Sterling Heights Travel Guide

Plan your visit to Sterling Heights with this comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best things to do, where to stay, what to eat, and more.


Introduction to Sterling Heights

Located in Macomb County, in Metro Detroit, in Southeast Michigan, in Michigan, in Midwest, in United States of America, in North America, Sterling Heights is a charming city that offers visitors a range of attractions and experiences. From museums and historical sites to outdoor adventures and delicious food, there is something for everyone in Sterling Heights.

List of Places to Visit in Sterling Heights

Whether you are interested in history, culture, or nature, Sterling Heights has plenty of places to visit. Here are a few must-see attractions:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Sterling Heights Historical Commission & Museum: This museum displays the city’s history through exhibits and artifacts, including a replica of the city’s first fire engine and a one-room schoolhouse.
  • Upton House: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Upton House is a beautifully restored Victorian mansion that showcases life in the early 1900s.
  • Michigan Transit Museum: Explore a range of transportation-related exhibits at this museum, including vintage cars, trucks, and buses.

Natural Attractions of Sterling Heights: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Dodge Park: This beautiful park features a lake, a beach, and a range of recreational activities, including hiking trails, playgrounds, and sports fields.
  • Clinton River Trail: Perfect for hiking and biking, this 16-mile trail runs through Sterling Heights and offers scenic views of the Clinton River.
  • Sterling Heights Nature Center: Learn about the local flora and fauna at this nature center, which features hiking trails, gardens, and educational exhibits.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Sterling Heights

Sterling Heights offers several great hiking and biking routes for visitors to explore, including the Clinton River Trail and the nearby Macomb Orchard Trail. Both trails offer picturesque views of the natural beauty of the region.

Best Things to Do in Sterling Heights: Activities and Tours

In addition to the attractions listed above, Sterling Heights offers visitors a range of fun activities and tours to enjoy, including:

  • Go Ape Treetop Adventure Course: This outdoor adventure course features ziplines, rope ladders, and other obstacles to challenge you while enjoying the beautiful views of the park.
  • Detroit Axe: Try your hand at axe throwing at this unique attraction, which also features a full bar and restaurant.
  • Macomb County Beer Trail: Take a tour of the local breweries and sample some of the best beer in the region.

Week-Long Itinerary for Sterling Heights

If you have a week to spend in Sterling Heights, here is a suggested itinerary:

Day Activity
1 Visit the Sterling Heights Historical Commission & Museum
2 Hike the Clinton River Trail
3 Explore the Upton House and nearby Dodge Park
4 Take a tour of the Michigan Transit Museum
5 Enjoy an outdoor adventure at the Go Ape Treetop Adventure Course
6 Try your hand at axe throwing at Detroit Axe
7 Visit local breweries on the Macomb County Beer Trail

Food and Drink Scene of Sterling Heights

Sterling Heights offers a range of culinary delights for visitors to enjoy. Here are a few must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Coney dog: A Detroit classic, the coney dog is a hot dog topped with chili, onions, and mustard.
  • Paczki: These Polish pastries are traditionally eaten on Fat Tuesday and come in a range of flavors, including raspberry and custard.
  • Greek salad: Made with lettuce, feta cheese, olives, and a variety of other fresh vegetables, the Greek salad is a healthy and delicious option.

Local Beverages

  • Faygo pop: This Detroit-made soda comes in a range of flavors, including classic Red Pop and Rock & Rye.
  • Vernors ginger ale: Another Detroit classic, Vernors has been around since 1866 and is known for its distinctive ginger flavor.
  • Michigan wine: Michigan is home to many great wineries, including Chateau Grand Traverse and Black Star Farms.

Where to Stay in Sterling Heights: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Sterling Heights offers a range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Here are a few top options:

  • Wyndham Garden Sterling Heights: This full-service hotel features comfortable rooms, an indoor pool, and a fitness center.
  • Hampton Inn & Suites Detroit/Sterling Heights: Located close to several local attractions, this hotel offers free breakfast and an outdoor pool.
  • The Sterling Inn: This luxury hotel features a spa, a restaurant, and comfortable rooms with whirlpool tubs.

What to Buy in Sterling Heights: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking for a unique souvenir or gift to bring home from Sterling Heights, consider these options:

  • Candles from Sterling Candle Company: Made with high-quality wax and natural scents, these candles are the perfect way to bring a piece of Sterling Heights home with you.
  • Local wine: Bottles of wine from Michigan vineyards make a great gift or souvenir for wine lovers.
  • Michigan-shaped cutting board: A cutting board in the shape of the state of Michigan is a fun and practical gift for anyone.

Local Culture and Customs of Sterling Heights

Sterling Heights is a diverse city with many different cultures and customs. Visitors should be respectful of local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites or attending cultural events.

Best Time to Visit Sterling Heights

The best time to visit Sterling Heights is from May to October, when the weather is warm and the outdoor attractions are open. However, each season has its own charm, and visitors can find something to enjoy in Sterling Heights year-round.

Do’s and Don’ts of Sterling Heights

When visiting Sterling Heights, here are a few do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:

Do:

  • Visit local museums and historical sites to get a sense of the city’s rich history.
  • Try the local food and drinks, including coney dogs, paczki, and Vernors ginger ale.
  • Explore the great outdoors by hiking or biking one of the local trails.

Don’t:

  • Ignore local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites or attending cultural events.
  • Miss out on the chance to try locally made beer and wine.
  • Forget to pack comfortable shoes for exploring the city’s many parks and trails.

Safety and Health

When visiting Sterling Heights, visitors should be aware of local safety and health concerns.

Safety in Sterling Heights

Sterling Heights is a safe city, but visitors should still take normal precautions to avoid theft and other types of crime.

Health in Sterling Heights

Visitors should be aware of the risk of tick-borne illnesses when spending time outdoors in parks and hiking trails. It is recommended to wear long sleeves and pants, use bug spray, and check for ticks after spending time outside.

Getting to Sterling Heights: Transportation Options and Logistics

Sterling Heights is easily accessible by car, bus, or plane.

Airports Near Sterling Heights

  • Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport: The largest airport in Michigan is located less than an hour’s drive from Sterling Heights.

Bus Stations Near Sterling Heights

  • Greyhound: Located in Detroit, Greyhound offers bus service to several cities in Michigan and beyond.
  • Megabus: With affordable fares and comfortable buses, Megabus offers service to several major cities in the Midwest and East Coast.

Other Options

  • Car rental: Several car rental companies offer service at Detroit Metro Airport and other nearby locations.
  • Taxis and rideshares: Uber and Lyft are available in Sterling Heights and surrounding areas.

How to Get Around in Sterling Heights

Visitors to Sterling Heights can get around by car or public transportation. The city also offers several bike lanes and trails for those who prefer to bike or walk.

Where to Go Next from Sterling Heights: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have extra time to explore the surrounding area, consider visiting these nearby destinations:

  • Detroit: Just a short drive from Sterling Heights, Detroit is known for its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and delicious food.
  • Ann Arbor: Home to the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor is a charming college town with great shopping, dining, and cultural attractions.
  • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore: Located a few hours northwest of Sterling Heights, this national park features stunning sand dunes and beautiful views of Lake Michigan.

Conclusion

Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or nature, Sterling Heights has something to offer visitors. Plan your visit today and discover all that this charming city has to offer.