2023 Oakland County Parks Metro Parks
City living offers conveniences and plenty of distractions but when it’s time to relax and get un-distracted, head to an Oakland County or Metropark. With plenty of water, woods and open space to enjoy, each one is a little slice of outdoor heaven. But what’s the difference between an Oakland County Park and a Metro Park? Three words – location, location, location. Each park system has incredible amenities but Oakland County Parks are just that – only in Oakland County. The Metropark system spans across five counties.
Oakland County has 14 parks that offer beaches, water parks and golf courses along with plenty of winter festivities like cross country skiing – all in Oakland County. There are parks and trails to hike and explore. Addison Oaks, Catalpa Oaks, Groveland Oaks, Highland Oaks, Independence Oaks, Lyon Oaks, Orion Oaks, Red Oaks, Rose Oaks, Springfield Oaks and Waterford Oaks each one with hundreds of acres of fun to be had.
Metroparks consists of 13 individual properties that encompass nearly 25,000 acres of woods and water and recreational facilities. With more than 7.3 million visitors annually, the Huron-Clinton Metroparks continues to shine as some of the nation’s best. This park system was created by the Public Acts of 1939 and is spread across five counties. Endless fun is on tap with everything from beaches, boat launches, camping, disc golf, fishing, golf, marina, nature centers and museums, playgrounds, splashpads, biking, boat rental, canoeing and kayaking, foot golf, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, picnicking, pool waterslides and even a farm center. Educational opportunities designed with fun learning in mind.
Each year events such as tapping maple trees and creating maple syrup, Easter Egg hunts, the annual rite of passage in seeing all the spring babies with sheep, goats and more during Fun on the Farm. The winter months are as busy as spring and summer with hayrides, nature discovery hikes, the Great Backyard Bird Count, Metropark after Dark with bonfires and a seasonal view of park activities, Spring and summer include watching staff get draft horses ready for action in the Harness and Hitch program, the Voyageur Canoe event lets you paddle through the North Marsh aboard a 34-foot voyageur canoe. Learn about the wetland habitat, while searching for animals that call the marsh home. Summer concerts are on tap with Symphony by the Shore and more for a creative outdoor musical experience. There’s also fireworks, Wildflower Walks, Water Aerobics and even outdoor movies to enjoy.
There is a cost for both park systems. The Metroparks have a day rate ($10 per vehicle) and an Annual Regular Vehicle pass staring at $40 that goes on sale around Christmas. Oakland County has an annual permit that starts at $30 and a day rate that begins at $5.
Oakland County parks offer as much as the Metroparks – just in Oakland County. From archery and hunting, biking, boating, canoeing and kayaking to cross country skiing, golf, disc golf, equestrian trails, fishing, geocaching, hiking, horseshoes, mountain and fat tire biking, picnicking areas (available for rent for social gatherings,) playgrounds, water parks and much more.
There’s plenty to do and no matter where you live in Southeast Michigan, there’s a Metropark or Oakland County park brimming with fun and adventure for the whole family just waiting to be discovered.