Road trip Detroit to Traverse City

Wanderlog staff
Updated • updatedJul 19, 2021

How long is the drive from Detroit to Traverse City?

The direct drive from Detroit to Traverse City is 255 mi (411 km), and should have a drive time of 4 hrs 12 mins in normal traffic.

If you’re going on a road trip from Detroit to Traverse City, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Dearborn and top places to visit like George George Memorial Park and Greenfield Village, or the ever-popular Heritage Park.

31 stops

Cities / Attractions

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Top city between Detroit and Traverse City

The top city between Detroit and Traverse City is Dearborn. It's less than an hour from Detroit and 4 hours from Traverse City.

1

Dearborn

Dearborn is a city in Wayne County in the U.S. state of Michigan. At the 2020 census, it had a population of 109,976. Dearborn is the seventh most-populated city in Michigan and is home to the largest Muslim population in the United States per capita. It also is home to the largest mosque in the United States.

Most popular city on this route

8 minutes off the main route, 3% of way to Traverse City

The top stops along the way from Detroit to Traverse City (with short detours) are Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Detroit Zoo, and Greenfield Village. Other popular stops include Great Lakes Crossing Outlets, Frankenmuth River Place Shops, and Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad.

1

Heritage Park

Green space featuring soccer & baseball fields, a walking trail, picnic areas & a petting farm.

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Very good place! The name talks well. Every direction every step leads to a beautiful spots of the park. Great place for walking, pets, children, engaging with ducks, close to nature, cycling. With sports complex and a huge place to discover

Absolute beautiful park with a lake, historic buildings and plenty of places to sit and relax or walk if you choose. Right beside a beautiful botanical garden that is free, as well. Highly recommend.

I've had pictures taken here twice and there's plenty of great spots for pictures. Nice park with a great walking path also.

4.7(3352)

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4.5(135)

12111 Pardee Rd, Taylor, MI 48180, USA

2

George George Memorial Park

30-acre green space with a fountain plaza featuring playgrounds, walking paths & a picnic pavilion.

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Awesome park! So many picture backdrops, gorgeous pavilions, arbors with wisteria. Play structures accommodate all ages! Lots of paved walking paths. There is even a natural water running area (dont know how to describe it and didn't get a pic), but the kiddos can play in the water (thats ALWAYS a win with my kiddos). Ill have many more pics/videos/updates as the summer progresses!

What a surprise. Lived here in Metro Detroit for 30 years but never knew about this park. Just beautiful. Very well maintained, and clean. Like an English park, with nice brick pavilions.

This place is amazing for all sorts of activities. it is a little packed at times with wedding photography so feels like you can get pushed around a bit if they want the space but the play center is perfect for all ages and it has a long trail to walk if thats what you need. I take my kiddos all the time plenty of shade and space.

4.8(1630)

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5.0(96)

40500 Moravian Dr, Clinton Twp, MI 48036, USA

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3

Greenfield Village

Museum

Historical landmark

Sprawling open-air history museum founded by Henry Ford with artifacts & homes of famous Americans.

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Located within the Henery Ford Complex, Greenfield Village was dedicated in 1929 and opened to the public in 1933 as America’s first outdoor living history museum (inspiring the many that are modeled after it). Entering through a gate near the Benson Ford Research Center and Josephine Ford Memorial Fountain, you’ll be transported back in time as you walk among nearly a hundred relocated historical buildings that make up the village. Only 90 acres of the total 240 acres that Greenfield Village sits on are used for the attractions, and the remaining land is dedicated to forests, rivers, and pasture for horses and sheep.

If you're planning a bit of sightseeing, head to Greenfield Village – just one of the monuments located 9.3 mi (15 km) from the centre of Detroit. Our travellers also love the museums in the area – your cultural tour starts here. If you'd also like to explore some of the parks in Dearborn, head to Heritage Park and Campus Martius Park.

James R. Jones was one of nine different proprietors who operated a general merchandise store in this building between 1857 and 1927. From 1882 to 1888, Jones sold products like coffee, sugar, fabric, and shoes. He also boasted the first telephone in town.

Great place to spend the day. Cannot see it all in one day. One downside I would say, the trades area was not as big as I remember. Several smaller villages I know of, the have more trades. If there are multiple people entering or you know your going more than once get a membership.

Really nice place to spend a day walking around during nice weather. Lots of historical buildings that are reassembled onsite brick by brick. This includes Henry Ford's childhood house, the Wright brothers' workshop, Edgar Alan Poe's house and much more. Also got to ride around in an original working well-maintained Model-T cars with a chauffeur driving around the park, which is almost 100 years old. Really cool place to check out! The only problem may be finding parking. I'd plan on coming earlier during the day to make sure you get a spot closer to the entrance.

It was fun. I think it's a bit pricey and there wasn't much reenactment. It was good information and a good history lesson. Kids enjoyed it while being good exercise. Glass blowing was awesome.

4.8(3588)

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5.0(2306)

20900 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn, MI 48124, USA

4

Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation

Museum

Historical landmark

Sprawling space dedicated to American life & ideas, includes the Rosa Parks bus & JFK's limo.

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Even though it’s a brief drive west of downtown Detroit, the Henry Ford Museum merits the trip for youngsters hoping to find out about auto big shot Henry Ford and the historical backdrop of transportation in the United States. The living history exhibition hall flaunts 18 intelligent touch screens and a gigantic assortment of exercises and games. More seasoned youngsters will cherish building their race vehicles, while more youthful youngsters can support their own 1960s copy vehicle in a carport.

