Best Places to See When Driving From Auburn Hills to Southfield

Are you planning a road trip from Auburn Hills to Southfield in Michigan anytime soon? Michigan has a lot to offer, from scenic beauty, museums, to historic attractions. We have compiled a list of must-visit destinations along the way that attracts road trippers from all over the world. Here are some of the top places to see when driving from Auburn Hills to Southfield.

1. Detroit Zoo

Start the road trip by visiting the Detroit Zoo. It is a 20-minute drive from Auburn Hills. The Zoo offers a variety of habitats for animals and bird species. It is home to over 5,000 animals spanning across 280 acres of land. Famous highlights of the zoo include the Arctic Ring of Life, the Giraffe Encounter, and the Australian Outback Adventure. An added bonus is that the zoo also has a vast botanical garden.

2. Cranbrook Shopping and School Complex

Less than a mile away from Detroit Zoo is the Cranbrook Educational Community. It is a masterpiece of the renowned architect Eliel Saarinen. The community is built on 319 acres and is home to Cranbrook Academy of Art, Cranbrook Art Museum, Cranbrook Institute of Science and Cranbrook Schools. The school complex includes educational facilities ranging from elementary to high school and even college. The Cranbrook museum is an additional attraction that showcases the works of Saarinen and other local artists.

3. Royal Oak Music Theatre

What is a trip without some good music? Located in Royal Oak, the Royal Oak Music Theatre is famous for its acoustics and architecture. The theatre hosts a range of concerts and events throughout the year, and it's worth a visit even if there are no shows scheduled during your visit. The interior of the theater is captivating, with stained glass, murals, grand staircases, and a spacious ballroom.

4. Franklin Cider Mill

Franklin Cider Mill is an old-fashioned cider mill located in Bloomfield Hills. It is 15 minutes away from Royal Oak Music Theater and perfect for those looking for some rustic charm to their road trip. They specialize in producing hand-crafted apple cider and donuts. The mill takes orders for apple pies, apple cider, caramel apples, and homemade applesauce. Beware, the cider and donuts are so delicious that you might forget you're on a road trip after the visit here.

5. Heritage Park

When you finally reach Southfield, make a stop at Heritage Park. The park offers a wide array of activities from walking trails and baseball fields to picnic areas and playgrounds. The petting farm, tee-ball fields, and nature center are perfect for families. The park is also home to one of the most massive water playgrounds in Michigan, a must-visit for kids. The park's nature center holds several educational programs for children about water, forestry, and aquatic life.

Conclusion

Michigan has a wide variety of attractions that caters to people of all ages. This list does not even begin to scratch the surface of all the treasures that you can find during this road trip, but it's a good taste of what Michigan can offer. From quaint cider mills, art museums to nature parks, there is something for everyone on this road trip. So, pack your bags, gas up your car, and get ready to explore Michigan and its beautiful destinations along the way.