Novi is a bedroom community in the Detroit area, so it offers the laid-back ambiance of a small town with proximity to big city attractions. In recent years, the town has experienced a population boom and is now home to more than 66,000 people. The township was formed in 1832 on the shore of Walled Lake, and Novi was incorporated as a city in 1969. Numerous historic sites are located in the city's limits, including the Township Hall, which now sits on the Jacob and Rebecca Faust Farmstead. Both this farm and the Colonel Samuel White Homestead are protected historic sites. When you visit Novi, you can also view the Novi Depot from 1871 and Tollgate Farm to expand your knowledge of the area.
Agriculture was originally one of Novi's primary economic activities. Today, most of the farmlands are now commercial properties or residential developments. However, there are a couple of preserved natural spaces in the community. These include Lakeshore Park and Ella Mae Power Park. The latter park is the site of many baseball and softball tournaments. In addition, the area where the Walled Lake Casino and Amusement Park once stood is now Pavilion Shore Park.
When you visit Novi, you can shop at the renowned Twelve Oaks Mall and tour the Novi Museum of Art. Emagine Theatre often hosts live theatrical performances, and the Novi Grand Theatre is a historic movie house that still offers entertainment today. If your trip to Novi falls in October, you can experience Japanese culture at its finest at the Japan Festival. This is noted as the largest of such festivals in Michigan.
Campgrounds Near Novi, Michigan
The Detroit Greenfield RV Park in Ypsilanti is one of several wonderful places to set up camp on your trip to Novi. This park sits on a 30-acre lake, which is well-suited for both fishing and swimming. A jumping pillow, a waterslide, and paddleboat rentals are offered. The 212 campsites are equipped with fire rings, picnic tables, and hookups for water and electricity. Rates start at $33 per night. Detroit Greenfield RV Park also offers hayrides, facilities for horseshoes and basketball, a mini golf course, and a dog park.
Apple Creek Campground & RV sits on 20 acres in Brown County, and it has 125 campsites on its 20 acres. In addition to its well-manicured grassy areas, the park hosts special events and offers a stocked fishing pond and a heated pool. The RV sites are equipped with gravel pads, picnic tables, campfire rings, water and electric hookups, and wireless internet access. Other amenities include firewood sales, propane refills, a convenience store, a dump station, and showers.
Ja Do Park Campground is close to U.S. 12 in Tipton. Its large RV sites are surrounded by a rustic, natural landscape. Each site has picnic tables, fire pits, electric and water hookups, and internet access. A two-night minimum stay is required, and the nightly fee is $42. If you stay at Ja Do Park Campground, you can take advantage of amenities like a playground, a store, a fishing pond, a clubhouse, warm showers, a sanitation station, a picnic area, and sports fields.
State Parks Near Novi, Michigan
Proud Lake Recreation Area is only nine miles northwest of Novi, and its 3,030 acres are ripe with fun outdoor activities. Hiking, horseback riding, and cycling on 20 miles of trails are wonderful ways to appreciate the natural beauty of the rolling hills and hardwood trees. On the water, boating, fishing, and swimming are popular. Within the recreation area, you can rent paddleboats, canoes, rowboats, and kayaks. Other fun ways to spend time at the Proud Lake Recreation Area include hunting, camping, picnicking, and cross-country skiing.
Highland Recreation Area is 18 miles north of Novi and is a pristine wilderness that covers 5,900 acres. The landscape is marked by hills, lakes, marshes, and forests. Inside this space, the Highland State Recreation area is a designated National Natural Landmark. There are 45 miles of trails for visitors to explore by foot, on horseback, or mountain biking. In addition, designated picnic and camping areas are available. On the lakes, you can enjoy fishing, swimming, and other water activities.
Holly Recreation Area is a few miles north of the Highland Recreation area, and it has 8,000 acres of fields and woodlands. At Heron Beach, you can go swimming and rent stand-up paddleboards, canoes, kayaks, and paddleboats. Boat launches are available on three of the lakes onsite. The disc golf course offers three course lengths. Fishing for northern pike, bass, crappie, and other species is available on the lake. In addition, visitors can hunt, use metal detectors, hike, go snowmobiling, and more.
National Sites Near Novi, Michigan
Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial features a 352-foot column with a Doric design. It stands close to Lake Erie in celebration of the Battle of Lake Erie in the War of 1812. This battle established peace between Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States that continues today. Notably, the Canadian-U.S. border is the longest border in the world that is undefended. Exhibits, art, a film, and artifacts are available at the visitors' center. The memorial site also offers gunfire demonstrations, ranger programs, and an observation deck.
In Mentor, Ohio, the James A. Garfield National Historic Site features the home of this popular U.S. president. From this home's porch, Garfield campaigned for office in front of frequent visitors who stood on his lawn. Garfield only served a few months of his term before being assassinated. At that time, his widow established the Memorial Library inside the family home. This later became the first presidential library. In the visitors' center, exhibits and a short film go in depth about Garfield's life and accomplishments.
The Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument is in Wilberforce, Ohio, and celebrates the life of this escaped slave. Young served as a soldier in the famous Buffalo Army, and he worked his way up to the rank of colonel. By doing so, he became the first African American to achieve such an accomplishment. On the grounds, you can tour Young's house, which he purchased in 1907. This house, which also served a role in the Underground Railroad, is open for tours by appointment.
National Forests Near Novi, Michigan
Two separate forests make up the Huron-Manistee National Forests, and these forests cover a combined 978,906 acres and the eastern and western sides of Michigan's Lower Peninsula. It touches both Lake Huron and Lake Michigan, and Pere Marquette River and Au Sable River run through the woodlands. Two popular ways to explore the forest are with a scenic drive on the River Road National Scenic Byway and a hike on 330 miles of nature trails. A point of interest is Lumberman's Monument, which commemorates the state's logging industry. Endurance mountain biking, snowmobiling, camping, and hunting are offered in these forests.
On the Unglaciated Allegheny Plateau, you will find Wayne National Forest. Because of lumbering activities on the grounds, deforestation and erosion took place many years ago. However, the area has since been revived. On this preserved area's 244,265 acres, you will find the Hocking River, Wildcat Hollow Trail, the Utah Ridge Recreation Area, the Stone Church Horse Trail, and the Door Run ATV Trail. Notably, Wayne National Forest is popular with geologists. Its sandstone, shale, and redbed were formed in the Paleozoic era.
Allegheny National Forest in northwestern Pennsylvania winds across 513,175 acres. The Kinzua Dam blocks the flow of the Allegheny River and supports the Allegheny Reservoir. This reservoir is used for boating, fishing, and swimming. Hiking and biking along the trails are great ways to explore Mead Creek, Minister Creek, and other points of interest in the forest. Allegheny National Forest offers boat ramps, picnic areas, designated beaches, and scenic overlooks.
