick frogs.

Thanks for packing up, heading out, and helping kids feel at home in the wild.

This is your sign to hug an outdoor dad, or at least hand him a granola bar. He’s earned it.

BRANDAN

Dad of one

OUTDOOR IDENTITY
Probably the "pack mule" because I'm in charge of the gear and it always seems like I'm wearing a backpack.

FOR THE LOVE OF SNACKS
I'm probably in the minority with this take but we don't really snack when we're playing outside. However, we like to go to Shake Shack afterwards. We do that so much my son started to form a Pavlovian association between hiking and burger-fries (as he calls it)!

MOMENTS THAT STUCK (LIKE BURRS)
I'll never forget the time my son completed his first hike (well the first time he walked by himself not strapped to my back). It was a short, half mile, point-to-point at a waterfall in Rainer National Park. I just sort of set him down near the trail and wanted to see what he'd do. He took off like a pro! He was a little over a year old and his little legs could barely step over all the roots and rocks on the trail. But he did it! That was really special.

NATURE KNOWS BEST (AND DAD'S GOT A MULTI-TOOL)
Have zero expectations. I'm very goal oriented. When I'm backpacking, hiking, bike riding, or running I like having a clear set of objectives to achieve. Cant do that with a toddler. There have been times when we arrive at a trailhead just to pick up rocks in the parking lot (still tracked it on Strava though!). Its tough, but being outside as a family is the goal. That's more important than mileage.

LESSONS LEARNED (OFTEN THE HARD WAY)
Just have fun!

STACY

Dad of one

OUTDOOR IDENTITY
Meandering Meerkat

FOR THE LOVE OF SNACKS
Apples. Cheese Sticks. Ice cream after its any temperature out.

MOMENTS THAT STUCK (LIKE BURRS)
Can we just play in the woods today or do we have to get somewhere? My mindset around hiking has revolved for years around mileage and / or a summit experience for a great view or 'total experience'. My daughter likes those things, but would much rather play on the edges of the trail with a few forays into the deeper woods looking for fairy houses, animal tracks, neat sticks, rocks, and flowers. It is a great reminder that the most important thing is just to BE in nature not necessarily crush or shred or exhaust or push. Those things are all great, but so is being back on your SUP and floating in the lake or building fairy houses on a dead log.

NATURE KNOWS BEST (AND DAD'S GOT A MULTI-TOOL)
Be patient. Pack snacks. Bring water. Set a goal but don't get too attached. The goal for me is that she wants to come back outside.

LESSONS LEARNED (OFTEN THE HARD WAY)
Be willing to sit down and play. The mileage doesn't matter.

DENNIS

Dad of two

OUTDOOR IDENTITY
The Barefoot Compass

FOR THE LOVE OF SNACKS
Dutch Oven Peach Cobbler and Campfire Banana Boats

MOMENTS THAT STUCK (LIKE BURRS)
One crisp winter afternoon, my wife and I took our two kids sledding on a modest hill tucked in the woods behind our house. Spirits were high, and the sledding began with great success. Gaining confidence, my 6-year-old daughter started her 3rd run, giggling like a maniac, steering her sled like a pro. Then came the turn. The sled zigged when it should have zagged and she went straight—into a tree. From the top of the hill, I saw what I thought was uncontrollable laughter. Quickly learning it was not, I scrambled down to find her still in a heap, scraped on her nose and lip like a tiny, frosty warrior. After a few hugs, a tissue, and a dramatic retelling involving “the evil tree,” she was ready to ride again. Now, ten years later, she tells that story with pride, always pointing out “that tree” on hikes at home to anyone who will listen.

NATURE KNOWS BEST (AND DAD'S GOT A MULTI-TOOL)
Always bring a beanie and fleece - it's easy to cool off, tougher to warm up. Oh...and a well-timed chocolate snack improves most any mishap.

LESSONS LEARNED (OFTEN THE HARD WAY)
Focus on offering choices and allowing the kids to drive the outdoor adventures. Keep it fun and be flexible.

TYLER

Dad of two

OUTDOOR IDENTITY
Walking stick

FOR THE LOVE OF SNACKS
Take-out picnics at the park (nuggets + fries). Sandwiches at the beach (PB&J). Always blueberries, always water bottles. Depending on the time of year, any mention of hot cocoa or ice cream afterwards usually keeps everyone's spirits/ behavior in check - myself included.

MOMENTS THAT STUCK (LIKE BURRS)
How they both knew to stop and smell the flowers before they could even talk. How their less-than-subtle "encouragement" actually does make me go faster with the double jogging stroller. How my usually cautious 3-year-old lit up on a stand up paddle board last summer - insisting on "no hands" as I kicked her around during a calm sunset on Lake Michigan.

NATURE KNOWS BEST (AND DAD'S GOT A MULTI-TOOL)
Whether I'm trying to slow them down or speed them up, a ride on my shoulders is always a good way to shift gears. And it frees up both hands to carry all the inevitable stuff.

LESSONS LEARNED (OFTEN THE HARD WAY)
When they hand you a rock / stick / pinecone / flower petals - always treat it like the gift that it is. They will ask where you put it later, and the answer can't be "dropped." Those same things work wonders when they need something to hold/ examine/ destroy on a squirrelly stroller ride. Just try to discourage chewing.

CHRIS

Dad of one

OUTDOOR IDENTITY
Swiss Army Dad

FOR THE LOVE OF SNACKS
Chips, Goldfish, PBJs, bags of fruit gummies, anything easily portable that buys you a little extra time outdoors together.

MOMENTS THAT STUCK (LIKE BURRS)
Helping my daughter catch her first firefly on her own at the state forest campground in Ossineke. She braved the mosquitoes and the dark to hold one in her little hand, her fingers aglow with a pale insect green light.

NATURE KNOWS BEST (AND DAD'S GOT A MULTI-TOOL)
Be prepared to find rocks in your laundry. Be sure to look at them and figure out what made your kiddo stick them in their pocket.

LESSONS LEARNED (OFTEN THE HARD WAY)
Help them get comfortable with peeing outside. Always pack tissues in a baggie.

BRIAN

Dad of two

OUTDOOR IDENTITY
Bicycle bedlam

FOR THE LOVE OF SNACKS
Tends to vary, snack smorgasbord.

MOMENTS THAT STUCK (LIKE BURRS)
Post-rain bike rides through the biggest puddles we can find.

NATURE KNOWS BEST (AND DAD'S GOT A MULTI-TOOL)
Extra set of clothes is never a bad idea.

LESSONS LEARNED (OFTEN THE HARD WAY)
Playground recon when in a new area.

PETE

Dad of two

OUTDOOR IDENTITY
Maybe better without them sometimes

FOR THE LOVE OF SNACKS
Cheez-its topped with applesauce from a pouch. It makes my recycling/waste mind explode.

MOMENTS THAT STUCK (LIKE BURRS)
We went on a camping trip, one of our first with a pop-up, and found out FOR SURE that our son was lactose intolerant. In the rain. Many times over.

NATURE KNOWS BEST (AND DAD'S GOT A MULTI-TOOL)
Idea vs actuality sometimes isn't great....but still have many memorable moments. And many they don't think as memorable now, but hopefully someday will.

LESSONS LEARNED (OFTEN THE HARD WAY)
Don't be strict on the adventure. Just do the adventure.