The Midwest may not have oceans or impressively tall mountains, but there's plenty to enjoy in the outdoors here before summer winds down.

Driving the news: We put together a list of camping gems you may not know about near Detroit and around the Midwest that will have you bragging to your East and West Coast friends.

Pinery Provincial Park, Canada

Why we like it: This gorgeous sunset beach park on Lake Huron in Ontario is just a two-hour drive from downtown Detroit.

What to do: Find forest landscapes and dunes with walking and bike trails amid a rare, diverse and fragile ecosystem of 800 plants and 300 bird species, according to Ontario Parks.

• Rent canoes, hydro bikes and kayaks to explore the Old Ausable River channel.
• The park is also known for its cross-country skiing.

Zoom in: Campsites with or without electrical hookups are available along Old Ausable near water taps, flush toilets and laundry. Sites are near the beach, and cabins and yurts are also rentable.

Zoom out: Alongside your trip to Pinery, visit Pinery Market or tour Ontario's wine country.

• Also consider driving another hour east from Pinery to check out Stratford, known for its Shakespeare plays.

If you go: The park is at 9526 Lakeshore Road RR2, Grand Bend, Ontario. Reserve online or over the phone.

Mohican State Park Campground, Ohio

Why we like it: Whether you want to rough it or stay in a refined cabin, this classic Ohio campground has something for everybody and is just over three hours from Detroit — closer than the U.P.

What to do: The area is the state's "Canoe Capital," with several rental companies nearby.

• Nearby hikes include picturesque sights like Big and Little Lyons Falls and views from a 360-degree fire tower.
• Tour a restored 1800s relic, the Wolf Creek Grist Mill.

Zoom in: Mohican's large campground offers 100 electric and 33 non-electric sites and 51 with full hookups for RVs. Showers with flushable toilets are available.

If you go: 3116 State Route 3. Campsites are open year-round and cost $21-$50 per day, depending on amenities and time of year. You can make a reservation up to six months in advance.

Go deeper: Read our full guide for more Midwest camping options, including Indiana's sandstone cliffs

Late summer and fall are peak camping season in Michigan.

The big picture: Once you have basic camping gear, an affordable weekend getaway awaits.

You know the basics: Tent, sleeping bag and a light backpack to carry water, snacks and a small first aid kit for day hikes.

Here are more items to consider, according to the Central Indiana Wilderness Club and Arika Herron, a longtime camping enthusiast and co-writer of Axios Indianapolis.

🧢 Accessories: A sun hat or bandana is clutch on a hot day, particularly on unshaded trails.

• Don't forget a headlamp, either. Keep it in your backpack just in case a hike takes longer than you think and then keep it close by at camp for late-night walks to the bathhouse.
• Bonus — bring a small clip light for reading before bed.

😴 Sleeping pad: This makes sleeping more comfortable and insulates you from the ground.

• Closed-cell foam or an inflatable pad are the most common options.

☔ Rain gear: For you and your tent.

• Rain doesn't have to ruin your camping trip, but it can if you're unprepared.
• A rain jacket is a must and quick-dry pants or shorts are a good call, too.
• Don't forget the rain fly for your tent. It doesn't hurt to have one for your backpack, either.

🪑 Camp chair: It's nice to have a comfy place to sit and unwind after a long day on the trail.

More ideas for what to pack

🐻 The Detroit Zoo euthanized one of its grizzly bears, a 13-year-old male named Mike, after it dealt with months of health complications.

• "Though described as reserved, he enjoyed playtime and his favorite treats, such as yogurt and peanut butter crackers," the zoo said. "On warm days, Mike could be seen with his brothers soaking in the shallow end of their pool in the habitat." (Free Press)

🥂 An Albert Kahn-designed mansion in Boston Edison that sold last month fetched the city's highest single-family home sale price in nearly two years: $1.95 million. (Crain's)

⚖️ Former Michigan State football coach Mel Tucker sued the university Wednesday over his firing last fall. Tucker's federal suit accuses school officials of conducting an "improper, sham investigation" into allegations that he sexually harassed rape survivor Brenda Tracy. (AP)

Paul Whelan, the former U.S. Marine from Novi, was released yesterday in a historic prisoner exchange among Russia, the U.S. and Germany.

The big picture: The swap is one of the largest between Moscow and Western countries since the Cold War.

• As part of the exchange, Russia also released Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and Alsu Kurmasheva, a dual U.S.-Russian citizen and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty journalist accused — but not convicted — of failing to register as a foreign agent.

Driving the news: Whelan, who had been detained since December 2018, was serving a 16-year prison sentence on espionage claims that he, his family and the U.S. have said were false.

What they're saying: President Biden described the exchange as a "feat of diplomacy" in a statement.

• "This is a powerful example of why it's vital to have friends in this world whom you can trust and depend upon. Our alliances make Americans safer."
• "It's been five long years, and I know Paul's family and every Michigander is excited to welcome him with open arms and lots of love," Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement.

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