A Niche in the Northwoods: Michigan’s Great Outdoors Culture Tour

The Setting
Michigan’s upper Great Lakes region has long attracted visitors to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, canoeing and camping. What they didn’t find out about was the region’s culture and heritage. Travel industry studies revealed a strong connection between culture and outdoor adventures and found that visiting state and national parks ranked as high priorities with cultural heritage travelers. The opportunity was waiting to be developed.

What Happened Next
In 1997, the Michigan Humanities Council decided to take cultural programming to the people. In the summer of 1998, the first Great Outdoors Culture Tour was produced. Action steps included:

• A pilot program determined the success of the project
• The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs joined the project as a financial sponsor
• Local hosts at state parks, forests and campgrounds identified programs suited to their sites
• Local hosts promoted the program locally to visitors and residents

Results

• 18 storytellers, musicians, historical role-players, dancers and cultural interpreters presented programs
• The program grew from 85 performances in 1998 to 94 in 2000
• Programs were held in state parks, national parks and forests, historical museums, community parks and children’s summer camps
• A Culture Tour logo was designed and collateral materials created to promote the program
• In 2000, the programs attracted 8,500 people, a 42 percent increase from the first year
• The program received the 2000 “Windows on the Past” national heritage award for excellence from the Chief of the U.S. Forest Service

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