In addition to exploring our scenic trail systems, this colorful season brings us some of our other favorite outdoor Michigan activities. Now’s the time to visit our apple orchards and pumpkin patches, sip cider at one of our many cider mills (accompanied by a donut of course), or take your pup for a walk surrounded by Michigan’s beautiful scenery. 

Throughout my time as governor, I’ve made historic investments in Michigan’s outdoors so that these cherished past times can continue for generations: 

• Invested over $100 million in parks and public lands through the Natural Resources Trust Fund, Recreation Passport Grant Fund, and Land Water Conservation Fund. 

• Signed the Building Michigan Together Plan to invest $450 million in state and community parks, trails, and recreation facilities, including funding for the development of a state park in Flint and greenways in Detroit and Grand Rapids. 

• Signed a bipartisan budget for FY2023 that invested over $40 million in local park projects, including funding to complete Detroit’s Joe Lewis Greenway. 
• Created the Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry to work with industry partners to grow Michigan’s outdoor industry and expand outdoor recreation opportunities for families. 

These investments are major wins for Michiganders of all ages and abilities. Each park is an important pillar in its community because they support local businesses, create jobs, and give people beautiful, welcoming places to make memories. I will continue to invest in our parks, recreation and public lands so future generations can enjoy everything that Pure Michigan has to offer. 

Happy trails!