Top 5 Parks for a Picnic this Summer

By: Katie Goncalves | May 19, 2023
Family enjoying picnic at the park.

There’s nothing better than summertime in Michigan and all of us want to spend as much time as possible soaking up the beautiful weather. A great way to spend a summer afternoon is by packing up a picnic and heading to a beautiful park. Whether you take your family, some friends, or even just yourself, these are the top five parks for a picnic this summer.

Belle Isle Park

Belle Isle Park is a 982-acre island park located in the Detroit River, connected to the mainland by a bridge. The park features a conservatory, a golf course, a beach, a nature center, and more. The Belle Isle Aquarium is the oldest aquarium in the country, and it features over 60 exhibits and more than 1,500 fish. The aquarium is home to several endangered species, such as the Lake Victoria cichlid and the paddlefish. Visitors can enjoy a picnic in one of the park’s many picnic areas, including the Belle Isle Casino, which is available for rent.

Belle Isle Park, Detroit

Cranbrook House & Gardens

380 Lone Pine Road, Bloomfield Hills

Cranbrook House & Gardens is a historic estate located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. The estate features a 40-room manor house, 40 acres of gardens, and several other buildings. The gardens are divided into several themed areas, including a Japanese garden, a sunken garden, and a herb garden. The estate is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is open to the public for tours. Visitors can bring their own picnic lunch and enjoy it on the estate’s lawn, or purchase a pre-packed picnic from the on-site cafe.

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Detroit Abloom

248 Manistique Street, Detroit 

Detroit Abloom is a nonprofit organization that maintains several community gardens in the city of Detroit. The gardens are located in the Jefferson-Chalmers neighborhood, and they feature a wide variety of flowers, fruits, and vegetables. Detroit Abloom offers community events, workshops, and educational programs for people of all ages. Visitors can enjoy a picnic in one of the gardens or take a self-guided tour of the grounds. The organization also offers a flower CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program, where members can receive a weekly bouquet of fresh flowers during the growing season.

A couple enjoys a picnic in the park.

Heritage Park

24915 Farmington Road, Farmington Hills

Heritage Park is a 211-acre park located in Farmington Hills. The park features several picnic areas, as well as a splash pad, a nature center, and miles of walking trails. Heritage Park hosts several events throughout the year, including a summer concert series, which also makes for a great picnicking event.

Meadow Brook Hall & Gardens

350 Estate Drive, Rochester
Meadow Brook Hall is a historic estate located in Rochester, Michigan. The estate was built by the Dodge family in the early 1900s and features 88,000 square feet of living space. The estate’s gardens cover over 16 acres and include several themed gardens, a lake, and a meadow. Meadow Brook Hall is open for public tours and also hosts several events throughout the year, including a summer concert series. Visitors can bring their own picnic lunch and enjoy it on the estate’s lawn, or purchase a pre-packed picnic from the on-site cafe.

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