12 Unforgettable Metro Detroit Day Trips, One For Each Month Of The Year
No matter what the season, there’s never a bad time to start planning your next great day trip here in Metro Detroit. Whether it’s the brink of a new year, the middle of summer, or something in between, there’s always a calendar full of possibilities just waiting to be fulfilled. As you start preparing for your next great outing with the entire family, you’ll undoubtedly want to check out some of the best day trips in Detroit and its surrounding communities. Luckily for you, we’ve compiled a list of great options — with one day trip for every month of the year. There are so many wonderful things to do in Detroit, so prepare to have a blast.
1. January: Hawk Island Park
Hawk Island Park, 1601 E Cavanaugh Rd, Lansing, MI 48910, USA
The snowy weather always manages to stick around a bit longer than we expect, so make the most of January’s chilly temperatures by heading out for a tubing adventure with loved ones. Hawk Island Park features 100 lovelyacres 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 a soothing cup of hot cocoa. What better way to spend a winter day? Find out more about Hawk Island Park in our previous article.
2. February: Sanders Chocolate Factory Tour
Sanders Chocolate & Ice Cream Shoppe - Clinton Township (Sanders Candy), 23770 Hall Rd, Clinton Twp, MI 48036, USA
When February rolls around, 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. We really can't imagine a more wonderful way to spend the day. Learn more about this chocolate tour in our previous article.
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 tasty food and refreshing drinks at the Hell Saloon, snap a few silly photos throughout the area, or pick up a souvenir to commemorate your trip to Hell. There’s truly something in Hell for everyone. For more info on the town of Hell, check out our previous piece.
4. April: Monroe Farmers Market
Monroe Farmers Market, 20 E Willow St, Monroe, MI 48162, USA
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 unforgettable 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 when you make your way to this marvelous market. Find out more about this Detroit farmers market in our previous article.
There’s certainly no bad time to visit the Henry Ford and Greenfield Village, but we highly suggest dropping by during the spring when everything feels fresh, new, and full of promise. History buffs will appreciate the chance to stroll through impressive exhibits highlighting everything from civil rights to the iconic automotive industry, not to mention a real-time visit to the past within Greenfield Village. To learn more, read our previous article.
6. June: Red Oaks Waterpark
Red Oaks Waterpark, 1455 E Thirteen Mile Rd, Madison Heights, MI 48071, USA
When the sunny weather finally makes an appearance here in Metro Detroit, there’s really 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 relaxing lounge chairs, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy. For details, read our previous feature.
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 in mid-July in Metro Detroit’s most charming college town. Whether you’re hoping to shop, hone your creative skills, or simply do some truly awesome people-watching, you’ll love the Art Fair and everything it brings to the area. Details are available on the fair's website.
Nothing says late summer like a day on the beach, and Metro Detroit offers plenty of pretty options for those who want to lounge atop 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 waterfront town, read our past piece.
9. September: Blake’s Orchard and Cider Mill
Blake's Orchard & Cider Mill, 17985 Armada Center Rd, Armada, MI 48005, USA
When September rolls around, many Detroiters are eager to head out for a healthy dose of traditional autumn activities with the kids in tow. If you’re a fan of apple orchards and Instagram-worthy scenery, head to Blake‘s Orchard and Cider Mill in Armada 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, visit the Blake's Orchard website.
10. October: Hudson Mills Metropark
Hudson Mills Metropark, 8801 N Territorial Rd, Dexter, MI 48130, USA
Immerse yourself in the beauty of fall during a breathtaking foliage hike at Hudson Mills Metropark. Situated just minutes from the picturesque town of Dexter, which boasts plenty of its own fall attractions, Hudson Mills features ample opportunities for canoeing, birdwatching, fishing, and more. With serene forested trails and more than 1,500 acres to explore, the park will quickly be a new family favorite. Find out more about the park and Dexter as a whole by reading our previous feature article.
Who says November is too early to start preparing for the Christmas season? 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.
12. December: Rochester's Big, Bright Light Show (Downtown Rochester)
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 or checking out the Downtown Rochester website for annual event details.
So, there you have it: some of the best day trips in Detroit and Metro Detroit. Are there any other awesome family activities in Detroit that we should have included on our list? Which of these ideas will be added to your itinerary for the next twelve months? Be sure to share your top recommendations and ideas with us by leaving a Facebook comment or filling out our official nomination form.
Address: Hudson Mills Metropark, 8801 N Territorial Rd, Dexter, MI 48130, USA
Address: Blake's Orchard & Cider Mill, 17985 Armada Center Rd, Armada, MI 48005, USA
Address: Lexington, MI 48450, USA
Address: Ann Arbor, MI, USA
Address: Red Oaks Waterpark, 1455 E Thirteen Mile Rd, Madison Heights, MI 48071, USA
Address: Greenfield Village, Dearborn, MI 48124, USA
Address: Hell, MI 48169, USA
Address: Sanders Chocolate & Ice Cream Shoppe - Clinton Township (Sanders Candy), 23770 Hall Rd, Clinton Twp, MI 48036, USA
Address: Hawk Island Park, 1601 E Cavanaugh Rd, Lansing, MI 48910, USA
Address: Monroe Farmers Market, 20 E Willow St, Monroe, MI 48162, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Day Trips In Detroit
March 23, 2022
Sophie Boudreau
What are the best outdoor day trips in Detroit?
While the article above covers some of the best things to do in Detroit, it’s not exclusively focused on natural attractions. If you’re keen on day trips centered around the great outdoors, we’ve got you covered. Our list of natural wonders in Detroit and Metro Detroit features everything from a unique international wildlife refuge to beaches around Detroit that will have you feeling more relaxed in no time. By the time you’ve checked out all these awesome spots, you’ll be nothing short of an expert regarding Metro Detroit’s natural splendor.
Are there any other family-friendly activities in Detroit?
If you’ve got kids, you know that it can be tough to keep the whole family entertained while exploring Metro Detroit. Luckily, we’ve done some of the guesswork for you by compiling a list of family-friendly hikes in Detroit and the communities in its immediate vicinity. Not sure if your children are up for a day in the great outdoors? Never fear: here are some of the best free museums in Detroit, all of which offer a winning combination of fun and education.
Are there any charming small towns near Detroit?
If you’re still not satisfied by our day trip offerings, check out some of the best small towns near Detroit. After all, if you choose to explore an entire community without making pinpointed plans, you’ll leave plenty of space to discover your own hidden gems. Our list includes everything from the waterfront town of Lexington to the history-rich community of Milford, so you’ll never run out of fun charm in Metro Detroit. Happy adventuring, Detroiters!
Address: Frankenmuth, MI, USA
Address: Hudson Mills Metropark, 8801 N Territorial Rd, Dexter, MI 48130, USA
Address: Blake's Orchard & Cider Mill, 17985 Armada Center Rd, Armada, MI 48005, USA
Address: Lexington, MI 48450, USA
Address: Ann Arbor, MI, USA
Address: Red Oaks Waterpark, 1455 E Thirteen Mile Rd, Madison Heights, MI 48071, USA
Address: Greenfield Village, Dearborn, MI 48124, USA
Address: Hell, MI 48169, USA
Address: Sanders Chocolate & Ice Cream Shoppe - Clinton Township (Sanders Candy), 23770 Hall Rd, Clinton Twp, MI 48036, USA
Address: Hawk Island Park, 1601 E Cavanaugh Rd, Lansing, MI 48910, USA
Address: Monroe Farmers Market, 20 E Willow St, Monroe, MI 48162, USA
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