The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation is dedicated to innovation and America’s greatest minds. You can explore a reproduction of Thomas Edison’s Menlo Park lab, take a tour of an actual Ford factory, ride in a Model T, enjoy an IMAX movie, and see the bus where Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat. Check out a steam locomotive, a huge toy train display, the bike shop where the Wright brothers experimented with flight for the first time, and Ford’s first car: the Quadricycle.

First opened in 1933 by the famous automaker himself, The Henry Ford is a perfect destination for anyone looking for a full day of exciting experiences. Some notable mentions you won’t want to miss include an authentic model of the presidential limousine used by John F Kennedy, a wide variety of historical automotive artifacts, and stunning displays of transportation technology. The Henry Ford is an outdoor and indoor complex that features five significant attractions including:

Henry Ford Museum showcases the development of technology in the US and documents the width and breadth of American inventions and innovation. The facility occupies nine acres and includes exhibits on agriculture, the automobile, freedom, timepieces, home appliances, jewelry, presidential limousines, and much more. Thematic itineraries provide a more directed focus for visitors who wish to follow them, and temporary exhibits nicely shake up the regular slate of displays.

One of the largest history museums in the United States, The Henry Ford is located in the Detroit suburb of Dearborn, about 15 minutes northeast of the airport. The complex actually comprises three attractions: a museum dedicated to American innovation, a living history experience, and a factory tour. Visiting The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation feels a bit like exploring a western campus of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.

You can’t visit Motor City without learning more about the industry that gave it its name. In Dearborn, just outside the city, the Henry Ford is a museum that occupies over 250 acres (101ha) and has over 26m artefacts, including the bus where Rosa Parks took a stand against segregation by taking a seat. It’s among the world’s largest auto museums and is home to Greenfield Village, an outdoor living museum dedicated to the history of the United States.

A trip to Motor City wouldn’t be complete without paying homage to the man who was the master of automobile innovation, so take a spin down to the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation. The museum is the focal point of Greenfield Village, a sprawling 250-acre site in Dearborn, Michigan, that’s home to a collection of nearly 100 fascinating historic buildings. At the center of it all stands the remarkable Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation.

This expansive history museum complex is considered the US’s largest history museum. Home to some of the most iconic pieces of modern history, the Henry Ford is a must visit destination while on your romantic weekend in Detroit. The chair in which Abraham Lincoln was sitting when he was murdered, JFK’s presidential limousine in which he was famously shot, or iconic civil rights symbol, the Rosa Parks bus, can all be appreciated on your visit.

The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Dearborn is one-of-a-kind. In addition to housing iconic American items such as the chair Lincoln was assassinated in and the Rosa Parks bus, this museum focuses on American Innovation at its finest. From assembly lines and the Dymaxion House to planes, trains and automobiles, The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation will have you learning about the past and getting inspired for the future.

Although it’s a 25 minute drive west of downtown Detroit, the Henry Ford Museum is worth the trek for kids looking to learn about auto mogul Henry Ford and the history of transportation in the United States. The living history museum boasts 18 interactive touch screens and a huge collection of activities and games. Older children will love building their own race cars, while younger kiddos can service their own 1960s replica car in a garage.

There’s so much to see at the Henry Ford Museum that you’ll want to set aside a whole day to explore – and even then, you’ll probably not get all the way through the center’s exhibits, which focus on big ideas and American changemakers. The museum exists in several parts. First, there’s the Museum of American Innovation, which displays relics including the bus in which Civil Rights leader Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat.

Edison employed skilled woodworkers to make models, miscellaneous components, and patterns for making metal castings -- a great example of the importance of traditional craft to Edison's experimental investigations. The carpentry shop also housed machinery for making gas, used in the laboratory's Bunsen burners and -- prior to his success with electric lighting -- for lighting the complex. Use default description of artifact

An ode to one of Michigan’s most famous residents—Ford Motor Company founder Henry Ford—this museum campus is in nearby Dearborn. The 80-acre Greenfield Village documents living history (including a Model T ride and 1930s-era lunch) across seven historic districts while the Ford Rouge Factory Tour is for any auto enthusiast. At the Dearborn Truck Plant you can take an inside look at the making of a Ford F-150 truck.

Much like its neighbor Detroit, Dearborn in Michigan is a city that finds itself deeply engaged with the automobile scene. It was the birthplace of Henry Ford, the founder of Ford Automobiles and the creator of the first car: Model T. Dearborn is located in the Detroit Metropolitan Area and tourists to Dearborn Michigan will find themselves surrounded by many automobile museums and more such enterprises.

The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation is an excellent museum with exhibitions that showcase the past, present and future of American innovation. From the automotive industry to moments in history that changed and shaped the way that we do travel, civil rights, and more. This is another great stop for children to learn about history and tinker with innovation.

If museums are on your list of things to see, you might want to browse the collections at Henry Ford Museum, a popular attraction in Dearborn. Our travellers also like the art galleries in the area – your cultural tour starts here. If you want to see more of the museums in Dearborn, you can easily walk to Ford Rouge Factory Tour or Automotive Hall of Fame.

The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn is celebrating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the civil rights leaders who moved our nation forward with unwavering courage knotted by peace. They’re offering a free day of inspiration at the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation on January 17, 2022. Enjoy your time, but also your safety.

Made up of three parts, you learn about the history of Henry Ford’s American dream, tour a working Ford factory, and step back in time to a historic village. It’s not cheap (tickets cost $50 to $75 depending on how much you choose to do) but I think it’s worth it. Just make sure you have enough time to enjoy all of the attractions.

