Things to do in Lake Orion and Oxford

Home to many unique restaurants and shops, Lake Orion borders the water body for which it shares a name, and provides a beautiful walkable social district, to be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Here are my favorite spots in Lake Orion:

Bitter Tom's Distillery - Established in 2019, this distillery is also a modern American restaurant. Bitter Tom’s features a patio next to a waterfall, and incredible craft cocktails that make the drive out here worth your time.

Hanson’s Running Shop - Whether you’re an athlete training for a marathon, or an average person looking to stay in shape, Hanson’s is a service-oriented store that will get you the right shoes and accessories..

Cookies & Cream - This family owned creamery at 20 Front Street offers ice cream from Rays, Country Dairy, the Detroit Ice Cream Plant, and many other local creameries. This unique and fun spot will leave you with a smile and satisfied cravings.

Broadway Records - If you’re a music lover, this is a must-see records store. Everything is reasonably priced and records are all checked by the owner. This is going to mostly be used records, but you’ll find a limited selection of new vinyl as well.

Oat Soda - Part of the social district, Oat Soda has great food, beers, craft cocktails, and a happy hour with good deals on both food and drink. This should definitely be on your list of places to visit as you explore the Lake Orion social district.

Not to be out-done by its neighbor, Downtown Oxford often partners with Lake Orion with their #StrongerTogether hashtag. Oxford is known for its restaurants, retailers, and beautiful architecture. As one of the more quaint areas of exurban Detroit to spend an afternoon here are some highlights:

Oxford Tap- Known as Michigan’s favorite Irish pub, the Oxford Tap is a great spot for burgers, sandwiches, and an incredible house-made mac and cheese.

Covered Wagon Saddlery - Do you ride horses? Do you need a new pair of boots? Maybe a hat? This is your stop if you want high quality, functionality, or an authentic rural Midwestern look.

Gravcap Brewing- Oxford was originally known for its gravel pit, and the name lives on at Gravcap Brewing. Michigan is no stranger to incredible craft beers and Gravcap lives up to this. If it’s on tap, try Fluff - their white stout.

Funky Monkey Toys - If you miss the old hometown toy store, give Funky Monkey a visit. This is not a generic box store looking to sell you generic toys. This is a toy store with classic toys, wooden toys, puzzles, arts and crafts, and magic tricks.

Woodchips Express - Home to arguably the best barbecue in the area for lunch or dinner, Woodchips also boasts a great weekend brunch menu

Orion Oaks Dog Park - Pick up your Oakland County Parks pass, or visit on one of the “free entry” days, but this dog park is so much more than your neighborhood dog park. In fact, this 24-acre fenced enclosure features trails, a pup-picnic area, an area for small-dogs only, and access to a dogs-only swimming area near a lake. All dogs in Oakland County are required to be licensed, and don’t expect the rangers here to let anyone slide. Dogs are also required to be up-to-date on vaccinations, so if this is your first visit bring proof of vaccination.

Upland Hills Farm - Open the last Sunday of every month from May to September, plus October weekends, the Upland Hills Farm charges $9 per person to hang out and explore the farm. Bring your own picnic, or buy donuts on site. October is a great time to buy pumpkins or enjoy the Harvest Festival which includes hayrides, a magic show, or the storybook trail.

Pedal Boat Pub
This 25-foot pedal boat will take you and up to 15 guests out onto Lake Orion while you enjoy your own cold food and beverages from the trough-style cooler running through the middle of your private bar. Each tour is 90 minutes long, but you can schedule more than one time-slot if you’d like a longer party.

Paint Creek Trail - This 8.9 mile linear park located in northeast Oakland County connects Lake Orion through Orion and Oakland Townships, into Rochester. As one of the first rails-to-trails projects, this former railroad line is a beautiful way to explore the forested areas of northeast Oakland County and attracts around 100,000 visitors annually.

Canterwood Farm - Set on 17-acres full of beautiful trails, this full-service barn can board your horse, or be the place for someone who knows nothing about horses to take lessons in horseback riding. Canterwood is right by the 14-mile Polly Ann Trail for longer rides.


Urban Air Adventure Park - Perfect for birthday parties, or a way to wear out some overly-energetic children. Urban Air is open 7-days a week and can be enjoyed for as little as $15. For a bit more you can also enjoy laser tag, climbing walls, and a warrior course. You have to purchase their custom socks, but they are also reasonably priced.

Canterbury Village - What are you doing this weekend? If you ask Canterbury Village, it’s something new every weekend! This outdoor adventure and shopping area features shops, dining, unique vendors, and a castle! Be sure to check out the events schedule to see what’s happening this weekend.