Heart of the Lakes

11/05/2026

Snow squall at the start, sunshine at the finish. Or the other way around. That’s the Iceman Cometh.

This Saturday, Nov. 7, more than 6,000 riders will take on the largest single-day mountain bike race in the U.S., rolling from Kalkaska to Traverse City on a course that changes every year. With family and friends cheering them on, over 16,000 visitors will head north for the season finale.

Events like this don’t happen without the trails, the open spaces, and the community behind them. Last year alone, Iceman gave more than $43,000 back to the biking community, and riders chipped in over $20,000 to get kids their first race experience.

Read the full story:
https://ruralinnovationexchange.com/chasing-ice-unpredictable-trail-and-big-crowds-await-racers-at-the-annual-iceman-cometh/

10/29/2026

Ten years ago we met Rick Sayler, a farmer in Traverse City...

He's the owner of a six-generation cherry farm that two of his four daughters currently help him operate. Rick believes that the land pulls the family together, and will proudly tell you that “We just have a ball together.” He considers this way of life to be not necessarily a monetary reward, but the greatest reward, and he does not want to see that go away.

The area of land that can be used to grow cherries is a small pocket that cannot be replicated in other parts of the state. Rick worries about this precious land being lost when farmers fall on hard times and sell their land for development. In order to make sure that this would not happen to his farm, Rick led the charge by putting it under a conservation easement. His daughters look forward to continuing the legacy that has been built, and hold their father in the highest regard as the nurturer not of just the farm, but of their family.

Rick Sayler is a farmer in Traverse City, Michigan. He is the owner...

10/27/2026

Ten years ago, we met Maurice Morillo at Tawas Point...

He's a kiteboarder who prides himself on being not your average bro. Hailing from Saginaw, Michigan, Moe spends much of his time on the waters of Tawas Point, nestled along the edge of Lake Huron. He believes in the healing power of nature through the feelings of love, euphoria and adrenaline that kiteboarding provides him.

Moe doesn't consider himself an environmentalist, but he intentionally tries to teach others the necessity of being conscious of their environment. He stresses that we are all connected to the earth, and that who you are is as much about where you live as how you live. Respect for yourself and the outdoors comes by doing what you love.

Kiteboarder Maurice Morillo prides himself in being not your averag...

10/21/2026

You may remember the Power of Nature, our series exploring the ways Michigan's Great Lakes and coastal landscapes shape our lives. We're now in the midst of a 10-year refresh of the series, supported through the Coastal Zone Management Program with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, bringing new stories, voices, and perspectives to the table.

The new films will highlight the many ways people connect with our coast, exploring themes of wonder, friendship, love, belonging, and pride. The stories will look beyond our coastal landscapes to show how time spent in nature can support our well-being, strengthen communities, create a sense of belonging, and inspire people to care for the places they love.

The films will move across multiple locations and lakes, following the emotion of each story rather than a spot on the map. As any Michigander knows, connection to the coast isn't confined to one place. It shows up all across the state, in a range of people and experiences that reflect the many ways our coastal resources become part of our lives.

We can’t wait to introduce the new project, but in the meantime, we’d like to spend the next few weeks reminiscing about the people and stories that started it all back in 2017!

Get a head start here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOJRTftnbZNK8oKv-wm-JXyazxRCSkxCo&si=j9Z_7B8ao4xa5uU1

09/23/2026

We're stoked to welcome two national leaders in the outdoor industry to close out the day and reflect on everything the Michigan Outdoor Summit has covered, what surprised them, and what it all means for the future of Michigan's public lands and outdoor economy.

Kent Ebersole, President, Outdoor Industry Association (OIA). Leads OIA's work safeguarding public lands and championing equitable outdoor experiences, having revived signature industry gatherings including OIA Rendezvous and the Catalyst Conference.

Christina Henderson, VP, Diversified USA. Leads Switchback Event, the national gathering for the outdoor industry, and The Running Event, celebrating its 20th year this fall.

Kent and Christina will sit down with Daniel Wanschura of Points North Podcast for a conversation you won't want to miss.

Get your tickets before they're gone!

09/21/2026

Michigan Outdoor Summit ticket prices take one last hike at 11:59pm tonight.