The Henry Ford is Michigan’s most award-winning event destination. Recognized by Conde Nast Traveler as “One of the...Read more country’s best Museums”, we host luxury weddings in national historic landmark venues featuring magnificent American architecture, impeccable grounds, lush garden courtyards plus...

Of course, be sure to stop by The Henry Ford on your cultural visit to Detroit Michigan. The Henry Ford is a massive outdoor/indoor museum complex that features tons of classic Americana. Here, visitors can see the world-famous Kennedy Limousine, Rosa Parks Bus, and Abraham Lincoln Chair.

From trains and cars to the bus Rosa Parks rode on and the chair of Lincoln, you’ll get the full American experience. Thru the rest of the year you can check out MARVEL: Universe of Heroes exhibit featuring costumes and design details from the superhero movies. New hours of operation:

This museum complex is a testament to Ford’s innovative genius and efforts to preserve history. Each week, “Henry Ford Innovation Nation” showcases innovators and stories about the museum and its history of innovation. You can see it all for yourself when you visit the museum complex.

You can’t go to Detroit Michigan and not visit the Henry Ford Museum. This is where Detroit resident Henry Ford got into some activities that would make him rich. It is where he started the legendary Ford Motor Company and when you visit you’ll get a taste of how Ford made it happen.

A post shared by mrcraven (@mrcraven) on Mar 5, 2016 at 12:27pm PST. Located in Dearborn, the Henry Ford museum is a monument where America’s culture and inventions are housed. This museum is noted as one of the best museums in the country and is almost a national treasure.

If you’re scheduling a trip to Detroit this weekend, try to enjoy the Henry Ford Experience. A name synonymous with the city, Henry Ford made an impact that’s far too big to be measured. With the Henry Ford Experience, you can begin to understand why this man is so revered.

These are technically two separate museums, but they go together and are well worth spending two entire days visiting. Yes, two entire days – that’s how big and impressive these are. The Henry Ford Museum is a showcase to America and the people who’ve made it what it is.

The Henry Ford is a large indoor and outdoor history museum complex and a National Historic Landmark in the Detroit suburb of Dearborn, Michigan, United States. The Henry Ford is situated 2 km east of Dearborn Plaza Shopping Center. Photo: Alvintrusty, CC BY-SA 3.0.

The first ford car was built in Detroit in 1896 by Henry Ford. The inheritance of Henry Ford is identified at each turn of his native. Henry Ford, the nation’s largest indoor-outdoor museum complex is situated in Detroit, occupying more than 90 acres.

Steeped in Detroit’s unique history of innovation, The Henry Ford, named after the automotive pioneer, is arguably one of the premier education sites in the city. Opened in 1933, the Dearborn cultural institution is home to a vast array of...

Could do without some of the new attractions - seem to detract from the overall experience rather than add to it....read more

All of the staff was amazing! Each one spoke to you every time, acknowledged you when you entered, said bye when you left, always asked if you needed any assistance or had any questions. So so helpful and I'm so very appreciative, they were all wonderful! My son and I can't wait to go again! So many gift shops lol. Need at least 2+ hours to see it all, but it's worth it. So much history, some areas are like stepping back in time, it's so cool.

This was perhaps the best place that I've visited in a long time!! It was like a kid let loose in a candy shop. The place is absolutely gorgeous. The history behind every piece in that museum is insane, the lady at the front greeting once we entered the actual part of the museum was really really good. She gave a brief on what to expect and where. This place will take a full day to tour if you want to look and read everything. Maybe two. I would definitely visit this place again. Definitely recommended for every single age.

Kids had fun! We ran into a volunteer who was on break but very cheerful and conversational. It was cool to see the museum sections.... we were there for about 3 hours and only saw 2/3s of the exhibits (at kid speed). You could spend multiple days here. We got a tip to bring lunch, so didn't eat at any of the places there. Kids favorite things were the pit stop crew hands on activity, going inside the locomotive, and seeing the barnstormer planes. Adults found the JFK limo more significant than the littles.

4.8(21566)

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5.0(4101)

20900 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn, MI 48124, USA

5

The Mall at Partridge Creek

Relaxed, open-air shopping center featuring brand-name retailers, restaurants & a multiplex cinema.

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Tell me, who can't have a good time here?! Beautiful layout. Wonderful stores to browse through. Kids playing in the water fountain pads. Just a great way to spend the afternoon....walking around...shopping. Fabulous anytime of the year!!

beautiful environment and nice place to walk your dog. Take your family, they will love the scenery.

It is nice having a place that you can bring dogs to walk while also shopping. The place is really nice during the lights for the holidays; in the summer it is a great mall to go and walk around some. The stores are okay, I just wish there were more. The two big vacant stores could easily be turned into an area for other smaller stores; it feels like I do not have many places to shop for what I normally look for. Men's clothing stores are extremely scarce and there is only one traditional sneaker store (Champs). I think it would be great for them to find a sneaker and streetwear resell shop to put in here. There are very few in the area.

4.5(6901)

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4.5(259)

17420 Hall Rd, Clinton Twp, MI 48038, USA

6

Detroit Zoo

Zoo with mini-railroad is home to global wildlife & offers buzzy polar bear exhibit & picnic area.

