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Calling all night owls, adventure seekers, wildlife enthusiasts, and intrepid hikers! We're heading into the darker months of the year, which means that the BEST WILDLIFE VIEWING OPPORTUNITIES are just around the corner. Join Expedition Detroit on a special "Night Hike Safari" at Maybury State Park throughout the fall and winter to explore and enjoy the best of the Detroit area's outdoors - under the stars! This introductory-level guided hike will traverse Maybury State Park's beloved main "Hiking Trail Loop." Setting off from the 8 Mile Road trailhead, this 3.1 mile hike will cross the park's "wooded highlands," wildlife-dense marshlands, the picturesque Maybury Pond, and uncover the ruins of the Maybury Sanatorium. EACH HIKER MUST WEAR A HEADLAMP OR CARRY A FLASHLIGHT! Participants can either bring their own or rent one from Expedition Detroit for $5. Headlamps are reservable via the online checkout and payable at the trailhead. MORE ON THIS TRAIL: Meeting Point: Trailhead at the eastern parking lot of Maybury's 8 Mile Rd. entrance (turn LEFT at the crossroads after entering the park). The tour starts at the "MAYBURY SANATORIUM" sign at the trailhead. Elevation Gain: 127 feet Trail Rating: Easy Route Orientation: Loop Parking Specifics: Michigan Recreation Passport required for parking at the 8 Mile Trailhead CHECK OUT OUR #TRAILTUESDAY SPOTLIGHT ON THIS TRAIL: https://www.expeditiondetroit.com/post/trailtuesday-maybury-state-park-hiking-trail-loop

Welcome to Maybury State Park in Northville, Michigan! This introductory-level guided hike will traverse Maybury State Park's beloved main "Hiking Trail Loop." Setting off from the 8 Mile Road trailhead, this 3.1 mile hike will cross the park's "wooded highlands," wildlife-dense marshlands, the picturesque Maybury Pond, and uncover the ruins of the Maybury Sanatorium. MORE ON THIS TRAIL: Meeting Point: Trailhead at the eastern parking lot of Maybury's 8 Mile Rd. entrance (turn LEFT at the crossroads after entering the park). The tour starts at the "MAYBURY SANATORIUM" sign at the trailhead. Elevation Gain: 127 feet Trail Rating: Easy Route Orientation: Loop Parking Specifics: Michigan Recreation Passport required for parking at the 8 Mile Trailhead CHECK OUT OUR #TRAILTUESDAY SPOTLIGHT ON THIS TRAIL: https://www.expeditiondetroit.com/post/trailtuesday-maybury-state-park-hiking-trail-loop

Welcome to Proud Lake State Recreation Area in Milford, Michigan! Less crowds, less problems! This moderate-level guided hike explores the lesser-known - but still stunningly beautiful - western segments of Proud Lake. Utilized by hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers, and equestrians alike, Proud Lake's Loops 2 and 3 provide exploration opportunities across the rolling hills, spacious grasslands, dense marshes, and forested trails south of the Huron River and west of Norton Creek. The variable terrain of the West Loops provides an ideal destination for building your hiking experience near the heart of the Detroit region! MORE ON THIS TRIP: Meeting Point: Equestrian staging parking lot at end of Garden Road (trailhead for Loops 2 and 3). Trail length: 4.5 miles Elevation Gain: 255 feet Trail Rating: Moderate Route Orientation: Loop Parking Specifics: Michigan Recreation Passport required for parking at the Garden Road Equestrian Staging parking lot.

