Discover the District

Welcome to the new Glen Arbor with the premiere of Crystal River Outfitters Recreational District, simply referred to as The District. A multifaceted east side expansion turned a dream to reality for owners Matt and Katy Wiesen. Over the past few years, they have slowly built upon their brands unique up north experience. Now complete, The District will open this summer. It’s an epic entertainment empire that could rival any theme park as the ultimate Northern Michigan utopia experience for the whole family.

A visit to The District can find you on a twoto three-hour kayak trip along the pristine waters of the Crystal River to “shoot the tube,” all while basking in Northern Michigan’s wilderness. The relaxing paddle is perfect for both beginners and experienced kayakers. Afterwards, leisurely linger shopping at Coastal and M22. Keep the adventure going and hop on bikes from The Cyclery to experience the oneof-a-kind Sleeping Bear Dunes Heritage Trail. Then wrap up your day on the M22 Wine Patio while enjoying some live music!

The District’s humble roots began as a kayak shop situated on the Crystal River in 1994. The small shop rented boats to locals, tourists, families, and groups of friends alike. Matt Wiesen began working at Crystal River Outfitters as a high schooler in 1995 for a fun summer job. Matt quickly fell in love with the river and found a golden opportunity when it came up for sale after his senior year of college. With a little convincing from his father and a loan from a bank, he purchased the business. Matt and Katy were already thinking of how they could expand the shop to be a Northern Michigan staple.

That plan included expanding the small kayak rental shop, but also turning a collection of

12 rental bikes into the fleet, which is now available at The Cyclery. They also wanted to dip their toes into the world of retail and launched Glen Arbor’s own M22 store through a special partnership. A few years later to fill a need for resort wear, they opened the clothing boutique Coastal.

As Matt and Katy say, “Working with your spouse isn’t always easy,” yet the Wiesens have made huge strides in what they offer to the community and tourism. But wait, there’s more! Also on the horizon will be a new restaurant within The District called Millie’s. Millie’s will be opened in partnership with Furnhaus Hospitality Group serving artisan pizzas, salads, and homemade ice cream!

Crystal River Outfitters

6249 W. River Road, Glen Arbor, MI crystalriveroutfitters.com

Miners Beach Falls at

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Les Chêneaux Islands

Isle Royale National Park

Marquette Ore Dock

Dead River Falls

Michigan Sky Media

Helicopter Tour over Old Mission Peninsula

by Tyler Leipprandt of Michigan Sky Media

I was recently able to fly with My Flight Tours helicopter company in Traverse City. The flight showed the incredible 360 degree views of water and the colors were unreal. I have flown with this company for years, and they were the ones who helped me get the “Money Shot” above the Big House during the U of M vs. MSU rival game.

michiganskymedia.com

@michiganskymedia