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A full loop around the perimeter will wind you past most of its tucked-away sights, from the ruined, fenced-off remains of the Detroit Children’s Zoo to the glass-topped conservatory and the recently restored aquarium, known for its collection of paddle-nosed gar. For a lesson in the region’s maritime history, stop at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, where exhibits include a sleek hydroplane and an anchor from the wrecked SS Edmund Fitzgerald, which sank in Lake Superior in 1975. As you round the last turn on the way back to the bridge, pull over and admire the Detroit skyline from a surprise patch of sandy beach.

We went to see the wild lights for the first time. It was snowing but so much fun. Our kiddos loved it. (4&2) We were able to see a few animals that braved the snow as a bonus. The lights were amazing and our kids loved the stepping tunes the best. We enjoyed getting popcorn to takes home but due to the weather we did eat or drink there but were excited to see hot chocolate stands and other warm foods.

Was a really good experience. The lights were great had a good variety. The only complaint I would have would be they had VIP areas I guess they were called, with heaters and drinking areas, that had nobody in them. But we could not use them not even to go walk underneath a patio heater to warm up for a few minutes was kind of ignorant being that it was like 20° outside and there was nobody in these spaces except for the people GUARDING them. I HOPE IT PAID OFF FOR THEM BEING AS IT LOOKED LIKE NOBODY HAD PURCHASED VIP TICKETS. There was other people mumbling about it but all in all it was a good trip to see the lights.

We went to see the holiday lights at night in December. The paid the basic entrance fee none of the all you can eat or add on tickets. It was beautiful and very fun. Very creative light displays, especially the under the sea section.

4.5(18807)

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4.5(1235)

8450 W 10 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48067, USA

7

Emagine Macomb

Movie theater

Concerts & Shows

Theaters

Small multiscreen theater for new releases features roomy, reserved seats & alcoholic drinks.

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Fantastic venue with large, comfortable heated/cooled leather recliners. The food and drink prices are typical with most theatres but there is a wide variety of both. The bar had at least 8 beers on tap and a full liquor bar. They also will bring your food to you at your seat which is pretty sweet. Got to see Galaxy Quest on the Wednesday Flashback Cinema.

Great movie theater with the Dolby Atmos audio set up. I saw seats that were greasy looking, real nasty had to check ours. I thought it was gross. Doors were dirty to go in and out of the theater, shiny metal shows it all fortunately. Trash was kept right at the doorway also in the way. Idk why when the movie is over just leave the doors open till the next movie starts. Just a constant touching of doors and traffic trying to go both ways damn... Bring hand sanitizer and wipes definitely, the buttons on the recliners needed major cleaning as they were covered in popcorn butter or nacho sauce idk it was not cleaned in this place at all after the movie ended, none whatsoever! And I guess you can have food delivered to your seat now..? That needs to stop, after 5 times of having people walk in front of us while watching the movie I was not happy at all. And why do they have to deliver in pairs, always two people to bring anything even a nacho c'mon! Was going to go 4 stars but after reliving that I remembered how bad it was and had to go 3, this was a few days ago. A rum and coke was $17 pricey but mixed well at least.

April 2022 - went here with the wife after dinner. Its been awhile since we had a chance to watch an adult movie. Theater was clean, popcorn and slushy were good. Since my last post, we are at the point you can wear them or not, your choice. September 2021 - went here with 4 girls under 10 and the wife. We had a good time. Popcorn is really good. They do sell pizza and some other food. We only got popcorn, candy and drinks. They do have a rewards program. Nice clean place. I would recommend this place. They do have a bar. My knock on this place is 2 things. 1. Is location, no restraunts within the complex. 2. I found it strange that many of the employees did not wear a mask. Most businesses that I have been in, the employees are wearing them.

4.7(3413)

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4.5(192)

15251 23 Mile Rd, Macomb, MI 48042, USA

8

Somerset Collection

affordable

Shopping mall

Shopping

Classy & elegant glass-roofed mall with 180+ stores, many of them high-end, plus art & events.

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Had a spectacular time with my wife tonight. It was my birthday and I decided to surprise her and take her to the mall she hadn't been there as I haven't been there in the last two years before all this craziness ensued. It was nice to get out and about together and see her smile was enough for me. One of the valets opened the door for us. All around you could tell people were happy to be shopping again interacting with people. It was nice to hang out with my wife. Can I definitely come back here again. So many different stores to choose from. And it was my birthday so it made it even extra special! Cuz I got to spend it with the one I love. 💘

Great place for shopping. It only need a Meyer or a Kroger, a cinema theatre, a bigger and more variety food court - or technically the mixed use concept.

I like this mall. Great parking and security. Very good selection of stores. The High end stores are very interesting. The high end stores were packed with people buying very expensive items. I don't know if I'm ready to spend $2000 for a T-shirt or $7000 for a suit of clothes.

4.5(10347)

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4.5(460)

2800 W Big Beaver Rd, Troy, MI 48084, USA

9

Blake's Orchard & Cider Mill

Fruit farm with seasonal apple picking & cider tastings, plus a restaurant & play areas for kids.

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Wow beautiful trees and the team that drove the tractors were awesome and very detailed to the location of each tree family and funny as well. We hand a great time and you have a lot to do and see! The cider was out of this world!

Great place for kids to learn to skate as the rink is not real ice. It's not nearly as slippery. That being said, it's not as fun for more advanced skaters but the price is right and the staff was very friendly.

I was a bit hesitant about the funland thing. It looks geared towards younger kids but it was so much fun for my 14yo, 11yo, and my wife and I. Petting zoo, fun games, trampoline, tractor (bicycle) races, tricycle races, and even a haunted house. Restaurant was yummy too, though a bit high on prices. Kids menu options are huge portions for cheap though and staff are all super nice. Tasting room attached to restaurant and a separate bar outside too. Great place to spend a nice weather day. We will definitely be back!!

