A Beautiful Place to Build a Life
Oakland County offers residents and visitors many options to have fun outdoors and enjoy nature’s beauty. You can explore scenic parks, gardens, trails, and sparkling lakes. Walk, run, bike, swim, kayak, stroll your dog, or ride a horse. Test yourself and your equipment at an offroad vehicle park. When you are ready to eat, visit a nearby downtown.
Oakland County’s Vibrant Downtowns
Oakland County enjoys sharing its charming downtowns with people who appreciate trying many types of cuisine, preserving historic buildings, shopping at unique shops, and attending fun festivals and markets. Our downtowns come in many sizes and personalities—from rural quiet and cozy to urban bustling and edgy. We have the only county-based Main Street coordinating program in the U.S. and enjoy supporting our downtown leadership and residents who keep their communities continuously improving and vibrant.
Parks & Trails
A haven for outdoor enthusiasts Oakland County has something for everyone. Including scenic parks, miles of trails for biking and hiking, tranquil waterways perfect for kayaking, and welcoming dog parks where your furry friends can play.
Arts and Culture in Oakland County
Oakland County celebrates and encourages creativity with engaging museums, theatres, cultural centers, and concert venues. Our many international cultures can be experienced in the art, food, film, and music all around the county. You can weave yourself into this rich tapestry of traditions and acquaint yourself with various parts of the world—without even packing a suitcase.
Family-Friendly Activities in Oakland County
Oakland County has a worldclass zoo—known for its penguins, polar bears, and monkey spying. Kids love the aquarium and Lego store at Great Lakes Crossing. Swim at the water parks or many public lakes. Climb trees or go for a wagon ride at our many orchards and historic cider mills. The fun is year-round, including ice skating, skiing, and sledding.
Shopping in Oakland County
You have a wide range of shopping options—from the upscale Somerset Collection in Troy and boutiques in the various downtowns to the innovative more experimental artisans at Rust Belt Market in Ferndale. From American standards to international and fusion cuisines, you can find something to please your palette. And enjoy the local distilleries, breweries, and craft cocktails, also. Looking for art galleries, antique malls and secondhand shops—ask a local.
Lakes and Rivers
Home to pristine lakes and rivers, abundant natural resources, scenic water trails, and clean, fresh water. Enjoy kayaking, fishing, and swimming in a region defined by its breathtaking aquatic beauty.
Oakland County’s Growing Transit System
Oakland Transit is a testament to Oakland County’s commitment to establish a reliable, affordable and accessible public transportation system that responds to the diverse needs of county residents.
World-Class Education and Talent in Oakland County
With top-ranked K-12 school districts and renowned colleges and universities, Oakland County continues to produce an educated, technical, and talented workforce. To Learn more about Oakland County’s dedication to education visit the Oakland80 website.