Michiganders embrace the outdoors, and new data proves it
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Miners Falls at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in the U.P. Photo: Courtesy of MEDC and Pure Michigan
Michigan's outdoor recreation industry pumped $13.9 billion into the state's economy last year, new federal data shows.
Why it matters: Tourism tied to Michigan's natural beauty is an obvious contributor, but the industry also includes a network of manufacturers producing boats, outdoor apparel and fly line for fly fishing.
What they're saying: "It is the production, the warehousing, the shipping, the transportation of those goods, the jobs in those businesses," Brad Garmon, director of the Michigan Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, tells Axios. "Across the board, Michigan is a pretty diverse outdoor economy."
By the numbers: At $13.9 billion, the value of Michigan's outdoor industry ranked 15th in the nation last year.
- It represented 2.07% of the state's total GDP, slightly below the national average of 2.31%.
- The state's industry accounted for more than 118,000 jobs and $6.4 billion in compensation.
Zoom in: The report attempted to track spending on everything from outdoor gear to the gas bought to drive to a trail.
- It also reflects earnings at Michigan companies that supply this gear to other states, such as Carhartt.
🐟 Boating/fishing was Michigan's top contributor to the outdoor industry at $1.2 billion (8th nationally).
- The sector includes companies like Crest, a pontoon maker out of Owosso.
🛣️ RVing: At $831 million, its economic value ranked sixth in the country.
🦌 Hunting/shooting/trapping: Despite falling deer harvest numbers, this sector's value is up about $30 million since pulling in $330 million in 2023.
- It includes companies like Grand Rapids' Sportsman Tracker, which developed an app to find the best time and place to hunt.
Other sectors include motorcycling and ATVing ($230 million), climbing, hiking and tent camping ($206 million), equestrian activities ($142 million) and snow activities ($125 million).
The bottom line: Michigan's great outdoors is one of its greatest assets — benefiting both residents' well-being and the state's economy.
- "We can have a real impact on people's quality of life and health if we can grow the outdoor rec economy and give them more opportunities and more access," Garmon says.