In this opinion piece, Brandan Freeman of "Shades of the Outdoors" provides critical insights into the broken promises of "The Wilderness Act" and "Civil Rights Act" - and how all Americans can better uphold the call for an "Outdoors for All." The year 2024 marks the 60th anniversary of the signing of one of the most important pieces of legislation impacting the American outdoors: The Wilderness Act. The Wilderness Act drastically expanded the definition of what could be conserved under federal law. As a result, millions of acres of land across the country have been protected from commercialization and human development. This land has been protected to be used for, according to the Act’s edict, the " permanent good of all people. " The anniversary of the Act’s signing is worth celebrating by anyone who experiences our national parks, monuments, waterways, and public lands . As an outdoor enthusiast, I extol the Wilderness Act as a shining example of American ingenuity, perseverance, and commitment to conservation. Indeed, it truly is. It is also one of the most visible examples of systemic racism in this era of “color blindness.” This year, as we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Wilderness Act, we should also celebrate the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Civil Rights Act . Both acts were approved by Congress within the same legislation session. The Wilderness Act was passed unanimously, in a bipartisan manner, by members of the House of Representatives on July 30, 1964.Three weeks earlier, members of the House convened to vote on the Civil Rights Act, which fortunately passed on July 2, 1964. Unlike the Wilderness Act, however, the passage of the Civil Rights Act was highly contentious and far from unanimous. In fact, when you analyze the voter rolls for both Acts, you undeniably discover systemic inequality in action. Out of all of the votes cast, nearly one third of Congress members that voted in favor of the Wilderness Act, did not vote in favor of the Civil Rights Act. That's right. Over 100 members of congress were simultaneously in favor of the Wilderness Act, but starkly against guaranteeing civil rights for millions of Americans. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C. Two days before Independence Day - a day that Americans praise the virtues of freedom and independence, and three weeks before signing legislation that would preserve land for the enjoyment of all Americans - hundreds of members of Congress voted against granting African Americans rights guaranteed by the Constitution. In doing so, Congress perpetuated the dual-definition of what it meant to be an American. The reality of who , where , and how Americans can live their lives. Regardless of the de jure wins passed within the Civil Rights Act, the de facto definition of “all Americans” remained unchanged. Congress' actions affirmed that irrespective of the Act, Americans that identify as members of the global majority (often inaccurately labeled as BIPOC) would remain explicitly excluded. This intentional re-amplification of the racial caste system reaffirmed who qualifies as Americans. And, very notably, wh o were eligible to enjoy public outdoor recreation areas. “All” did not truly mean all. And that legacy of "not all" in our outdoors persists 60 years later. A common saying among the outdoor community is that " the outdoors does not discriminate. " Yes, this is true on its face - there are no records of trees or mountains engaging in hate speech or acts of bigotry. The social construct of "the outdoors," however, has a documented history of racism that both predates and survives the Wilderness Act and the Civil Rights Act. The displacement of Native Americans from their indigenous lands began long before the establishment of our Constitution in 1789. The monstrous amount of lynchings that occurred from 1865 to 1950s usually took place in forests or natural spaces. Even our beloved National Parks System was segregated until 1945. And in recent memory , discrimination in the outdoors has persisted in both covert ways - such as in the case of Christian Cooper, threatened with violence and arrest while bird-watching in Central Park - to overt and life-threatening ways, such as the tragedy of Ahmaud Arbery's murder while running outdoors in February of 2020. Here are additional facts on the current state of the outdoors in America: Only 23% of visitors to the 432 national park units across the U.S. are people of color. 74% percent of communities of color in the contiguous United States live in nature-deprived areas, compared with just 23% of white communities. Nature destruction has had the largest impact on low-income communities of color , depriving such communities of air and water purification, climate mitigation, biodiversity and disease control, and opportunities for leisure and recreation. In Michigan, people of color comprise 85% of residents living in a nature-deprived area. Oftentimes words lose their gravity, importance, and meaning due to overuse. "Systemic" is one of those words. Same with "inequality." From this day forward, when you hear the phrase "systemic inequality," remember the Wilderness and Civil Rights Acts. Inequality is deeply rooted into our society, laws, customs, and courtesies. When we say the "outdoors" was created within a construct that systemically excludes people of the global majority, the Wilderness Act is, unfortunately, exactly what we mean. Remember the statistics referenced here, and how they reflect the duality of what it means to be an American in our "outdoors." It is important to note that conservation didn’t end in 1964. In the 60 years post ratification, numerous additional pieces of legislation were signed to protect millions of additional acres of land. Even today , conservationists in Michigan are fighting in Lansing to protect Porcupine Mountains State Park from a foreign company's plan to erect a metallic sulfide waste facility directly adjacent to the park's boundary. Similarly, the fight for Civil Rights did not end on signing day. The fight for equality for all rages on. And it must continue, because 60 years after these two pieces of legislation were signed, forthcoming government policies continue to threaten the viability of both civil rights and conservation within the United States and around the world. The job wasn’t done then. Our job isn’t done now. Being mindful of our history, and perhaps the future,   we call on outdoor organizations to look inwards. Scrutinize your values, guiding principles, and practices. Colorblindness alone will not bring change. Intentional anti-racist actions are necessary. Only when that occurs will the outdoors truly become a place for everyone . This article was originally published as “ From 1964 to 2024 ” on November 11, 2024 via Shades of the Outdoors and is republished on Expedition Detroit with the express written consent of Shades of the Outdoors and Brandan Freeman. Further republications of the original article require the express written consent of Brandan Freeman. This article expresses the views of its author(s), which do not necessarily reflect those of this publication.

