Experience Michigan’s Great Outdoors Inside at the DNR Outdoor Adventure Center
A cascading waterfall, a suspended bridge 30 feet in the air, and an enormous tree to climb can all be found inside at the DNR Outdoor Adventure Center in downtown Detroit.
Exterior of the DNR Outdoor Adventure Center in Downtown Detroit
Nestled in the heart of Detroit across the street from the Detroit Riverwalk, is an indoor playground that is perfect for a cold or rainy day when you’re searching for fun things to do with kids in Detroit. Unexpectedly, inside this massive 40,000 square foot building an outdoor experience like none other awaits with a wealth of recreational opportunities showcasing the various adventures that our Mitten state has to offer.
From the moment we entered the Outdoor Adventure Center on cold February day, I was in my element. Fusing two of my favorite things, the center combines my love for all things Michigan and inspiring families to get outdoors. I highly recommend planning a visit to this facility, especially for the reasonable price of only $5 for adults and $3 for kids. I promise young and old alike will love learning about the Great Lake’s state.
Quite impressed, our family of six easily got lost for hours embarking on an immersive experience with hands-on educational exhibits, playscapes, family-friendly activities and a peek inside Michigan state parks.
The OAC is across from Milliken State Park
When visiting, don’t forget to plan extra time to explore William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor, directly across from the DNR Center. Featuring a lighthouse, the Detroit Riverwalk and ample outdoor space, it’s a welcome find in downtown Detroit.
The DNR’s goal is to allow visitors to get a taste of all that the state parks throughout Michigan have to offer. This indoor facility allows you to to experience the spray of a waterfall, the thrill of crossing a suspension bridge and imagine what it would be like to kayak down a Michigan river. Here’s what you can expect when you visit during your weekend getaway to Detroit or a fun Michigan day trip.
Massive Tree Playscape with Slide
Top things to Do When Visiting The DNR Outdoor Adventure Center
1. Slide Down a Tree’s Trunk
Towering the full length of the three-story building this massive tree is the centerpiece of the center. Crawl in, through and up the base of the tree, then slide down the log as you play in this nature playscape.
2. Feel the Spray of a Waterfall
Waterfall Cascading at the Outdoor Adventure Center
Journey underneath a cascading waterfall, leap across stepping stones and dip your fingers in the small pool at the base of the falls for an immersive experience. A focal point of the OAC, it creates a spectacular first impression and appeals to all your senses. Interested in exploring some of the waterfalls in Michigan. One of our favorites in the lower peninsula is Ocqueoc Scenic Falls, where you can get in and slide down the falls.
3. Get a Sky High View in the Tower Blind and Suspension Bridge
Suspension Bridge Tunnel at the DNR Outdoor Discovery Center
Run through a tunnel bridge high above as you stare in delight at the wonder below. Then step inside a camouflaged blind and see how many animals you can spot from across the way. Imagine being a hunter and see how many animals you can spot. Keep your eyes open as you scan the nature scape filled with replicas of wild life including elk, bear, owls, ducks, and wolves.
4. Ride an Off Road Vehicle
Simulated snowmobiles, RZR’s, mountain bikes allows you to have a 4-D off road experience. Wide screen tv’s combined with automated hydraulics help you get a taste of maneuvering the trails at a Michigan state parks. Michigan boasts over 13,000 miles of trails, which means there are boundless adventures waiting to be experienced from hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and even snowmobiling or four wheeling. One of our favorite Michigan State Parks to visit is Silver Lake State Park, which has thrilling sand dune rides and rentals.
In addition a handcycle bike is part of the simulated exhibits. Helping highlight that Michigan State Parks can be accessible to all. As a recreational therapist, who helps individuals access community and state resources, I love that so many of the state parks are incorporating handicap accessible beach mats, all terrain track chairs and upgraded handicap accessible showers and bathroom facilities.
5. Check Out a Yurt
If you’ve every wondered what it would be like to sleep in a yurt, this is your chance to check it out. At the OAC, during your tour, you’ll walk through a full size yurt. Yurts are unique circular structures built of crisscrossing wood poles in an interlocking pattern. The lattice design is then wrapped with thick canvas that insulates the occupants. Generally these tent-like structures contain bunkbeds, tables, propane grill or cooktop. For most yurts, the camper brings along their personal sheets, pillows, dishes and utilizes the bathroom facilities nearby at the campground. Yurt rentals are available at several Michigan state parks. Muskegon State Park, Craig Lake State Park, Tawas Point State Park, and the Waterloo Green Lake Rustic Campground are just a few that offer rentals.
6. Climb inside a Beaver Den
Replica of a Beaver Den
Suspend reality and burrow under the ground into a beaver den. Kids will love popping their head out for an eye level view of the interior construction of a beaver den.
7. Go Fishing
Scrabble inside a fishing boat while grabbing a fishing pole. Simulated screens create a visual experience, while weighted reels create the feeling that you’ve got a big fighter on the line. Thankfully, with the Great Lakes, Michigan has a wealth of fishing opportunities like at Mitchell State Park which is nestled between two inland lakes.
8. Learn about Animals in the Discovering Center & Aquarium
One of the first exhibits is a floor to ceiling giant aquarium featuring fresh water fish including bass, walleye, perch, and sturgeon.
