One of the world’s most famous sporting events, the Indy 500, will take place this year on May 29th. Tens of thousands of people will flood into downtown Detroit to catch a glimpse of the race. It will be an incredible event, packed with celebrities and international attention. But what is the most popular spectator sport in Michigan? You might be surprised by the answer.
Nascar Racing
Although the Indianapolis 500 is one of the most famous sporting events in America, it is not the only one. In fact, in some parts of the country, such as North Carolina and Florida, the NASCAR race was probably even more popular. Like the Indy500, NASCAR takes place at a racetrack and features big-name drivers trying to break lots of racing records. You might have seen the cars driven by Dale Earnhart, Richard Petty, or even Bill Elliott. These are the famous drivers whose legacy still lives on today in the form of NASCAR races held all over the country. There are also other forms of motorsport, such as Formula One, where the best drivers in the world compete for championship titles. For those who want to get behind the wheel themselves, there are also driving schools where they can learn the theory and the practice of different types of motor sports.
Big Buck Hunter
Another outdoor sport that you might have heard of is big-buck hunting. This exciting sport involves going on hunting trips with your friends and family and trying to kill as many deer as you can. The person who kills the most deer wins. It is quite a popular sport in some parts of the country, in particular, Wisconsin and Iowa. The animals that people hunt, including deer, are becoming increasingly rare because of lack of available habitat due to human population growth and development. Many people, therefore, are motivated to take up big-buck hunting to save the environment, as well as to satisfy their curiosity about surviving in nature and being a part of the wilderness. The Wisconsin DNR estimates that around 4,200 deer hunters took part in the 2015 season. More than 6 million animals were killed in total, which made it the 4th most popular hunting sport in the country (behind archery, fishing, and horseback riding).
Tornado Alley
Tornado Alley is part of the American Great Plains region, specifically northeast Oklahoma, Kansas, and southern Nebraska. Some people, due to the area’s rich agricultural potential, have attempted to turn this stretch of land into a tourist attraction. There are lots of attractions, including the Route 66 Raceway, which was built in 1946 and is one of the best-preserved auto racetracks in America. It also hosts the annual Turkey Trot, where teams of turkeys run around the track as fast as they can in an effort to win some prize money. It might be easy to mock, but lots of people travel from all over the country to take part in this Thanksgiving tradition. It is also possible to take a ride on the Sandhill Crane National Historic Trail, a 77-mile-long rail trail that winds its way through some of the area’s most stunning scenery. If you are an environmentalist, you can even volunteer at a wildlife refuge and help protect migratory birds, such as ducks and geese, whose population has been decimated by hunting and shooting over the years.
Water Sports
There is more than one type of water sport that you might want to try out. If you have a boat, you can go fishing off of lakes, ponds, or the ocean. You can also join a boating club and take part in organized fishing trips. Another popular activity is waterskiing. This involves gliding across the water using a tow rope attached to a motorboat. While the sport is hugely popular, it’s extremely dangerous, especially if you get into an accident. There have been lots of news stories about people being injured (or even killed) while waterskiing. This is why it’s not officially mentioned on this list of most popular sports in Michigan.
Summers In The Country
Another thing that you have to consider is the fact that Michigan is really hot during the summer. There are lots of people, therefore, who want to spend their days by the pool and are looking for ways to cool off. If you have a large yard, you can build a swimming pool. Just make sure that you check the rules and regulations first, as some areas have bans on private pools due to water shortages. If you don’t have a yard, you can buy a pool at a playground or leisure center. Most of these pools are not very big and can be found near major cities, where more people can join in the fun. When it comes to finding a suitable place for a swim, however, be mindful of the size of your fish – you don’t want to end up with an undersized catch!
Horse Racing
If you are a fan of the Kentucky Derby, you might be interested in trying out horse racing. You can find lots of information online, including the fact that there are five races held every year at different racetracks across the country. The most popular of these is the Kentucky Derby, which is held at Churchill Downs in Louisville every year in early May. The first leg of the Triple Crown is a prestigious awards ceremony, where the best 3-year-old thoroughbreds in the country compete in a series of races. If you are in Louisville during the month of May, you can take part in the festivities and see some of the best-looking horses in the world in action. If you don’t live in Kentucky, it’s still possible to follow the Derby via the internet. On the subject of horse racing, there is also the Detroit Zoo’s annual Pegasus World Cup, held each winter. The trophy for this annual event is named after Wayne Gretzky’s famous hockey puck and is accompanied by a gold-colored, blinged-out puck designed by the artist Chris Kobek. The event features horses from around the world competing in races that are representative of their breed. Racing has been around for centuries and is still heavily popular in many parts of the world. In America, especially in the South, it is mainly a hobby for wealthy individuals and there are lots of restrictions placed upon the poor, which limits its popularity in comparison to other sports.
Mountain Climbing
Speaking of wealthy individuals, many enjoy spending their retirement years traveling the world and enjoying the luxury of time off. Others, however, would like to spend their sunset years safe and in the bosom of their family, where life is simple and leisure is abundant. For those who want to tackle something new and exciting, there is mountain climbing. You can join a club that helps provide equipment for amateur climbers. Once you have the gear, you can begin exploring some of the tallest mountains in the world. Be careful not to get injured or caught in any avalanches, as you might not be able to save yourself. The good news is that most of these mountains are located in or near resorts that are familiar to everyone. You can therefore find gear and guides to help you reach the top. Getting to these majestic mountains, including Mount Everest, requires a bit of preparation and research. Before you set out on your expedition, make sure to prepare your body for the high altitude. This means getting more oxygen into your bloodstream by practicing breathing techniques and taking supplements. The research indicates that most people find it hard to breathe at these elevations, which can lead to severe headaches, insomnia, and even hallucinations. Fortunately, there are remedies for all of these problems and you will experience the thrill of victory (or defeat) in the end.
Archery
Bow and arrow are among the most popular sports in Michigan, mainly because of the area’s abundance of fields and forests. One of the most historic places in Michigan is the Battle Creek Shooting Challenge, an annual archery tournament that has been held in the state since 1899. This competition attracts archers from all over the country and takes place at the end of April. Some of the fields are more than 100 years old and have seen several historical battles fought using only wooden weapons. If you are a fan of the outdoors and of history, this might be the sport for you.
Golf
Golf is a very popular sport in Michigan, particularly in the northern part of the state. The Northern Michigan Golf Association tracks the number of golfers in its region and reports that every year, there are more than 22,000 individuals who take up the game. Even if you don’t live in the region, it is still possible to follow the sport. There are many clubs that you can join, which will bring you access to courses and leagues where you can play. If you are looking for a competitive challenge, there is also the Senior PGA Tour, where the best golfers in the world compete for large sums of money. Traveling to tournaments is a popular pastime for golfers and many clubs hold regular tournaments where members can compete.