Outdoor Recreation Innovation Action Network—Central Upper Peninsula (MI) – Outdoor Recreation Industry Growth Plan

Challenge

Michigan’s Central Upper Peninsula (Central UP) has long been defined by its natural resources, pristine landscapes, and deep-rooted outdoor heritage. Job losses and economic shifts resulting from the closure of the Presque Isle Power Plant in Marquette highlighted the importance of industry diversification. As one of the region’s major economic drivers, the outdoor recreation sector offers the potential to expand well beyond tourism. However, building a successful outdoor recreation sector requires an intentional investment of resources and close collaboration among partners and stakeholders.

Response

With these objectives in mind, the Central Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Regional Commission (CUPPAD) and Innovate Marquette secured funding from the US Economic Development Administration (EDA) to develop a comprehensive strategy focused on outdoor recreation technology, electrified mobility, and business development. The Outdoor Recreation Innovation Action Network (ORIAN), a public-private collaborative, worked with TIP Strategies to guide the initiative and ensure alignment with regional economic priorities. The resulting plan, UP for Adventure: An Outdoor Recreation Industry Growth Strategy for the Central UP (UP for Adventure), presents a unified approach to growing outdoor recreation businesses, enhancing outdoor recreation assets, and supporting tourism and community development to strengthen the Central UP’s position in the outdoor recreation industry. UP for Adventure provides a framework for fostering each of the sector’s three segments: (1) the industries that supply the equipment needed by outdoor enthusiasts; (2) the ancillary goods and services that support the outdoor economy, including tourism; and (3) the natural features, physical infrastructure, and assets that underpin the sector. To support the plan’s implementation, TIP prepared a resource guide and matrix along with an interactive metrics dashboard. The strategy was presented at the U.P. Outdoor Summit on May 16, 2025, where ORIAN was instrumental in convening stakeholders and setting the stage for long-term implementation.