Drive on Over: 4 Great Spots for Nature Lovers Near Highland Park, MI

September 15, 2023 · 3 min read

Image via Pixabay.

If you and your tribe are nature lovers, pack your outdoor gear in a Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Hornet, or RAM 1500 TRX and go on an incredible adventure at the best outdoor spots near Highland Park, MI. Spend time exploring lush woodlands and meadows down miles of multi-use trails, fish, paddle, and boat, and enjoy scenic picnics surrounded by the tranquility of nature.

1. Palmer Park

The 281-acre Palmer Park at 910 Merrill Plaisance Street is one of the largest parks in Detroit. The expansive park covers scenic woodlands and meadows and offers various recreational areas and athletic fields.

Pack a picnic basket and follow the scenic tree-lined walkways through beautiful sections of the park. Explore Witherell Woods to listen to the songbirds and find a peaceful spot to enjoy an al fresco lunch under the trees or on the banks of Lake Francis.

2. Belle Isle Park

The beautiful Belle Isle Park at 99 Pleasure Drive in downtown Detroit stretches over a 987-acre island covered in breathtaking woodlands. Walk along meandering pathways through the woods past three picturesque lakes to watch the waterfowl, fish from the banks, and paddle on the lakes. Visit the beautiful Oudolf Garden and the historic Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory displaying an array of exotic plants.

3. Maybury State Park

Head 27 miles out of the city to Maybury State Park at 49601 Eight Mile Road in Northville to immerse yourself in nature at this 1,000-acre day-use park. Discover a serene paradise of tranquil meadows and wooded areas teeming with wildlife. Go hiking, biking, or horseback riding along miles of trails that meander through the lush forests and fields adorned with vibrant wildflowers.

Visit the park's operational farm, where you will witness traditional farming practices like sheep shearing, honey extraction, and grain harvesting as they were done between 1900 and 1930. Moreover, nature enthusiasts can join weekly educational programs organized by the park's knowledgeable naturalists.

4. Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area

The Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area at 7800 Gale Road in Waterford is a bit further afield but well worth the 31-mile drive to spend the day swimming and sunbathing on the longest beach in southeast Michigan. The enormous 3,745-acre Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area boasts just over half a mile of shoreline, loads of water activities, and miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails through marshes and lush forests where wildlife is abundant.

Rent watercraft and cruise over the lake. Challenge yourself on the 11-mile Pontiac Lake Mountain Bike Trail, one of the best in the USA and the most technical in the region. Hike down the two-mile Pontiac Lake Hiking Trail through hilly and rocky terrain to the lovely beach, or tackle the 17-mile Pontiac Lake-Equestrian Trail and stay at the rustic horse camp.

Escape from your busy life and take a well-deserved break in nature, enjoying plenty of recreational activities. Before you explore nature, swing by Bill Snethkamp Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram today and take a new 2023 SUV for a spin.

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Dec 06, 2024 in Detroit

Holidays are Here: Top 5 Winter Events in Highland Park, MI

Image via Bill Snethkamp CDJR. It's the most wonderful time of the year! Christmas in Highland Park is finally here and we cannot wait to join all of the festivities. This city is buzzing with holiday cheer and there are so many fun events planned in the area. Here is a list of some of the exciting celebrations planned for this year. more 1. Winter Wonderland Pop-Up Shop Don't miss out on the Winter Wonderland Pop-Up shop located on Woodward Avenue. With several dates throughout the month of December, you will have many chances for a festive shopping experience that also supports local artists. Feel the spirit of the holidays while shopping for the perfect presents for your loved ones. 2. Celtic Christmas by Motor City Irish Dance If you're looking for a truly unique holiday experience, check out the seventh annual Celtic dancing production hosted by Motor City Irish Dance at the Marygrove Conservancy on December 21, 2024. Experience traditional Irish dancing full of energy and grace choreographed to a mix of your favorite holiday tunes. Academic dancers and live musicians will be taking the stage and putting on the performance of the season. 3. Holiday Bead Party Stop by the Holiday Bead Party at Bath Savvy on December 8, 2024, in Ferndale, MI, for a fun activity for the whole family. Children are encouraged to attend with a parent or legal guardian present. Use holiday-themed beads to craft beautiful bracelets, necklaces, and more. This would be a wonderful chance to make a handmade gift for a crafts lover. 4. Holiday Book Festival Gather all of your book-loving family and friends and attend the 5th annual Holiday Book Festival hosted by Detroit City Book. The event will be taking place on December 7, 2024, at the Ernest T. Ford Field House on Pitkin St. Meet with local indie authors who will be offering book signings, and bring your children for a free holiday selfie with Santa Claus! They will also be providing snacks and hot chocolate, so be sure to stop by. 5. Warren Tree Lighting The event that everyone gets excited about is seeing all the lights and decorations that mark the season. This year, Warren's Annual Tree Lighting will be taking place on December 7, 2024, at Warren City Square in Warren, MI. Enjoy the parade and be sure to see Santa while you're there. Don't forget to hit the ice rink, hop on a wagon ride, and join the ornament giveaway! While you're partaking in the festivities, stop in and visit us at Bill Snethkamp CDJR in Highland Park, MI to browse our lineup of vehicles and find yourself a gift to enjoy this season.

