Oakland County Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Oakland County with our comprehensive travel guide featuring the best things to do, where to eat, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Oakland County

Nestled in Metro Detroit in Southeast Michigan, Oakland County is a thriving county with countless things to do and see. With its proximity to Detroit and its own diverse offerings, Oakland County draws visitors from all over the country. The county boasts a rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural landscapes, making it a perfect destination for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

List of Places to Visit in Oakland County

Discover the best that Oakland County has to offer through its numerous attractions and sights:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Cranbrook Art Museum - A vibrant art museum on the historic Cranbrook Educational Community campus, showcasing contemporary art and historical objects.
  • Detroit Institute of Arts - Located just outside of Oakland County, this world-renowned museum boasts an extensive collection of art from around the globe.
  • The Henry Ford Museum - This open-air museum showcases the history of American innovation and industry, featuring many exhibits on famous inventors like Thomas Edison and Henry Ford himself.
  • Oakland County Pioneer and Historical Society Museum - Explore the history of Oakland County through exhibits, events, and educational programs.
  • SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium - Home to over 250 species of sea creatures, this aquarium provides a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages.

Natural Attractions of Oakland County: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Bald Mountain Recreation Area - With over 4,600 acres of forests and hills, visitors can explore the park’s many hiking trails, fishing spots, and camping sites.
  • Cranbrook Gardens - This stunning garden features beautifully manicured landscapes, fountains, and sculptures, making it a serene destination for nature lovers.
  • Highland State Recreation Area - This large park spans several lakes in the Highland/White Lake area and offers camping, hiking, swimming, and fishing opportunities.
  • Kensington Metropark - With over 4,400 acres of land, Kensington Metropark features a range of activities, including biking, hiking, boating, and a fun-filled water park.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Oakland County

Discover more of Oakland County’s natural beauty by exploring its hiking and biking trails:

  • Clinton River Trail - Extending over 16 miles, the Clinton River Trail is great for both hiking and biking, featuring beautiful scenery and access to several parks and picnic areas.
  • Paint Creek Trail - Stretching over 8 miles, this trail passes through quaint small towns, rich countryside, and historic landmarks.
  • The Polly Ann Trail - Spanning over 14 miles through northern Oakland County, this trail is popular with hikers, cyclists, and joggers alike.

Best Things to Do in Oakland County: Activities and Tours

Apart from visiting the county’s many attractions and hiking through its beautiful landscapes, there is a range of fun activities to do in Oakland County:

  • Hot Air Balloon Rides - Take in the scenic views of Oakland County from above with a hot air balloon ride. Hot air balloon companies like Balloon Quest offer flights with stunning views of the county.
  • Go Ape Treetop Adventure - Located at the beautiful Stony Creek Metropark, this attraction is an exciting adventure with zip lines, obstacle courses, and bridges high up in the trees.
  • Escape Rooms - There are several Escape Rooms across Oakland County, offering different themes and challenges for groups of all ages.
  • Wine Tasting Tours - There are several wineries scattered across Oakland County, including Cherry Creek Winery, and Tasters Guild International, offering wine tastings and tours with gorgeous views of vineyards and rolling hills.

Week-Long Itinerary for Oakland County

Here is a sample itinerary for a week-long trip to Oakland County:

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit Cranbrook Art Museum and Cranbrook Gardens.
Day 2 Explore The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn and grab a late lunch at a nearby restaurant.
Day 3 Experience the beauty of the Paint Creek Trail and have dinner at one of the quaint small towns along the way.
Day 4 Enjoy a day at Kensington Metropark, including biking, hiking, and swimming followed by an early dinner at the park's restaurant.
Day 5 Go hot air ballooning with Balloon Quest and have lunch at a nearby restaurant.
Day 6 A day of shopping at the Somerset Collection in Troy, followed by dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 7 Visit SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium and finish the trip with an afternoon wine tasting tour at one of Oakland County's beautiful wineries.

Food and Drink Scene of Oakland County

Oakland County has a diverse food scene, with a range of culinary options to suit any taste.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Coneys - A Detroit classic, try them at a local legend like Leo’s Coney Island or American Coney Island.
  • Detroit-Style Pizza - Thick crust, square-shaped pizza with layers of cheese and toppings, try it at places like Buddy’s Pizza or Loui’s Pizza.
  • Paczki - A traditional Polish pastry, typically found around the time of Fat Tuesday, try them at Michigan Bakery.
  • Vernor’s Floats - Detroit’s signature ginger ale paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Local Beverages

  • Faygo - A Michigan-made soda brand with more than 50 flavors, try Rock ‘n’ Rye or Vernors.
  • Bell’s Brewery - A craft beer brewery producing a range of beers like Two Hearted Ale and Oberon Ale.
  • Michigan Wines - Try wine from local vineyards like Cherry Creek Winery, Tasters Guild International, and Fenton Winery & Brewery.

