DNR Outdoor Adventure Center

DNR Outdoor Adventure Center

Share

Various simulated activities will provide outdoor recreation experiences, while exhibits and displays will show the natural resources of Michigan.

Experience exciting outdoor adventures with hands-on activities, exhibits and simulators -- walk behind and touch a waterfall, step into a fishing boat and reel in a big fish, hit the trail on a mountain bike or snowmobile, and much more. At the OAC, you’ll learn about how the DNR manages state parks, forests, wildlife and fish as you climb the roots and explore the canopy of a massive bur oak tree, hop aboard a real airplane, and see what’s swimming in our aquarium.

06/01/2026

We are excited to offer two NEW program series this summer, in honor of Pride Month: inviting everyone to experience a variety of adventures in recreation!

1. The Adventure with Pride series is for adults age 18 or older and will begin this June with a beginner paddling program.

2. LGBTQ+ Archery also kicks off in June and continues monthly for anyone age 8 or older. The program is open to new and experienced archers and is a great experience for youth and families that are interested in archery in a welcoming environment.

Everyone has a place in nature, and we can’t wait to explore Michigan's outdoors with you this summer!

05/30/2026

Notice: there is a walk/race in our neighborhood on Saturday, June 6.

Please expect detours near the Outdoor Adventure Center, and allow extra time to reach our location. We expect the parking lot next to our building to be accessible after 10 a.m.

05/28/2026

🎶Doo doo doo lookin' out my back door🎵
What's happening in your neck of the woods today? Tell us all about it in the comments!

Video by OAC Educators

05/26/2026

Did you know? Food scraps and yard waste make up about 30% of the material in landfills.

Most of this material can be diverted from landfills by composting!

By composting our food scraps and yard trimmings and using the compost produced, we can return nutrients and carbon to the soil to improve soil quality, support plant growth and build resilience in our local ecosystems and communities.

Want to learn more about composting? Check out the EPA’s Composting site: http://epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/composting

Also, find out about EGLE’s new effort to promote community curbside collection of food scraps: https://www.michigan.gov/egle/newsroom/mi-environment/2026/04/29/beyond-the-landfill

05/23/2026

Reminder: We are closed today and tomorrow (Saturday, May 22 and Sunday, May 23), in observance of the Memorial Day holiday.

We will reopen to the public on Wednesday, May 27, from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm. Last entry to the OAC is at 3:30 pm.

05/22/2026

Calling all teens! Designed for 14- to 17-year-olds, Camp Explore's
Teen City Explorers day camp will open new doors for teens through friendly group competitions, field trips with partners from Detroit Parks & Recreation, Detroit Riverfront, Detroit Outdoors & more.

Camp Explore at the OAC offers day and overnight programs for youth ages 7 to 17 to explore the Detroit Riverfront and Michigan's state parks.

05/20/2026

Some great information to help turtles cross the road! Don't forget to keep yourself safe as you lend a hand!

You can visit the OAC's Eastern box turtle, Blanding's turtle and map turtle in the first floor habitat lodge! Join us Wednesday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Sundays 12-4 p.m. Note that last entry to the OAC is 3:30 p.m. daily.

The morning commute can be tough, but it can be even tougher when you're a turtle. Turtles have places to go this time of year, and they could use our help to get there safely. Here’s how:

Only help a turtle cross the road if it’s safe for you, the turtle, and other drivers. Don’t try to stop fast-moving traffic on a busy road.

Pick up the turtle securely by its shell, and watch out for the claws, the biting end, and the yucky end. Turtles will scratch, bite and relieve themselves when they feel threatened.

Move the turtle in the direction they were traveling and point them away from the road.

Wear gloves if you have some on hand and/or be sure to wash your hands after touching a turtle.

Never pick up a turtle by its tail! You can cause permanent injuries. If you can’t pick up a turtle safely, you can use a stick, shovel or broom to nudge it in the direction it needs to go.

You might be wondering, why does the turtle cross the road? To find a mate, a suitable nesting site, new food sources, and other turtle activities. Thanks for helping Michigan’s turtles get where they need to go!

05/18/2026

Registration for our Summer 2026 programs is live! Click the link in the comments to learn more about our fabulous summer activities and register today.

We offer a range of programs for guests of all ages: birding at state parks; fishing for adults, Scouts and families; archery (for those 8 years of age or older), Expos, Camp Explore and much more.

We hope to see you at one of our many offerings this summer!

Photos from DNR Outdoor Adventure Center's post 05/16/2026

We're having a great time at the Outdoor Recreation Expo! There's still time to join the fun - the Expo will run until 3 p.m. Last entry to the OAC is 3:30 p.m.

Thanks to our wonderful partners:
adventurtle
Ducks Unlimited
Fishing in the D Foundation
Flint River Watershed Coalition
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Eat Safe Fish
Michigan Department of Natural Resources Recreational Safety
Recess Club | Michigan
Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society
Wander Beyond

05/16/2026

Notice: We will be closed Saturday, May 22 and Sunday, May 23, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday.

We will reopen to the public on Wednesday, May 27, from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm. Last entry to the OAC is at 3:30 pm.

Want your business to be the top-listed Government Service in Detroit?

Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.

Location

Telephone

Address


1801 Atwater Street
Detroit, MI
48207

Opening Hours

Wednesday 9:30am - 3:30pm
Thursday 9:30am - 3:30pm
Friday 9:30am - 3:30pm
Saturday 9:30am - 3:30pm
Sunday 12pm - 3:30pm