4.0(1069)

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4.5(44)

17985 Armada Center Rd, Armada, MI 48005, USA

10

Kellogg Park

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If you come with the expectation that this is just a fountain you'll like it. Don't get the impression this is really a park. This season they have dressed up hey dolls...and if you're looking for Waldo. Don't worry you can find him there. This square offers nice outdoor seating on a warm day, with plenty of people watching. It is close to the downtown area where you can walk to everything.

What a nice park. Plymouth holds a lot of community events here. It is pleasant to sit on a bench and enjoy the fountain.

This is the first time I brought my grandson here he loved all the scarecrows and skeletons and it was such a beautiful day can't wait for the ice festival cuz that'll be his first time going to that

4.7(1049)

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4.5(127)

W Ann Arbor Trail, Plymouth, MI 48170, USA

11

Village Theater at Cherry Hill

Performing arts theater

Concerts & Shows

The 400-seat performing/visual arts & education center offers theater, concerts, exhibits & classes.

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An excellent and beautiful theater. Very invested in doing theatrical events and shows. I attended a Concert there and the staff, sound, lights, and concert were great.

A gem! This 400-capacity theater is as elegant as it is acoustically perfect for listening. The Canton Concert Band, a group of 50 top-notch volunteer musicians dressed in black tie, performed beautifully here.

A lovely theater! Great rise to the seats so you always have a clear view and ample leg room! Not a bad seat in the house!

4.7(393)

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5.0(38)

50400 Cherry Hill Rd, Canton, MI 48187, USA

12

Marvin's Marvelous Mechanical Museum

Museum

Video arcade

Specialty Museums

Snug space full of coin operated fun from modern arcade games to retro fortunetellers.

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Marvin's is a hole-in-the-wall hidden gem! An old school arcade and snack bar mix. It has unique machines and rare games. There is plenty to see whether you want to spend the money to play the games or just walk around and view the many mechanical marvels. There is a lot to see so I'd recommend taking your time if it's your first time visiting. The front half of Marvin's is arcade games, pinball machines and the unique rare games that are extremely old. The second half are the more modern arcade games that give you tickets that you can turn in. The games that give tickets are labeled that they give tickets but some are more difficult to see. Overall fantastic experience, we'll be visiting again!

Well, it's a kids dreams place. Make sure you bring at least $20.00. The games, rides, puppet shows or pinball cost from .25 cents to $3.00. The place was crowded, even on a Monday. They also have snack bar & restrooms. Really a fun place for adults too, they have race cars you can sit in side by side with a friend. I would strongly suggest you bring your kids to this truly Magical & Marvelous place...

this place is awesome! it’s kiddo friendly. i wasn’t expecting to be able to actually play the games! lol!! i thought they were just for show from the google reviews, but you can actually play most of them!! this place is so awesome! definitely would recommend to all ages. me and my girlfriend are 23 and LOVED it.

4.7(2438)

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4.5(240)

31005 Orchard Lake Rd, Farmington Hills, MI 48334, USA

13

SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium

Family-friendly exhibits with a variety of sea creatures (most offer play areas & group packages).

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My fiance and I went and had an absolute ball! I literally felt like I was scuba diving or snorkeling the whole time! So much stunning, beautiful sea life, including some I've never seen or heard of before! I would love to go back sometime! Thanks for having us! 💙💙💙💙

Loved it!! Took 5 of my grandchildren, it's amazing seeing there reactions. They were thrilled with the glass tunnel, we must have been in there for an hour. Many pictures of them in the aquariums with the fish. Thank you, we all will be back, probably with more grandkids!!

Pretty cool displays and amazing areas to just watch the fish and aqua life! The only negatives are that it is kind of pricy for how fast we got through it, only took 30 mins from start to finish and stopping at everything. We loved the tunnel and the kids really liked all the little places to pop into the aquariums. I also wish there was more touch ponds or tanks, but all in all, pretty cool.

4.2(3975)

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3.5(507)

4316 Baldwin Rd, Auburn Hills, MI 48326, USA

14

Great Lakes Crossing Outlets

Outlet mall

Shopping

Shopping mall

Mall with outlet stores for popular brands, plus an aquarium, a Legoland center & restaurants.

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It was Great!! Kids loved the carousel (5 x's) lol. We went to sea life aquariums & rain forest cafe, and alot of the stores that we don't have in Saginaw anymore. Absolutely worth the trip!!

This is a beautiful place. Large stores. The store fronts have nice displays. You can find whatever you need. Including a food court. Hours are 11:am to 9:pm.

Full days worth of fun activities! Aquarium, lego land, shopping, a carousel, huge kids play area, nice food court, ETC! Very family friendly and worth the drive!

4.5(20302)

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4.5(820)

4000 Baldwin Rd, Auburn Hills, MI 48326, USA

15

DTE Energy Music Theatre

Live music venue

Concerts & Shows

Theaters

Amphitheater featuring a 15,000-seat pavilion with lawn seating, expansive beer garden & BBQ eatery.

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Great venue! Been going to concerts here for 25 yrs. Nice additions over the years and now have many food and vendor options. Lawn seats still way worth it. Bathrooms are always clean. Pricy for food/drink but what place isn't now adays. Read website for updated bag/purse/chair rule. 2021 they have really limited what you can bring in. Traffic at end is always slow moving but give them a few minutes and it will eventually go quick, 20 to 40 minutes on average, so just have a good playlist cued up!

