On the hunt for your next great adventure? Look no further than the Motor City and its surrounding areas, where you’ll find endless opportunities to explore. Whether you’re ready to get lost in the woods or searching for a few hidden gems, we’re about to introduce you to nine fantastic destinations that you could easily spend hours traversing.
- Belle Isle (Detroit)
TripAdvisor/StockholmKindaGuy Every Detroit explorer should check out Belle Isle at least once, and we recommend making it a regular destination. After all, this incredible island park is brimming with history, attractions old and new, and plenty of natural beauty. With 982 acres, hiking trails, an abandoned zoo, a breathtaking conservatory, towering fountains, and so much more, it’s easy to get happily lost on Belle Isle.
- Kensington Metropark (4570 Huron River Pkwy, Milford)
Google Reviews/Ghi Zheng Nature is the name of the game at Kensington Metropark, a popular destination for Southeast Michigan residents who want to get outside in every season. The park boasts an impressive 4,543 acres and offers access to Kent Lake. Throughout the park, you’ll find opportunities for hiking, biking, snowshoeing, canoeing, geocaching, ice fishing, sledding, swimming, and so much more. Does it get much better?
- Elizabeth Park (4250 Elizabeth Drive, Trenton)
Google Reviews/Stephen Stewart This breathtaking county park along the banks of the Detroit River takes guests on a whimsical adventure. If you’re in the mood to appreciate history and natural beauty alike, you’ve come to the right place - after all, Elizabeth Park has delighted guests for more than 100 years. Beyond its access to the riverfront, the park features quaint bridges, pony rides, and plenty of green space to peruse.
- Nichols Arboretum (1610 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor)
Google Reviews/Ken Chadwick Head to Ann Arbor for a day of unparalleled exploration at Nichols Arboretum, an ever-popular destination for those who want to enjoy the great outdoors and settle into a peaceful atmosphere. The Arb, as it’s often called, offers 123 brilliant acres loaded with gardens, wooded pathways, Huron River access, flora, fauna, and so much more. There’s no telling what you’ll come across here.
- Maybury State Park (20145 Beck Road, Northville)
Google Reviews/Tim Siggins Situated in Northville, Maybury State Park is one of the loveliest places in Metro Detroit to unwind and stretch your legs. Whether you’re embarking on a walk or checking out the park’s 944 acres on horseback, you’re sure to fall in love with the scenery. There’s even an on-site working farm, which offers educational opportunities for guests of all ages throughout the year.
- Lakeport State Park (7605 Lakeshore Road, Fort Gratiot Twp)
Google Reviews/Kenneth Nemchak Venture north of the city for a visit to Lakeport State Park, a popular camping destination for adventurous and outdoorsy Detroiters. With gorgeous views of Lake Huron, beach access, and plenty of wooded areas, the park is nothing short of a dream come true for those seeking a break from city life. Camping opportunities are available even when temperatures drop, as Lakeport State Park offers cozy cabin rentals just a stone’s throw from the lakeshore.
- River Raisin National Battlefield Park (1403 E Elm Ave, Monroe)
Google Reviews/Jeff Hungerford History buffs and nature enthusiasts alike will adore spending time at River Raisin National Battlefield Park, which served as the site of an important battle during the War of 1812. Today, visitors can enjoy the grounds while learning more about Michigan’s military history and imagining what the park might have looked like during its battlefield days. The whole family will enjoy this spot.
- Crosswinds Marsh (27600 Haggerty Road, New Boston)
Google Reviews/Weslyn Church This sprawling man-made marsh is, without a doubt, one of the most unique outdoor attractions near the Motor City - and it’s difficult to have a bad time when you drop by for a stroll. Walk along a 1.4-mile boardwalk, get your steps in along a variety of foot trails, and keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles who call the area home. Sounds like quite an adventure to us.
- Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge (9311 Groh Road, Grosse Ile Township)
Google Reviews/David Hall This unique spot is jointly managed by the United States and Canada, rendering it North America’s only international wildlife refuge. There are more than 6,000 incredible acres of land here, consisting of everything from marshes to wetlands to small islands. There are 48 miles of shoreline within the refuge and an array of projects currently in development - so we foresee plenty of future opportunities for exploration throughout this amazing locale.
