Choose wisely. Connect locally.Add your business 
Rochester Hills is a city in Oakland County, Michigan, about 25 miles north of Detroit, set among rolling hills along the Clinton River. Once a farming township, it grew into a leafy residential city with large parks, river trails and the campus of Oakland University, while keeping some of its rural past in cider mills and historic farms.
The standout sight is Meadow Brook Hall, the grand Tudor Revival mansion built in the late 1920s by Matilda Dodge Wilson, widow of auto pioneer John Dodge, on land that later became Oakland University. The campus also has Meadow Brook Theatre and the Meadow Brook Amphitheatre, a busy summer concert venue. The Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm tells the story of the area's farm families.
In autumn, Yates Cider Mill draws crowds for fresh cider and donuts beside the river. The Clinton River Trail, Bloomer Park and Innovation Hills offer walking and cycling, and The Village of Rochester Hills is the main outdoor shopping center.
A huge Tudor Revival mansion built in the late 1920s by Matilda Dodge Wilson, widow of auto pioneer John Dodge, now on the Oakland University campus. Guided tours show carved woodwork, original furnishings and art. Check the tour schedule, and see it decorated during the holiday season.
An outdoor concert venue on the Oakland University campus with covered seats and a lawn, hosting touring rock, pop and country acts from late spring through early fall. Lawn tickets are the cheapest option. Bring a blanket, and expect traffic on campus roads before and after shows.
A professional regional theater on the Oakland University campus that stages a season of plays and musicals, including a long-running holiday production of A Christmas Carol. It is an intimate house with good sight lines. Book ahead for the December shows, which often sell out.
A historic farm site that preserves the home and barn of the Van Hoosen family, including pioneering surgeon Dr. Bertha Van Hoosen, with exhibits on local farming, the Stoney Creek settlement and rural life. Check open hours and seasonal events such as heritage days before visiting.
A historic cider mill on the Clinton River, operating since the 1860s, famous for fresh-pressed apple cider, warm cinnamon donuts, fudge and caramel apples. Walk the riverside paths after your snack. It is busiest on autumn weekends, so go on a weekday morning if you can.
A long paved and crushed-stone rail-trail that crosses Rochester Hills along the Clinton River corridor and links to other trails in Oakland County. It is great for walking, running and easy cycling under shade trees. Pick it up near Bloomer Park or the city's trailheads and ride as far as you like.
A large wooded park along the Clinton River with hiking trails, scenic overlooks, picnic shelters and a connection to the Clinton River Trail. It feels surprisingly wild for a suburb, with steep ravines and river views. Wear good shoes for the hilly paths, especially after rain.
A newer city park with a boardwalk over wetlands, a pond, walking trails and an accessible all-ages playground that was designed for children of all abilities. It is a calm place to watch birds and wildflowers. Paths are flat and stroller friendly, so it suits families with small kids.
A city park built around a small lake with a sandy swimming beach, trails, picnic areas and fishing spots, popular with local families in summer. In fall the trees around the lake turn bright colors. Check the city website for beach hours and any entry fees for non-residents.
An outdoor lifestyle shopping center with brick-lined walkways, fountains and a mix of national stores, boutiques and restaurants. It is a pleasant place to stroll and eat, with seasonal decorations and events. Parking is free, and it is easy to combine with a visit to Meadow Brook Hall.
No reviews yet. Been to Rochester Hills? Be the first to share your experience.
Share what you loved, what to skip and tips for other travelers.
Log in to write a reviewBeen to Rochester Hills? Add your best shots to the gallery.
Log in to add photosPhoto: Wm. Chris Rowland, II, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Ajay Suresh, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Olson.Sarah, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Nicolinomorana, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Lrgjr72, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: ajay_suresh, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Ekardiff, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: ajay_suresh, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Avard Fairbanks, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Kelocyde, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Flbrody, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
