2020 Best Counties for Outdoor Activities in MichiganAbout this List

Explore the best counties for outdoor activities based on weather, air quality, and access to parks, forests, and recreational opportunities. Ranking based on data from the U.S. Census, NOAA, and other sources. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

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Outdoor Activities

83 results

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Grand Traverse County
County in Michigan
2 reviews
#1 Best Counties for Outdoor Activities in Michigan
Former Resident: Traverse City is a beautiful family-friendly town filled with incredible beaches, hiking trails, wineries, breweries, restaurants, activities, and tourist attractions. Downtown has unique restaurants and shopping stores. No matter where you are, you are never further than 10 minutes away from the water. Nightlife is average, with some bars downtown, but there are a lot of places that offer live music. However, cost of living is very expensive, and there is a lack of diversity within the town.
Read 2 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A-
Public Schools
A
Outdoor Activities
91,746 Population
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Ottawa County
County in Michigan
16 reviews
#2 Best Counties for Outdoor Activities in Michigan
Current Resident: There are many mom and pop shops in the local area, and many of them are artistically pleasing to visitors from all over the US. Every year there is a festival and all the college students from the area treat themselves to great entertainment and beautiful views on the beach. I would like to see bigger name branded stores in the area, especially for how busy the downtown area can get during the warm seasons. All year long there are job openings and the cost of living is just outstanding from any place i have ever lived. The schools here are very up to date and allows parents to flexibly get involved with their children's learning. Overall, it is an amazingly peaceful place to live.
Read 16 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A
Outdoor Activities
284,034 Population
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Berrien County
County in Michigan
12 reviews
#3 Best Counties for Outdoor Activities in Michigan
Current Resident: I've lived in Berrien County for my entire lives. Not only is it a mixing pot of different cultures, but there are also thousands of places to go in the light of day. I, for one, take advantage of these opportunities as they arise. Whether it's attending the Berrien County Youth Fair or browsing shops in Downtown St. Joe, I never find myself at a loss of entertainment and activities. Berrien County has so much heart in its community, and living here has definitely made my standards high when I'm looking for other places to live in my future.
Read 12 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
B-
Public Schools
A
Outdoor Activities
154,807 Population
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Charlevoix County
County in Michigan
3 reviews
#4 Best Counties for Outdoor Activities in Michigan
Current Resident: Charlevoix is a beautiful place in the summer with plenty of water activities and fun events to enjoy the warm weather. There isn't much to do outside of outdoor activities (beach, mushroom house tours, hiking), which becomes more of an issue in the winter. The extremely cold temperatures and high amounts of snowfall should be considered if you are someone not used to Michigan weather. There is a local ski hill and sledding hill but not many indoor winter activities.