Have you checked out any of the destinations listed here? What are some of your favorite memories from enjoying these unique spots? Share your experiences with us by leaving a Facebook comment or recommend another exploration-worthy Metro Detroit space by filling out our nomination form here.
TripAdvisor/StockholmKindaGuy
Every Detroit explorer should check out Belle Isle at least once, and we recommend making it a regular destination. After all, this incredible island park is brimming with history, attractions old and new, and plenty of natural beauty. With 982 acres, hiking trails, an abandoned zoo, a breathtaking conservatory, towering fountains, and so much more, it’s easy to get happily lost on Belle Isle.
Google Reviews/Ghi Zheng
Nature is the name of the game at Kensington Metropark, a popular destination for Southeast Michigan residents who want to get outside in every season. The park boasts an impressive 4,543 acres and offers access to Kent Lake. Throughout the park, you’ll find opportunities for hiking, biking, snowshoeing, canoeing, geocaching, ice fishing, sledding, swimming, and so much more. Does it get much better?
Google Reviews/Stephen Stewart
This breathtaking county park along the banks of the Detroit River takes guests on a whimsical adventure. If you’re in the mood to appreciate history and natural beauty alike, you’ve come to the right place - after all, Elizabeth Park has delighted guests for more than 100 years. Beyond its access to the riverfront, the park features quaint bridges, pony rides, and plenty of green space to peruse.
Google Reviews/Ken Chadwick
Head to Ann Arbor for a day of unparalleled exploration at Nichols Arboretum, an ever-popular destination for those who want to enjoy the great outdoors and settle into a peaceful atmosphere. The Arb, as it’s often called, offers 123 brilliant acres loaded with gardens, wooded pathways, Huron River access, flora, fauna, and so much more. There’s no telling what you’ll come across here.
Google Reviews/Tim Siggins
Situated in Northville, Maybury State Park is one of the loveliest places in Metro Detroit to unwind and stretch your legs. Whether you’re embarking on a walk or checking out the park’s 944 acres on horseback, you’re sure to fall in love with the scenery. There’s even an on-site working farm, which offers educational opportunities for guests of all ages throughout the year.
Google Reviews/Kenneth Nemchak
Venture north of the city for a visit to Lakeport State Park, a popular camping destination for adventurous and outdoorsy Detroiters. With gorgeous views of Lake Huron, beach access, and plenty of wooded areas, the park is nothing short of a dream come true for those seeking a break from city life. Camping opportunities are available even when temperatures drop, as Lakeport State Park offers cozy cabin rentals just a stone’s throw from the lakeshore.
Google Reviews/Jeff Hungerford
History buffs and nature enthusiasts alike will adore spending time at River Raisin National Battlefield Park, which served as the site of an important battle during the War of 1812. Today, visitors can enjoy the grounds while learning more about Michigan’s military history and imagining what the park might have looked like during its battlefield days. The whole family will enjoy this spot.
Google Reviews/Weslyn Church
This sprawling man-made marsh is, without a doubt, one of the most unique outdoor attractions near the Motor City - and it’s difficult to have a bad time when you drop by for a stroll. Walk along a 1.4-mile boardwalk, get your steps in along a variety of foot trails, and keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles who call the area home. Sounds like quite an adventure to us.
Google Reviews/David Hall
This unique spot is jointly managed by the United States and Canada, rendering it North America’s only international wildlife refuge. There are more than 6,000 incredible acres of land here, consisting of everything from marshes to wetlands to small islands. There are 48 miles of shoreline within the refuge and an array of projects currently in development - so we foresee plenty of future opportunities for exploration throughout this amazing locale.
If you love to explore, check out this adventurous trail near Detroit.
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Address: Crosswinds Marsh, 27600 Haggerty Rd, New Boston, MI 48164, USAAddress: Kensington Metropark, 4570 Huron River Pkwy, Milford, MI 48380, USAAddress: Lakeport State Park, Fort Gratiot Twp, MI 48059, USAAddress: Belle Isle, Detroit, MI, USAAddress: Maybury State Park, 49601 Eight Mile Rd, Northville, MI 48167, USAAddress: Nichols Arboretum, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USAAddress: Elizabeth Park Drive, Elizabeth Park Dr, Trenton, MI 48183, USAAddress: 28820 E River Rd, Grosse Ile Township, MI 48138, USAAddress: 1403 E Elm Ave, Monroe, MI 48162, USA