October means that FALL IS BACK IN DETROIT, along with your favorite autumnal traditions, seasonal treats, and the optimal opportunity to experience your favorite parks, trails, and waterways . With the best of Detroit's outdoor ecosystem waiting for your arrival, here's our short list of the Top Ten Outdoor Events near Detroit remaining in the best month of the year! We’ve said it once, twice, and possibly a million times : nothing beats October in the Detroit area. Crisp mornings, warm days, screensaver-worthy foliage, less crowded trails and campgrounds, open season for hunting, premiere racing… one does not simply top the optimal recreational opportunities that October entails. With an adventure-packed month like October that's already flying by, the sheer scope of the wealth of outdoor experiences available to you may come off as overwhelming at first. Trust us, you're not alone in the sentiment. If we're being honest, every October morning starts with a catharsis of which recreational aspirations we will pursue that day. Start the morning in the tree stand for the morning hunt or with a trail run ? Paddle out into the Huron River for reflective fall colors or pump up the tires for a mountain bike ride ? Head out for a stroll along Detroit's most scenic urban trails or book a guided hike for a backcountry adventure ? Don't worry though - when it comes to October in Metro Detroit, as long as you're outside on a bluebird sky and color-filled day, then you're living your best life . Regardless of your recreational pursuit. That being said, if you're searching for a shortlist of the best outdoor events to provide some structure to the last half of this month of months, then you've clicked on the right article. Here are Expedition Detroit's "Top Ten Outdoor Events near Detroit" occurring throughout this action-packed month ! Photo courtesy of Wheelhouse Detroit LLC 1. Dare to Peddle on a Haunted Bicycle Tour through Detroit Throughout October | Detroit, Michigan   | Noon Celebrate Halloween on two wheels with Wheelhouse Detroit ! This spooky cycling tour combines some ghostly anecdotes with factual historic info about Harry Houdini, the Nain Rouge, Elmwood Cemetery, and the St. Aubin Street Massacre. The three hour tour also visits a few spots rumored to be haunted, including the Fort-Shelby and Leland Hotels, The Whitney, and the Masonic Temple. The Detroit central route includes Rivertown, Elmwood Park, Poletown, Midtown/Cass Corridor, and Downtown. There will be time for a beer or coffee stop, per the group's preference. The total route distance is 13 miles and cost is $45/$55 with bike rental. 2. Get in the Woods for Whitetail Deer Bow Season Throughout October | Statewide in Michigan    Fall technically started on September 23rd, but the overwhelming consensus among Michigan outdoorsmen is that the season kicks off the moment that you get into your stand for whitetail deer season on October 1st . Months of gear preparation , scouting, land maintenance, target practice, and stand assembly have led to this moment. The temperature may be slightly warmer than preferred, but there’s no better place to sit back, watch the changing leaves wave in the wind, and wait for that buck of a lifetime to wander your way. This season, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has specifically called on lower peninsula hunters to play a critical role in the DNR's conservation strategy . More specifically, in order to alleviate the significant stress that an overpopulation of deer has levied upon the lower peninsula's ecosystem, the DNR is pleading for hunters to focus primarily on harvesting a doe during October's opening weeks . While that may seem counterintuitive to the longstanding - i.e., way outdated - approach to "bucks only" hunting, the DNR's action call also notes that taking an early-season doe will most likely entail increased rut activity, decreased young buck harvests, and improvement of overall herd ratios. Most importantly, increased doe harvests will also provide the long-term benefits of reduced cases of disease transmission, vehicle accidents involving deer, and destruction of farmland. GEAR UP FOR THE SEASON WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT 3. Join a Guided Hike under the Full Hunter’s Moon October 17th   |  Lake Erie Metropark   |  7 P.M. October’s full moon - appropriately named the “ Hunter’s Moon ”  - will reach its peak on October 17th. Be sure to catch a glimpse of this bright orange moon by heading over to Lake Erie Metropark  for a guided “ Hunter's Moon Hike ” led by a metropark ranger equipped with special historical and astronomical knowledge. We couldn’t resist doing some of our own research, though; it is believed that this full moon came to be called the “ Hunter’s Moon ” because it signaled the right time to start hunting  in relation to the impending winter. We embrace this omen and proudly endorse this moon.. 4. Ride into the MTB Life at Brighton Recreation Area October 19-20th | Brighton State Recreation Area | 7 A.M. Looking to FINALLY break into mountain biking?? Join Dynamic Cycling Adventures for a weekend of mountain bike clinics taught by local certified coaches!    