Don’t let Detroit’s status as the largest city in Michigan keep you from appreciating its natural beauty. After all, our beloved Motor City is chock full of peaceful destinations, surrounding splendor, and plenty of outdoor gems. If you’re ready to experience natural wonders near Detroit, hop in the car and take this natural wonders road trip through Detroit and its neighboring communities.
Check out the adjustable Google Map of our route, which can be rearranged to suit your travel needs! Ready to go? Let’s do it!
Whether you’re stopping by in the heat of summer or visiting on a chilly winter afternoon, it’s almost impossible not to fall in love with the natural beauty of Lake St. Clair Metropark. This stunning destination along the shores of Lake St. Clair itself features 770 stunning acres and offers everything from hiking trails to boating space to cross-country skiing. The whole family will be enamored.
Take a walk around Lake St. Clair Metropark so you can see some of the fun things to do at this lovely park near Detroit:
It’s no secret that Belle Isle is one of the most beloved and beautiful places to spend time in Detroit, but did you know that there’s a marvelous lagoon trail within this spectacular island park? This lovely loop trail comprises just over two miles and leads walkers past Blue Heron Lagoon, a pretty inland lake that often flies under the radar. During your journey, you’ll also appreciate beautiful Detroit River views and the impressive William Livingstone Memorial Lighthouse, which dates back to 1930.
3. Milliken State Park and Harbor
Milliken State Park Lighthouse, 42°19'57.0"N 83°01'28.8"W, Atwater St, Detroit, MI 48207, USA
One of Detroit’s most unique features is its state park right here within city limits: Milliken State Park and Harbor. In fact, this riverfront locale is the first urban state park in all of Michigan, which only adds to its charm. Check out a 63-foot light tower, watch boats make their way down the Detroit River, appreciate greenery and garden space during warmer months, or settle in for a picnic lunch. What’s not to love?
Enjoy this footage showing a fly-over of Milliken State Park and Harbor with sunset views of the lighthouse and harbor:
4. Eliza Howell Park
Eliza Howell Park, 23751 Fenkell Ave, Detroit, MI 48223, USA
If you’re looking for a dash of peace and quiet without venturing too far from the heart of Detroit, Eliza Howell Park is a perfect destination. The park is a real treasure of Northwest Detroit, offering 250 sprawling acres and two miles of hiking paths that wind through towering trees, prairie land, and even a few wildflower patches. You might even spot a few unique bird species as you explore the park with the family in tow.
While Ann Arbor is slightly outside the immediate Metro Detroit area, we think it’s well worth an hour-long drive from the city. Upon arriving, you’ll find yourself happily overwhelmed by a real natural wonderland and some of the most amazing scenery in all of Michigan. Known by locals and the University of Michigan students as "the Arb," this 123-acre space offers Huron River access, lush gardens, wooded hiking trails, greenery galore, and rich beauty in every season. You might never want to head home.
6. Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge
Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge Humbug Marsh Unit, Trenton, MI 48183, USA
Despite its many impressive features, the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge remains something of a spectacular hidden treasure among Motor City residents and those who live nearby. This 5,868-acre space is jointly managed by the United States and Canada and boasts the title of North America’s only international wildlife refuge. Accessible via Grosse Ile, the refuge offers three primary public use sections: Gibraltar Bay, the Strong Unit, and the Fix Unit. From birdwatching to fishing to meandering through the lush landscape, there’s so much to appreciate when you make the journey to this utterly original outdoor locale.
Let's do a fly-over of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge in this video showing a bird's-eye view of the area:
So, there you have it: a natural wonders road trip through Detroit that leads to some of the area’s most marvelous attractions. With so many natural wonders near Detroit, there is plenty to enjoy any time of year. Have you visited any of these beautiful places near Detroit during previous outings with loved ones? Which of your favorites made (or didn’t make) our list? Share your thoughts with us by leaving a comment or recommend another natural wonder in Metro Detroit by filling out our nomination form.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
More to Explore
More things to see on Detroit road trips
Chris Muras|February 06, 2023
Are there natural wonders near Detroit, MI?
Yes, there are a number of natural wonders near Detroit for us to enjoy. Here are a few natural wonders near Detroit, MI to explore and find some peace and quiet outside of the city:
Blue Heron Lagoon, Belle Isle, Detroit, MI: This island park is a scenic refuge away from the big city. With plenty of walking trails that lead around Blue Heron Lagoon and views of the Detroit River.
Nichols Arboretum, Ann Arbor, MI: This lovely arboretum nicknamed "The Arb" by locals, it's a scenic spot to enjoy nature, wildflowers, and blooming spring fruit trees. Floating down the Huron River is also a fun activity in the warmer months.
Sterling State Park, Monroe, MI: South of Detroit you'll find Sterling State Park off of the shores of Lake Erie. With 1,300 acres of land to explore and a mile of beachfront land to enjoy this park is a great place to hike, camp, and swim.
The Detroit River: Right through the heart of Detroit winds this scenic river, giving residents plenty of fun activities to enjoy along the banks. From picnics along the shore to walking along the river, and even boat watching from Milliken State Park, the river is an enjoyable element of nature right in our biggest city.
Erie Marsh, Monroe, MI: One of the largest marshes along Lake Erie, this is a wonderful habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife that makes our wetlands their home. A birdwatching paradise and a quiet place to enjoy wildflowers and wildlife of all kinds, this hidden gem can be found right near Detroit.
