Shelby MichiganATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Shelby, Michigan.
1. Stony Creek Metropark
NATURE'S PERFECT PLAYGROUND
Stony Creek Metropark offers visitors a magical 4,000-acre outdoor paradise complete with a 500-acre lake and stunning natural landscapes. Families can enjoy numerous recreational activities including swimming, boating, hiking, and wildlife viewing throughout the year. The park is particularly enchanting during spring when the natural beauty is at its peak, making it a favorite destination for both locals and tourists alike.
2. Packard Proving Grounds
HISTORIC AUTOMOTIVE HERITAGE
The Packard Proving Grounds is a magnificent 17-acre historic site listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Visitors can explore the rustic, vintage buildings designed by renowned architect Albert Kahn for the Packard Motor Car Company, dating back to 1928. This automotive heritage gem offers a fascinating glimpse into Michigan's influential role in America's automotive history.
3. Holland Ponds
SERENE WETLAND ESCAPE
Holland Ponds presents a tranquil nature and wildlife area featuring two distinct trails that wind around picturesque wetlands. Nature enthusiasts can observe diverse flora and fauna while enjoying peaceful walks through this well-preserved natural habitat. The small parking area just north of 22 Mile Road provides convenient access for visitors looking to immerse themselves in this serene setting.
4. Brooks Brewing
CRAFT BEER PARADISE
Brooks Brewing welcomes visitors with a beautiful, spacious venue known for its friendly atmosphere and exceptional craft beers. Beer connoisseurs can sample unique offerings, including the specialty 'nitro' style brews that have become a local favorite. The brewery's inviting environment makes it a perfect spot for both casual gatherings and those seeking to explore Michigan's thriving craft beer scene.
5. Cherry Creek Golf Club
PREMIER GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Cherry Creek Golf Club stands as one of the finest public golf destinations in Metro Detroit and Michigan. The course captivates players with its natural beauty, featuring gently rolling terrain and a variety of oak trees that create a picturesque setting for a round of golf. Beyond golf, the club serves as an exceptional banquet destination, making it a versatile venue for both recreational activities and special events.
6. Silver Lake Sand Dunes
MAJESTIC COASTAL LANDSCAPE
Silver Lake Sand Dunes attracts outdoor enthusiasts with its breathtaking natural formations and numerous recreational opportunities. Visitors can experience thrilling dune rides, explore scenic hiking trails, or simply marvel at the beautiful coastal vistas that make this area unique. The dunes represent one of Michigan's most distinctive natural attractions, offering a desert-like experience in the Great Lakes region.
7. Cherry Point Farm and Market
RURAL CHARM AND FLAVOR
Cherry Point Farm and Market delights visitors with its authentic farm experience and fresh local produce in the heart of Michigan's agricultural region. Guests can browse through seasonal offerings, taste homemade treats, and connect with the rural heritage that defines this part of Michigan. The market has become a beloved destination for those seeking farm-to-table goodness and a genuine countryside atmosphere.
8. The Fox Barn Winery
VINEYARD VIEWS AND TASTES
The Fox Barn Winery offers wine enthusiasts a delightful tasting experience in a charming rural setting near Shelby. Visitors can sample a variety of locally produced wines while enjoying the picturesque vineyard surroundings that showcase Michigan's growing reputation as a wine region. The winery combines agricultural heritage with modern winemaking techniques to create memorable flavors that reflect the unique terroir of the area.
9. Shelby Man-Made Gem Factory
SPARKLING GEOLOGICAL WONDERS
The Shelby Man-Made Gem Factory fascinates visitors with its unique 50-seat theater featuring educational shows about both natural and man-made gems. Guests can learn about the fascinating processes behind gem creation and production through engaging presentations and displays. This distinctive attraction offers a perfect blend of entertainment and education for those interested in geology, jewelry, and the science behind precious stones.
10. Macomb Orchard Trail
SCENIC PATHWAY ADVENTURE
The Macomb Orchard Trail begins in Shelby Township and stretches 24 miles to downtown Richmond, offering outdoor enthusiasts a picturesque route for hiking and biking. This well-maintained trail connects to an impressive 180 miles of pathways across southeast Michigan, making it a crucial link in the region's outdoor recreation network. Nature lovers appreciate the trail's mix of scenic 'up-north' hiking sections and MDOT-standard asphalt bike paths that accommodate various recreational preferences.
11. Shopping
RETAIL THERAPY PARADISE
Shopping in Shelby Township offers visitors a diverse range of retail experiences from boutique stores to larger commercial establishments. Visitors can explore hundreds of unique small businesses that provide distinctive products and personalized service throughout the township. The shopping scene blends perfectly with the area's other attractions, creating opportunities for full-day excursions combining retail therapy with outdoor activities or dining.
12. Dining
CULINARY DELIGHTS GALORE
Dining in Shelby Township presents food enthusiasts with over 150 restaurants and eateries offering diverse culinary experiences for every taste and occasion. Visitors can sample everything from casual pub fare and pizza to more upscale dining options, all within the township's welcoming community. Local favorites include establishments like Brown Bear, Woodland Farm Market, and 900 Degrees Pizzeria Bistro, each contributing to the area's reputation as a dining destination.
13. Hiking
TRAILS THROUGH WILDERNESS
Hiking in Shelby Township allows nature lovers to explore some of Michigan's premier trails that showcase the region's natural beauty and biodiversity. Outdoor enthusiasts can discover paths teeming with over 100 species of native birds and animals, including nesting American bald eagles, alongside more than 80 species of trees, shrubs, and wildflowers. The township serves as a critical connection point for the Macomb County 70-mile trail loop and the Iron Belle multi-use trail system that ultimately connects Detroit to the Upper Peninsula.
14. Fishing
ANGLER'S HIDDEN PARADISE
Fishing in Shelby Township offers anglers excellent opportunities at locations like Stony Creek Lake, a 500-acre waterway nestled within Stony Creek Metropark. Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy peaceful days casting for various fish species in well-maintained waters surrounded by natural beauty. The township's commitment to preserving its natural resources ensures that fishing remains a rewarding activity for both residents and visitors throughout the seasons.
15. Camping
OUTDOOR OVERNIGHT ADVENTURE
Camping in Shelby Township provides outdoor enthusiasts with immersive experiences in the area's natural settings, particularly within Stony Creek Metropark. Campers can enjoy starlit nights and peaceful mornings surrounded by Michigan's diverse flora and fauna in well-maintained campgrounds. The combination of camping facilities and nearby recreational opportunities creates perfect getaways for families, couples, and solo adventurers seeking to connect with nature without venturing far from metropolitan Detroit.