Sturgis, MI Outdoor Activities

Nick Kant and Heather Adams wanted the already extraordinary feeling of free fall to be even more incomparable for their customers. The couple devised a skydiving business that could be exhilarating not only for the jumpers but for their family and friends. At Skydive Great Lakes, nonskydivers are welcome to cheer on their flying pals in drop zones designed for spectators, who can view a live video feed from onboard the aircraft. Nick's skills as an aerial videographer allow clients to capture every moment of an inaugural tandem dive, from the initial jump-off to the inevitable midair arguments with Peter Pan. Flying out of Goshen, ground-school grads can board a yellow Pilatus Porter plane that fits up to 10 jumpers. Heather and Nick are the only enthusiasts in the country who launch skydivers from a Sikorsky S-55 helicopter, which hovers over drop zones on select weekends.

When Jim Wiseman bought what would become Swiss Valley Ski & Snowboard Area in 1968, it consisted of a dilapidated farmhouse and seven rope tows. A mere day before opening, five of the tows were condemned. But Jim remained undeterred, forging ahead with a humble inventory of 122 pairs of rental skis. Today, that number has grown to 2,000, in addition to 500 snowboards, which plunge down 11 runs and a 225-foot peak that also allows guests to test-drive the equipment and practice their yardstick skills. The terrain parks, one of which was added in 1997 to reflect the resort’s devotion to freestyle skiing, greet visitors with new challenges such as tabletops, high spines, grind rails, and pyramids.

Whether skiers tackle the stunt-ready equipment or seek out beginner lessons, they’re guaranteed fresh powder thanks to Swiss Valley’s expert method of snowmaking. The technology ensures enough snow for winter fun, as long temperatures allow and no salt giants attack the slopes. After their frosty jaunt, visitors can warm up in the fireside lounge, dotted with freestanding fireplaces and picture windows that overlook the snowy terrain.

Hart City Scuba’s team of dive masters and instructors turn mere waders into full-blown explorers of the aquatic world. They achieve that through group and private scuba programs such as open water diver, rescue diver, and conversational mermaid. In addition, they can mend any dive gear gone awry and fill tanks with fresh O2.

Wind whistles and engines roar as custom go-karts zip around Jet Karting's outdoor race track at speeds of up to 45 miles per hour. Rented – along with all necessary safety equipment – to guests of all experience levels, the low-riding vehicles cruise the course in 15-minute bouts, during which up to 15 riders race each other. Speed School classes tailored to three different age groups prep more experienced racers to take laps in powerful spec racers and Rotax karts. The staff recommends guests bring long pants, close-toed shoes, and a desire to move quickly while basically in the fetal position.

Located just inland of Lake Michigan, St. Joseph River Canoe & Kayak Livery provides a portal for navigating the gentle lapping waters of the St. Joseph River. Staffers oversee a brand new fleet of kayaks and canoes for half- or full-day charter trips, guided tours, and to purchase. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend, the livery shares space with Fisherman's Wharf and Fisherman's Way Marina. The marina also offers 31 slips (nine of which are covered) for boaters to dock their vessel, as well as stainless-steel fish-cleaning stations and private showers for especially shy fish.

Golf-A-Round Indiana invites clubbers to test their swinging prowess amid the fairways and greens of more than 75 of Indiana's top golf courses. Golf-A-Round Indiana selects participating venues in a curatorial process that assesses each course's difficulty, United States Golf Association rating, and performance in people's-choice surveys—building a list of high-caliber semiprivate and public courses. Players receive 40%–50% off at each course and a minimum of two plays at each course, and certificates run through two seasons.

The majority of the courses also offer weekday and weekend discounts, giving busy golfers a chance to enjoy the game without having to take off work or convert the neighbor’s sandbox into a convenient practice bunker. All discounts remain valid throughout both the 2013 and 2014 seasons.