Trails and State Parks Drive Michigan's Outdoor Recreation Business

MICHIGAN — Michigan's trail networks and state parks are supporting a growing outdoor recreation economy, and communities along them report business that extends beyond the summer months.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources manages more than 100 state parks and recreation areas, along with rail-trails such as the Pere Marquette, Kal-Haven and North Central. Local outfitters, bike shops, campgrounds and restaurants cluster where those trails meet towns.

Four-season business

Mountain biking, fat-tire winter riding and snowmobiling have extended the season in northern Michigan, where trails are groomed and maintained by volunteer groups working with the DNR. Towns that invested in trail connections to their downtowns report the most consistent business.

The housing link

Worker housing remains the top constraint in the busiest trail towns, mirroring the lakeshore. Employers in Marquette, Traverse City and Harbor Springs all point to housing as the limiting factor on hiring.

What to watch

Expect more investment in trail connections between state land and town centers, and continued growth in e-bike rentals and guided trips. Trail users overwhelmingly spend locally when the trail reaches a walkable downtown.