This upcoming Saturday will feature a fundamentals clinic appropriate for all skills and abilities.  The fundamentals clinic will focus on laying the foundation of sound mountain biking skills. Sunday will consist of an intermediate/advanced clinic to explore more advanced mountain bike skills - cornering, jumping, caps, and rock rollovers.   Combine the two clinics for a great two day clinic experience to take your riding to the next level! The event staff requests that all participants bring helmets, appropriate bike shoes (preferably flats), plenty of water, snacks, lunch, and rain gear.  Online preregistration is required. The cost is $249 for one day or $449 for two days. EXPERIENCE BRIGHTON RECREATION AREA'S FAMOUS PENOSHA TRAIL 5. Hike under Peak Fall Colors with Expedition Detroit! Throughout October | 11 State Parks and Recreation Areas Peak fall colors are JUST AROUND THE CORNER, and there's no better way to experience them than on the trails of the Michigan State Parks! Not sure where to explore? No problem - we've curated dozens of guided trips intended to showcase the best of the best of the Detroit region's outdoors. EXPERIENCE PEAK FALL COLORS WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT The Expedition Detroit team is proud to represent the Michigan DNR's largest commercial provider of guided hikes, backpacking expeditions, and trail running coach across ELEVEN of the Detroit region's most pristine state parks and recreation areas. Each of our guides has the field experience, wilderness first aid training, park knowledge, and outdoor passion that you can - and should - expect from any world-class trail experience . We will be gradually adding new guided trips over the coming weeks, as well as special trips like night hiking safaris . So, stay tuned friends. We can't wait to host you on one of our trips soon! EXPERIENCE MAYBURY AT NIGHT WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT P.S. Expedition Detroit+ subscribers save 40% on every guided trip AND 20% on online store purchases ..... 6. Run the Detroit Free Press Marathon October 20th | Detroit, MI | 7 A.M. We are certainly not alone in declaring that the Detroit Free Press Marathon is the crown jewel of the Detroit region’s fall outdoor season . The internationally-celebrated course guides runners not only along the crowd-favorite Windsor Riverfront, but also through several featured neighborhoods and destinations . The recently-updated course includes routes within the District Detroit, Midtown, New Center, Eastern Market, and the world-famous Dequindre Cut Greenway ! On a personal note, my all-time favorite racing moment is watching the sunrise while running across the Ambassador Bridge . I don’t know how the race planners perfectly time that year after year, but it’s the icing on the cake for an already bucket list-worthy outdoor event . We hope that you'll join us at the starting line this year! Photo courtesy of Glenlore Immersive Entertainment 7. Experience the Enchantment of Glenlore Trails Throughout October | Glenlore Trails, Commerce, Michigan | 7 P.M. Have you experienced the Detroit region's newest Halloween outdoor tradition..? For the fifth year in a row, Glenlore Trails will once again be delighting guests with their immersive and illuminated Enchanted Forest ! From Thursday to Sunday evenings, guests will be captivated and enchanted as they venture into a spellbound forest where "the line between mortals and magic recedes." This magical Halloween experience was transformed by wistful wraiths, frolicking fairies, and the weird wayward witch of the woods. Guests of all ages are immersed in this one-mile outdoor hike complete with sensory installations designed to amaze and entertain. During the walk, which begins at dusk, guests are encouraged take part in a variety of interactive games and installations that can be found throughout the trail. But wait, there's more! Glenlore Trails are also sponsoring a special 21+ night event on October 25th featuring live music. So if you're hunting for a unique date night this month, the ghouls and gobblins lurking around Glenlore have you covered. LOOKING FOR MORE HAUNTED HIKES? BOOK A SPECIAL HAUNTED HIKE AT BELLE ISLE! 8. Hoot and Holler at the Hootenanny Endurance Run October 26th   |  Gregory, Michigan   |  7 A.M. Do you have what it takes to be the last runner standing? Put your stamina to the test at the 2024 Hootenanny Endurance Run , an all-day, all-out running festival! The Hoot consists of several endurance running events ranging from 4 hour, 8 hour, 12 hour, and "Last One Standing" options . The timed events follow a 2-mile forested loop, with the goal being to complete as many loops as possible within the time window. The "Last One Standing" race occurs on a separate 1 mile loop, with the allotted time decreasing slightly with each loop. There's also a classic 5K race for the whole family to enjoy. Last note - the more loops completed, the more prizes runners will receive..! 