Michigan’s Fourth of July weekend will bring hot weather, busy roads and hazardous swimming conditions at some beaches. Here’s what to know about the forecast, travel, fireworks laws and holiday celebrations across the state.
Outdoors Life
Covering everything that makes Michigan unique, from outdoor places, activities, enthusiasts, plants and animals to hunting and fishing, science, natural wonders and cherished spaces.
Posted inOutdoors Life
Which rivers are Michigan’s best? Vote for your favorites now
Help us decide the most underrated river, the best to camp along, the best to float down and more as part of the Bridge Michigan River Awards.
Posted inOutdoors Life
E-motos, sometimes mistaken for e-bikes, causing trouble on Michigan trails
E-bikes are allowed on Michigan trails. E-motos are not. But confusion about the two types of bikes is causing friction in Michigan woods.
Posted inOutdoors Life
Looking for an under-the-radar Michigan adventure? Try a river cruise
Companies offer dinner cruises, tiki themes, haunted histories and more on Michigan rivers.
Posted inOutdoors Life
Gas prices curb some summer plans for Michigan boaters
Motorists and airline passengers aren’t the only travelers thinking about high fuel prices as summer vacations near. Recreational boaters are feeling a pinch from the Iran war too.
Posted inOutdoors Life
There are 300 named Michigan rivers. Which ones deserve an award?
Bridge Michigan wants you to vote on your favorite rivers in the state as part of a summer-long reporting series.
Posted inOutdoors Life
In US first, Petoskey passes rules to crack down on light pollution
Petoskey’s new lighting ordinance requires new buildings and any renovations to meet standards aligned with dark sky zones.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch, Outdoors Life
Bridge Listens: The facts about Michigan’s environment, data centers, dams
Bridge readers identified the environment as a top 2026 election concern, with data centers, Great Lakes health and energy policy topping the list. We break down the issues, the facts and possible solutions.
Posted inOutdoors Life
Michigan limits hunters to one buck in Lower Peninsula, urges doe killing
Some hunters gunning for a more balanced deer sex ratio in the state are disappointed the policy didn’t pass statewide.
Posted inOutdoors Life
Michigan created a buck-centric culture advocates now want to change
A 1921 law forced hunters to kill only one deer for decades, a buck. That policy likely created a culture of capturing that trophy buck in Michigan, which advocates say is a problem and something they’re trying to correct with a new one buck rule.