Waterford can be explored through a variety of interests: parks for exercise, trails through different habitats, and historical interpretations offer clear areas of focus. The associated municipality, Waterford Township, provides a local framework for recreation and nature topics. For planning, it helps to think of parks, nature observation and seasonal cultural offerings as separate visits.
Parks and recreation
Waterford Oaks is a 199-acre Oakland County park featuring the Waterford Oaks Bicycle Motocross (BMX) Track. More than three miles of hiking trails add to its offerings. Two platform tennis courts, year-round pickleball courts, sand volleyball courts and outdoor fitness equipment provide additional activities; in winter, families can also enjoy a sledding hill. The accessible Paradise Peninsula Playscape is currently closed to the public due to construction. Lookout Lodge, the Waterford Oaks Event Center and picnic shelters are available to rent.
Hess-Hathaway Park offers an animal exhibition barn, the All Kids Playground, two pavilions, a gazebo, a community building and restrooms. Sports and outdoor amenities include two sand volleyball courts, a Gaga ball pit, horseshoe pits, a softball field, a community garden and scenic trails. Guided animal visits and tours, as well as hayrides, are available by appointment only. Children's groups must have one chaperone for every ten children; chaperones pay the per-person rate.
Nature and wildlife observation
Nature observation and diverse habitats are the focus at Drayton Plains Nature Center. About four miles of hiking trails pass through a range of Michigan habitats, including a white pine forest, a forest prairie and a southern wet meadow. The center offers opportunities for wildlife and bird watching, shoreline and prairie habitats, an interpretive nature center, and a picnic shelter with two grills. Over time, more than 196 species have been recorded, including the regionally unusual Northern Shoveler, Philadelphia Vireo and Northern Harrier.
When choosing a focus, keep in mind that Hess-Hathaway combines animal visits arranged in advance with playground and sports facilities, while the trails, habitats and wildlife observation are the main attractions at Drayton Plains Nature Center.
History and riverfront
The history of Hess-Hathaway Park is connected to Lone Cedar Farm: in 1985, Myrtle Hess, the farm's owner, bequeathed the property to the Charter Township of Waterford; today, it is Hess-Hathaway Park. Waterford Historic Village presents Waterford's history through original buildings, accurate reproductions and depictions of what buildings would have looked like in the early 1900s. The Village is open every year from May through September on Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and offers a self-guided tour. Confirm the hours with the operator before your visit.
Clinton River Canoe Site offers a different experience: the eight-acre park is located on the banks of the Clinton River. The covered Red Bridge is well known among local paddlers and serves as a regular meeting place for them. In contrast to the forest, prairie and wetland trails at the Nature Center, the riverfront defines the character of this site.
Discover more destinations: Troy, Farmington Hills, White Lake Township, Novi, Ferndale, Bloomfield Hills, Birmingham, Lake Orion.
For the broader travel overview: Oakland.
