Michigan offers a variety of hang gliding opportunities with scenic launch sites ranging from beautiful dunes to wide-open fields. With several companies and clubs supporting the sport, Michigan is a great destination for hang gliding enthusiasts.
Top Hang Gliding Launch Areas in Michigan
Cloud 9 Field (Webberville, Michigan)
This launch site, supported by the Draachen Fliegen Soaring Club, is a hub for hang gliders in central Michigan. It offers consistent winds and wide-open spaces, perfect for learning or advancing in the sport.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (Empire, Michigan)
This stunning location along Lake Michigan provides an incredible coastal view and great conditions for hang gliding, making it one of the most scenic spots in the state.
Warren Dunes State Park (Sawyer, Michigan)
Warren Dunes offers rolling sand dunes and consistent winds, making it a great spot for both beginner and experienced hang gliders looking to fly along the shores of Lake Michigan.
Hang Gliding Companies in Michigan
The Draachen Fliegen Soaring Club
The Draachen Fliegen Soaring Club operates from Cloud 9 Field and offers hang gliding lessons and experiences for all levels.
- Website: www.skydogsports.com
- Location: Webberville, Michigan
Traverse City Hanggliders
Based in Traverse City, this company provides hang gliding lessons and flights over the beautiful Great Lakes region.
- Website: www.mosquitoamerica.com
- Location: Traverse City, Michigan
West Shore Aviation
West Shore Aviation offers aerial sports, including hang gliding, in the Ludington area, though no website is available for further details.
- Location: Ludington, Michigan
Alternative Outdoor Activities in Michigan
If you’re seeking other outdoor adventures, Michigan offers a wide variety of activities:
- Hiking: Explore trails in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Isle Royale National Park.
- Kayaking and Canoeing: Paddle along the Au Sable River or Grand River.
- Fishing and Boating: Enjoy the Great Lakes, especially at Lake Huron and Lake Michigan.
- Rock Climbing: Head to Grand Ledge for challenging rock climbing routes.
Safety Tips and Best Time to Visit
The best time for hang gliding in Michigan is during the spring and summer months when the weather is mild and the winds are steady. Always check local weather conditions before flying and ensure that you have the appropriate safety equipment.
Conclusion
Michigan provides a beautiful and diverse range of hang gliding locations, from the dunes at Sleeping Bear to the open fields at Cloud 9. With multiple companies and clubs available, Michigan is a fantastic place to take flight. For those seeking more adventure, the state offers a wide variety of outdoor activities as well.
Hang Gliding in the US – Choose a State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming