Things to do in Milford

Kensington is the highlight most Metro Detroiters will associate with Milford. It’s one of the best metro-area parks in Michigan, and likely the entire Midwest. With 4,481 acres of wooded terrain and lakes, no Oakland County outdoor adventure is complete without a visit to Kensington. An annual Metropark pass can be purchased; and I highly encourage this if you’re local as it opens up endless fun at all 13 Metroparks, but if you’re here on travel a day-pass only costs $10. Cyclists can show up for free. Here are some things you can try:
● Kayaking - While you’re welcome to bring your own equipment, you may also show up at one of the many beaches and rent a kayak right at the lake!
● Wildlife Watching - Whether it is wildlife or waterfowl, Kensington is a massive natural area loved by people, flora, and fauna alike!
● Cross-Country skiing - Is it winter? You need to embrace the winter outdoors! It’s going to be cold whether you enjoy it or not, so you may as well enjoy it and X-Country skiing at Kensington is a very accessible way to start. You can rent equipment at the park.
● Golfing - WIth a 6624-yard, par 71, 18-hole course built in 1961, Kensington includes a 150-yard par 3 course, with its first shot going over the water, that is a fan favorite.
● Farm Center - Come enjoy farm animals and see rural life as you interact with live farm animals such as chickens, goats, sheep, cattle and draft horses, and don’t miss the Kensington Living History Village or the restored 150-year old barn.
● Nature Center - Find educational exhibits and live animal displays about the ecosystems, wildlife, and history of the park. The center is also surrounded by seven miles of hiking trails.

After all the adventuring you did at Kensington, there’s no better place to go have a bite or drink and do some shopping than the nearby downtown district, located within the Village of Milford.
● Proving Grounds Coffee and Ice Cream - 369 N. Main - Proving Grounds is great for a quick stop to grab a morning coffee, or a destination for a casual meetup. With 9 house-roasted coffee styles and a rotating batch of sweets and pastries, it’s a different experience every time.
● Smoke Street - 424 N. Main - If you’re looking for something heavier, Smoke Street’s barbecued meats and delicious sides will hit the spot. Meats are smoked in-house on a variety of woods and served with 6 homemade sauces. Draft beer is also available and rotates based on the season.
● Central Park - This 12-acre site, southwest of downtown, may not be Kensington, but for a little community park that’s walkable to downtown, it’s just about perfect. With a scenic backdrop, tennis courts, a playscape, and plenty of picnic tables, you can relax or play here during your visit to Downtown Milford! Be sure to keep an eye open for the summer concert series, which runs in July and August.
● The SHAC - 125 S. Main #700 - Short for The Suzanne Haskew Arts Center, the SHAC is a makerspace, art gallery, and community gathering place. This 100% volunteer organization is run by the Village Fine Arts Association and seeks to make art available for the whole community.
● The Clothing Cove - 414 N. Main - Why stress shopping at the box stores, when main street shopping can get you the latest, trendy styles and a more personal experience? That’s what you’ll find at this established retailer of women’s clothes.

Rent a Horse and go for a ride, at High Vibe Trail Rides, you don’t have to own a horse or even be experienced, as you can rent a horse and go with a trail guide through a diverse array of trails. High Vibe also offers lessons for both humans who want to learn to ride and for horses, whose humans want them better trained.

Continue your outdoor adventure, at Proud Lake Recreation Area - Only slightly smaller than nearby Kensington, Proud Lake boasts a beautiful 3,000 acres along the Huron River and Proud Lake. This is a great place for camping, boating, fishing, and exploring the 10 miles of horseback and cycling trails or 20 miles of foot trails.

Grab a sandwich, drink, and disc golf supplies at Holden’s Party Store - 2055 S. Milford Road - Holden’s is what every Michigan party store wishes it could be. With the best deli, drinks, bait and tackle, and even a disc golf course, Holden’s is worth the quick trip. Go hungry, and try one of their breakfast pizzas, a Midwestern stable.

Explore local craft beer at River’s Edge Brewing Company - 125 S. Main - Whether you like the full bodied Stout, a tropical and hoppy IPA, or a crisp and clean Kolsch, River’s Edge has options for you. If you’re not driving, the MichiMash double IPA is one of the best beers I’ve ever tried, and their limited food menu punches way above its weight in quality.

Experience the past at the Milford Historical Society - 124 E. Commerce - Founded in 1973, the Milford Historical Society wishes to preserve the village and township’s cultural heritage and does so both at their museum and throughout town. Their museum hours can be variable, so call ahead, but normally you can expect the volunteer-run museum to be open Saturday afternoons.