Situated just north of Detroit in Oakland County, Troy is a prosperous suburb located in the heart of Metro Detroit. With over 84,000 residents, it’s the largest city in the county and the 11th largest city in Michigan overall. From outdoor recreation to cultural attractions, Troy offers fantastic experiences for visitors and locals alike.
Explore the top exciting things to do in Troy City Michigan including historic villages, Detroit Zoo exhibits, and more. Please join Let’s save Michigan to learn more through this article.
1. Stroll Through Troy Historic Village
- Address: 60 W Wattles Rd, Troy, MI 48098
The Troy Historic Village is a captivating collection of 11 historic buildings where the past of Troy, Michigan comes alive. Visitors can travel back to the 1800s, experiencing a one-room schoolhouse, or learn traditional trades in the Blacksmith shop. Established from the 1927 Township Hall initiative, the Village now includes the relocated 1832 Caswell House and 1877 Poppleton School, amongst other historic edifices. With engaging storytelling by the Troy Historical Society, these structures stand as a beacon of local heritage.
Located at 60 W. Wattles Road, the Village is easily accessible and open Monday to Friday, from 10 am to 3 pm, with special weekend events. General admission is $7 for adults and $5 for seniors and children, with free entry for kids under 5 and society members. Closed on major holidays, the Village invites guests to step into the past and explore Troy’s history through interactive experiences and educational programs.
2. See Special Animals at Stage Nature Center
Address: 6685 Coolidge Hwy, Troy, MI 48098
Stage Nature Center is a hidden gem with wooded nature trails and an exhibit hall housing live native Michigan animals. Meet turtles, snakes, owls, hawks and more up close!
There’s also an enclosed observation bee hive. It’s great for families and kids to learn about local wildlife. Naturalists offer educational programs too like bird banding demos.
3. Explore Indian Village
One of Detroit’s most exclusive neighborhoods, the Indian Village historic district features grand mansions and architectural wonders.
Take a driving tour or stroll past homes on Iroquois Avenue to admire imposing colonnaded houses, turreted roofs, leaded glass windows and other features. Grab a latte afterwards in the quaint village shops nearby.
4. Tour the Niles-Barnard House
Built in 1835, the historic Greek Revival Niles-Barnard House has been impeccably restored and filled with period decor. Take a guided tour to admire the fine architecture and antique furnishings. The home demonstrates early Detroit-area living and Troy’s role in the Underground Railroad.
5. Stroll Along the River at Troy Riverwalk
Get fresh air along the scenic Troy Riverwalk, which spans 2 miles along the wooded banks of the Rouge River.
Walk or bike the paved trail, cross pedestrian bridges, toss bread to the ducks, or do some fishing for trout, bass and pike. Interpretive signs describe the river ecosystem. Entry points located along Livernois Rd.
6. Shop and Dine in Troy’s Trendy Districts
For an infusion of boutique shopping, dining and culture, head to Troy’s Somerset Collection or The Boulevard. Somerset has luxury department stores like Nordstrom plus chic shops like Anthropologie.
The Boulevard’s pedestrian area lined with patio cafes and unique retailers creates a lively scene. Top picks for meals include Basement Burger Bar and Toast.
7. Pedal Around Boulan Park
Address: 1898 Boulan Dr, Troy, MI 48084
Boulan Park encompasses over 180 acres including nature areas, wetlands, 3 lakes, and nearly 5 miles of paved trails ideal for biking.
Pedal around scenic ponds, over wooden bridges, past towering oaks and through pretty gardens. There’s also playgrounds, athletic fields, picnic shelters and restrooms available.
8. Tee Off at Troy’s Top Golf Courses
With rolling terrain carved out by glaciers, Troy boasts some of Michigan’s finest golf courses. Top picks like the Links of Novi and Pine Knob offer challenging play amidst wooded hills, streams, and ponds. For beginners, Glen Oaks is more forgiving.
Most courses have pro shops, restaurants, and practice areas. Tee times fill up early.
9. Go for a Jog on the Clinton River Trail
The Clinton River Trail offers nearly 16 miles of paved trail following the river through Troy and other northern suburbs. Jog, walk, bike or inline skate along the path leisurely winding through scenic wetlands, woods, and residential areas.