Great place to ski for beginners. They have a decent cafe for food and beer. The coaches were pretty good and patient as we took a few skiing lessons as well.

“Theatre” doesn’t do these grounds justice… This place is a city! Multiple restaurants, about 100 different stands where you can buy a Bud light and tons of room for fans to walk around without feeling overcrowded. I’ve been going to DTE for years now, and decided to give it the 5-star review it deserves after back-to-back concerts this weekend!

4.6(8113)

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4.5(350)

33 Bob Seger Dr, Village of Clarkston, MI 48348, USA

16

Erwin Orchards

Orchard

Sights & Landmarks

Cider mill

Farms

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I've been a yearly visitor here for years at Erwin Orchards and cider Mill. I just adore this place and all the options they provide. U-pick apples with many varieties, yellow and red raspberries and of course pumpkins. Many activities for kids that include hay rides, a corn maze, a petting zoo, sunflower garden, live bees, paintball and a climbing hay area. They sell, apples, cider, pumpkins, carmel apples, plain and sugar donuts made fresh, apple bread, toffee, honey, honey combs, popcorn kernels and the best part is kettle corn! In the fall this place is so busy and we'll maintained inside and outside. Only cash is accepted here with a ATM just inside the business. The ticket line is out side and I waited about 15 minutes. To purchase food items the line was long and I waited 40 minutes. I suggest to go early morning or late evening. The kids were plentiful and playful as I walked through the area. I go every year just for the donuts 🍩 So worth the wait! Come on over and enjoy some cider and a donut. ENJOY!

Nice farm. Crowded but farm team very well managing in taking everyone to different spots where can pickup the apples. One of best farms for picking apples. Minimum bag price we have to pay for picking apples in 25$. Worth visit during week end.

We absolutely enjoyed out time here. With small children, inorder to get to the orchard, no stroller. Highly suggest bringing a comfortable carrier/sling. Awesome place to take pictures. Everyone was kind, professional, they did a great job in following COV 19 guidelines. It is is spacious, no need to worry about crowding. The donuts are served warm and the cider is good.

4.4(1054)

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4.5(58)

61475 Silver Lake Rd, South Lyon, MI 48178, USA

17

Kensington Metropark

Massive green space offers 2 beaches, a golf course & nature center with exhibits & guided hikes.

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Ample, well kept park with plenty of small lakes, pavilions and open piquenique/barbecue areas, beach, farm center, and a number of long Nature trails with plenty of wild life particularly birds, including turkeys, white and blue egrets, woodpeckers, sandhill cranes, swans, cardinals, bluejays to name a few. A nice park for quiet relaxation year round.

This is my number one favorite Metropark. During summer there are lots of fun activities for kids and adults. You can also visit the farm area. There are many spots for picnic, some by the water and some not. The beach is also really nice in summer time and it gets crowded during weekends. Fall is a whole different story here, you would see many many different colors. If you’re planning to take good fall pictures I do recommend to go here.

I enjoy visiting Kensington Metropark as much as possible no matter the season. Feeding the many wild birds from the palm of my hand is the highlight of my visit. Many different birds may be encountered, as well as deer, turtles, and chipmunks. The Farm is always a joy to visit and pet the goats. If you get a chance right now, you may go down the sledding hills, cross country skiing and hike the paths. A place I recommend visiting anytime of the year.

4.7(2669)

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4.5(282)

4570 Huron River Pkwy, Milford, MI 48380, USA

18

Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area

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Great place for camping 🏕 stayed for a night. All the kiddos are out at this time. The weather was just right I feel. I'm a beginner camper but for one of my first experiences on my own this was a beautiful site to choose. It did get a little noisy with the capacity for Friday day with all the kiddos, but it wasn't bad. There is a beach area you can drive or walk to. The water was a little cold with the weather being high 85 or so, but you get used to it. It was nice to lay out on the beach, read and get some vitamin D. The site has a campstore with various items as well as firewood that was handy. Also, the trail was fun with a lot of beautiful scenery however a lot of bugs at this time, so definitely come prepared with bug spray.

We had a great time! The campground was nice and the workers at the camp store were very friendly and helpful. We rented kayaks and we thought it was reasonably priced.

A great place to go a nature hike! The water level is so low you could walk out to the island.

4.5(234)

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4.0(57)

3871 Herd Rd, Metamora, MI 48455, USA

19

The DIO

Dinner theater

Concerts & Shows

Theaters

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Who knew?! This Pinkney dinner theater venue will pleasantly surprise you. In addition to the mind blowing performance of Gutenberg, we enjoyed clean, comfortable surroundings and a good meal presented by friendly, accommodating servers. A truly top notch local theater experience!

My friends and I have been coming to see a play for our Christmas outing for the past few years. The plays have always been great, some food is better than others... But this year was outstanding! 2 thumbs up and 5 stars hands down. The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical was hilarious and entertaining and We loved every minute of it! Highly recommend seeing this one! Actors are amazing. I'd tell you my favorite but I wouldn't be able to decide! And this year's food was just as good! Don't miss this one!

Great shows and good food. Don't miss out on this place!

4.8(145)

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5.0(36)

177 E Main St, Pinckney, MI 48169, USA

20

Spicer Orchards Farm Market, Cider Mill, Fudge, Bakery

Family-run farm with pick-your-own apples, hay wagon rides & a huge corn maze, plus a winery.

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The donuts inside are we're good. They had a really nice play place for the kids to play. For some of the rides you need to purchase tickets. They had some farm animals. There was a train ride that took you around the orchard. They do take credit cards. The cider and donut line moved extremely fast!

