If you’re looking for a fun and leisurely way to appreciate the many joys of Metro Detroit, nothing beats a scenic drive. After all, hopping in the car with your sweetheart or family requires little exertion and offers a straightforward way to explore the surrounding area. There’s one historic scenic drive near the Motor City that will capture your heart and take you on a trip through time.
Historic Hines Drive can be accessed just off M-153 in Dearborn and stretches to the city of Northville.
When you’re ready for an adventure that perfectly combines history, natural beauty, and family togetherness, add this drive to your itinerary. The route extends for 17 miles.
The drive itself is named for Metro Detroiter Edward N. Hines, a road development pioneer who served on the Wayne County Road Commission between 1906 and 1938.
At the heart of Historic Hines Drive’s appeal is its proximity to the Rouge River, which flows peacefully along the roadway. Keep your eyes peeled for scenic glimpses of the water.
In addition to the river, drivers will find plenty of history-rich stops, including Nankin Mills. This former grist mill dates back to 1842 and now serves as an interpretive center.
Looking for an ideal place to stretch your legs or enjoy a quick picnic lunch? Make a stop at Sumac Pointe Recreation Area in Livonia, which offers lots of peaceful greenery.
History buffs will certainly want to stop the car in Plymouth, which was first settled in 1825. Its charming downtown offers shops, eateries, historic sites, and much more.
By the time you wrap up your scenic drive in Northville, you’ll feel like you’ve embarked on a timeless adventure. Historic Hines Drive offers something for every Detroiter.
Have you taken a spin along this drive in Metro Detroit during previous family outings? Which stops were your favorites? We would love to hear your recommendations, so be sure to suggest destinations along Hines Drive by filling out our official nomination form here.
You don’t have to be a full-blown Lord of the Rings fan to appreciate the beauty of Middle Earth, the fantasy trilogy’s epic and ethereal setting. While we can’t visit Middle Earth to check it out for ourselves, we can find bits and pieces of its beauty in our own surroundings. One whimsical park near Detroit offers a gorgeous and truly enchanting setting that might just make you feel like you’ve stepped into a fantasy novel.
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Richfield County Park is located along North Irish Road in Davison. This delightful outdoor destination, which sits in the heart of Michigan’s Irish Hills region, is accessible via car from Detroit in one hour and 15 minutes.
While you might not typically associate Detroit and its surrounding areas with Middle Earth-esque scenery, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the natural splendor at Richfield County Park. Prepare for an adventure.
The park is home to 345 beautiful acres that are perfect for all sorts of recreational activities, whether you’re riding your bike, strolling along a trail, playing a game of baseball, or simply spending time with loved ones.
As you meander, you’ll encounter towering trees and lush forestland that will sweep you away to another realm. During the warmer months, greenery abounds throughout the park – major Middle Earth vibes.
Unwind along the Flint River or step through two stone towers to cross a picturesque bridge over the water. During the winter months, there’s even a space for cross-country skiing along the snowy landscape.
Younger visitors will appreciate the playground at Richfield County Park, while guests of all ages can make memories within the park’s picnic areas. No matter how many times you’ve visited, you’ll be enchanted.
Bring along your camera when you make the trip here, as you’ll surely want to remember the breathtaking surroundings that set this spot apart. Even Gandalf himself would be impressed by the natural beauty.
Whether you’re searching for a place to get a bit of fresh air or embarking on a charming outing with loved ones, Richfield County Park will capture your imagination. It’s time for a trip to Michigan’s Middle Earth.
For more information, check out the Richfield County Park website. Have you and your family made memories at this whimsical park near Detroit? Share your photos and memories with us by leaving a Facebook comment or recommend another awesome day trip from Detroit by completing our official nomination form.
Looking for another great place to explore? You'll want to read about this pretty tunnel trail near Detroit.
Are you obsessed with all things trains? No matter what your age, there’s something exciting about diving into the history of locomotives or stepping aboard a steam engine. Trains have played an important role in the development of Detroit and its surrounding areas, so there’s plenty of fun to be had for railroad enthusiasts throughout the area. All aboard for this train-themed trip around Detroit.
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To access an adjustable map of our route, click here.
Kick off your journey with a bonafide train ride at Southern Michigan Railroad, which offers a variety of experiences throughout the year. Whether you’re hopping aboard for a fall foliage ride or enjoying the Santa Train when the holidays arrive, Southern Michigan Railroad provides a volunteer-run ride between its stations in Clinton Township and downtown Tecumseh. You’ll be zipping along the rails in no time.
History buffs will be enamored with the Gandy Dancer, a breathtaking stone building in beautiful Ann Arbor. This former train depot first opened its doors in 1886 to serve as a station along the Michigan Central Railroad line. Today, it operates as a fine dining destination that expertly combines touches of the past with modern, upscale delights. You’ll want to check out every inch of this spectacular structure.
Make the short drive to Flint for a bit of adventuring at Crossroads Village, which also houses the beloved Huckleberry Railroad. This fascinating living history museum takes visitors back in time to the turn of the 20th century and offers family-friendly events all year long. Train fans will be thrilled to ride the Huckleberry Railroad, which allows guests to step aboard an authentic Baldwin steam engine and embark on a 40-minute ride that includes a stretch of the Pere Marquette railway. What’s not to love?
The Detroit Zoo is a wonderful attraction in itself, consisting of a marvelous 125 acres and more animals than you can possibly imagine. Within the zoo, you’ll find the Tauber Family Railroad. As its name suggests, this miniature railroad has delighted kids and adults alike for generations. The railroad was first built in 1931 and typically serves more than 500,000 passengers every year. For just $3 per person, you can enjoy a memorable one-way ride.
Younger train enthusiasts will have an absolute blast at Shepherd Park in the community of Oak Park, which is located on Church Street. While many guests visit to enjoy a peaceful picnic or watch a local sporting event, others enjoy the model train playscape that keeps children feeling imaginative and entertained. The colorful pieces offered at this playground provide the perfect place to make wholesome memories.
If you’re hungry, head to Wixom Station in the Detroit suburb of Wixom for a meal among train-themed surroundings. Situated along Pontiac Trail, this unique eatery serves an assortment of mouthwatering eats among train-inspired decor and memorabilia. With all sorts of contemporary eats to select from, including steak and seafood, it’s nearly impossible to leave Wixom Station with an empty stomach.
You might have visited the Henry Ford or its accompanying Greenfield Village during previous visits to Dearborn, but have you taken time to immerse yourself in the on-site railroad exhibit? The Henry Ford is home to loads of artifacts and remnants of the country’s transportation history, including one of the largest steam locomotives of all time. Whether you’re stepping into a train car or simply reading about the wonders of early railroad travel, you’ll want to spend all day perusing this section of the museum.
When hunger strikes, train fans should certainly check out Grand Trunk Pub on Woodward Avenue in Detroit. This downtown gem sits within a converted 1900s railway station and prides itself on serving more than 170 varieties of craft beer and plenty of tasty fare. The decor and atmosphere alone are worth checking out, while the fantastic eats and beverages are just the icing on the cake at this history-rich spot.
So, there you have it: an unforgettable train-themed trip around Detroit. Have you visited any of these exciting locales in or around the Motor City during previous family adventures? Did we leave any of your favorite day trip destinations in Detroit off our list? Share your thoughts by leaving a Facebook comment or recommend another must-visit spot in the area by filling out our official nomination form here.
