Entering the suspension bridge inside the DNR Outdoor Adventure Center. Photo by Zynab Al-Timimi

The Outdoor Adventure Center (OAC) is managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and is located on Detroit’s riverfront in the historic former Globe Building, where visitors experience thrilling outdoor adventures with hands-on activities, exhibits, and simulations.

Melissa Sharp is the assistant director at the OAC. Sharp has an elementary education degree and began her occupational journey as a supervisor at the Grosse Pointe Woods Recreation Department. After twelve years of working in the municipal parks and recreation field, Sharp wanted a change and decided to study education. From there, Sharp managed a nursery school for four years.

Sharp says, “While working there, I realized that my true passion is in parks and recreation. So, I went back.”

Sharp started searching for opportunities and noticed an opening at the OAC. After gathering her references, Sharp applied and was accepted into her first position as an analyst. Then, an opening for the assistant director position became available. Sharp applied and was accepted. She has held the position for seven years.

“It’s the dream job in the recreational profession because there are endless possibilities when it comes to enhancing the OAC building from multi-purpose spaces previously used for classrooms, archery lessons, and weddings,” Sharp says.

The OAC’s history began in the late 1990s, when the State of Michigan and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) committed to developing an outdoor recreation facility along the Detroit Riverfront. In 2004, the DNR invested more than $5 million from the Michigan State Waterways Fund to restore St. Aubin Harbor. Fast-forward to 2013, the DNR achieved a purchase agreement with a developer to buy the Globe Building. Eventually, in late 2013, the DNR agreed to install $2.5 million in displays in the facility using Trust Fund grant money. In June 2015, the exhibit contractor completed the exhibits. When it opened, the OAC saw nearly 100,000 visitors in its first year of operation and continues to exceed the expected number of visitors annually.

A large photo of the Globe building shows visitors what the space used to look like before the DNR transformed the space into the Outdoor Adventure Center.

View from second floor of the DNR Outdoor Adventure Center. Photo by Zynab Al-Timimi

Sharp says, “Our vision of the OAC is to inspire, educate, and connect our guests with Michigan’s natural, cultural, and historical resources.” Sharp notes that bringing people together is the Center’s primary role in the community.

“We partner with everyone in our neighborhood, such as the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy and Detroit School District, in order to connect with everyone,” Sharp adds.

Since the OAC is a large portion of the Parks and Recreation division, it is funded by the recreation passport.

During the pandemic, the OAC had to shut down for one year and a half. Throughout the year, Sharp states they attempted to do the best they could by holding virtual events and field trips for their customers while maintaining their staff to keep them employed at the time.

The OAC reopened in 2022, with masks being a requirement. “All in all, the pandemic brought a new appreciation for parks and recreational centers because once people felt safe leaving their homes, our attendance boomed,” Sharp states.

The OAC holds numerous events a month that reach a certain group of people. For example, one of the OAC’s newer series is called Active Aging Adventures, which is a “brunch and learn” for the senior population. Sharp describes, “On Thursday mornings, we have a continental breakfast, and bring in a guest speaker. This event is held annually at full capacity with the waitlist.”

Sharp conveys that the simulated fishing exhibit is her favorite because she loves to see the kids in the boats get excited when the fishing pole jerks, giving them a feel of catching a fish. “It’s really fun to watch their smiles as they reel in the fish and experience it as if they were on a real fishing boat,” Sharp says.

Students from Academy of Warren enjoy the kayak exhibit. Photo by Zynab Al-Timimi

The kayak exhibit includes a simulation of kayaking in Michigan. Photo by Zynab Al-Timimi

Sharp hopes that all visitors learn something new about Michigan’s natural resources and that they are inspired to explore nature after experiencing the OAC’s activities. The OAC includes an informational plaque near each station, area, and activity so that kids can read and learn about various resources. On field trip days, students partake in an education session chosen by the teacher to expand their knowledge and appreciation of Michigan’s outdoors.

Sharp says that the OAC is working on incorporating volunteers, but it is still in progress. However, they recruit around 20 to 50 volunteers to participate in the Detroit River partnership clean up on Earth Day.

Students from Munger Elementary-Middle School enjoy the bicycle simulation. Photo by Zynab Al-Timimi

The OAC plans on adding new exhibits and technology to further enhance visitors’ experience. Sharp says, “We are excited to incorporate our new drone footage into the airplane exhibit by turning the windshield of the airplane to show the drone footage. So when you sit in the airplane, it looks like you’re flying.”

An airplane hangs from the second floor, and visitors can take a bridge to enter the cockpit. Photo by Zynab Al-Timimi

For first-time visitors, Sharp recommends checking out their online schedule for programs and events that can enhance the visit: michigan.gov/oac.

The DNR Outdoor Adventure Center is open 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Wednesday and Friday, and 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday. Field trips and group reservations can be scheduled for Thursday by appointment only.