Are you a total sucker for history, natural beauty, and affordable adventures? Look no further - we have the perfect excursion for you. Whether you’re a lifelong Detroiter searching for a unique outing or a newcomer who’s ready to explore the area surrounding our beloved Motor City, this trolley ride will take you on an unforgettable journey. Prepare to be absolutely delighted.
Port Huron, Michigan sits approximately one hour by car from Detroit.
This charming town is tucked away along the shores of the breathtaking St. Clair River, which joins the United States with Canada via its iconic Blue Water Bridge.
When you’re ready to explore all that the Port Huron region (commonly referred to as the Blue Water Area) has to offer, you’ll want to hop aboard its unique trolley tour.
That’s right: the Blue Water Trolley offers fun-filled tours of the Blue Water Area and its many attractions. Trolley rides cost just ten cents, so this ride won’t break the bank.
Tours depart every hour between noon and 4 p.m. and last for approximately an hour. During your adventure, you’ll learn more about the region’s fascinating history.
Check out gorgeous views of the St. Clair River and the Blue Water Bridge itself, which has long stood as a fixture of the Port Huron community. Be sure to snap some photos.
Zip through downtown, hear tales about the Thomas Edison Statue & Depot and bask in the quaint riverfront atmosphere that surrounds you. What’s not to love?
Whether you’re a tourist in your own region or a newcomer to Metro Detroit, you’ll fall in love with the affordable fun offered aboard the brilliant Blue Water Trolley.
For additional information about the Blue Water Trolley tour experience and its unforgettable points of interest, click here.
Have you checked out this one-of-a-kind ride near Detroit in years past? Share your memories with us in the comments below! For another unique trolley ride in the Great Lakes State, click here to check out our previous piece.
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.