9. Wear your Mask, Cape, and Helmet at the Batman Ride October 26th | Pinckney State Recreation Area | 7:00 p.m. Looking to get some extra use out of your Batman halloween costume this year? Of course you are, you festive outdoor enthusiast. Pack it in alongside your nighttime MTB gear for a special themed " Batman Ride " sponsored by the Potawatomi Mountain Biking Association . In full disclosure, the only description for this event is " Ride the Poto, backwards, at night ," so get ready for a night full of awesome mid-fall riding and whatever other surprises that the Poto MBA might have waiting in their utility belt... Photo courtesy of Kona Running Company 10. Run a Halloween-Themed Race October 26th and 27th | Kensington Metropark and Maybury State Park   | 9 A.M. We’re admittedly suckers for hometown 5Ks and 10Ks, and themed races that are enjoyable for runners and spectators alike absolutely top our lists. Running in one of the “Halloween races” occurring across Metro Detroit will undoubtedly get you in the holiday spirit, especially if you forgo your typical race attire for the most sweat-resistant costume in your basement. Finish Line Runs’ “ Michigan Monster Dash ” at Kensington Metropark kicks off the seasonal races on October 26th, which includes 1K, 5K, 10K, and half marathon events. Kona Running’s “ Wicked Halloween Run ” 5K at Maybury State Park closes out Spooky Season racing on the 27th. EXPLORE MAYBURY STATE PARK WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT Do you host an upcoming outdoor event that you would like to be featured in a future article? If yes, then we would love to hear from you! Please contact us at info@expeditiondetroit.com to discuss Expedition Detroit feature opportunities.

'Tis the season for holly, jolly outdoor adventures - and we are stoked for them all! As you navigate the madness of the holidays, here are the top ten outdoor events near Detroit to guide you through this most festive of months. Happy holidays! In case you haven't heard, it's the most wonderful time of the year... And yes, not only because of the holiday season. The Expedition Detroit team is STOKED for a December that's JAM-PACKED with recreational opportunities in the Detroit area, which may come as a shock to some outdoor enthusiasts. Especially since we're waaaaay behind the curve here publishing this article on December 12th. Whoops . To be fair, December can be a polarizing month - less in terms of Santa's homestead and more regarding attitudes towards outdoor recreation. The Winter Solstice hitting mid-month means that December brings the shortest and some of the coldest days of the year. Add in the seasonal work and holiday commitments, the net result is that the odds for experiencing bountiful outdoor recreation thin out a bit. That, dear friends, represents the greatest gift that you will receive this month. December rings in opportunities for intrepid recreationists that simply do not exist mid-summer. Virtually empty running, hiking, and kayaking trails. Prime time for fat tire biking season. Expeditious s nowshoeing and cross-country skiing routes. Fresh groomer tracks at Detroit's ski resorts. Extended hunting periods. An entire season ripe for outdoor innovation. Put differently, December provides us all with two options : hibernate until spring, or fully embrace and capitalize on the gift that is winter in Detroit. You already know which option we're choosing, so we're kicking off our winter expeditions with these awesome top ten outdoor events near Detroit for December . Photo courtesy of Vail Resorts Management Company. 1. Earn First Tracks at Detroit's Premiere Ski Resorts Throughout December | Big Four Ski Resorts Winter recreation invokes many different emotions, expectations, and memories. For certain members of the Expedition Detroit team, winter means claiming first chair rights and carving fresh tracks into a perfectly groomed ski slope. Yes, we of course love our backcountry terrain too, but there's nothing quite like a crisp groomer or a deep powder day at one of Detroit's four premiere resorts: Mt. Holly , Pine Knob , Alpine Valley , and Mt. Brighton . As of the writing of this article, 3/4 of Detroit's " Big Four Ski Resorts " are open for riding! We state this with a little bit of a caveat - all four resorts are largely still in the snowmaking/accumulating process . Conditions are only going to heat up ( er , cool down?) as this month progresses, so while we're waiting for the snow to fall we will be purchasing our lift tickets (relevant links here and here ), sharpening our skis, and dreaming of those first sweet runs. 2. Run like Rudolph in a Holiday Race December 7th   | Throughout the Detroit Region   | 9:30 a.m. Remember those few extra pounds that you may or may not have packed on during