There’s nothing more relaxing than heading out for a scenic drive with loved ones in tow. Whether you’re exploring familiar territory or checking out a new region of Metro Detroit, it’s hard to have a bad time when you’re appreciating gorgeous surroundings from the comfort of your car. There’s one section of highway near the Motor City that might have slipped under your radar while considering scenic drive spots, but you’ll find endless beauty to admire along this route.
If you’ve traveled throughout Michigan, you’ve undoubtedly spent time along US-12. This roadway, which comprises just more than 200 miles, services countless communities.
While the highway is an official Michigan Historic Heritage Route, its many assets are frequently overlooked by busy Detroiters who can’t find time to unwind.
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When you’re ready for an unforgettable scenic journey, though, hop in the car and prepare to explore the section of US-12 that meanders through the Irish Hills region.
During your journey, you’ll appreciate everything from the rolling greenery that gives Irish Hills its name to a series of charming small towns. Begin your drive in Saline.
As you approach the Irish Hills region, you’ll be enchanted by the seemingly endless inland lakes and vibrant patches of land that make the area so breathtaking.
Stop to explore Hidden Lake Gardens or make a visit to the town of Brooklyn, where you’ll enjoy everything from boutique shopping to history. What’s not to appreciate?
Other stops along this 40-mile stretch of roadway include downtown Manchester, Clinton, and plenty of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. Be sure to snap some photos.
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By the time you’re ready to head back to Detroit, you’ll be thoroughly enamored with the many sights and attractions along US-12. This scenic drive is good for the soul.
To learn more about the Irish Hills region of Michigan other amazing attractions along US-12, click here. Have you enjoyed this scenic journey during previous outings? Share your experiences below. Or, to find out more about other stunning natural spots through Metro Detroit, click here.
There’s nothing more magical than venturing out to explore the fall colors near Detroit. While the season is chock full of fun adventures, including pumpkin patches and corn mazes, we’re total suckers for an autumn road trip. When you’re ready to hop in the car and explore some of the prettiest scenery Metro Detroit has to offer, follow this short and sweet route through some of the most vibrant spots in the area. This road trip should take approximately two hours. To get you on your way, we created a convenient adjustable map of our proposed route. Happy leaf-peeping, fellow Detroiters!
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1. Belle Isle
To kick off your Detroit fall foliage journey we're starting at Belle Isle, which can be explored by car or on foot. It’s easy to understand why this destination is beloved among locals and out-of-town visitors alike. As you make your way through, you’ll appreciate bright, colorful trees set against the skyline of the Motor City. To extend your stay, take a walk at Whitcomb Conservatory or settle in for a quick picnic along the Detroit River.
2. Elmwood Cemetery
Who says cemeteries have to be spooky? We’re firm believers that there’s beauty to be found in historical resting places, and Elmwood Cemetery in Detroit certainly fits the bill. This spot was established in 1846 and features 86 peaceful acres to appreciate. During the fall months, foliage abounds among the graves of Civil War veterans, former Michigan politicians, artistic personalities, and everyday Detroiters alike. Take a drive or walk through the cemetery for a truly serene experience.
3. Quickstad Park
As your fall color drive through Metro Detroit continues, head to Quickstad Park in Royal Oak. This small but charming site is the perfect spot to stretch your legs after a bit of time in the car, featuring 2.54 acres and a gorgeous trail through a section of foliage known as Tenhave Woods. Be sure to bring along your camera when you head out for a stroll here, as the fall foliage is nothing short of spectacular. It’s no surprise that Quickstad Park has remained a community fixture in Royal Oak since its establishment in the mid-1950s.
4. Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve
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Next on the list of where to see fall colors near Detroit is Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve, a brilliant gem in Southfield that brings together an impressive assortment of natural habitats among some of the prettiest surroundings in the area. Meadows, wetlands, forested swaths, and access to Carpenter Lake make this spot utterly unique -- particularly when fall colors appear. With nearly a mile of trail space and access to everything from fishing to a rock park, it’s nearly impossible not to fall in love with this nature-rich haven.
5. Maybury State Park
As you circle around and begin to wrap up your tour of fall foliage in Metro Detroit, make a final stop at Maybury State Park in Northville. Whether you simply stop in for a quick glimpse from the car or fully immerse yourself in the stunning terrain that sets this park apart, you’ll be enamored. Many guests opt to hike and bike among the area’s 944 spectacular acres, which simply explode with fall colors each year. We can’t imagine a more magical place to round out your Detroit in the fall adventure.
