Bloomfield Hills Travel Guide

Discover Bloomfield Hills, a city filled with cultural and natural attractions, delicious food, and great accommodation options. Plan the perfect trip with our week-long itinerary and helpful tips on where to stay, what to do, and how to get around.


Introduction to Bloomfield Hills

Welcome to Bloomfield Hills! This charming city located in Oakland County, Metro Detroit, is a perfect getaway destination for those seeking a mix of cultural attractions, outdoor adventures, and luxurious accommodations.

List of Places to Visit in Bloomfield Hills

Here’s a list of must-visit attractions in Bloomfield Hills:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Cranbrook Art Museum: Located on the Cranbrook Educational Community campus, this museum features contemporary art exhibits from all over the world.
  • Cranbrook Institute of Science: The institute features interactive science exhibits, planetarium shows, and educational programs for all ages.
  • Bloomfield Hills Historic District: This beautiful district is a collection of historic homes that date back to the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Natural Attractions of Bloomfield Hills: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Kirk in the Hills: This stunning church looks like a castle and has beautiful gardens that overlook a lake.
  • Cranbrook Gardens: 40-acres of beautiful gardens that are perfect for a leisurely stroll.
  • Stony Creek Metropark: This 4,461-acre park has plenty of outdoor activities to choose from, including hiking, fishing, boating, and picnicking.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Bloomfield Hills

  • Bloomer Park Trail: A 3.5-mile, unpaved, multi-use trail that is perfect for hiking and mountain biking.
  • Paint Creek Trail: A 8.9-mile, paved, multi-use trail that offers scenic views and connects to other trails in the area.

Best Things to Do in Bloomfield Hills: Activities and Tours

  • Detroit Institute of Arts: This museum has over 60,000 works of art from all over the world.
  • Morley Candy Factory Tour: Take a tour of this chocolate factory and taste some delicious candy.
  • Frank Lloyd Wright Smith House Tour: Take a tour of this stunning house designed by the famous architect.

Week-Long Itinerary for Bloomfield Hills

Day 1-2: Explore the Cranbrook Educational Community and visit the Cranbrook Art Museum and Cranbrook Institute of Science.

Day 3: Take a leisurely stroll through Bloomfield Hills Historic District and enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant.

Day 4: Go hiking at Bloomer Park Trail or Paint Creek Trail.

Day 5: Visit Kirk in the Hills and Cranbrook Gardens and enjoy a picnic.

Day 6: Take a tour of the Morley Candy Factory and try some delicious treats.

Day 7: Relax and enjoy the amenities at your luxurious accommodation.

Food and Drink Scene of Bloomfield Hills

Must-Try Dishes

  • Coney Dog: A Detroit classic, the Coney Dog is a hot dog topped with chili sauce and onions.
  • Detroit-style Pizza: This pizza is known for its thick, rectangular crust and crispy edges.
  • Paczki: A Polish pastry that is traditionally eaten on Fat Tuesday.

Local Beverages

  • Vernors Ginger Ale: A Detroit staple, Vernors is a sweet and spicy ginger ale that has been around since 1866.
  • Faygo: Another Detroit classic, Faygo is a local soda brand that has been around since 1907.

Where to Stay in Bloomfield Hills: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • The Townsend Hotel: A luxurious hotel located in the heart of downtown Birmingham, just a few minutes from Bloomfield Hills.
  • Embassy Suites by Hilton Detroit - Troy/Auburn Hills: This hotel offers spacious suites, complimentary breakfast, and evening receptions.
  • DoubleTree by Hilton Bloomfield Hills Detroit: This hotel is located in the heart of Bloomfield Hills and offers modern amenities and comfortable rooms.

What to Buy in Bloomfield Hills: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Pewabic Pottery: This locally-made pottery has been around since 1903 and is known for its beautiful glazes.
  • Detroit Mercantile Company: This store offers a variety of locally-made products, including clothing, accessories, and home goods.

Local Culture and Customs of Bloomfield Hills

  • Tipping: It is customary to tip 15-20% for service in restaurants.
  • Greetings: A handshake is a common greeting in business settings, while hugs and kisses on the cheek are reserved for family and close friends.

Best Time to Visit Bloomfield Hills

The best time to visit Bloomfield Hills is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and sunny. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, consider visiting in the fall, when the leaves change color and the weather is still mild.

Do’s and Don’ts of Bloomfield Hills

Do:

  • Explore the Cranbrook Educational Community
  • Try some local cuisine
  • Visit Kirk in the Hills

Don’t:

  • Jaywalk
  • Litter
  • Smoke in public buildings

Safety and Health

Safety in Bloomfield Hills

Bloomfield Hills is a safe city, but it’s always important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions when traveling.

Health in Bloomfield Hills

Bloomfield Hills has many hospitals and medical facilities, including Ascension Providence Hospital and Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital. It’s always a good idea to have travel insurance when visiting a new place.

Getting to Bloomfield Hills: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Bloomfield Hills

  • Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport: This is the closest airport to Bloomfield Hills, located approximately 30 minutes away by car.
  • Bishop International Airport: Located in Flint, Michigan, approximately 45 minutes away by car.

Bus Stations Near Bloomfield Hills

  • Detroit Greyhound Station: Located about 20 miles away in downtown Detroit.
  • Troy Transit Center: Located approximately 8 miles away in Troy, Michigan.

Other Options

  • Car Rentals: Many major car rental companies have locations in and around Bloomfield Hills.
  • Uber/Lyft: Both ride-sharing services are available in Bloomfield Hills.

How to Get Around in Bloomfield Hills

The best way to get around in Bloomfield Hills is by car, but taxis, ride-sharing services, and public transportation are also available.

Where to Go Next from Bloomfield Hills: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Detroit: Known for its history, music, and sports, Detroit is only a 30-minute car ride away from Bloomfield Hills.
  • Ann Arbor: This charming college town is located about an hour away by car and is home to the University of Michigan.
  • Dearborn: About 45 minutes away by car, Dearborn is home to the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village.

Conclusion

Bloomfield Hills is a charming city that offers a mix of cultural and natural attractions, luxurious accommodations, and delicious cuisine. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or a week-long vacation, there’s something for everyone in Bloomfield Hills.

Cranbrook Art Museum, Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Art Museum, Bloomfield Hills