Fun Things to Do Near Shelby Township
“There’s nothing to do here!” is a phrase you’ll never hear anyone say in Shelby Township, where great hiking trails, world-class dining, historical monuments, amazing aquariums, thought-shifting museums, and so much more are just a moment away.
Still, if you’re new to the area and wondering where to start, you’re in the right place! In this article, we’ll highlight some of our favorite spots in (or near) town.
Parks, Trails, & Recreation
Stony Creek Metropark
Enjoy a lazy afternoon hiking the easy trails at Stony Creek Metropark, a 4,435-acre outdoor recreation facility open all year.
At its center, you’ll find the 500-acre Stony Creek Lake, where anglers, boating enthusiasts, sunbathers, swimmers, and picnickers enjoy the relaxing ambiance. Cyclists and hikers will also appreciate this beautiful natural getaway.
Operating Hours: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. (gates close at 7 p.m.) Monday through Sunday
Price: FREE. Daily boat or vehicle passes cost $10.
Time to Destination from Shelby Park Manor: 2 Minutes (Via Car)
George George Memorial Park
The George George (yes, two Georges) Memorial Park in Clinton Township offers many amenities, including hiking and cycling trails, picnic shelters with tables, ADA-accessible restrooms, a beautiful pond to picnic beside, a playground for young and old kids, and even a wedding garden with a covered ornate rotunda. The park encompasses about 30 acres and is a wonderful location for small get-togethers and other special gatherings.
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Sunday
Price: FREE
Time to Destination from Shelby Park Manor: 27 Minutes (Via Car)
Innovation Hills
Innovation Hills Park in Rochester Hills offers 110 acres of beautifully preserved nature with various amenities, including kayaking. Walk the paved boardwalks to the living-roof shelter, ponds, waterfall, or access trail for fishing in the Clinton River. In the evenings, solar lighting guides you along glow-in-the-dark walking trails, and your leashed pets are always welcome. Please note the park doesn’t allow drone flying, metal detecting, ice fishing, or alcoholic beverages.
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Sunday
Price: FREE
Time to Destination from Shelby Park Manor: 19 Minutes (Via Car)
Entertainment
SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium
People of all ages enjoy the multiple thematic exhibits and more than 2,000 unique creatures at the SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium. Have fun exploring the Interactive Touchpool, Shipwreck Exhibit, Shoaling Ring Exhibit, Stingray Bay Exhibit, and Tropical Ocean Exhibit, or witness beautiful clownfish, jellyfish, seahorses, sea turtles, sharks, stingrays, and so many other diverse species.
Operating Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday (*Aquarium has special spring break hours in late March. Please call the aquarium at (248) 409-6001 or visit their website to check opening times).
Price: $19.99 for General Admission (Booking in Advance) or $26.99 for Same-Day General Admission. *There may be extra costs associated with special exhibits or events.
Time to Destination from Shelby Park Manor: 29 Minutes (Via Car)
The Packard Proving Grounds Historic Site
If you’re ready to time travel back to the early 1900s, enjoy a quiet visit to the Packard Proving Grounds Historic Site. It’s 17 acres of preserved land dedicated to maintaining the rustic buildings of the original Packard Motor Car Company. Listed in the National Registry of Historic Places, this facility offers guided tours that take about an hour and a half. All revenue generated goes back into the site’s long-term preservation. A sheltered pavilion can also be reserved for weddings, parties, and other social functions. The Packard Proving Grounds is also home to the Shelby Farmers Market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday from May to October.
Operating Hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Sunday. Packard Proving Grounds may be closed for private tours or other events. *Call (586) 739-4800 to check hours.
Price: FREE. Special events and some private tours may cost extra.
Time to Destination from Shelby Park Manor: 11 Minutes (Via Car)
Food
Stony Creek Roadhouse
Delicious spinach and artichoke dip, sautéed whitefish, traverse cherry fettuccine, bourbon sriracha chicken, and slow-roasted ribs are just a few of the mouthwatering choices you’ll have at Stony Creek Roadhouse. Their friendly staff offers a diverse range of appetizers, handheld foods, salads, entrées, pasta, pizza, and desserts to satisfy every appetite. The quality is excellent, the atmosphere is pleasing, and the pricing is always reasonable. Note that the Stoney Creek Roadhouse does not offer breakfast.
Operating Hours: Noon to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, Noon to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and Noon to 9 p.m. on Sunday
Price Range: Between $15 and $30 per person.
Time to Destination from Shelby Park Manor: 4 Minutes (Via Car)
Taco Loco Mexican Restaurant
The only thing loco about this Mexican restaurant is that the food is crazy good! Taco Loco in Shelby Township has a reputation for being one of the very best Mexican restaurants in the entire Great Lakes State. Some of their genuine south-of-the-border recipes are stuffed poblano peppers, hand-wrapped tamales, dipped tacos, huge burritos, and authentic Mexican flan. Every mouth-pleasing dish here is served with friendly smiles in a festive environment.
Operating Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and Closed on Sundays.
Price Range: $12 to $18 per person.
Time to Destination from Shelby Park Manor: 8 Minutes (Via Car)
The Corner House
You’ll find a diverse array of mouthwatering crêpes, perfect pancakes, fabulous French toast, and wonderful waffles for breakfast at The Corner House. Breakfast is served Tuesday to Friday from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM. And if you’re feeding your fitness habit, stop by for some avocado toast, fresh yogurt, oatmeal, or a customizable fruit cup. Lunch is served Tuesday to Friday from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM. You can also build your own burger with delicious options like sautéed jalapeños, caramelized onions, and pan-fried mushrooms. The Corner House is clean, affordable, and friendly, and the food is always high-quality.
Operating Hours: Closed on Mondays, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Price: $13 per person on average
Time to Destination from Shelby Park Manor: 8 Minutes (Via Car)
Detroit Grille House
When you want to sit down in a clean, easy-going atmosphere and enjoy some gourmet-quality pub fare, stop at the Detroit Grille House. Whether you dine alone, with a friend, or in a group of up to 60, the accommodations are first-class, and the staff is super friendly. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner prices are reasonable, and the quality of the food is very well-reviewed. Of course, you can always stop in for drinks and have a refreshing change of pace.
Operating Hours: 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
Price Range: $11 to $15 per person
Time to Destination from Shelby Park Manor: 9 Minutes (Via Car)
Enjoy Even More Fun at Shelby Park Manor
These parks, venues, and restaurants aren’t the only fun Shelby Township offers. If you’re considering relocating to the area or downsizing, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the amenities provided at Shelby Park Manor, an independent living community for adults (55+). We offer our residents scenic, quiet, forested environments with high-quality security, exciting community events, and easy access to public transportation.
Please contact us today at (248) 650-0985 or complete our online form to schedule a tour. We can’t wait to meet you!