Great Lakes Sports Commission

07/24/2026

The Great Lakes Sports Commission is proud to support the AuSable River Canoe Marathon—an iconic Northern Michigan event that brings together world-class competition, dedicated volunteers, enthusiastic spectators, and communities throughout the region. We are honored to help continue this incredible tradition and showcase the very best of Northern Michigan.

❗ From MLive.com, check this super look at the 2026 Consumers Energy AuSable River Canoe Marathon!

📰 By Lindsay Moore | GRAYLING, MI -- "A marathon is more than the miles traveled. It’s the physical endurance, the mental fortitude and the emotional resilience that make it a sports spectacle. Now add in shifting river waters, changing weather conditions and complete darkness. That’s Michigan’s iconic marathon on the water.

"The AuSable River Canoe Marathon is a 120-mile overnight race crossing Northern Michigan.

"The Marathon starts 9 p.m. Saturday, July 25 downtown Grayling and will end Sunday on the shores of Lake Huron in Oscoda.

"The epic, annual marathon challenges two-person canoe teams to navigate the AuSable River through 14 to 19 hours of intense competition.

"Now in its 78th year, the marathon has been regarded as one of the world’s most demanding canoe races and one of Michigan’s signature sporting traditions, according to race organizers.

"Legions of fans gather along the riverbanks on Saturday and Sunday. Last year organizers estimated 50,000 fans traveled Up North to see the marathon on water.

"From the LeMans-style sprint to the water to the cinematic backdrops of paddling through sunset, darkness and dawn − this race is a sports spectacle." ...more

Check out Lindsay Moore's full MLive article here👉
https://www.mlive.com/life/2026/07/from-dusk-to-dawn-paddlers-push-through-120-mile-canoe-marathon-across-northern-michigan.html

How to follow the AuSable River Canoe Marathon online👉
https://www.ausablecanoemarathon.org/spectators/follow-online/

📷 Monica McGivern




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Triple Crown of Canoe Racing

05/18/2026

We’re proud to once again present the Epson Tour – Great Lakes Championship at The Highlands for a second year! ⛳️

Bringing this world-class women’s professional golf event back to northern Michigan is about more than championship competition—it’s about showcasing our incredible region, supporting the growth of women’s professional sports, and creating meaningful economic and community impact.

Join us June 19–21 for an unforgettable weekend of golf, hospitality, and northern Michigan at its finest. Get your tickets and be part of it!

02/20/2026

International competition. Historic venue. Unmatched community support.

The FIS Continental Cup has landed at Pine Mountain Ski Jump, and we’re proud to stand alongside the Kiwanis Ski Club as a partner in bringing this world-class event to Iron Mountain.

Hosting global events like this strengthens our region’s reputation as a premier destination for competitive sports.

Come experience it firsthand!

01/13/2026

We’re proud to partner with Top Shelf Hockey to support the 2026 Traverse City Challenge – Women’s High School & College Hockey Showcase, coming to Centre Ice Arena January 23–25, 2026!

This exciting event will bring 20 women’s high school, youth, and collegiate teams to Northern Michigan, highlighting the continued growth and development of women’s hockey while welcoming athletes, families, and fans from across the region.

Support for events like this is exactly what our Sports Development Grant Program is designed to do - create meaningful competitive opportunities, elevate women’s and girls’ sports, and drive positive economic and community impact throughout Northern Michigan.

We look forward to another outstanding weekend of hockey in Traverse City!

📍 Centre Ice Arena
🗓️ January 23–25, 2026

This showcase provides a platform for players and their families to witness the level of competition, as well as the talent emerging in the sport.

12/15/2025

What an incredible weekend at the Snocross National in Ironwood! ❄️🏁 The Great Lakes Sports Commission was proud to support this exciting event, which truly showcases the unique and thrilling sporting opportunities in northern Michigan.

A huge shoutout to the Gogebic Community College team for their hard work and dedication in bringing such an impactful event to life - we’re thrilled to see their efforts pay off and help put our region on the map for world-class winter sports! ⛄👏

Snowmobilers flew across Mount Zion for the start of the national competition.

12/12/2025