A great amount of trees turning different colors in the Autumn

Oct 28, 2024 in Detroit

Upcoming Autumn Events around Detroit

Image via Bill Snethkamp CDJR. From Halloween to Thanksgiving to Christmas preparations, the Detroit area has all the Fall events your heart desires! more October 31 thru November 3 - YoumaCon Step into a world of Japanese Anime, Cosplay, manga, gaming, and pop culture at YoumaCon, a 4-day event that is celebrating 20 years! Amateur and pro convention goers alike will enjoy this immersive event. With 1 or 3-day passes, you decide how much fun you want to have, exclusively at the world-famous Huntington Place at 1 Washington Blvd. November 22 - Tree Lighting Festival Be a part of the 21st annual Tree Lighting Festival from 4pm - 9pm at Campus Martius Park. Along with the main event, be on the lookout for elite skating performances, talent from near and far on the main stage, and even an appearance by Santa. November 24 - Wild Lights Starting November 24th and spanning through the holiday season, come be dazzled by over 500 light displays and millions of twinkling lights. This event takes place at the Detroit Zoo. Be sure your phone is charged so you're ready to take pictures of an event you will want to remember, as you see the zoo like never before. For best access, park and enter at Gate 0 off Woodward Ave or Gate 1 off W. 10 Mile Rd. Now thru November 26 - Franklin Cider Mill Few experiences create autumn memories like that of visiting a cider mill. Come see the historic Franklin Cider Mill, in operation since 1837. From seeing the original water wheel in motion, to fresh donuts made before your eyes, to learning and watching the apple cider process, this experience is unmatched. Be sure to enjoy some fresh cider and donuts while you're on site! This wonderful experience awaits you at 7450 Franklin Road in Bloomfield Hills, MI. November 28 - Turkey Trot Complete your November and kick-off Thanksgiving Day at the Turkey Trot, a tradition for over 40 years. Join thousands of participants, many in costume, to run 1 mile, 5k, or 10k, or simply support the festivities from the sidelines. The 5k & 10k start downtown at Griswold and Fort Street, all Trots end at Atwater Street behind the world famous Huntington Place. Be ready for any conditions you encounter with a reliable, eye-catching vehicle from Bill Snethkamp Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, conveniently located in Highland Park, MI.

Dec 01, 2023 in Detroit

These Are The Best Burgers in Detroit, MI

Image via Pixabay. Detroit is one of the most exciting cities in Michigan, with plenty of things to do and see and some of the best food in the state. These top restaurants in Detroit, MI, serve mouthwatering burgers guaranteed to suit every taste. Your Jeep Cherokee is a roomy SUV perfect for taking the whole family to some of these delicious restaurants. more 1. Mercury Burger and Bar Visit Mercury Burger and Bar at 2163 Michigan Avenue for friendly service, huge juicy patties, thick shakes, and delicious crisp tater tots. Some must-savor menu items include Bleu Apple with applewood smoked bacon and a hearty service in bleu cheese and Southwest Detroit with chorizo, candied jalapeno, and creamy avocado. 2. Basement Burger Bar Basement Burger Bar, at 1326 Brush Street, is a lovely local favorite, perfect for a special family meal out. You'll feel like family when you step inside and enjoy delicious patties and sliders. There are also vegetarian options, like the Falafelicious slider with fresh tomatoes and hummus. The All-American Burger is an excellent bet, too, stacked high with lettuce, pickles, tomato, and American cheese, and the Tropical Burger is an inspired treat with grilled pineapple and Swiss cheese. Plus, you can pick your protein and choose from a wide variety of sides. 3. Royale With Cheese Stop by Royale With Cheese at 4163 Cass Avenue for incredible, classic patties stacked with all of your favorite toppings. There's plenty to love about this excellent Detroit favorite, but there are some top menu items undoubtedly worth sampling. The Royale Burger comes with mouthwatering house sauce, a perfectly grilled patty, and American cheese, and the Caprese Burger is a sophisticated treat with balsamic, fresh basil, and a generous serving of mozzarella cheese. 4. Cutters Bar & Grill Cutters Bar & Grill, at 2638 Orleans Street in Detroit's Eastern Market, is a true local find and a great place to get fresh, giant patties made to order and served with a smile. The Bacon Cheeseburger is a crowd-pleaser, topped with crisp strips of bacon and plenty of gooey cheese. Or you can get your patty stuffed with all sorts of great additions, like blue cheese and olives or mushrooms and creamy Swiss cheese. These top Detroit restaurants will definitely hit the spot if you're looking for a juicy, perfectly cooked patty on a toasted bun with all the toppings. From classic to more unique offerings, there's something on the menu for everyone in this fantastic city, but you'll need some good wheels to visit them all. Stop in to Bill Snethkamp Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and test drive one of our great models today.