Your seasonal activities are great for the state.

As seen in The Oakland Press

November 16th, 2025

Your seasonal activities are

great for the state.

by Ken Morris

There’s no shortage of outdoor activities for Michiganders. If you want an idea of what someone’s plans are, just look at traffic on I-75 around West Branch. Or Highway 2 just north of the majestic Mackinac Bridge. Not only are there a lot of cars and trucks hauling gear, but there are also a variety of campers and trailers trailing into the distance.

During summer, it’s boats, bikes, kayaks and All-Terrain Vehicles. In autumn, its buses full of leaf-peeping tourists and trucks hauling their hunting gear. In winter, it’s skis and snowboards on the roofs and snowmobiles being dragged along. In other words, a lot of Michiganders embrace the opportunity to get outdoors and participate in any number of activities. And many are extremely passionate about the outdoors.

I bring this up in a financial column because outdoor recreational activities are big business for Michigan. So big, that outdoor activities account for nearly 120,000 jobs and generates almost $14 billion in economic activity.

The deer firearms season is currently underway. The number of Michigan deer hunters has been decreasing of late. But for those still in the hunt, firearms opening day is the number they eagerly circle on the calendar the minute its hung on the wall. There are a lot of vacation days being utilized right now in mid-November.

Whatever your outdoor recreation may be, your passion provides a livelihood for someone else. For example, the local bike shop that sells and repairs your bike. The sporting goods store that sells hiking boots and fishing gear. The firearms store that has the cross bows and rifles. The ski and golf shops that are all across the state. And, of course, the marinas where you buy, service and store your boat.

How important is this mutually beneficial relationship? Well, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, these outdoor activities generate $6.4 billion in wages. Of that amount, boating and fishing account for $1.2 billion. Hiking and camping related workers get $206 million, while hunting and shooting sports employees receive $330 million.

As a financial advisor, I encourage people to monitor their spending, but I feel it’s equally important to stay healthy, both physically and mentally. That’s why I’m a firm believer in outdoor activities and confident that, regardless of budget, there’s something for everyone to enjoy out there. Michigan’s ever-changing seasons provide many opportunities to do so.

Yes, many outdoor activities require special gear, equipment and clothing. Some of these items can be rented, but if a purchase is required, research thoroughly and spend within your means. Some costs can be amortized over years.

Outdoor activities are a vital part of the Michigan economy. They keep many people employed, support a wide variety of businesses and provide year-round entertainment for thousands of Michiganders.

I recently put my golf clubs and bicycles into storage and dusted off my snow skis. This will be my 15th year volunteering on the Northern Michigan ski slopes. As the seasons change, so do my activities. I encourage readers to periodically disengage from their televisions and cellphones and experience some of the many outdoor activities Michigan offers. If you happen to be on the slopes, please look me up. That could be me over there hopping off the lift wearing my dark blue ski jacket. Got it on sale!