Thanksgiving? Well, lucky for you, 2024's holiday race season didn't end with that Turkey Trot your in-laws dragged you out of bed to run. To the contrary, 'tis the season for Christmas-themed races , so you'll burn off those extra turkey pounds in no time. The holiday race season, all of your favorite running Santas will be coming to towns across the Detroit region this Saturday, December 7th . Starting in Utica, the Eggnog Jog  kicks off at 9:30 a.m. Dexter's a nnual " Holiday Hustle " then sprints off with their half marathon race at 11 a.m., followed by community-favorites 1 mile and 5K events respectively at 4 and 4:30 p.m. Last but certainly not least, Saline's " Merry Mile " closes out the festive racing at 5:30 p.m. 3. Gaze into the Cosmos at a Dark Sky Preserve December 7th   | Point Pelee National Park    | 6:00 p.m.   Sometimes the best break from the frenzy of the holidays is to do nothing. Well, almost nothing - hiking through a national park to experience the   best stargazing in the Detroit region  definitely counts as doing something. Fortunately for us, Point Pelee National Park  saves the day yet again as our region's sole Dark Sky Preserve : the ideal location for gazing into the cosmos and tuning out the world for an extraterrestrial outing. Point Pelee's " Dark Sky Nights "   are especially catered towards star-gazing tourists willing to brave near-freezing temperatures at night, with amenities including extended visitor hours, seasonal star charts, and the combined natural beauty of the park and the cosmos. The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC) will be onsite with telescopes to facilitate star gazing. RASC attendance is weather permitting as cloudy skies inhibit night sky viewing. Cloudy skies or clear, the park will be open until 12 am unless otherwise stated 4. Wander Into Winter with Expedition Detroit! Throughout December | 11 Michigan State Parks and Recreation Areas Detroit is a world-class, year-round outdoor destination - and our guided trips are curated to capitalize on each phase of our calendar trail conditions! Beyond our typical offering of guided hiking, backpacking, and trail running adventures, this December we're excited to broaden our offering of guided night hiking safaris and - conditions pending - GUIDED SNOWSHOE TREKS ! Both of these trips will provide snowshoes and headlamps for rent. The Expedition Detroit  team is proud to represent the Michigan DNR's largest commercial provider  of guided hikes, backpacking expeditions, and trail running coach across ELEVEN  of the Detroit region's most pristine state parks and recreation areas. Each of our guides has the field experience, wilderness first aid training, park knowledge, and outdoor passion that you can - and should - expect from any world-class trail experience . P.S. Subscribers to our content  get discounts on our Guided Services AND online store  items... 5. Discover the 12 Birds of Christmas at Humbug Marsh December 21st | Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge - Humbug Marsh Unit | 9 a.m. Let's be honest - why just sing about a few festive birds when you can venture into our region's sole International Wildlife Refuge to experience the real deal? The Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge is hosting a free " 12 Birds of Christmas " hiking and bird watching event at Humbug Marsh. Located along the Detroit River, Humbug Marsh is the last undeveloped mile of the Detroit River on the U.S. side of the border. The guided hike will traverse native prairies, native shrublands, forests with a unique mosaic of 300-400 year old oaks mixed with hickory and ash, diverse wetlands, and beautiful Humbug Island. Rare birds on the viewing agenda include eagles, winter wrens, golden crowned kinglets, herons, and other migrating and resident water birds. 6. Book Your Escape from the Holiday Mayhem All December   | Throughout Detroit Region Let's call a spade a spade: the holidays often provide some of the most stressful days of the year. A perfect storm of year-end burnout , financial stressors, and familial pressures. Oh, and constant reminders to be "merry" and "joyful" don't really ease the situation as much as carolers hope for ( they actually tend to exacerbate it ). During times like these, our go-to remedy is a winter escape. Anything from an overnight at Green Lake's iconic yurt , a rustic cabin at Island Lake Recreation Area, Point Pelee National Park's " oTENTik " modern tents, or the best "glamping" destinations throughout the Detroit region. Basically anything to get you off-grid and in nature during this magically stressful time of year. Photo courtesy of Glenlore Trails 7. Experience the Winter Wonderland of Glenlore Trails Throughout December  | Glenlore Trails, Commerce, Michigan   | 7 p.m. This holiday season, Glenlore Trails invites you to step into "Aurora," an illuminated winter wonderland! Glenlore's magical night walk is filled with dazzling lights, interactive activations, and a special