Posted in Detroit
January 21, 2020
12 Unforgettable Metro Detroit Day Trips, One For Each Month Of The Year
Call us overprepared, but we think it’s never too early to start planning your events for the coming year. Now that 2020 is officially upon us, there’s plenty of plotting to do, from selecting family-friendly excursions to making a list of “must-visit” restaurants for the new year. If you’re a planner, you’ll appreciate our list of twelve fantastic day trips from Detroit – one for every month. Happy 2020, fellow Detroiters!
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: onlyinyourstate.com/nominate
The snowy weather is sure to stick around for a while, so make the most of January’s chilly temperatures by heading out for a tubing adventure with loved ones. Hawk Island features 100 acres of beautiful land to explore, but it comes to life with fun and excitement during the winter months by offering multiple tubing lanes. Rent a tube, take the conveyor belt back to the top, and round it all out with hot cocoa. What better way to spend a winter day? Find out more by clicking here.
Venture to Clinton Township for a romantic Valentine’s Day outing or a family adventure that will have your sweet tooth tingling with excitement. Whether you embark on a self-guided tour or call in advance to reserve a guided tour, you’ll appreciate the chance to check out the candy-making process. During guided tours, you’ll even round out the journey with a few free chocolate samples. What’s not to love? Learn more here.
March days can often be dreary, so why not lean into this sense of darkness with a fun and fascinating journey to Hell? That’s right: Hell, Michigan exists and it’s undeniably fun for those with a quirky sense of humor. Grab food and drinks at the Hell Saloon, snap a few photos throughout the area, or pick up a souvenir to commemorate your trip to Hell. There’s something for everyone. For more info, read our previous piece.
You know the old saying: April showers bring May flowers. The month of April is often rainy here in the Great Lakes State, so guarantee a good time by planning an indoor day trip. We recommend checking out the Monroe Farmers Market, a year-round wonderland that offers everything from handicrafts to fresh produce inside a converted streetcar freight depot. You’ll find it hard to leave empty-handed. Find out more here.
There’s no bad time to visit the Henry Ford and Greenfield Village, but we suggest dropping by during the spring when everything feels fresh, new, and full of promise. History buffs will appreciate the chance to stroll through exhibits highlighting everything from civil rights to the automotive industry, not to mention a real-time visit to the past at Greenfield Village. To learn more, click here.
When the sunny weather finally makes an appearance, there’s nothing more wonderful than heading outside for a day of waterpark fun. Red Oaks Waterpark is situated approximately 20 minutes by car from Detroit, making it an ideal spot to check out when you want to cool off with the whole family. From slides to dump-buckets to lounge chairs, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy. For details, read our previous feature piece.
Each year, Ann Arbor hosts hundreds of talented artists and craftspeople during the Ann Arbor Art Fair. This year will be no exception, with a variety of events, sidewalk sales, and demonstrations taking place from July 16th-19th in Metro Detroit’s most charming college city. Whether you’re hoping to shop, hone your creative skills, or simply do some people-watching, you’ll love the Art Fair. Details are available here.
Nothing says late summer like a day on the beach, and Metro Detroit offers plenty of options for those who want to lounge on the sand. We recommend spending your August days in beautiful Lexington, which offers gorgeous access to Lake Huron and a small-town atmosphere that’s impossible to dislike. Whether you stop by for a quick dip or take out your boat at Lexington State Harbor, you’ll have a blast. For further details about this lovely town, read our past piece here.
When September rolls around, many Detroiters are eager to head out for a healthy dose of traditional autumn activities. If you’re a fan of apple orchards and Instagram-worthy scenery, head to Blake‘s Orchard and Cider Mill for an unforgettable day with family or friends. Generations of Metro Detroit residents have appreciated all that Blake’s has to offer, from hard cider to u-pick apples to annual festivals. To learn more, click here.
Immerse yourself in the beauty of fall during a breathtaking foliage hike at Hudson Mills Metropark. Situated just minutes from the town of Dexter, which boasts plenty of its own fall attractions, Hudson Mills features ample opportunities for canoeing, birdwatching, and fishing. With serene forested trails and more than 1,500 acres to explore, the park will quickly be a new favorite. Find out more about the park and Dexter as a whole by clicking here.
Who says November is too early to start preparing for Christmas? If you’re a fan of the holidays, Frankenmuth makes for the ultimate day trip from Detroit. Be sure to start your day at Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, a 7.35-acre building that houses more holiday decor than you could ever imagine. Next, do some shopping downtown before rounding it all out with a meal at Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth. To learn more about Frankenmuth, read our previous article here.
Downtown Rochester comes to life each December with the Big, Bright Light Show, a stunning display of holiday lights that will take your breath away as soon as you arrive. The city’s entire downtown area is immersed in an endless array of twinkling lights in every hue imaginable, and you could easily spend hours perusing local shops and eateries. What better way to celebrate the many delights of December? Find out more by reading this piece.
Are there any other must-experience day trips in and around Detroit that we should have included on our list? Which of these ideas will be added to your itinerary for the year? Be sure to share your recommendations and ideas with us in the comment section below!
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