August 24, 2023
One of the best parts of the Metro Detroit area is its proximity to so many unique spots that offer fun, exciting places to explore. For those looking to adventure away from the city, check out these easily accessible day trips below.
Photo courtesy of The Toledo Museum of Art.
Roughly a little over an hour’s drive from Detroit, Toledo, also known as the Glass City, is home to The Toledo Museum of Art (TMA), Toledo Zoo and Aquarium, National Museum of the Great Lakes, and dozens of restaurants and bars.
Art lovers will be impressed by TMA’s vast collections, innovative education programs, and its architecturally significant campus. Plus, the museum is free to the public. Highlights include the museum’s collection and presentation of historical and contemporary glass art objects and its collection of paintings by American artists.
A trip to Toledo would not be complete without journeying to the Toledo Zoo and Aquarium, where guests can catch a glimpse of over 10,000 animals representing more than 720 species. Guests can spot the endangered and elusive red panda, plus cheetahs, orangutans, and more.
The National Museum of the Great Lakes tells the tale of the rich history of the Great Lakes and immerses guests with its hands-on experiences. The campus includes the museum ship S.S. Col James M. Schoonmaker and a maritime park along the Maumee River.
Brandywine Falls
One of the few national parks in the Midwest, Cuyahoga Valley National Park lies along the Cuyahoga River between Cleaveland and Akron, Ohio. A little over two and a half hours from Detroit, the scenic national park is home to 900 plants species, over 200 species of birds, 32 mammals, and 20 species of reptiles.
The park includes over 125 miles of hiking trails, with the Brandywine Gorge Loop being a fan favorite. This popular hiking trail provides breathtaking views of Brandywine Falls. Another popular trail, Ledges Trail circles a plateau of striking rock formations.
The visitor-favorite sandhill crane
The Village of Milford is nestled in southwest Oakland County and is home to Kensington Metropark, along with a bustling downtown area full of unique shops and restaurants.
An oasis for nature lovers and beautiful in all four seasons, Kensington Metropark offers 4,481 acres of wooded, hilly terrain surrounding Kent Lake. Recreation opportunities include biking, boating, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, golfing, and more. Be sure to visit the park’s beloved Nature Center, which spotlights the flora and fauna found in the park, and keep your eyes peeled for the visitor-favorite sandhill crane.
Kensington Metropark requires either an annual pass to enter or a $10 daily vehicle ticket. There are 12 additional metro parks across Metro Detroit.
Ann Arbor, MI
According to the latest rankings from U.S. News & World Report, Ann Arbor ranked No. 14 on the list of 150 best places to live in the nation with good reason. Home to the University of Michigan and described as a “quintessential college town,” Ann Arbor offers a charming main street, unique arts scene, and the favorite gourmet sandwich shop, Zingerman’s Deli.
Be sure to check out the University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA), which is one of the finest university art museums in the country and among the oldest in the nation in university hands. The museum is free to all.
Also, don’t forget to journey to Main Street, where you’ll discover diverse restaurants, bars of all sorts, and fun shops. There’s something for everyone in this eclectic town!
Cranbrook House and Gardens
Only a little over 20 miles from Detroit, Birmingham’s pedestrian-friendly downtown offers premiere shopping and an array of restaurants. This lovely area also has beautiful parks and galleries for art connoisseurs.
Close by, Bloomfield Hills is home to the beloved Cranbrook House and Gardens, an English-Tudor estate designed by Detroit architect Albert Kahn. Take a step back in time while exploring the house, which was the family home of George and Ellen Booth from 1908 until 1949. The house is a true Arts and Crafts style masterpiece. Outside, the 40 acres of gardens give way to a world of wonder with magnificent fountains, tree-covered trails, a Japanese Garden, and lakes and streams. Guided tours of the house are offered to the public seasonally.
Written by Sabrina Cynova, Detroit Regional Chamber
