Overnight Experiences
You have the skills, we provide the destination. Our overnight experiences feature backpacking, paddling, biking, tree climbing or a combination of skills. Designed for beginner to advanced skill levels, some are held locally in our parks and others will take you to destinations around the country.
Download the Overnight Experiences flyer.
2023 Overnight Experiences
Zzzs in the Trees: Tree Climbing Overnight
Oak Openings Preserve, Buehner Center parking lot
Saturday, April 22, 7 p.m. through Sunday, April 23, 10 a.m.
Reservations Required
Experience a spring overnight adventure in the canopy of our Oak Openings Preserve walnut tree named Old Faithful. This tree climbing opportunity offers participants the unique chance to slumber in a hammock in the treetop.
This Experience Includes
- Guided evening tree climbing with a naturalist.
- A campfire evening snack.
- Exclusive overnight access to the canopy of Old Faithful.
- A light breakfast Sunday morning, including coffee and tea.
For additional details including itinerary and suggested packing list, click here.
To register for this trip, click here or call (419) 407-9700.
Backpacking 101: Towpath Trek (15 Miles) SOLD OUT
Bend View, parking lot
Saturday, May 20, 10 a.m. through Sunday, May 21, 3 p.m.
Reservations Required
Follow the footsteps of history as you backpack 15 miles over two days on the Towpath Trail along the banks of the mighty Maumee River. Trek through Bend View and Providence Metroparks before enjoying exclusive camping access next to the Providence Dam Shelter. Along the way, we’ll be treated to scenic river views, colorful signs of spring, and watch for wildlife, such as eagles, turtles, and herons.
Attendance at the pre-trip informational meeting is required (Thursday, May 11, 6:30 - 8 p.m., Oak Openings Lodge). We will check and fit gear, talk about the trip, and answer any questions.
For additional details including itinerary and suggested packing list, click here.
To register for this trip, SOLD OUT or call (419) 407-9700.
Kirtland’s Warbler Eco-Tour [CANCELLED]
Grayling, Michigan
Monday, May 22, 9 a.m. through Wednesday, May 24, 1 p.m.
Reservations Required
The endangered and elusive Kirtland’s Warbler always causes a stir when one is sighted passing through northwest Ohio in the spring. Once on the verge of extinction, this bird nests exclusively in the young jack pine forests of the northern lower peninsula of Michigan before traveling south to warmer climates. Hike at Marl Lake State Park, enjoy the warbler tour at Hartwick Pines State Park, and search for the local elk herd on this trip for nature lovers and birders!
To register for this trip, CANCELLED or call (419) 407-9700.
Backpacking 101: Moseley Trail for Families (6 Miles) SOLD OUT
Secor, Secor Center parking lot
Saturday, June 10, 11 a.m. through Sunday, June 11, 11 a.m.
Reservations Required
Backpack your way through dynamic habitats of Secor Metropark, connect to the Moseley Trail, and spend the night camping at the serene Wiregrass Lake. This is the perfect backpacking experience for young explorers and families. Top off your evening with a magical canoeing experience on Wiregrass Lake.
Attendance at the pre-trip informational meeting is required (Thursday, June 1, 6-7:30 p.m., Oak Openings Lodge). Families are encouraged to attend as we will have a staff member play ice breaker games with the kids adjacent to the meeting. We will check and fit gear, talk about the trip, and answer any questions.
For additional details including itinerary and suggested packing list, click here.
To register for this trip, SOLD OUT or call (419) 407-9700.
Oak Openings Family Camp Out - SOLD OUT
Oak Openings Preserve, White Oak Campground
Saturday, July 8, 4 p.m. through Sunday, July 9 at 10 a.m.
Reservations Required
Come gather around the campfire and enjoy the beautiful Oak Openings Preserve Metropark with the ones you love. Bring the family for a fun outdoor experience including nature games, campfire cooking and a night hike. Metroparks memories guaranteed!
For additional details including itinerary and suggested packing list, click here.
To register for this trip, SOLD OUT or call (419) 407-9700.
Huron River Kayak Camping (20 River Miles)
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Saturday, September 23, 7 a.m. through Sunday, September 24, 8 p.m.