Convenient parking lots allow you to hop on and off the trail. It’s great exercise surrounded by nature.
10. Tour Meadow Brook Hall
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Meadow Brook Hall is a grand Tudor revival mansion built in the 1920s that once belonged to the Dodge and Wilson families.
Take a guided tour to see the intricately carved wood paneling, leaded windows, tapestries, and more architectural and design details of this historic home.
11. Catch a Show at Meadow Brook Theatre
Adjacent to Meadow Brook Hall lies the Meadow Brook Theatre, one of Michigan’s leading professional theatrical companies.
Enjoy entertaining musicals, dramas and comedies in an intimate theater-in-the-round auditorium. The outdoor meadow is perfect for picnic dinners before summer shows too.
12. Experience Detroit Zoo’s Arctic Ring of Life
Address: 8450 W 10 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48067
At the renowned Detroit Zoo, the Arctic Ring of Life exhibit has grizzly bears, grey wolves, polar bears and seals in habitats simulating tundra and sea ice.
Walk through an acrylic tunnel with polar bears swimming above and around you. Feed lettuce to curious reindeer. The Detroit Zoo offers an amazing opportunity to see arctic wildlife.
13. Catch a Detroit Tigers Game
Take me out to the ball game at Comerica Park to cheer on the beloved Detroit Tigers. Enjoy the exciting atmosphere and watch MLB stars compete up close from great seats.
Get tickets ahead of time for rivalry matchups against the White Sox, Indians, Twins or Royals. Don’t forget to indulge in classic ballpark snacks too!
14. Shop Until You Drop at Oakland Mall
Address: 412 W 14 Mile Rd, Troy, MI 48083
Oakland Mall offers major department stores like Macy’s and JCPenney along with attractions like LEGOLAND and Sea Life Michigan Aquarium.
There’s also a large food court and over 100 other retailers, making it easy to find anything you need in one place. It’s the ultimate destination for shopping in Troy.
15. Ride Go Karts at Adrenaline Zone
Zoom around twisty tracks reaching speeds up to 45 mph at Adrenaline Zone’s go kart races! They offer arrive and drive races for all ages and skill levels so everyone can join in the fun.
It’s an exciting experience as you battle opponents to take the checkered flag. Game rooms and mini golf are on site too.
16. Paddle a Kayak Down the Clinton River
For a unique perspective paddling through nature, rent a kayak or canoe from River Sports in Troy. Glide along the scenic Clinton River spotting turtles, herons, ducks, and other wildlife.
The 6 mile route from Yates Park to Riverside Park takes about 3 hours. No experience needed since it’s mostly flatwater.
17. Tour a Frank Lloyd Wright Home
Address: 951 Chicago Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302
Metro Detroit has the largest concentration of Frank Lloyd Wright homes in the world. Oak Park offers excellent examples like the Affleck House with its textile block design and Wright’s childhood home.
Guided tours provide a fascinating look at the architecture and innovations of this iconic American architect.
18. Experience the Great Lakes Crossing Outlets
Address: 4000 Baldwin Rd, Auburn Hills, MI 48326
Great Lakes Crossing Outlets located north of Troy offers savings at stores like Nike, Under Armour, Calvin Klein, Coach and more.
There’s also restaurants, entertainment like Dave & Buster’s, and SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium. You’ll find big brands at low outlet prices, making it a shopper’s paradise.
19. Play a Round at Fieldstone Golf Club
Fieldstone Golf Club is one of the most acclaimed public courses in Michigan. The 18-hole championship layout sprawls across rolling terrain with elevation changes, undulating greens, and holes strategically routed along natural wetlands and woodlands. After your round, enjoy stellar views of the course from the tavern-style restaurant.
20. Visit the diverse Troy Museum – Things To Do in Troy City Michigan
With exhibits spanning art, history and science, the Troy Museum always has engaging displays to explore.
See a replica Sopwith Camel WWI biplane you can climb into, details about the city’s founding, and rotating art shows. Family science programs like Lego Robotics happen regularly too. The museum brings Troy’s unique stories to life.
So there you have it – the top 20 fun things to do in Troy, Michigan! With vibrant shopping districts, historic villages, recreation hotspots, and cultural attractions, Troy truly has something for everyone.
I hope this guide gives you lots of ideas for creating lasting memories during your next Troy visit.
