Michigan: This Is Our Most Popular Extreme Sport

It's officially X Games week. To coincide with the action, Storage Café has highlighted the most popular extreme sport in every state, and the winner in Michigan may surprising.

"Extreme sports also offer a unique insight into how we push our limits and discover ourselves," Storage Café explains. In order to determine which extreme sports people are seeking out they compiled and analyzed a year's worth of search data, and then compared them to previous trends.

As a result, they found that skateboarding, mountain biking, and rock climbing are as expected, the most popular three extreme sports across America. In fact, one of those is also Michigan's choice for most popular extreme sport.

This thrilling sport compiled 12,100 searches in the year. Snowboarding and mountain biking rounded out Michigan's top three extreme sports interests.

There are well-established skateparks throughout the state of Michigan. Skate the States recently highlighted nine of the best skateparks in the state. They highlighted the different variations and location types as well. What's equally as impressive is that there are winter months each year where skateboarding these outdoor bowls is not possible due to the freezing weather and snow. However, there is a workaround. Extreme sport facilities like Battle Grounds in Battle Creek, offer skate enthusiasts a place to go at any time.

Lastly, Storage Café points out that many extreme sports have seen significant year-over-year growth in America. "Rock climbing was the biggest standout with a huge 83% increase in interest, while scuba diving takes second place with a 50% increase in average monthly searches year-over-year," they say.

This is certainly good news for the X Games. Here are a few X Games events to be aware of, including many that feature skateboarding.

You don’t have to travel far for an island getaway when you live in Michigan. Tucked away in the waters of Michigan’s Great Lakes are some of the most beautiful islands you’ll ever see.

If you're familiar with Michigan or even if you've never set foot in the Great Lakes State, chances are you've heard of Mackinac Island. This tiny 4.35 square mile paradise is home to around 500 residents, but its annual visitors exceed one million. However, Michigan is not limited to just Mackinac Island. If you're itching to discover other islands in the state, we've got a few recommendations for you to explore.

People absolutely love the islands in Michigan, and it's not hard to see why. These islands are simply gorgeous. The natural beauty found there is off the charts. From pristine beaches and lush forests to sparkling waters and stunning views, the scenery is straight out of a postcard. But it's not just about the looks. These islands offer an escape from the daily grind. You can leave behind the honking horns and crowded streets and embrace a more relaxed pace of life. And some of these islands don't even allow cars.

Whether you're into hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, or even off-roading, you'll find your fix here. Of course, you can’t forget the amount of history each island holds. They've witnessed the passage of time, seen settlers come and go, and have their own unique cultures. You can dive into the past by visiting historical sites, checking out museums, or chatting with the locals.

One of the best things about these islands is the chance to have one-of-a-kind experiences. Where you can take a horse-drawn carriage ride like you're in a fairytale. Or spot majestic gray wolves in their natural habitat.

In Michigan, there are islands waiting to be discovered. Here are five islands you should check out.

Isle Royale, one of Michigan's five national parks, attracts around 17,000 visitors annually. This little island nestled in the heart of Lake Superior offers wildlife and outdoor fun. Despite its national park status, it remains uncrowded. In fact, Isle Royale is one of the least-visited national parks in the entire country according to Michigan.org. But that’s due to its lack of accessibility. Most adventurers reach the island by taking a five-hour boat ride from the Upper Peninsula.

Beaver Island, the biggest island in Lake Michigan, is a nature lover's paradise with plenty of activities to enjoy. The year-round population has around 600, and a significant portion of the islanders proudly trace their roots back to Ireland.

Les Cheneaux Islands is a cluster of 36 small islands in Lake Huron, Michigan's Upper Peninsula. These islands are a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. The Les Cheneaux Islands are located just a few miles northeast of Michigan’s famed Mackinac Bridge, which connects the state’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas.

Drummond Island, the second largest freshwater island in the United States, is home to 1,058 people. This island stands out for its closed-loop trail system, offering off-road adventures. Drummond Island has a diverse range of ecosystems. With over 13 distinct ecosystems, including six forest types, five swamp-marsh types, inland lakes and rivers, and cobble beaches, the island is a haven for nature enthusiasts seeking to explore the richness and variety of its natural landscapes.

North and South Manitou Islands are two islands situated within an island chain that stretches northward towards the Straits of Mackinac. South Manitou, located approximately 16 miles west of Leland, covers a land area of 8.277 square miles. On the other hand, North Manitou Island lies to the north, about 12 miles from Leland, and has a larger land area of 22.346 square miles.

Located in the international waters of the Detroit River, Belle Isle Park is a 982-acre island park known as the "Jewel of Detroit." With its stunning natural landscapes and historic landmarks like the Belle Isle Aquarium and Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, it offers a perfect urban oasis and cultural retreat for visitors to enjoy.