Ever since we moved to Michigan, the Metroparks have just become part of our life here. Every year we buy our annual pass and it has become this little ritual we look forward to – feels like we are ready for the year once we have the sticker on our car.

Being an outdoorsy couple, we love spending summer evenings and weekends at the Metroparks. A perfect day is kayaking at Kent Lake and then just hanging out in the hammock at our favorite spot, the Island Rd Parking Lot, after. We also love the fact that the parks are connected. Biking through Lower Huron, Willow, and Oakwoods Metroparks is a favorite – there’s something so satisfying about visiting several parks in one ride. Kayaking down the river from Dexter-Huron to Delhi is another favorite, just floating along the Huron River. And in winter we plan a special trip to Lake Erie Metropark to see the beautiful blue ice slabs formations on the lake. Honestly, the list keeps going!

This year, with the Trail Challenge, we had one more excuse to get out to the parks and spend quality time together! -Trupti