Additionally, in the learning center you can view invasive species like the sea lamprey, and learn how they are threatening our Great Lakes, as well as see, amphibians and reptiles.
Sea Lamprey at OAC
Tons of hands-on educational exhibits are located throughout the facility that utilize your senses. Touch and feel different pelts of animals and try identifying them. When we visited we were fascinated learning about owls from the Park Ranger program. If you love visiting nature centers you might want to visit Muskegon, which has the Gillette Visitor Center and home of two state parks, PJ Hoffmaster State Park and Muskegon State Park. It offers educational exhibits, programming and awesome hiking trails.
9. Sit in the Cockpit of an Airplane
Sit suspended in the air as you climb inside the cockpit of a small engine plane. The plane is situated high above the lower level near the suspension bridge.
Climb Inside the Cockpit of a Plane at the Outdoor Adventure Center
10. Try your Skills at Archery
The DNR center has a kid- friendly archery program, where you can select differing classes. Chose from a free intro class to a four week training. Aim at 3D animal targets from a range of distances to meet your skill level. Participants must be 8 years of age or older to participate in the archery experience.
11. Play in a Mini Camper
Imaginative play abounds for toddlers as they pretend to build a fire and climb inside miny campers. As your little tykes play, you can relax in a comfortable space that promotes creativity.
12. Pick up a pamphlet and Plan a Trip to a Michigan State Park
Before you leave, don’t miss the kiosk filled with informational packets and area guides for all the Michigan State Parks.
With 103 state parks in Michigan, there are unending adventures awaiting! boundless something for everyone. Climb a lighthouse at Ludington State Park , go off-road at Silver Lake State Park, camp in a yurt at Muskegon State Park, run down a sand dune at Warren Dunes State Park, stargaze at Port Crescent State Park, and hike the trails at Sleepy Hollow State Park.
Surprisingly there are a vast range of modern lodging like yurts, cabins or rustic tent camping. Relatively inexpensive, Michigan residents can purchase a yearly pass for $13.00 with their vehicle registration and gives your entire family entry into all Michigan State Parks. Now that’s a great deal! Adventure is waiting for you throughout Michigan, where will you head first?
Not sure where to begin, we’ve got you covered, check out our blog for reviews and pictures of tons of Michigan State Parks.
Tips for Visiting
You can bring outdoor food, so pack a lunch & snacks and eat in the cafeteria. As a large family, I personally love saving money and bringing in our own food.
The nursing mother’s room is a nice feature in the facility.
Pick up pamphlets to plan your Michigan summer day trips or camping trips.
Head to the educational rooms to learn. Park rangers and staff share educational presentations with hands on activities.
The Outdoor Adventure Center is an ideal place for school field trips, homeschool groups, and scouting programs. Thursdays are set aside specifically for groups.
During your visit, head to the gift shop to find unique gifts and Michigan made products.
A Bit of History
As a parent, I’m always searching for ways to educated my children through hands- on experiences. The OAC is packed with facts and the history of our beautiful state of Michigan. Here are a few history tidbits before you arrive.
The OAC building was once the site where Henry Ford was employed as a young apprentice in 1860.
Mackinac Island State Park was Michigan's first state park.
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State park is the largest with over 60,000 acres of land. If you enjoy secluded spots with miles of shoreline ad trails to explore add Porcupine Mountains to your list, it’s is one of our favorite parks.
Michigan has 103 State Parks. Our family has set a goal to visit and camp at all of them, follow along with Discovering Anew as we review and highlight each one.
Additional Information
Address: 1801 Atwater St, Detroit, MI 48207
Prices: Adults $5 / Children $3
Hours:
Sun: noon to 3 pm
Mon and Tues: CLOSED
Wed & Friday: 10 am to 3 pm
Thurs: groups by appointment only
Sat: 10 am to 5 pm
Check out this video of all the fun you can have at the Outdoor Adventure Center.
Nearby Activities
Milliken State Park : Directly across the street enjoy the Detroit Riverwalk at this Michigan State Park, which has a lighthouse and a grassy open space for a picnic lunch.
Comerica Park: Experience the classic game of baseball as you watch the Detroit Tigers play. Kids will love riding baseball carousel!
Rivard Plaza Head to the plaza and ride the Cullen Family Carousel for a $1 ride or splash in the fountain.
RiverWalk Café: Treat yourself to a cold drink or some ice cream during your visit.
With numerous things to do, planning a trip to explore Detroit with your family is a great weekend getaway. Take in a Tigers Games at Comerica park, dine at Greek town, stroll along the Detroit Riverwalk or explore the Outdoor Discovering Center, your family will love exploring the largest city in Michigan.
Closing Thoughts
When visiting downtown Detroit with kids, make sure you explore the Outdoor Adventure Center. It’s the perfect place to stop on a Michigan day trip or a kid-friendly vacation to Detroit, especially on a gloomy Michigan winter day. Discover, learn and play at the OAC and be inspired to get outside and explore the vast beauty that Michigan’s Great Lakes has to offer.
Need additional help with choosing which Michigan state park to visit this summer. Follow Discovering Anew for more camping reviews and Michigan day trip ideas. Make sure to Pin and Save for later. If you found this helpful please share with a friend. We’re constantly producing new content and strive to create honest reviews to help make planning your next trip easier.
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