Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Brighton, Michigan and Birmingham, Michigan

Brighton, Michigan and Birmingham, Michigan, are two lovely cities in the southeastern part of the state with plenty of things to do. For those who like to hit the road, these two cities offer a fantastic starting point for an epic journey. The road trip covers over 80 miles, and the halfway point is located in Novi, MI. Here are some of the best things to do on a road trip that covers Brighton, Michigan, and Birmingham, Michigan.

Explore the Art and Beauty at Cranbrook House and Gardens

Cranbrook House and Gardens offers one of the most beautiful garden-park with over 40 acres of gardens, forests, and lakes. The park is home to the Cranbrook House and the Art Museum with some of the best pieces of Arts in the country. A visit to Cranbrook House and Gardens is an opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy beautiful scenery.

Fun Fact: The Cranbrook House and Garden host an annual event known as the "Taste of Bloomfield," a delicious event where attendees sample food from more than 20 of the finest restaurants in the Bloomfield area.

Shop and Dine at Somerset Collection

The Somerset collection is an upscale shopping mall located in Troy, Michigan. The mall offers luxury stores like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Neiman Marcus. A visit to Somerset Collection is an excellent opportunity for those who love to shop. It is also a great place to find a wide selection of restaurants and cafes to enjoy meals.

Fun Fact: The Somerset Collection made the Top 25 Most Visited Shopping Malls in America List.

Get close to the Nature at Proud Lake State Recreation Area

The Proud Lake State Recreation Area is a beautiful state park located approximately 10 miles west of Brighton, Michigan. The park is situated along the Huron River and boasts over 4,700 acres of nature trails, cabins, fishing, and cross-country skiing opportunities. The park features artificial lakes, sandy beaches, and woods. A visit to the Proud Lake State Recreation Area is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

Fun Fact: In the 1800s, the Proud Lake State Recreation Area was home to a Silica mine that later closed in 1922.

Learn about Cars at the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation

The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation is an excellent place to learn and explore the history of American development. The museum showcases famous inventions and technological advancements throughout American history. The museum is also home to the famous Ford Rouge Factory tour, which gives visitors a behind-the-scenes look at how the most iconic car in America gets made.

Fun Fact: The Ford Rouge Factory Tour, a 90-minute walking tour of the Ford Motor Company's Rouge complex, began operating in 1988.

Visit the Detroit Zoo

The Detroit Zoo is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the state, located in Royal Oak, Michigan. The zoo is home to over 2,000 animals from 300 different species. The zoo provides a fun-filled day for all ages with activities such as the Wild Adventure Ride, the Zoo Simulator, and the Tauber Family Railroad.

Fun Fact: The Detroit Zoo opened on August 1, 1928, with just two bears and about 1,800 visitors that day.

In conclusion, the road trip that starts from Brighton, Michigan, and Birmingham, Michigan, to the above-mentioned locations is undoubtedly worth the time. It takes about 1 hour and 35 minutes to get from Brighton to the Detroit Zoo via I-96 West, I-696 West, and I-75 South. From there, visitors can take a few days to explore each location. This day trip is perfect for families, friends, and couples who want to have a unique and memorable experience.