Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Canton, Michigan and Oak Park, Michigan

Canton, Michigan, and Oak Park, Michigan, are two neighboring cities that offer the perfect starting point for a road trip. The trip includes must-see destinations such as Ann Arbor, Detroit, and Grand Rapids. Novi, MI, will serve as the halfway point of the 234-mile trip.

Explore the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor

The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor offers visitors a chance to explore one of the most prestigious universities globally and its beautiful campus. Visitors can take a guided tour of the campus and learn about its history and traditions. It is an excellent destination for students looking to study at the university, especially for its prestigious Ross School of Business and its Law School. The university also has a world-renowned medical center for medical students.

Interesting fact: The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor has one of the largest alumni networks globally, with more than a half-million alumni worldwide.

Visit the Detroit Institute of Arts

The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) is a must-see destination for art lovers. It is one of the most significant art museums in the country, with a vast collection of more than 65,000 works of art from different cultures and continents. Visitors can appreciate art from ancient times, such as Egyptian artifacts, to contemporary art. The museum also offers guided tours for families and individuals that want to learn more about the artworks.

Interesting fact: The Detroit Institute of Arts has the original Diego Rivera murals, a series of frescoes painted in the early 1930s by the Mexican artist.

Experience the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation

The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation is one of the most popular destinations in Michigan. It has an extensive collection of objects representing the evolution of American innovation, from agriculture to manufacturing, transportation, and technology. Visitors can explore the artifacts and exhibits that illustrate how American thinkers, inventors, and innovators changed the world. It is an incredible destination for families, individuals, and students interested in science, history, or technology.

Interesting fact: The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation has the "Quadricycle," Henry Ford's first automobile, built-in 1896.

Shop at the Grand Rapids Downtown Market

The Grand Rapids Downtown Market is a bustling market that offers a wide variety of fresh and locally sourced foods. It features more than 20 vendors, from butchers to bakers and everything in between. Visitors can shop for local produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and many other food items. The market also has several eateries that offer delicious meals using farm-fresh ingredients.

Interesting fact: The Grand Rapids Downtown Market is the only LEED-certified market in the country, meaning it meets numerous environmental and sustainability standards.

Explore the John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids

The John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids is a wonderful destination to experience and learn about a variety of animals, from the Asian Small-Clawed Otter to the Zimbabwean Red Duiker. Visitors can visit the zoo and see the various exhibits, including the Treasures of the Tropics, the Van Andel Living Shores, and the African Savannah. Also, the zoo has several conservation programs that educate visitors about endangered species and how to protect them.

Interesting fact: The John Ball Zoo has three species that are not found in any other zoo in Michigan - Amur Tigers, Red Pandas, and Snow Leopards.

As far as the trip goes, one can expect a fascinating experience. The trip is approximately four hours long, covering scenic and historic landmarks. It is a perfect option for families, couples, and students looking for some enriching and informative experiences.

In conclusion, Canton, Michigan, and Oak Park, Michigan, are perfect starting points for a road trip, with Ann Arbor, Detroit, and Grand Rapids waiting for visitors to explore. Whether it’s art, nature, history, technology, or food, this trip offers the best mix of everything Michigan has to offer.