Troy Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Troy, Michigan with this comprehensive travel guide. Explore the best places to visit, hike, bike, and adventure in Troy. Discover local culture, food, and customs and learn tips for safety and transportation options.


Introduction to Troy

Troy is located in Oakland County, in Metro Detroit, in Southeast Michigan, in Michigan, in Midwest, in United States of America, in North America. It has a population of over 83,000 residents, making it the 11th largest city in Michigan. Troy is known for its safe and vibrant culture, beautiful parks and hiking trails, excellent food and drink scene, and high-end shopping destinations.

List of Places to Visit in Troy

Whether you’re in Troy for a week or a weekend, there’s plenty to see and do. Here are some top picks for places to visit in Troy:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Troy Museum & Historic Village: Explore the history of Troy through this interactive museum located in the heart of the city. The village has preserved historic buildings from the 1800s and early 1900s and offers guided tours.

  • Meadow Brook Hall: A National Historic Landmark and former residence of the Dodge family, Meadow Brook Hall is an impressive piece of architecture and design. Take a guided tour to learn about the history of the estate.

Natural Attractions of Troy: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Stage Nature Center: This 100-acre sanctuary offers opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and environmental education. There are over 1.5 miles of trails that wind through meadows, forests, and wetlands.

  • Troy Community Center Trails: These well-maintained trails provide excellent opportunities for walking, running, and biking. With over 2.4 miles of paved trails, the Troy Community Center has become a popular outdoor destination for locals and visitors alike.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Troy

Troy has numerous parks and trails that make it a top destination for hiking and biking. Here are some of the best routes for outdoor enthusiasts:

  • Clinton River Trail: This 16-mile trail connects Rochester and Sterling Heights and passes through Troy. The paved trail offers scenic views of the Clinton River and features restrooms and bike repair stations.

  • Jaycee Park Trails: Located in the northwest corner of Troy, Jaycee Park has over 5 miles of natural trails that are perfect for hiking and cross-country skiing.

Best Things to Do in Troy: Activities and Tours

From shopping to entertainment and outdoor activities, there’s plenty to keep you busy in Troy.

  • Somerset Collection: This high-end shopping destination features over 180 stores, including luxury brands like Nordstrom, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton.

  • Emagine Theaters: Catch the latest blockbusters at this state-of-the-art movie theater. The theater features reclining seats, food and drink service, and 4K projection.

Week-Long Itinerary for Troy

Here’s a sample week-long itinerary to make the most of your time in Troy:

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit Troy Museum & Historic Village and grab lunch at Sedona Taphouse.
Day 2 Explore the Troy Community Center Trails and have dinner at Kruse and Muer on Wilshire.
Day 3 Take a guided tour of Meadow Brook Hall and have lunch at Granite City Food & Brewery.
Day 4 Visit Somerset Collection for a day of high-end shopping and have dinner at Ocean Prime.
Day 5 Take a morning hike at Stage Nature Center and have lunch at Shield’s Pizza.
Day 6 Catch a movie at Emagine Theaters and have dinner at Kona Grill.
Day 7 Visit Jaycee Park for a day of hiking and picnicking.

Food and Drink Scene of Troy

Troy has a booming food and drink scene that features a wide range of cuisines and styles. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Coney Dog: A classic Detroit-style hot dog served with chili, onions, and mustard.

  • Paczki: A Polish pastry traditionally eaten on Fat Tuesday.

  • Detroit-style pizza: A rectangular pan pizza with thick, chewy crust and crispy edges.

Local Beverages

  • Vernors Ginger Ale: A popular ginger ale with a unique blend of spices.

  • Faygo Pop: A Detroit-based soda company that produces over 50 different flavors, including Redpop and Rock & Rye.

Where to Stay in Troy: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Whether you’re looking for luxury accommodations or budget-friendly options, there are plenty of places to stay in Troy. Here are some top picks:

  • The Townsend Hotel: A luxury boutique hotel located in the heart of Troy. The hotel features a world-class restaurant and bar, as well as a full-service spa.

  • Drury Inn & Suites Detroit Troy: A budget-friendly hotel that offers complimentary breakfast and evening snacks.

What to Buy in Troy: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Looking for the perfect souvenir or gift to bring home from Troy? Here are some ideas:

  • Detroit-made products: From local beer and wine to artisanal food products and crafts, there are plenty of options for locally-made souvenirs.

  • SOMA Chocolate: This high-end chocolate shop located in Somerset Collection offers a variety of hand-crafted chocolates, with flavors like honey lavender and dark chocolate chili.

Local Culture and Customs of Troy

Troy is a multicultural city with a diverse population. Visitors should respect local customs and traditions, and be mindful of different cultural and religious practices.

Best Time to Visit Troy

The best time to visit Troy is from May through October, when the weather is mild and outdoor activities are in full swing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Troy

To make the most of your trip to Troy, keep in mind these do’s and don’ts:

Do:

  • Visit the local farmer’s market: Troy hosts a weekly farmer’s market from June through October.

  • Tip your server: Standard tipping practices in the United States generally recommend a tip of 15-20% for good service.

Don’t:

  • Litter: Help keep Troy beautiful by disposing of trash properly.

  • Drive aggressively: Michigan has strict driving laws and aggressive driving can result in fines and penalties.

Safety and Health

Safety in Troy

Troy is a safe city overall, but travelers should still exercise caution and be mindful of their surroundings.

Health in Troy

Travelers to Troy should drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen during the summer months. It’s also recommended to be up-to-date on routine vaccinations before traveling.

Getting to Troy: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Troy

  • Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW): Located about 35 miles south of Troy, Detroit Metro is the closest major airport and is served by most major airlines.

Bus Stations Near Troy

  • Greyhound Bus Station: Located in downtown Detroit, the Greyhound station offers bus service to other cities in Michigan and throughout the United States.

Other Options

  • Car rental: There are several rental car companies located at Detroit Metro Airport that provide transportation to Troy.

How to Get Around in Troy

Travelers staying in Troy can get around easily by car, bike, or foot. There are also several local taxi and ride-sharing services available.

Where to Go Next from Troy: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have time to see more of Michigan, consider visiting these nearby destinations:

  • Ann Arbor: Home to the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor is known for its lively downtown, excellent food scene, and cultural events.

  • Detroit: A revitalized city with a rich history and plenty of things to see and do, including museums, sports stadiums, and cultural events.

Conclusion

Whether you’re in Troy for a day or a week, you’ll find plenty to see, do, and experience. From hiking and outdoor adventures to high-end shopping and excellent food, Troy has something for every traveler. Plan your trip today and discover all that this beautiful Michigan city has to offer.

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