Scavenger-Style Go MAD March to Introduce New Northwood University Students to Downtown Midland on Friday, Aug. 21, 2026.
The community is invited to welcome Midland’s newest residents as Northwood University students head downtown Friday, Aug. 21, for this year’s Go MAD March. This community-driven scavenger hunt introduces next-generation entrepreneurs to the small businesses that help Midland’s downtown district thrive.
A phrase coined by the late Northwood Football Coach Pat Riepma, Go MAD encourages students to “Go Make A Difference.” The Go MAD March is held at the start of each Northwood academic year to help familiarize Midland’s newest residents with downtown.
Set to take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Aug. 21, this year’s event will feature a scavenger hunt through the heart of downtown Midland, spanning businesses on Ashman, McDonald, Rodd, Townsend, Conkright, Main, and Ann streets.
“The Go MAD March gives our newest Timberwolves an opportunity to experience the community they will call home during their time at Northwood,” stated Dean of Student Affairs Andy Cripe. “By meeting local business owners and exploring downtown Midland, students begin forming meaningful connections while seeing entrepreneurship and community engagement in action.”
Students will visit several local businesses to collect stamps in a Go MAD March passport that will be used in a raffle for prizes during a welcome address by Midland Mayor Maureen Donker at 7:45 p.m. on the lawn behind The H Hotel.
Stops on this year’s Go MAD March include Joyful Tantrum, Serendipity Road, Bookmarks, Ace Hardware & Sports, FILL, Sassy & Chic Boutique, Proper Taco, Coyer Candle Co., Pizza Sam’s, Molasses Smokehouse & Bar, Peel ‘n Pare, Northwood University Idea Center, Heather ‘n Holly, Little Forks Outfitters, Aviator Cookie Company, Crepes Et Amis, Iron Dame, Modern Explorers, Brinstar, Bella Papilio, Health Nut, Gratzi Midland, Pizza Baker, and Café Zinc, ONe18 and Oxygen, located inside The H Hotel — mid-Michigan’s only AAA Four Diamond hotel.
“As ‘Midland’s University,’ Northwood appreciates the many businesses, organizations and community members who help make the Go MAD March experience possible,” Cripe said. “The enthusiastic welcome they extend to our students demonstrates what makes Midland such a special place to live, learn and make a difference. It shows our students that they are not only joining a university community but also becoming part of the broader Midland community.”
Virtual Tour Features Go MAD March Interactive Map
Northwood University created a virtual tour featuring this interactive map for those who want to follow along with this year’s Go MAD March. To start the tour ahead of this year’s event, click on the “Tours” tab and select the “GO MAD March” option in the menu.
Signs Available for Residents to Welcome Students to Midland
Members of the community who would like to request a complimentary yard sign welcoming students to Midland can do so using this online form. Requested signs will be available at the Church Family Administration Building reception desk between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Aug. 5-22 (or while supplies last). Signs are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
