Located on the northern outskirts of Detroit, Auburn Hills is a sprawling suburb and automobile manufacturing hub in Oakland County. It’s home to the U.S. headquarters of Volkswagen, Chrysler and Stellantis, as well as an outlet shopping mall and picturesque parks on the banks of the Clinton River.
Things to do in Auburn Hills
Auburn Hills boasts the largest aquarium in Michigan, SEA LIFE, which is located at the Great Lakes Crossing Outlets shopping mall. It’s home to more than 250 different speciesm including blacktip reef sharks and green sea turtles, as well as potbelly seahorses and clownfish. Walk through the 180-degree ocean tunnel and learn about the aquarium’s role in re-introducing lake sturgeon into local habitats.
Keen golfers can enjoy a round at the Fieldstone Golf Club, which was designed by the renowned golfing architect Arthur Hills. It winds its way between rolling hills and lush wetlands, with the course offering challenges for players of all abilities. In addition to a 40-station driving range and four target greens, there’s an attractive clubhouse and grill restaurant.
Travelling with kids? They can have a run around at the children’s playground in River Woods Park, a leafy green space on the banks of the Clinton River. It’s traversed by a network of paved pathways that connect to a bridge, with plenty of benches for watching the world go by. If you’re after a longer or more challenging walk, you can explore along one of the narrow, wooded trails.
Getting around Auburn Hills
Auburn Hills is around 40 minutes’ drive from the centre of Detroit and one hour from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Buses connect to Auburn Hills, although renting a car will give you greater freedom to explore the area.