twist - magic wands that let you unlock hidden surprises along the trail . Whether you’re looking for a fun family outing or a memorable date night, Aurora offers a truly immersive experience that will bring the holiday season to life! Aurora will be open from until December 29th. 8. Seize the Day on a Winter Solstice Hike December 21st   | Lake Erie Metropark | 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Winter is coming. For many, that may invoke a feeling of dread - or a signal to start looking at flights south. For Expedition Detroit, on the other hand, that means an opportunity to kick the " Friluftsliv " lifestyle into high gear. The Detroit region's generous snowfall and shorter days mean incredible skiing, snow shoeing , and night hiking opportunities . Plus, the fair-weather crowds leave our pristine natural environment virtually vacant. And that all officially kicks off on December 21st - the " Winter Solstice " - which is also the shortest day of the calendar year. This solstice, our friends at Lake Erie Metropark invite you to seize the fleeting daylight on their nature trails on an educational Winter Solstice Hike ! The guides will dive deep into the why and how the winter solstice happens, and what that means for the natural world around us. This program is entirely outdoors, lasts approximately 120 minutes, will be spent on a leisurely walk with frequent stops. The hike will conclude at the Lake Erie Marshlands Museum. The planned path surface is dirt and gravel, mostly flat and level. EXPLORE A NIGHT HIKE SAFARI WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT! 9. Stay in the Woods for Extended Whitetail Deer Season Throughout December   | Statewide in Michigan    Wait - you didn't think that whitetail deer season   ended in November, right ...? If you did, don't sweat it. Most Michiganders only associate deer hunting with "primetime" firearm season during the last two weeks of November. However, deer season continues all the way until the very end of January. In fact, Detroit-region hunters have the most expansive and inclusive hunting opportunities in the entire state . Here's a quick reference guide for the remaining schedule for deer season near Detroit: Period Dates Equipment Regulations Location Muzzleloader December 6th - 15th A muzzleloading rifle or black powder handgun loaded with black powder or a commercially manufactured black powder substitute Statewide Antlerless Firearm December 16th - January 12th All firearm regulations apply Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne Counties Urban Archery December 1st - January 31st Compound and crossbow; must wear hunter orange during firearm periods Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne Counties This season, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources  has specifically called on lower peninsula hunters to play a critical role in the DNR's conservation strategy . More specifically, in order to alleviate the significant stress that an overpopulation of deer has levied upon the lower peninsula's ecosystem, the DNR is pleading for hunters to focus primarily on harvesting a doe . Increased doe harvests will also provide the long-term benefits  of reduced cases of disease transmission, vehicle accidents involving deer, and destruction of farmland. GEAR UP FOR THE SEASON WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT 10. Sprint into the New Year at the Belle Isle NYE Run December 31st | Belle Isle State Park   | 3 p.m. Every New Year's Eve , we all find ourselves looking forward to a blank slate of opportunity. Races to be run. Trails to be explored. Memories to capture. And for the most part, all of those experiences lay just outside of our grasp - one ripped calendar page away from becoming a reality. December 31st also provides us all with one last sweet, finite way of sticking it to the year that's on its way out. Regardless of whether you'll look back on 2024 as the best or worst year of your life, we can't think of a better way to close out this chapter than sweating it out on a New Year's Eve race. This year, head down to Belle Isle for the annual New Year's Eve Run 5K ! Set against the picturesque backdrop of Downtown Detroit , this annual run features a range of distances to accommodate all levels of runners and walkers. Participants enjoy a scenic route with stunning views of the Detroit skyline and the Detroit River, while festive decorations and a lively atmosphere add to the celebration. The event often includes post-race festivities such as music, food, and opportunities for socializing, making it a memorable way to ring in the new year. Happy December to you all, and wishing you nothing but the best heading into 2024. We can’t wait to see you out there! Do you host an upcoming outdoor event that you would like to be featured in a future article? If yes, then we would love to hear from you! Please contact us at info@expeditiondetroit.com to discuss Expedition Detroit feature opportunities.