Aside from the entertainment portion, I've had a very good experience with the public school system and the safety of the community.
Read 3 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
B+
Public Schools
A
Outdoor Activities
26,219 Population
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Emmet County
County in Michigan
#5 Best Counties for Outdoor Activities in Michigan
A-
Overall Niche Grade
B+
Public Schools
A
Outdoor Activities
33,039 Population
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Muskegon County
County in Michigan
53 reviews
#6 Best Counties for Outdoor Activities in Michigan
Current Resident: I have lived here all my life. I lived in North Muskegon area from birth through high school. I graduated from Reeths-Puffer High School and went to school in that district since preschool. The area is very nice and many of the people in the community were too. The school had people from all types of backgrounds coming from all over Muskegon County, from low income to high income. There was always opportunities as kids to be involved in extracurricular such as sports and the fine arts. I know other school districts in Muskegon do too. The Fraulenthal Theatre in downtown is a great place to see live shows and performances and many schools were able to do so there. The county is also full of beautiful beaches along Lake Michigan. Pere Marquette Park, Muskegon State Park, and Duck Lake State Park to name a few. The activities there were fun for people of all ages. Other lakes like Muskegon Lake offer great fishing as well. The whole county is working on becoming better as well.
Read 53 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
B-
Public Schools
A
Outdoor Activities
173,043 Population
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Washtenaw County
County in Michigan
13 reviews
#7 Best Counties for Outdoor Activities in Michigan
Current Resident: Washtenaw County is home to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. It is always bustling with life and it is very family friendly.
Read 13 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Public Schools
A
Outdoor Activities
365,961 Population
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Houghton County
County in Michigan
7 reviews
#8 Best Counties for Outdoor Activities in Michigan
Current Resident: Houghton County is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise year round! Summers afford outstanding beaches, water sports, hiking, biking and breath taking views. Winters are unparalleled for skiing, skating and snow shoeing. Don't miss out on the small town hospitality!
Read 7 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
B+
Public Schools
A-
Outdoor Activities
36,360 Population
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Delta County
County in Michigan
1 review
#9 Best Counties for Outdoor Activities in Michigan
Current Resident: I have always enjoyed living and growing up on the west side of Lansing. There are many things to do- great stores and restaurants. There are many schools to choose from. There are many parks to go to and recreational activities to participate in. It is also close to East Lansing and even closer to Downtown Lansing. While I can't say that I always fell safe at night, it is still definitely the place I call home. There are many great communities to get involved in.
Read 1 Review
B-
Overall Niche Grade
C+
Public Schools
A-
Outdoor Activities
36,190 Population
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Kent County
County in Michigan
59 reviews
#10 Best Counties for Outdoor Activities in Michigan
Current Resident: When I moved to Kent County I was worried because I didn't know anymore and all my life I lived near family. But when I moved here, I felt more comfortable and everyone is nice. As years passed by, you tend to get to know what's around the neighborhood and schools are really close. Not only there are really good schools, but parent don't need to worry because their children are safe. It benefits a lot of residents that don't have a car because stores are really near and it's walkable. Also, parents can walk their kids to school and make sure their safe.
Read 59 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A
Public Schools
A-
Outdoor Activities
643,140 Population
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Allegan County
County in Michigan
9 reviews
#11 Best Counties for Outdoor Activities in Michigan
Current Resident: It is a nice community, mostly clean, reasonable coast of living. The parks are really nice. Public service seems responsive. The housing market is always changing.
Read 9 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
B
Public Schools
A-
Outdoor Activities
115,250 Population
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Marquette County
County in Michigan
20 reviews
#12 Best Counties for Outdoor Activities in Michigan
Current Resident: The friendliness of the community and kindness is overwhelming! We are surrounded by amazing views, creative artists and kind souls. Living in this community fees like you are constantly surrounded by family
Read 20 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
B
Public Schools
A-
Outdoor Activities
66,939 Population
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Cheboygan County
County in Michigan
1 review
#13 Best Counties for Outdoor Activities in Michigan
Current Resident: Many new opportunities for entrepreneurs who are looking for a small close-knit community. The 40 mile inland waterway is a boaters paradise and unrivalled in other parts of the country. The schools are great and we live in a safe community where law enforcement is top notch.
Read 1 Review
B-
Overall Niche Grade
C+
Public Schools
A-
Outdoor Activities
25,458 Population
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Leelanau County
County in Michigan
#14 Best Counties for Outdoor Activities in Michigan
A
Overall Niche Grade
A-
Public Schools
A-
Outdoor Activities
21,639 Population
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Newaygo County
County in Michigan
7 reviews
#15 Best Counties for Outdoor Activities in Michigan
Current Resident: Newaygo County is my home town. I have attended Newaygo Public Schools and have had great experiences while attending. All schools in the Newaygo area have been modified for the protection of children, including an officer in the building. Newaygo is a very safe and family friendly community with many small businesses and parks. An issue, however, is diversity. Newaygo population is made up of 94.80% White, 1.12% African American, with the remaining 4.08% is made up of other races. To me, these percentages are not ideal. Although Newaygo County may have some imperfections, all places do.