Absolutely amazing! Best cider mill I've ever been to. The doughnuts were so fresh, soft, and yet crisp. The cider was deliciously sweet. And, they have so many attractions to keep the kids entertained! We hope to come back and test a flight at the winery next time.

Spicers was such a fun day out! They had so many animals, a great playground area, wonderful store with some of the best donuts and surprisingly amazing cookies! The hay ride was so fun and the driver did a great job of describing the apple 🍎 orchard lay out. They have different kinds of apples and had multiple stops for getting off to pick off different fields. The staff was all so kind and helpful with everything. I appreciated all the hand washing stations and sanitizer bottles placed through out the farm. They have more going on during the weekends: they add a train ride and have some mini theme park rides, etc. but weekdays are nice and quiet and usually have more older couples coming out for some cider, donuts and the winery.

4.6(1450)

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4.5(126)

10411 Clyde Rd, Fenton, MI 48430, USA

21

Mike Levine Lakelands Trail State Park

Nature & Parks

Hiking Trails

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Very rural west of Pinckney to Hawkins Road, a nice escape from the urban environment…

Map seems difficult to use and understand

Love this trail. It connects in many places with easy access. The history facts along the way are interesting and a pleasant surprise! Not to busy usually and is paved. Many opportunities and options for all kind of outdoor lovers.

4.5(4)

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4.5(31)

22

Great Lakes National Cemetery

Military cemetery

Sights & Landmarks

Cemeteries

Points of Interest & Landmarks

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Really nice cemetery. Staff was very nice and helpful, grounds well manicured. Open dusk til dawn. My grandpa would've said it was just peachy🙏 RIP

Beautifully Kept Grounds, Very Respectful, Proud to be a Veteran that will be buried Here. My Father in Law and Brother gave joined unfortunately. Prayers for All of our Fallen Warriors!

Recently discovered a relative here. Beautiful place. Kiosk to easily find locations. Impressive.

4.8(216)

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5.0(75)

4200 Belford Rd, Holly, MI 48442, USA

23

NCG Cinema - Grand Blanc Trillium

Digital & 3D screens for the latest releases along with Tuesday deals on tickets & snacks.

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We have been here multiple time lately and the actual theater is always nice the place is clean. The people who work there always seem like we are bugging them if we ask for an item that they are sold out of or if there is too many people in line. I do recommend to go to this theater the chairs are comfortable and if ever there is a problem I can say that will make sure they do their best to make it right

Great movie theater! Extremely clean amazing staff! They have chairs that recline and heat up it's a perfect family getaway! Only thing they need to work on is using gift cards on their app. Can't use them to reserve the special seats! Otherwise perfect night!!

I go during the day. I love the reclining, heated seats. (They're an upcharge) Staff is friendly enough. The theater is clean. Of course concessions are ridiculously priced because it's the movies. I do miss the flavors for the popcorn. But I would drive past another theater to come here.

4.5(3844)

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4.5(169)

8220 Trillium Circle Ave, Grand Blanc, MI 48439, USA

24

Flint Farmers' Market

Farmers' market

Shopping

Event venue

Wedding venue

Flea & Street Markets

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The look and feel of the new farmers market is awesome. Can’t say enough about how much Flint needs more things like this. Being able to get fresh produce and connect with local vendors was super dope. Can’t wait to visit again.

I wish I could give this market more than five stars! Outstanding produce selection, inside and outside. The food is always beautiful and fresh. Lunch options are great as well, for both vegetarians and meat eaters! Such a fun place to visit, and within walking distance to downtown. Easy access to free parking. Fun bar on the roof.

I was up in Burton visiting family and friends, and my cousin said we should check out the Flint farmers market. I have to admit I had pretty low expectations of this place, but wow, I was impressed when we went there. This place is fantastic, with all the food options to choose from the fruit and vegetables. Not to mention I got a nice retro Flint Michigan T-shirt so I can represent in metro Detroit. This place is fantastic.

4.6(3422)

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4.5(174)

300 E 1st St, Flint, MI 48502, USA

25

Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad

Sights & Landmarks

Historic Sites

1800s-era lakeside village offers 34 historic buildings & a working train plus family activities.

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A lovely place to visit for enjoying holiday spirit. The train ride was fun as we got to see several light displays along the ride, old time holiday songs playing and a very cozy coach! Masks are required on the train. The walk in the village is fun for older kids but with toddlers a little difficult… but they can enjoy the carousel, popcorn, hot cocoa and lighted pathways.

This is a very fun place to visit if you enjoy Christmas themed activities and/or Christmas lights. This is not an expensive activity. You can tour the crossroads village at no charge, and the 45ish minute train ride is just over $20.00 per ticket. I loved the train ride - the cars are old fashioned and cozy, the light displays were well.done and included a few live actors, and the conductor was really nice. There is a Christmas play that is shown regularly inside the theatre house. There is a buffet style restaurant - I had already eaten but it looked nice. There were other snacks for sale elsewhere in the village - popcorn and almonds and coffee etc. Plenty of bathrooms, lots of cool authentic old buildings to check out - there's even a tractor towed trailer that towed people around the village or you can walk it. I loved the lights, really well done.

Good place to take kids for Xmas lighting & train ride. Train ride is around 35 mins to & fro where you can see lights display on both sides. Village itself is small place to find how people lived 100 years ago with open houses, school, blacksmith shop etc. A carousel is fun for everyone. Overall it’s fun place to hang around for 3-4 hours. It’s in the middle of nowhere as everything is brought here from somewhere else.