Where to Stay in Oakland County: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are plenty of accommodation options to choose from in Oakland County, including:

  • Hyatt Place Detroit/Utica - A modern and comfortable hotel in Utica, perfect for business or leisure travelers.
  • Royal Park Hotel - This luxurious hotel in Rochester offers elegant rooms, award-winning dining options, and excellent service.
  • The Inn at St. John’s - A historic property with beautifully decorated rooms and an onsite golf course.
  • The Auburn Hills Marriott Pontiac - A soundproofed hotel in Pontiac, offering fitness facilities, on-site dining, and meeting spaces.

What to Buy in Oakland County: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Don’t leave Oakland County without these unique items:

  • Faygo Pop - Grab a bottle (or 12) of this iconic Detroit beverage to take home as a souvenir.
  • Michigan Cherries - Take home a bag of fresh-picked Michigan cherries, available at many local shops and farmers markets.
  • Autographed Detroit Sports Memorabilia - Detroit is a sports-loving city, and you can find autographed jerseys and other collectibles at local stores like Detroit City Sports.
  • Craft Beer from Local Breweries - Bring home a 6-pack of beer from a local brewery like Short’s Brewing Company or Founders Brewing Company.

Local Culture and Customs of Oakland County

Oakland County has a welcoming and friendly culture, with many local customs worth noting:

  • Timeliness - Respect for time is essential in Oakland County, so try to be punctual for appointments or meetings.
  • Friendliness - Locals are generally friendly and outgoing, and you’ll likely experience a warm welcome wherever you go.
  • Sports Fanaticism - Detroit is a city of sports fans, so don’t be surprised to see people wearing t-shirts or caps of their favorite teams.

Best Time to Visit Oakland County

The best time to visit Oakland County depends on your interests and the activities you want to do. Fall is an ideal time to visit for fall colors and foliage, and winter is ideal for skiing at the Alpine Valley Ski Resort. Spring and summer are perfect for outdoor activities, like hiking or boating on lakes.

Do’s and Don’ts of Oakland County

Here are a few things to keep in mind when visiting Oakland County:

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Be mindful of the environment and dispose of garbage properly.
  • Take precautions when visiting natural areas, like bringing bug spray or wearing long pants to avoid tick bites.

Don’t:

  • Litter or vandalize public property.
  • Enter private property without permission.
  • Leave valuables visible in your car.

Safety and Health

Safety in Oakland County

Oakland County is generally safe for tourists, but it’s always best to exercise caution and common sense when visiting. Avoid walking alone in unfamiliar areas at night, and be mindful of your surroundings.

Health in Oakland County

Oakland County has several hospitals and clinics providing medical care to both citizens and visitors in case of an emergency.

Getting to Oakland County: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Oakland County

  • Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport - Located approximately 30 miles from Oakland County.
  • Oakland County International Airport - A general aviation airport located in Waterford Township.

Bus Stations Near Oakland County

  • Greyhound Bus Lines - With a station located in downtown Detroit, it offers connections to numerous U.S. cities.
  • Michigan Flyer - Michigan Flyer runs frequent shuttle service to and from Detroit Metro Airport and Ann Arbor.

Other Options

  • Rental Cars - Renting a car is a convenient way to get around Oakland County and the Detroit metropolitan area.
  • Cabs and Rideshares - Uber and Lyft are widely available throughout the area.

How to Get Around in Oakland County

Transportation options within Oakland County are limited, so renting a car is the most convenient option. However, there are also several cab and rideshare companies available.

Where to Go Next from Oakland County: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There several places worth visiting near Oakland County, including:

  • Detroit - Just outside of Oakland County, this vibrant city offers a range of activities and attractions like the Detroit Zoo and Motown Museum.
  • Ann Arbor - A charming college town known for its excellent food scene and beautiful parks.
  • The Great Lakes - Take a trip to any of the great lakes surrounding Michigan like Lake Michigan, Lake Erie, and Lake Superior.

Conclusion

Oakland County is an ideal destination for travelers looking for a mix of culture and outdoor adventure. With its natural beauty, delicious food, and countless activities, visitors to Oakland County leave with memories that last a lifetime.

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