As you head back to Detroit, you’ll feel like you’ve entered an entirely new world -- but you’ll only have spent two hours driving. Whether you choose to exit the vehicle at every destination is entirely up to you, but we recommend fully exploring each spot on our list for the richest, most memorable experience. If you’d like to recommend another wonderful place to spot fall colors near Detroit, fill out our nomination form.
Don’t let Detroit’s status as the largest city in Michigan keep you from appreciating its natural beauty. After all, our beloved Motor City is chock full of peaceful destinations, surrounding splendor, and plenty of outdoor gems. If you’re ready to experience natural wonders near Detroit, hop in the car and take this natural wonders road trip through Detroit and its neighboring communities.
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Check out the adjustable Google Map of our route, which can be rearranged to suit your travel needs! Ready to go? Let's do it!
1. Lake St. Clair Metropark
Whether you’re stopping by in the heat of summer or visiting on a chilly winter afternoon, it’s almost impossible not to fall in love with the natural beauty of Lake St. Clair Metropark. This stunning destination along the shores of Lake St. Clair itself features 770 stunning acres and offers everything from hiking trails to boating space to cross-country skiing. The whole family will be enamored.
Take a walk around Lake St. Clair Metropark so you can see some of the fun things to do at this lovely park near Detroit:
2. Blue Heron Lagoon
It’s no secret that Belle Isle is one of the most beloved and beautiful places to spend time in Detroit, but did you know that there’s a marvelous lagoon trail within this spectacular island park? This lovely loop trail comprises just over two miles and leads walkers past Blue Heron Lagoon, a pretty inland lake that often flies under the radar. During your journey, you’ll also appreciate beautiful Detroit River views and the impressive William Livingstone Memorial Lighthouse, which dates back to 1930.
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3. Milliken State Park and Harbor
One of Detroit’s most unique features is its state park right here within city limits: Milliken State Park and Harbor. In fact, this riverfront locale is the first urban state park in all of Michigan, which only adds to its charm. Check out a 63-foot light tower, watch boats make their way down the Detroit River, appreciate greenery and garden space during warmer months, or settle in for a picnic lunch. What’s not to love?
Enjoy this footage showing a fly-over of Milliken State Park and Harbor with sunset views of the lighthouse and harbor:
4. Eliza Howell Park
If you’re looking for a dash of peace and quiet without venturing too far from the heart of Detroit, Eliza Howell Park is a perfect destination. The park is a real treasure of Northwest Detroit, offering 250 sprawling acres and two miles of hiking paths that wind through towering trees, prairie land, and even a few wildflower patches. You might even spot a few unique bird species as you explore the park with the family in tow.
5. Nichols Arboretum
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While Ann Arbor is slightly outside the immediate Metro Detroit area, we think it’s well worth an hour-long drive from the city. Upon arriving, you’ll find yourself happily overwhelmed by a real natural wonderland and some of the most amazing scenery in all of Michigan. Known by locals and the University of Michigan students as "the Arb," this 123-acre space offers Huron River access, lush gardens, wooded hiking trails, greenery galore, and rich beauty in every season. You might never want to head home.
6. Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge
Despite its many impressive features, the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge remains something of a spectacular hidden treasure among Motor City residents and those who live nearby. This 5,868-acre space is jointly managed by the United States and Canada and boasts the title of North America’s only international wildlife refuge. Accessible via Grosse Ile, the refuge offers three primary public use sections: Gibraltar Bay, the Strong Unit, and the Fix Unit. From birdwatching to fishing to meandering through the lush landscape, there’s so much to appreciate when you make the journey to this utterly original outdoor locale.
Let's do a fly-over of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge in this video showing a bird's-eye view of the area:
So, there you have it: a natural wonders road trip through Detroit that leads to some of the area’s most marvelous attractions. With so many natural wonders near Detroit, there is plenty to enjoy any time of year. Have you visited any of these beautiful places near Detroit during previous outings with loved ones? Which of your favorites made (or didn’t make) our list? Share your thoughts with us by leaving a comment or recommend another natural wonder in Metro Detroit by filling out our nomination form.