The new Detroit International Riverfront is a place to enjoy walking, biking, jogging, sightseeing and more. When complete, the area will include over 5 miles of public waterfront, linked by a continuous RiverWalk, with parks, plazas and green spaces. Photo courtesy of Vito Palmisano
Southeast Michigan is not only home to the Motor City, but to countless attractions and entertainment for the whole family. Filled with museums, sports arenas, specialty dining and unique shopping—this region is always on the cutting edge. For outdoor enthusiasts, unlimited adventure is found in recreational parks, countless lakes and rivers, and top-notch golf courses. No matter what you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it, because in this region, there’s always something happening.
Fun-filled Family Activities
No matter what outdoor activities kids love, C.J. Barrymores in Clinton Township covers them all with batting cages, go-karts and miniature golf. Cool off on bumper boats equipped with water spray guns, or try your aim at the slingshot water balloons. There is also a rock climbing wall, a bungee jump, an arcade and a restaurant for refueling (www.cjbarrymores.com).
The new Turtle Cove Aquatic Center in Belleville offers endless water fun. Two water slides, a lazy river, ground sprays and a water playscape are just part of the five-acre park (www.metroparks.com). Red Oaks Waterpark in Madison Heights boasts a heated wave-action pool, a 990-foot moving river, water slides, a children’s soak station and a spray and play area for toddlers (www.oakgov.com/parksrec).
Get a taste of the Old West at Brighton’s Recreation Riding Stable with a “cowboy” horse ride that takes you along winding trails through scenic state park land. Young cowpokes and less experienced riders can take a hand-led horse ride; and the little wranglers can saddle up for pony rides (www.brightonrecridingstable.com).
Even the littlest sport will have hours of fun at Joe Dumar’s Fieldhouse in Shelby Township. The 70,000 square-foot building houses seven basketball courts, two roller hockey arenas, nine volleyball courts and a restaurant. The Bayou Adventure section offers rope climbing, mini-lane bowling and a 35-foot slot-car raceway (www.joedumarsfieldhouse.com).
At the new Kids Town gallery at the Detroit Science Center, children can interact with water by building dams, floating toys and using the Archimedes screw to watch balls travel from one table to another.
Photo courtesy of the Detroit Science Center
Kids can create Picasso-style masterpieces; practice culinary chef skills; diagnose sick animals and ride the fire engine in the new Kids Town gallery at the Detroit Science Center. Featuring engaging activities in a child-scaled “town,” kids can explore, play and learn basic science concepts about their world using hands-on exhibits (www.detroitsciencecenter.org).
Outdoor Opportunities
View plants and flowers from around the world at Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum in Ann Arbor. The 300-acre park includes formal and exotic gardens, a 10,000 square-foot conservatory and scenic hiking trails. See the sausage tree flower; learn about insect eating monkey cups and don’t miss a real chocolate tree. At the Nichols Arboretum, see 230 different kinds of peonies bloom, explore a remnant prairie and savanna ecosystem, and follow a one-half mile line of yellow daffodils (www.lsa.umich.edu/mbg).
Considered the “Walleye Capital of the World,” Monroe County’s 50 miles of shoreline on Lake Erie offers excellent walleye fishing as well as boating and swimming (www.monroeinfo.com). The sparkling waters of Lake St. Clair in Macomb County are home to the musky fish, which can grow 2 to 5 feet in length and weigh up to 66 lbs. Guided fishing excursions such as Heatwave musky charters are a great way to learn from experienced captains where and how to catch your prize musky (www.heatwavecharters.com).
Golf enthusists will have plenty of opportunities to find their perfect course in this region. Jackson County has 23 public courses ranging from short nine-hole to championship 18-hole courses (www.visitjacksonmi.com/thingstodo/golfjackson/).
Oakland County boasts more than 50 public golf courses, including Devil’s Ridge, a challenging 18-hole course with stratically placed bunkers and elevational changes of up to 80 feet (www.devilsridgegolfclub.com).
St. Clair County’s Bridge to Bay trail extends 50 miles from Anchor Bay to Port Huron for hiking, biking and skating. The trail showcases shoreline views of Lake St. Clair, the St. Clair River and Lake Huron as it passes through urban areas, open vistas, beaches, parks and under Port Huron’s beautiful Blue Water Bridge (www.bridgetobaytrail.org).
Cruise from beautiful downtown Port Huron on the Huron Lady II, a 73-foot sightseeing boat offering sightseeing cruises and charters of the beautiful Blue Water area.