4.7(2092)

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4.5(322)

6140 N Bray Rd, Flint, MI 48505, USA

26

Birch Run Premium Outlets

Outlet mall

Shopping

Factory Outlets

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Took my wife there to do a little shopping. It was a fairly successful trip. She shopped a several stores. I shopped at a fairly new store that sold Barbecue sauces, rubs, and seasonings. The also sold hot sauces of all kinds from warm to hell fire and burn your face off. Just what a hot sauce aficionados would love. There is a lot of variety to choose from. You won't be disappointed.

Pretty massive outlet, there's so much store to look. One day is not enough to visit all store. And you better drive from one place to the other. You can visit their website for the directory. There's plenty of large restrooms so don't worry if you need to pee.

Awesome experience for the family. The atmosphere is so family friendly. It was a great experience to find all your shopping needs. Offering a wide variety of outlets from outdoors, indoors, apparel, cosmetics, etc.. worth checking out if in search of more specific items and stores by specific vendors as Birch Run Outlets might have it for you. This outlet mall is home to over 100 stores which include The North Face, Adidas, Columbia, Aerie, Avon, American Eagle, and Bass Factory Outlet. This premium outlet center offers plenty of parking spaces so you can move around to different shops with ease. There are also a handful of eateries here, such as a bubble tea cafe and pizzeria. The furniture was nice quality. I didn't walk around and see what all stores were around but from what I I see they have a big variety to choose from. I would recommend visiting here with your family. It is best to give yourself two days to explore all the stores.

4.3(9417)

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4.0(541)

12240 S Beyer Rd, Birch Run, MI 48415, USA

27

Michigan Heroes Museum

Opened in 1987, this museum focuses on the history of Michigan's military & space heroes.

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Such an amazing place to visit with metals, uniforms, shoes, helmets, bombs, replicas of boats... there's just everything or anything and it's all about Michiganders. It is a very a beautiful place to go and take with the whole family

This place is a hidden treasure! John was amazing and will spend time talking you to if you ask. He seemed to know all the stories of the service men and women in detail and is a great storyteller. He said they have about 900 displays/sorties they rotate through. It was definitely an emotional visit reading about all these amazing service people that made the ultimate sacrifice and those that were able to return to their loved ones. definitely a place you can return to over and over

If you love history this is definitely work checking out. Brought my father here years ago before he lasted and he absolutely enjoyed every moment! Worth your time to go and see the exhibits!

4.8(431)

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4.5(192)

1250 Weiss St, Frankenmuth, MI 48734, USA

28

Frankenmuth River Place Shops

Shopping mall

Shopping

Event venue

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40 shops, all connected. You walk outside and enjoy the decorations, the music, and the fairy garden. They have many specialty shops, that carry very different merchandise, don't forget to check out the bakery and the store for cat's and dogs. They have an arcade also. Restaurant are with in the path. You also can take your pet for a great stroll, take very great pictures of a waterfall and the covered bridge. The only store I would not recommend is the Frankenmuth store, high priced and really touristy. Be sure to check out the store Sticky things, this place has honey, syrup, butter, oils and all kinds of yummy tea's. You can sample all their products and the staff is very helpful and knowledgeable about where their merchandise is made and for health benefits they carry so much and the staff is, well I cannot say enough, they also offer to but online, a definite must stop.

They have alot of cool things to look at and shop. My favorite was this place you can try hot sauce and BBQ sauces in weird flavors. Water is $2 in there so maybe bring your own. They have an arcade, book store, blacksmith experience, pet stores, candy, and fudge shops. It was definitely worth going highly recommend.

Such a great cluster of shops. A great way to spend a few hours of your day. Be sure to try the crepes. Sweet or Savory. You can’t go wrong!

4.6(9535)

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4.5(735)

925 S Main St, Frankenmuth, MI 48734, USA

29

Frankenmuth Historical Museum

History museum

Museums

Gift shop

Housed in a former hotel from 1905, this multi-gallery museum hosts exhibits on Frankenmuth history.

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Great little museum with lots of history for the area, very friendly and courteous staff loved the experience

Nice museum. My family visited during the reformation exhibit. The exhibits were laid out well and there are hands on components for kids that kept mine occupied.

A very nice little Museum on the history of Frankenmuth a nice time to cool off if you're out in the heat...air conditioning inside as well

4.6(239)

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4.0(207)

613 S Main St, Frankenmuth, MI 48734, USA

30

Mid-Michigan Children's Museum

Children's museum

Museums

Specialty Museums

Colorful attraction with hands-on, interactive exhibits designed for children under age 10.

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This place was super fun and interactive. Many exhibits of all kinds and artwork for your child to take home. The gift shop is cute and relatively inexpensive. My daughter and I went there on a school field trip and I was pleasantly surprised to find the setup itself to be easy to navigate and open enough to make sure your kiddo can't just run off and disappear 😅 though do not think they would. This place has enough to keep a child busy for hours!

The kids loved it! It is pretty small but it kept my kids (6years & 2 1/2 years) busy for the 3 hours we spent there. They have a pretty cool water area and the kids loved that. They have an art area with many different projects you can do including painting.It is a great place to take the kids on a little adventure.

Fantastic place great for kids that want to move and play! We went for a birthday party and all the kids loved it! They have different areas that are all interactive from water to pretend play. A great way to spend a day with the family!

4.7(612)

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4.5(34)

315 W Genesee Ave, Saginaw, MI 48602, USA

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