Read 7 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
C+
Public Schools
A-
Outdoor Activities
48,142 Population
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Alger County
County in Michigan
1 review
#16 Best Counties for Outdoor Activities in Michigan
Current Resident: Alger county is a beautiful place to live and to also visit. It is mostly known for its pictured rock lake shore running along Lake Superior. It is a fun and adventurous atmosphere in the summer time with plenty of places to hike. You can visit naturally occurring waterfalls, and also see beautiful rock formations caused by the largest great lake. Another great thing about Alger county is that the crime level is very low, and it is a pretty safe place to live and raise a family. The schools in this county are very small, giving people a chance to get a personal education from the teachers. It is a great place to live or visit.
Read 1 Review
B
Overall Niche Grade
B-
Public Schools
A-
Outdoor Activities
9,194 Population
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Kalamazoo County
County in Michigan
93 reviews
#17 Best Counties for Outdoor Activities in Michigan
Current Resident: Kalamazoo is a very nice city! There is lots of fun activities for kids, like splash pad, farms, and other community resource activities. The community is welcoming, Kalamazoo does have a high rate of homelessness. Community leaders are helping transform the community by holding each other accountable and pushing for equity, and transparency. Great Place to live!
Read 93 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
A-
Public Schools
A-
Outdoor Activities
261,573 Population
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Mackinac County
County in Michigan
#18 Best Counties for Outdoor Activities in Michigan
B
Overall Niche Grade
B-
Public Schools
A-
Outdoor Activities
10,817 Population
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Oakland County
County in Michigan
23 reviews
#19 Best Counties for Outdoor Activities in Michigan
Former Resident: My overall experience of the oakland county was very influential. As a former resident I remember times where me, mother and sibling used to adventure to our house to varies stores around the neighborhood and each time I would learn valuable lessons and see something new in my life. Overall my experiences as a child to teen were fun. Sure there were some scary moment of going out at night cause there weren't many street lights back then but overall I love my childhood cause it helped me be who I am today.
Read 23 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A
Public Schools
A-
Outdoor Activities
1,250,843 Population
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Van Buren County
County in Michigan
14 reviews
#20 Best Counties for Outdoor Activities in Michigan
Current Resident: Van Buren County in Michigan is a wonderful place to be. The schools are competitive and are friendly. The area people live in is an exciting place and everyone treats others with respect and hospitality.
Read 14 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
B
Public Schools
A-
Outdoor Activities
75,272 Population
View Nearby Homes
Wayne County
County in Michigan
40 reviews
#21 Best Counties for Outdoor Activities in Michigan
Current Resident: Great place to leave! The public school safety, the interesting night, a very family friendly neighborhood. The real estate market is affordability with many healthy living options that offer a wide variety of diversity. The commute time can vary depending on the possible job opportunities.
Read 40 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
C-
Public Schools
A-
Outdoor Activities
1,761,382 Population
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Antrim County
County in Michigan
#22 Best Counties for Outdoor Activities in Michigan
B-
Overall Niche Grade
B-
Public Schools
A-
Outdoor Activities
23,177 Population
View Nearby Homes
Gogebic County
County in Michigan
#23 Best Counties for Outdoor Activities in Michigan
B-
Overall Niche Grade
C+
Public Schools
A-
Outdoor Activities
15,414 Population
View Nearby Homes
Monroe County
County in Michigan
33 reviews
#24 Best Counties for Outdoor Activities in Michigan
Current Resident: Monroe is a beautiful place to live. It provides a small town feel, but there are enough inhabitants, that every day I see people I have never met before. We house not only a State Park, but also a National Park, and a beautiful Community College. A plethora of churches adorn our streets, and there's always something unique to do downtown. We have a lot of good restaurants and bars (if you're into that sort of thing), and various themed evenings in downtown Monroe. Every August, St. Mary's Park in Monroe hosts the River Raisin Jazz Festival, with notable artists like Alexander Zonjic, Kenny G, and David Sanborn. Did I mention these downtown events are all free? We also hold to a lot of local history, ranging from the French and Indian War, and War of 1812, and beyond. Historical reenactments are a normal occurrence. In addition, we can easily access Detroit, Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Dearborn, Dundee, Ida, Maybee, Bedford, and Erie, MI, and Toledo, OH. Come visit us!
Read 33 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
B-
Public Schools
A-
Outdoor Activities
149,699 Population
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Crawford County
County in Michigan
1 review
#25 Best Counties for Outdoor Activities in Michigan
Current Resident: Two of the most amazing thing about this town is that it lyes in the heart of the Huron National Forest and the beautiful internationally known Ausable River. Within these two amazing places you will find a different way of life. Here is where we care about our neighbors, we consider them family.. As I sit here and try to come up with a reference to give you on what the way of life is here, I simply can not. Inorder to full grasp the understand and way of life here in Crawford County, you have to come to visit for more than a day or two. Once people come here they always come back time and time again, in knowing that there is a simple life here, there's a calmness. You can find it on I75 north bound or I127 North bound once you reach this area on either one of those highways you can physically and spiritually feel the difference the calmness, the stress of your everyday life just float away.
Read 1 Review
B
Overall Niche Grade
A-
Public Schools
A-
Outdoor Activities
13,836 Population
View Nearby Homes
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