Destination Ann Arbor and the Ann Arbor Sports Commission have earned a 2026 Governor’s Award for Innovative Tourism Collaboration from the Tourism Industry Coalition of Michigan (TICOM) for the development of the Rowing Course at Ford Lake and the hosting of the USRowing RowFest National Championships.
The award, presented in the Tourism Experience Development category, recognizes collaborative efforts that create new and compelling tourism experiences in Michigan.
The recognition highlights a multi-partner collaboration that brought together public, private, and institutional stakeholders to develop Michigan’s first Olympic-caliber rowing venue and launch it with a national championship event.
Located in Ypsilanti Township, the EMU Rowing Course at Ford Lake is Michigan’s first and only Olympic-caliber, eight-lane, 2,000-meter rowing venue, placing Michigan among a limited number of destinations nationwide capable of hosting championship rowing events.
This project represents more than a decade of collaboration among community leaders, including Destination Ann Arbor, the Ann Arbor Sports Commission, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti Township, the Ann Arbor Marriott Ypsilanti at Eagle Crest, and US Rowing. Together, these partners recognized Washtenaw County’s potential to become a premier destination for major rowing competitions at the EMU Rowing Course on Ford Lake. The lake’s natural assets, the character of the surrounding community, and the region’s accessibility, both to a major international airport and a strong drive market, were key factors in attracting USRowing and its participants to the region.
“What’s most exciting is how this partnership came together,” said Sarah Miller, President and CEO of Destination Ann Arbor. “It reflects years of commitment from our partners across our community and has resulted in a national-caliber venue that positions Washtenaw County on the national stage in the rowing world.”
The impact of that collaboration was realized in July 2025, when the venue hosted the USRowing RowFest National Championships, the largest rowing event held in Michigan and the second-largest event conducted by USRowing in its history. The multi-day championship welcomed thousands of athletes, coaches and spectators from across the United States and internationally.
“RowFest was a game-changer for our region,” said Meaghan Hughes, Director of the Ann Arbor Sports Commission. “It demonstrated the strength of this collaboration, brought significant economic impact to the community, and proved that we can successfully host major national rowing events.”
“RowFest showcased Ford Lake Park and Ypsilanti Township to visitors from across the country, and it’s an honor to see that impact recognized with a statewide award,” said Ypsilanti Township Supervisor Brenda Stumbo. “This project brought visibility to our community and reflects the dedication of our township staff and partners.”
According to an economic impact study, RowFest generated $7.2 million in total economic impact, including $5.8 million in direct visitor spending, along with 6,792 hotel room nights and more than $332,000 in tax revenue.
The partnership also created substantial community benefits. More than 3,600 volunteer hours supported event operations, strengthening local rowing organizations and expanding community ownership of the venue. Public Learn to Row sessions introduced youth and first-time participants to the sport, reinforcing the venue’s role as both a competitive facility and community recreation asset. RowFest activities also generated $10,750 in fundraising support for regional rowing clubs, strengthening grassroots development and long-term participation in the sport.
This partnership “demonstrates what can be achieved when organizations across Washtenaw County align around a shared vision,” said Washtenaw County Commissioner Justin Hodge. “Together, we’ve created a new tourism asset that will continue to generate economic impact and opportunity for years to come.”
The recognition comes as RowFest is scheduled to return to Ford Lake in 2026, with additional collegiate and national rowing events under consideration, reinforcing the region’s growing presence in the national sports tourism landscape.
The Governor’s Awards for Innovative Tourism Collaboration were presented April 8 at the Pure Michigan Governor’s Conference on Tourism at the Grand Traverse Resort.
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About Destination Ann Arbor
Destination Ann Arbor is a 501(c)6 not-for-profit organization whose mission is to elevate economic vitality and connect our communities through the power of travel. For more information, visit AnnArbor.org.
About the Ann Arbor Sports Commission
The Ann Arbor Sports Commission, a division of Destination Ann Arbor, is dedicated to creating and hosting world-class sporting events that provide opportunities for athletes and make a positive impact in the community. As a full-service sports commission, we produce elite events and develop long-term partnerships throughout the industry and community through exceptional service. For more information, visit AnnArborSports.org.
CONTACT:
Chad Wiebesick, Director of Media Relations
(734) 995-7281
cwiebesick@annarbor.org
www.annarbor.org
