Ever felt the thrill of a Michigan riverfront adventure? The Outdoor Adventure Center in Detroit offers just that. Right here on the Detroit riverfront in the historic former Globe Building you’ll find it. This isn’t just any building. It’s a piece of Detroit’s industrial past. The Outdoor Adventure Center occupies the former Dry Dock Engine Works. This is where a young Henry Ford learned about combustion engines. Can you imagine?
The Outdoor Adventure Center transformed this former steam factory into an incredible interactive space. It’s a 41000-square-foot wonderland dedicated to Michigan’s outdoors. Inside you can explore a simulated waterfall. You can even step behind it and feel the mist on your face. Climb a massive bur oak tree. Its roots are like slides winding through three floors. This artificial tree is 35 feet tall. It has a suspension bridge connecting branches to a deer blind. You might even spot a faux eagle’s nest!
Explore Michigan’s diverse ecosystems. Discover a simulated sand dune and pond. See the animals that call the state home. Their pelts and skulls are displayed. There’s even a beaver dam replica. Peek into the lodge. You’ll hear the chitter-chatter of beavers. You can also see a giant aquarium showcasing Michigan’s fish.
Try your hand at various outdoor activities. Simulators let you mountain bike snowmobile or even fish from a boat. You’ll find a ready-made campsite complete with a tent. Explore Michigan trails and waterways through realistic video game-style simulations. Test your aim with laser shot simulators. Learn about hunting. See what it’s like to be an eagle soaring above the state. You can even sit in a real Cessna airplane!
The Outdoor Adventure Center isn’t just about fun. It’s an educational experience. It teaches about forest regeneration sustainability and nature in your own backyard. It’s a gateway to the great outdoors. The center is a collaboration between the DNR and a metro Detroit real estate development company and architect firm. Learn how the DNR manages forests wildlife and fish. This incredible center provides an unforgettable experience for all ages. It truly brings the beauty of Michigan’s outdoors right to the heart of Detroit.