9 Out Of This World Summer Day Trips To Take From Detroit
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Sophie Boudreau
Author
There’s still plenty of summertime left to appreciate here in the Motor City, whether you’re a fan of beachfront excursions, outdoor dining, or forested hikes. While there’s plenty of fun to be found within Detroit’s city limits, we’re suckers for a good day trip – and there’s no better way to soak up the season than embarking on an outing with the family in tow. Here are nine must-experience day trips that belong on your Metro Detroit summer bucket list.
Detroit Zoo, 8450 W 10 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48067, USA
Head to nearby Royal Oak for a day full of wild fun and bonding time. The Detroit Zoo is a true Metro Detroit icon, offering excitement and exploration for families since its initial location opened in 1883. Today, the zoo offers 125 gorgeous acres and upwards of 2,000 fascinating animals to admire. Favorite locales within the zoo include the Polk Penguin Conservation Center and an Australian Outback area.
Lexington, MI 48450, USA
During the summer months, there’s nothing better than visiting a charming beach town, and Lexington certainly delivers. This quaint village along the shores of Lake Huron is home to a full-time population of under 2,000 residents and much more, including Lexington State Harbor. During your visit, you’ll appreciate picturesque views, strolling space along the pier, and a sweet downtown area offering shopping and dining.
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TreeRunner Adventure Park West Bloomfield, 6200 Drake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, MI 48322, USA
Are you ready to explore the great outdoors and embark on a summertime adventure unlike any other? TreeRunner Adventure Park offers visitors the chance to have fun high above the ground and make memories among the treetops. With its aerial ropes course and forested beauty, there’s so much to appreciate here. Just be sure to show up with your bravery intact!
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Port Huron, MI, USA
Venture north from Detroit to Port Huron, an underrated city along the St. Clair River with a fascinating history and loads of unique attractions. We recommend checking out the Blue Water Bridge on a warm summer day, where you’ll enjoy breezes off the river, views of impressive freighters, and plenty of space to stretch your legs. Round it all out with dinner at Freighters Eatery & Taproom, an adjacent eatery.
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20900 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn, MI 48124, USA
You might have visited this exciting spot during a school field trip during your younger years, but we promise it offers just as many delights for grownups. Greenfield Village is worth a day trip in itself - this living history museum will sweep you on a journey back in time with everything from costumed actors to real Model Ts to 19th century shops and buildings. If that weren’t enough, the Henry Ford is simply overflowing with memorabilia and educational exhibits that will keep the entire family entertained.
Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N Dixboro Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
When temperatures are warm, there’s something utterly magical about unwinding under a canopy of trees and basking in a seemingly endless swath of flora and fauna. Ann Arbor’s Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum is nothing short of spectacular when nature beckons, offering over three miles of trails, access to the Huron River, and a sense of serenity that’s tough to beat. There’s no better place to reconnect with the great outdoors while enjoying an escape from city life.
Frankenmuth, MI, USA
Want to vacation in Europe without hopping on a plane or breaking the bank? Frankenmuth has you covered. Conveniently located just 90 minutes from Detroit by car, this charming town features Bavarian-inspired architecture, a massive Christmas store where you can embrace the holiday season year-round, and some of the tastiest chicken dinners imaginable. Our description only scratches the surface, so you’ll have to spend the day in Frankenmuth to uncover its beauty for yourself.
1455 E Thirteen Mile Rd, Madison Heights, MI 48071, USA
We would be remiss to leave a waterpark off our list of summertime day trips in Metro Detroit, so be sure to check out Red Oaks before the season ends. Through the end of August, this impressive park offers fun in the sun between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., whether you’re a water fanatic or more of a poolside relaxer. From a wave pool to waterslides to a splash pad for younger guests, there’s endless fun to be found at Red Oaks.
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Bay City, MI, USA
If you can’t get enough of our area’s underrated towns, consider Bay City for your next summer day trip. While it might have flown under your radar during previous outings, the town offers plenty to love, from antique shops to a naval ship museum to a picturesque pier along the Saginaw River. By the time you’re through exploring this spot, you’ll see why it’s considered a hidden gem.
Have you and your loved ones checked out any of these awesome Detroit day trips before? Did we leave any of your favorites off the list? We’d love to hear from you, so drop us a line in the Facebook comments or recommend another fantastic adventure within driving distance of Detroit by filling out our official nomination form here.
Not in the mood to leave the city limits? Be sure to read about this pretty beach right in Detroit.
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