That tab you've had open since last week? Now's the time.

09/18/2026

What’s happening in outdoor policy right now, and what do you need to know?

At the Michigan Outdoor Summit, Unpacking the Outdoor Issues will dig into the policy issues shaping Michigan’s outdoors, from access and recreation to natural resources and water quality.

Panelists will unpack timely issues including user pay, the Recreational Use Act, and standards for water recreation, while exploring the policy decisions that could shape the future of Michigan’s outdoors.

Hear from:

Dan Lord, Director of Environment and Natural Resources at Public Sector Consultants, where he develops actionable policy solutions for Michigan’s environment, infrastructure, and natural resources.

Molly Flanagan, Great Lakes Senior Program Officer at the Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation, bringing decades of experience working on Great Lakes conservation, environmental policy, and recreation.

Ross Hammersley, Environmental Attorney and Partner at Olson & Howard, P.C., with experience spanning environmental law, advocacy, restoration, and natural resource issues.

Andrea LaFontaine, Executive Director of the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance, will moderate. A former state legislator and Michigan Department of Natural Resources policy advisor, Andrea brings years of experience working at the intersection of Michigan government, public policy, and outdoor recreation.

Ticket prices increase September 21. Register now to lock in the current rate!

09/18/2026

Still thinking about it? We see you....

The Michigan Outdoor Summit is less than two weeks out (Sept 30 to Oct 1, Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort), and prices go up one last time on Monday.

09/17/2026

Can't wait for this session!

Featuring our board member, Ross Hammersley (Olson & Howard, P.C.), former HOL board member Andrea LaFontaine (Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance), and our good friends Dan Lord and Molly Flanagan!

What’s happening in outdoor policy right now, and what do you need to know?

At the Michigan Outdoor Summit, Unpacking the Outdoor Issues will dig into the policy issues shaping Michigan’s outdoors, from access and recreation to natural resources and water quality.

Panelists will unpack timely issues including user pay, the Recreational Use Act, and standards for water recreation, while exploring the policy decisions that could shape the future of Michigan’s outdoors.

Hear from:

Dan Lord, Director of Environment and Natural Resources at Public Sector Consultants, where he develops actionable policy solutions for Michigan’s environment, infrastructure, and natural resources.

Molly Flanagan, Great Lakes Senior Program Officer at the Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation, bringing decades of experience working on Great Lakes conservation, environmental policy, and recreation.

Ross Hammersley, Environmental Attorney and Partner at Olson & Howard, P.C., with experience spanning environmental law, advocacy, restoration, and natural resource issues.

Andrea LaFontaine, Executive Director of the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance, will moderate. A former state legislator and Michigan Department of Natural Resources policy advisor, Andrea brings years of experience working at the intersection of Michigan government, public policy, and outdoor recreation.

Ticket prices increase September 21. Register now to lock in the current rate!

09/16/2026

What do public lands have to do with Michigan’s outdoor economy? More than you might think!

Michigan’s public lands support far more than recreation. They help attract visitors, support local businesses, create jobs, and contribute to economic growth in communities across the state.

At the Michigan Outdoor Summit, our morning From Store to Shore panel will explore the connection between conservation, consumer behavior, outdoor businesses, tourism, and community economies.

Bringing together voices from across the outdoor industry:

Paul Hendricks, Executive Director of The Conservation Alliance and our 2026 Summit keynote.

Pitt Grewe, Head of Social and Environmental Impact at AllTrails and former Director of Utah’s Division of Outdoor Recreation.

Anna Lee, Senior Consultant at Public Sector Consultants, and serves as Secretary of the Michigan Horse Trails Association.

Cara Cross, Co-Owner and CMO of Gazelle Sports, bringing a retailer’s perspective on Michigan’s outdoor economy and the communities it serves.

Ryan Gajewski, Chief Strategy Officer at Truscott Rossman, serving as moderator and bringing years of experience telling Michigan’s story and working at the intersection of public-private partnerships and economic development.

It’s a conversation about where Michigan’s public lands, outdoor recreation economy, and communities intersect, and what opportunities are ahead.

Join us October 1 at Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort in Traverse City. Snag your tickets before they increase on September 21st.

michiganoutdoor.org