ADVENTURE STARTS HERE World-class outdoors. One hour from Downtown Detroit. CHOOSE YOUR EXPEDITION In The Woods On The Water Down The Hill On The Trail On The Hunt START YOUR ADVENTURE join us on our guided outdoor adventures Expedition Detroit proudly offers the largest variety of guided hiking , backpacking , and trail running services throughout southeast Michigan. With trips occurring across 11 state parks, we can't wait to guide you on your next outdoor adventure! BOOK YOUR EXPEDITION 11 hours ago ADVOCACY 60 Years Later: The True Impact of the Wilderness Act and Civil Rights Act on America's Outdoors ratings-display.rating-aria-label (1) Dec 4 LIFESTYLE Top Ten Outdoor Events near Detroit throughout December 2024 Dec 2 WINTER SPORTS Guide to Experiencing the "Big Four" Ski Resorts near Detroit - Winter 2025 Edition ratings-display.rating-aria-label (1) Nov 26 TRAIL TUESDAY SERIES #TrailTuesday: Summiting Highland's Rugged Mt. Kanzer Trail Nov 19 RUNNING Built to Last: 5 Best Strength Training Exercises for Runners Nov 14 HUNTING Opening Day Checklist for Michigan's 2024 Whitetail Deer Firearm Season ratings-display.rating-aria-label (1) MOST RECENT ARTICLES Direct from the field to your feed. EXPLORE MORE WORK WITH US We work with industry-leading brands and hometown retailers alike in our mission towards building a better outdoor ecosystem for Detroit. From retailers to influencers, manufacturers to advocates - if your work creates value for Detroit's outdoor community, then we want to work alongside you. our partners To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. LEARN MORE Subscribe to the Expedition Detroit Newsletter! SIGN UP Thanks for submitting - you have been added to our monthly Newsletter subscriber list. We can't wait to see you out there! the Expedition Detroit Official Store Whether you're in the field, at the gym, or on the couch, we have prepared our favorite threads for your next adventure. All-Black Athletic Shorts (Unisex) Price $39.99 HOLIDAY SALE 10% OFF Add to Cart Under Armour® Men's Polo Price $79.50 HOLIDAY SALE 10% OFF Add to Cart Branded Camp Hatchet by Motor City Axe Regular Price $99.99 Sale Price $90.00 HOLIDAY SALE 10% OFF Add to Cart Deer Camp Hoodie Price $56.00 HOLIDAY SALE 10% OFF Add to Cart Branded Camp Axe by Motor City Axe Regular Price $139.99 Sale Price $126.00 HOLIDAY SALE 10% OFF Add to Cart Crop Hoodie Price $52.00 HOLIDAY SALE 10% OFF Add to Cart Columbia Fleece Jacket Price $76.50 HOLIDAY SALE 10% OFF Add to Cart Expedition Wine Tumbler Regular Price $21.99 Sale Price $19.80 HOLIDAY SALE 10% OFF Add to Cart Embroidered Champion Packable Jacket Price $54.00 HOLIDAY SALE 10% OFF Add to Cart Organic Ribbed Beanie Regular Price $22.00 Sale Price $19.80 HOLIDAY SALE 10% OFF Add to Cart Classic Dad Hat Regular Price $26.00 Sale Price $23.40 HOLIDAY SALE 10% OFF Add to Cart Women’s Cropped Windbreaker Regular Price $54.00 Sale Price $48.60 HOLIDAY SALE 10% OFF Add to Cart Premium Eco Hoodie Regular Price $62.50 Sale Price $56.25 HOLIDAY SALE 10% OFF Add to Cart Expedition Fanny Pack Regular Price $32.99 Sale Price $29.70 HOLIDAY SALE 10% OFF Add to Cart Kids Fleece Hoodie Regular Price $39.50 Sale Price $35.55 HOLIDAY SALE 10% OFF Add to Cart Essential Sports Bra - Expedition Green Regular Price $39.99 Sale Price $36.00 HOLIDAY SALE 10% OFF Add to Cart SHOP FULL STORE About Expedition Detroit READ MORE The Detroit Region: a world-class outdoor destination worth exploring, celebrating, and protecting. That is the core belief of this business, and every aspect of our operations originate from it. Expedition Detroit is your go-to source for original content, guided adventures, and recreational gear for exploring the best outdoor opportunities within an hour's drive of Downtown Detroit. From well-known experiences to hidden gems, top-tier gear to time-tested survivalist tips, volunteer opportunities to recreational advocacy, our sole focus is to support, inspire, and expand Detroit's outdoor community. We can't wait to see you out there. Let's Get Social

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