With temperatures warming up in the Midwest, it’s time to start planning your outdoor summer adventures! If you live in Ohio or Michigan, there are several outdoor activities to enjoy this summer. Whether you're looking for a steep hike up a mountain or a relaxing ride on a kayak, your perfect adventure is out there!
In this post, we’ll discuss some leading summertime outdoor activities for seniors to enjoy in the Midwest.
Outdoor Adventures in Michigan
Michigan is a state with plenty to see and do. While the winters can be brutal, the summer months are nothing short of spectacular.
Take a look at the top activities in Michigan for seniors during the summer:
Play a new sport
Summer is the perfect time to try a new sport in Michigan! Whether it’s golf, tennis, pickleball, or even roller-skating, get out there and give it your best! Given the relaxing and less strenuous nature of golf, it’s a top pick among seniors. Most courses even offer a discounted price for a round. If the temperatures ever get too warm, give swimming a try. Not only is it a fun activity, but it’s also great for your health.
Throw on your hiking shoes
Want to get out in nature and let your worries drift away? By taking a hike on one of Michigan’s breathtaking trails, you can have an experience like no other. Additionally, the state has no shortage of trails, and you can find routes for all ability levels. Whether you want to hike along majestic waters or up a steep mountainside, Michigan has it all!
Explore shipwrecks
Did you know the Great Lakes is home to hundreds of shipwrecks? Furthermore, many of these are still well-preserved to this day! If you want to explore these wrecks for yourself, throw on your snorkel or scuba suit and hit the water. You can take a glass-bottom shipwreck cruise if you’d rather not get wet. These allow you to get up close to some remarkable underwater ships. Check out Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary's Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center to learn more. Their tours offer experiences through the expansive 4,300 square mile preserve.
Go camping!
Looking for a relaxing weekend under the stars? If so, pack up the tent and go camping! With 100 parks and recreation areas offering 13,500 campsites, adventure is right outside your door. You can find incredible beach spots, magical campsites in the woods, or accommodating RV parks with all the amenities. Some of the most remarkable campgrounds in Michigan are located at Porcupine Mountains State Park, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Huron-Manistee National Forest, and Tahquamenon Falls State Park.
Outdoor Activities in Ohio
Ohio is a place where senior adventures are everywhere. Whether you like pristine lakes or stunning hikes, Ohio has the summertime activities for you.
Here are the leading summer adventures in Ohio for seniors:
Explore the many state parks
This amazing state is home to a remarkable 77 state parks. These areas feature lush forests, calming creeks, and peaceful nature hiking. Ohio’s state parks are also the perfect place to camp! A top choice among adventure-seekers is Hocking Hills State Park. Waterfalls, sandstone cliffs, caves, and lush vegetation make this area one of the top destinations in the state. If you want to be close to the water, check out Maumee Bay State Park. Located on the shores of Lake Erie, this area features swimming, camping, hiking, and beautiful views everywhere you look!
Have a beach day
Ready to hit the beach with your favorite beverage? If so, Ohio has several options. With hot, humid weather during the summer months, Ohio’s beaches are the ideal place to cool off. One popular destination to check out is Headlands Beach at Headlands Beach State Park in Mentor, Ohio. Not only are the views incredible, but this is also the largest natural beach in the state.
Visit a gorgeous botanical garden
Seeing and smelling various flowers is a great way to spend a summer day in Ohio. If you’re in the Cleveland area, be sure to check out Cleveland Botanical Garden. This space features 10 acres of lush gardens, providing the perfect opportunity for a beautiful afternoon. Seniors can learn more about different plant species, observe the gorgeous birds, and even take an art class.
Go paddling!
With so much water in the great state of Ohio, it’s the ideal place to go paddling. Whether you prefer canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, or rafting, Ohio waters are waiting for you. You can even take a breathtaking guided rafting trip. Some notable places to hit the water include Little Miami River in Cincinnati, Big Darby Creek, and Hocking River in Fairfield.
With the sun shining and temperatures warm, now’s the time to experience the adventure of a lifetime in Michigan or Ohio. Check out any of the outdoor activities for seniors above for a summer you’ll never forget!
This blog was originally published on May 2, 2022, and was last updated on March 13, 2023.
