Detroit’s Top Honors: “I think Detroit is a really good introduction to what America is all about. It’s very human. Detroit is a place that makes people believe anything is possible,” Philippe Orain, Michelin Travel Guides editorial and contents global director, said when he introduced the premiere “Michelin Green Guide” for Detroit to the public. It’s an important milestone for metro Detroit because it’s Michelin’s highest ranking for an attraction, and is reserved for noteworthy landmarks. Making the three-star list are the Detroit Institute of Arts, Downtown Detroit (as a whole), the Guardian Building, The Henry Ford Museum, and the Cranbrook Educational Community in Bloomfield Hills. visitdetroit.com
Boat Sales: With $1.6 billion in sales, Michigan ranked third in the U.S. for 2023 recreational powerboat sales, according to data from the National Marine Manufacturers Association. Michigan’s sales were down 2.9 percent from 2022, a good year for boat purchases, due largely to the Covid pandemic. Top-ranked Florida sales increased 3.1 percent to $6.4 billion, while sales in Texas, in the second spot, were at $2.4 billion. New freshwater fishing boats held steady in 2024 and are expected to end the year flat compared to 2023, at approximately 51,000-54,000 new units sold. nmma.org/statistics/news
Funding Recreation: After reviewing 122 applications, the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board recommended earlier this year that the Michigan Legislature approve 68 recreation development projects and 17 land acquisitions totaling $41.7 million in 2025. “From fantastic land purchases like a $4.2 million property that will connect additional Michigamme Highlands habitats to Craig Lake State Park in Marquette County, to a $400,000 project to develop the Nakwema Trails in Charlevoix County, these grant recommendations by the board will make significant improvements to outdoor recreation across our state,” Michigan DNR Director Scott Bowen says. michigan.gov/mnrtf
