7 Best Things to Do Outside in Flint This Summer

As the weather gets warmer, there’s nothing better than leaving the house and getting some fresh air. After all, you just spent the majority of the winter cooped up indoors, trying to keep warm. If you find yourself in the Flint, Michigan, area, make sure you check out these seven outdoor activities.

Kayak on Flint River

Image via Pixabay by Hans

The Flint River is a 73-mile river trail that starts at Mott Lake and includes about two dozen access sites. Consider taking your kayak out at Paddler’s Landing in the Mott Park Recreation Area in Flint, since it gives you safe and accessible access to the river. The river provides a unique paddling experience no matter your experience and comfort.

If you prefer to kayak with others, the Flint River Watershed Coalition hosts guided kayaking tours throughout the summer. Suitable for all experience levels and people age 10 and older, these tours are $10 per person for those who have their own kayak and $15 for those who need to rent one. The cost includes guides, shuttling, sunscreen, bug spray, snacks, and water.

Hike at For-Mar Nature Preserve and Arboretum

Flint is in Genesee County, which is home to more than 11,000 acres of parks. Even if you don’t like hiking at the For-Mar Nature Preserve and Arboretum in nearby Burton, you can find plenty to enjoy. Established more than 50 years ago, this nature preserve and arboretum sits on 383 picturesque acres of land. It’s a former dairy farm that Forbes and Martha Merkley donated, and when you visit, you’ll find ponds, meadows, and an abundance of trees.

Head to the north and main entrance to start your hike on a 5K route, or hike along the bend of Kearsley Creek, meandering around the stream’s heavily wooded mudflats. The nature preserve has more than 60 signposts pointing you in the right direction, so you can easily locate a trail that will take you through the vast landscape.

Board a Paddlewheel Riverboat Cruise

The Genesee Belle, which is a replica of the paddlewheel riverboats popular during the 1800s, offers several different types of cruises during the summer. Departures occur from the Crossroads Village and Stepping Stone Falls, both in Flint. Its lower level is enclosed and climate-controlled, so you don’t need to worry about boarding when the weather is inclement, but its windows allow you to still take in the stunning scenery of Mott Lake. It offers three 45-minute specialty cruises, which take place on Friday and Sunday evenings as well as at lunchtime on certain Wednesdays in July and October.

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Bike the Flushing Riverview Trail

Grab your bike and head to the Flushing Riverview Trail in Flushing to ride the 1.4-mile path. It starts at the Main Street Bridge and runs along the Flint River, going through the forest and wetlands. The path includes a 72-foot bridge that goes over Cole Creek and a 200-foot bridge that allows you to travel over the Flint River. People also use this trail to walk their dogs, so just be careful while riding.

Golf at Swartz Creek Golf Course

For more than 50 years, golfers have teed off at the 27-hole Swartz Creek Golf Course in Flint. This family-friendly course welcomes golfers of all ages and skill levels. Its fantastic fairways and challenging greens are adorned with beautiful lakes and mature trees. Another nearby course, the 18-hole Kearsley Lake Golf Course, is also in Flint. Rates for both courses range from $12 to $17 on weekdays and $17 to $25 on weekends and holidays. On Fridays at Swartz, you can play nine holes with a cart for $10 or 18 holes with a cart for $20.

After you’ve played a round, head inside to the Shot of the Day Bar at the Swartz Creek Golf Course. Recently under new management, the bar features specialty drinks, a shot menu, and a fresh new menu. Enjoy food from the grill, specialty hot dogs, and Mexican fare.

Fish at Seven Lakes State Park

Located just south of Flint in Holly, Seven Lakes State Park contains about 230 acres of water with several miles of shoreline. You can either take a boat out and fish, cast a line from the shore, or head to the fishing pier. Boat rentals are available from mid-May through mid-September, so you can rent rowboats, canoes, paddleboats, or motorboats to find that perfect fishing spot. Plenty of fish live in these waters, and you might reel in some bluegill, bass, catfish, pike, or tiger muskie.

Don’t forget to purchase a fishing license if you’re 17 or older. The state’s annual fishing license is valid from March 1 of any given year through March 31 of the following year. The annual cost for residents is $26, while non-residents must pay $76. Senior Michigan residents or those who are legally blind pay $11. If you don’t plan to fish often, consider buying a daily pass, which costs $10 regardless of whether you’re a resident or non-resident.

Swim at Buttercup Beach

Nestled in the heart of Columbiaville, Buttercup Beach is the perfect spot to stick your feet in the sand and build a few sandcastles. You can also play a rousing game of beach volleyball with your closest friends and family members before cooling off in the designated swimming area. Bring some food for lunch and head to the shaded picnic area. Plan to spend the entire day here, as the beach is open daily from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Are you ready to get outside and enjoy all the Flint area has to offer? Do you agree with this list, or did Applegate Chevrolet miss a few key activities? If so, contact us so we can make sure to add it to our list. We want to keep people informed about all the fun outdoor activities they can participate in, so please let us know if we need to add another interesting activity or two.

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