Reservations Required
Celebrate the fall season while paddling down the Huron River. Paddle 20 miles of this beautiful nationally recognized water trail over two days and spend a night camping along the river.
Attendance at the pre-trip informational meeting is required (Tuesday, September 19, 6-7:30 p.m., Wiregrass Lake Metropark). We will be paddling briefly during this meeting, please wear paddle ready clothing and have a change of clothes/towels in the event you get wet. We will check and fit gear, talk about the trip, and answer any questions.
For additional details including itinerary and suggested packing list, click here.
To register for this trip, click here or call (419) 407-9700.
Backpacking 101: Oak Openings Trek (15 Miles)
Oak Openings Preserve, Mallard Lake parking lot
Saturday, October 21, 9 a.m. through Sunday, October 22, 4 p.m.
Reservations Required
Escape into nature for an overnight retreat and explore the incredible variety of habitats protected within Oak Openings Preserve Metropark. View forests, savannas, and prairies in their autumn splendor as you backpack 15 miles over two days on the Scout Trail. At night, learn the tips and tricks for tent or hammock camping on the trail.
Attendance at the pre-trip informational meeting is required (Thursday, October 12, 6-8 p.m., Oak Openings Lodge). We will check and fit gear, talk about the trip, and answer any questions.
For additional details including itinerary and suggested packing list, click here.
To register for this trip, click here or call (419) 407-9700.
Oak Openings Hike and Camp-In (9 Miles)
Oak Openings Preserve, Oak Openings Lodge
Saturday, November 4, 10 a.m. through Sunday, November 5, 10 a.m.
Reservations Required
Lace up your hiking boots for a fun-filled adventure in Oak Openings Preserve Metropark! Hike through rare and beautiful Oak Openings habitats on a crisp fall day. We will stop at White Oak camp ground for a little break and trail lunch, then continue on. After a satisfying day of hiking we will settle into our “campsite” inside the cozy Oak Openings Lodge for a campfire cooked dinner and a relaxing evening. In the morning, a light breakfast and coffee will be provided.
This Experience Includes:
- Guided hiking experience with a naturalist
- Campfire cooked dinner
- Warm rolls with garlic butter
- Chicken and veggie foil packets
- Dutch oven dessert
- Exclusive overnight access to the heated Oak Openings Lodge
- Continental breakfast Sunday morning, including coffee and tea
For additional details including itinerary and suggested packing list, click here.
To register for this trip, click here or call (419) 407-9700.
Metroparks Backpacking and Camping Club
Introducing Metroparks Backpacking and Backpacking Club. This affordable opportunity is only for those who have previous experience camping or backpacking. Participants must feel comfortable doing this trip without Metroparks staff. This is not a program and will not be staffed.
Metroparks Backpacking and Camping Club: Towpath Backpacking (7 Miles)
Bend View, parking lot
Saturday, May 27 at 4 p.m. through Sunday, May 28 at 11a.m.
Reservations Required
For additional details including suggested itinerary and packing list, click here.
To register for this trip, click here or call (419) 407-9700. Click Here for equipment rental.
Metroparks Backpacking and Camping Club: Moseley Trail Backpacking (6 Miles)
Secor, Secor Center parking lot
Saturday, July 1 at 4 p.m. through Sunday, July 2 at 10a.m.
Reservations Required
For additional details including suggested itinerary and packing list, click here.
To register for this trip, click here or call (419) 407-9700. Click Here for equipment rental.
Metroparks Backpacking and Camping Club: Oak Openings Camp-Out
Oak Openings Preserve, Mallard Lake parking lot
Saturday, July 22 at 4 p.m. through Sunday, July 23 at 10a.m.
Reservations Required
For additional details including suggested itinerary and packing list, click here.
To register for this trip, click here or call (419) 407-9700. Click Here for equipment rental.
Metroparks Backpacking and Camping Club: Oak Openings Backpacking Trail (15 Miles)
Oak Openings Preserve, Mallard Lake parking lot
Saturday, October 28 at 9 a.m. through Sunday, October 29 at 4 p.m.
Reservations Required
For additional details including suggested itinerary and packing list, click here.
To register for this trip, click here or call (419) 407-9700. Click Here for equipment rental.