Photo courtesy of Dave Reed
Nestled among 50,000 acres of lush forest in Livingston County are two chains of connected lakes; the Island Lake chain and the Pickney Recreation area chain. The two lake chains allow you to canoe or kayak all day without ever having to take your craft out of the water. Heavner’s canoe and kayak rental offers two departure locations to explore this water wonderland (www.heavnercanoe.com).
International Scenes and Cuisine
No matter what your taste buds are craving, the metro Detroit area is sure to satisfy you with restaurants as diverse as its culture. Head to Mexicantown for authentic fare in Detroit’s oldest Mexican restaurant, Mexican Village. Try their homemade salsa and chips, or the house specialty, Caldo Can-can: spicy chicken rice soup with cheese and avocado (www.mexicanvillagefood.com).
Take a trip to Greektown for Grecian delicacies at New Parthenon restaurant where menu selections include saganaki, a flaming cheese appetizer, or moussaka, baked eggplant with lamb and feta cheese (www.visitgreektown.com).
Feeling Italian? Head to Villa Penna’s in Sterling Heights for authentic Italian dishes such as Stracciatella Italian wedding soup, chicken piccante with lemon sauce or breaded New York strip with amogio sauce. For after dinner fun, try out the indoor bocce court (www.pennasbanquets.com).
For deliciously devilish desserts, head to Screams Ice Cream parlor in Michigan’s infamous town, Hell. This year-round Halloween specialty store serves up sundaes with your choice of scary toppings like “ghost poop” (marshmallows), “bat droppings” (chocolate chips) and “dark ooze” (hot fudge). For information visit www.hell2u.com.
Shopping, Art and Culture
The Mall at Partridge Creek is an open-air regional shopping center in Clinton Township. Partridge Creek is home to nearly 90 distinctive stores and restaurants, and features unique amenities including Bocce ball courts, free WiFi, pop jet fountains, a TV court and a fireplace.
Photo courtesy of Gary Grobson
The new outdoor mall Partridge Creek in Clinton Township boasts unique shopping and dining in nearly 90 stores and restaurants. Here you’ll find old-fashioned charm with modern amenties that include a 30-foot fireplace, two giant plasma TVs and free WiFi service. To keep the kids entertained, there is a pop-jet water fountain, bocce courts, a play park and an outdoor music. The pet-friendly mall also has four dog comfort stations (www.shoppartridgecreek.com).
Ann Arbor is renowned for its diversity of tastes. Be sure to sample from the wide menus of options downtown.
Photo courtesy of the Ann Arbor Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
Ann Arbor is not only home to University of Michigan, but to several diverse shopping districts offering everything from vintage to vogue. Historic Kerrytown is host to Ann Arbor’s Farmers’ and Artisan markets, which offer everything from fresh produce, meats and flowers to handmade art, crafts and collectibles (www.kerrytown.com). The State Street Area is filled with a great mix of clothing, music and book stores, casual eateries, coffee shops and the Michigan and State theaters (www.annarbor.org).
Among the nationally renowned artifacts of The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn are the vehicles in which 20th-century American presidents traveled, including the limousine in which President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, November 22, 1963.
Photo courtesy of The Henry Ford
If fine art and cultural history move you, this region has plenty to offer. Go back in time at The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village in Dearborn. See thousands of American artifacts and more than 80 authentic buildings that exhibit, demonstrate and reenact America’s past, and the people and ideas that changed our lives (www.thehenryford.org).
The Walter P. Chrysler Museum in Auburn Hills houses more than 65 antique, custom and concept vehicles that celebrate the history of the corporation. Check out classic and muscle cars, and view exhibits that highlight automotive design and innovation (www.chryslerheritage.com).
Year-round Excitement
Every season brings new opportunities for excitement and adventure in this region. In the summer, head to Comerica Park for an exciting Tigers game; in fall, keep warm while watching Lions football at Ford Field; for winter, a must see are the 2008 Stanley Cup champion Red Wings at Joe Louis Arena and come spring, settle in at the Palace of Auburn Hills for fast-paced Pistons action (www.visitdetroit.com).
For outdoor winter thrills, The Fridge Toboggan Run in Waterford allows up to four riders to sled down a 55-foot drop and zip along 1,000 feet at 30 mph (www.oakgov.com/parksrec). Mt. Brighton ski area provides snowboarders and downhill skiers hills as steep as a 250-foot vertical drop or as tame as a bunny hill (www.mtbrighton.com).
Select from the various articles below to learn more about the camping and
recreation vehicle lifestyle.
