Looking for discounts on Michigan attractions like SEA LIFE Michigan; Cranbrook Science Center; the Yankee Air Museum; or any of the state’s parks, lighthouses, festivals and museums? Check out the Michigan Activity Pass.

Since its establishment in 2007, the Michigan Activity Pass (MAP) program, an initiative from The Library Network, has connected Michigan residents with cultural and recreational destinations across the state. It has evolved into a significant collaboration between libraries and local communities.

The program began as a local project in metropolitan Detroit and has since expanded statewide, providing free or discounted access to numerous venues. According to Jim Flury, technical services manager for The Library Network, MAP has undergone a substantial transformation over the years, turning into a fully online service accessible to all Michigan residents.

“In 2013, the program was converted to an all-online, statewide initiative, meaning patrons could ‘check out’ a MAP pass from anywhere in Michigan,” Flury said.

A growing network of cultural venues

Today, nearly 400 public libraries across Michigan participate in the MAP program, and the number of partner destinations has grown to 470. These destinations range from museums and art galleries to nature centers and state parks. According to Flury, the cultural venues involved in the program are diverse, and how they join MAP varies.

“MAP partners learn about the program in a variety of ways. Some have been recruited by library cooperatives, others by public libraries, and still others through social media,” he said. This dynamic growth of participants reflects the program’s increasing popularity and importance as a tool for cultural engagement across the state.

Each MAP destination determines the discount it will offer to MAP patrons. Some offer free admission; others offer a variety of discounts. After searching for a destination in MAP, click on the “Pass Options” button to see the discount details it offers. Brochures that list MAP participating destinations — grouped into lower-mitten, upper-mitten, and upper-peninsula activities — are available on the MAP Resources Page at miactivitypass.org/resources-2. Destinations range from festivals like the Renaissance Festival to Michigan parks and campgrounds to lighthouse and maritime tours.

Positive impact on communities

The MAP program has profoundly affected Michigan communities, particularly in terms of library engagement and community involvement. Over its nearly 17-year history, library patrons and staff have expressed gratitude for the program’s opportunities.

“We’ve received many comments from libraries and patrons about the positive impact MAP has had on their communities,” Flury said.

User testimonials highlight the personal and social benefits of access to cultural experiences.

“One patron shared: ‘It’s great to explore new places in our home state at an affordable rate. We look for new adventures as a family, especially during holidays and summer breaks,’” he said. “Another user, a social worker, noted the program’s value for her clients: ‘I suggest the MAP to people all the time. It’s a great resource for those who may not have the money to go places. I educate case managers and therapists about it so that they can recommend it to others.’”

Accessibility for all

One of the MAP program’s core strengths is its emphasis on accessibility. By leveraging Michigan’s network of public libraries, the program ensures every resident can benefit from it, regardless of their socioeconomic status.

“Public libraries are the great equalizers,” Flury said. “All a person needs to access the benefits of the MAP program is a library card, which is free to obtain.”

He said this commitment to inclusivity means that even individuals in remote areas or lower-income households can enjoy cultural experiences they might not otherwise have access to.

Promoting local culture

The Michigan Activity Pass plays a vital role in promoting local culture and encouraging residents to explore the state’s rich cultural landscape. Libraries actively promote MAP-related activities on social media, often fostering collaboration with local cultural institutions.

“MAP staff have done outreach programs at partner destinations to promote the program,” Flury noted. For instance, MAP staff were invited to the Outdoor Adventure Center in Detroit earlier this year for a special event, Birding on Belle Isle. This type of community engagement strengthens ties between libraries, cultural institutions and the communities they serve, creating a cycle of mutual benefit.

Popular destinations vary with the seasons, Flury said.

“During the summer months, locations like the Huron-Clinton Metroparks see a surge in visitors. In cooler weather, institutions such as SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium and the Howell Nature Center attract more passholders. This seasonal flexibility makes MAP a year-round resource for families and individuals looking to explore Michigan’s natural and cultural offerings,” he said.

Continuous expansion and innovation

The MAP program is far from static. Each year, new partner destinations are added, further expanding the range of opportunities available to library cardholders. Libraries are encouraged to reach out to cultural venues in their service areas and introduce them to the benefits of becoming a MAP partner.

“We add new partner destinations throughout the year,” Flury said. “This steady growth ensures that the program remains dynamic and responsive to the interests of Michigan’s residents.”

In addition to expanding the number of destinations, MAP has embraced technological advancements to make accessing passes even more convenient. In June 2023, a new software platform was introduced in partnership with Pontiac-based vendor LocalHop. This platform includes features like enhanced search capabilities and the ability for patrons to store MAP tickets in their Google or Apple Wallets.

“The new software makes it easier than ever for patrons to discover MAP destinations,” Flury said.

How to get started

The MAP program makes exploring Michigan simple. Residents can visit the MAP website at miactivitypass.org to browse available destinations and check out passes using their library cards. A two-minute tutorial guides new users through the process.

Flury encourages people to explore the variety of destinations available: “Patrons are just a couple of clicks away from their next MAP adventure.”

The Michigan Activity Pass program enriches residents’ lives, fosters community engagement, and promotes the state’s local culture by providing free or discounted access to a wide range of cultural and recreational venues.

“As it continues to grow and evolve, the program stands as a shining example of how libraries can play a crucial role in making culture accessible to everyone,” Flury said.