A Michigan City Ranks Among America’s Top Outdoor-Friendly Spots

Many people believe that embracing the "outdoor lifestyle" means trekking into the middle of nowhere, but a recent ranking by RVShare, an RV rental company, reveals that you don't need to venture far off too far to enjoy the great outdoors. By evaluating factors such as access to outdoor recreation, public parks, scenic views, and more, RVShare has identified the most and least outdoor-friendly cities in America.

According to the ranking, Grand Rapids is the third most outdoor-friendly city in America. The ranking highlights the city’s opportunities for kayaking, fishing, hiking, and biking trails, as well as the city’s park system.

I personally enjoy making the drive to Grand Rapids for some outdoor fun. Millennium Park is fantastic for hiking, biking, and relaxing by the beach. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park offers beautiful gardens and outdoor concerts that are perfect for a summer outing. Kayaking on the Grand River is a must-do while there.

Meanwhile, Detroit is on the other side of the list being one of the least outdoor-friendly cities. The city ranked at number seven. The ranking points out that Detroit is placed near the bottom of the ranking due to park access for residents. However, they do mention that the city offers a mix of urban parks and access to natural areas. Belle Isle Park on the Detroit River is one of those places that offer trails, a conservatory, and a zoo.

Being a Michigan native, there are plenty of places to get your outdoors on the outside of Detroit. For a more urban experience, the Detroit Riverwalk is a wonderful place to walk or bike while enjoying views of the river and the city.

Nearby, the Huron-Clinton Metroparks system offers a range of activities, from kayaking and canoeing on the rivers to exploring nature trails. Each park has its own unique features, and I love discovering new spots throughout the system.

And you can’t forget about the 103 state parks that are available throughout the state.

As far as the number one spot, Seattle, Washington, has that honor. The city had high remarks in categories including access to outdoor recreation and several camping options. “Seattle is renowned for its access to diverse outdoor recreation,” the company said. “The city is surrounded by water, mountains, and forests, offering activities like hiking, kayaking, and skiing.”

Houston, Texas ranks as the least outdoor-friendly city. The RV rental company said that this ranking is heavily impacted by residents’ low levels of participation in outdoor recreation overall and little variety of outdoor recreation activities. Houston was also dinged for their proximity to natural lands.

Take a look at the complete ranking here.