Clarkston, MI Road Trips

Clarkston (officially known as The City of the Village of Clarkston) is a suburb of Detroit, influenced heavily by the American car industries such as Buick, Pontiac, Ford, and GM. Clarkston has a temperate climate, with summer temperatures in the 80s F, and winter temperatures in the 20s F. It has medium precipitation, with usual heavy rain in August. Clarkston was established in 1832, but organized and named ten years later in 1842. It was named after prominent settlers Jeremiah and Nelson Clark, who did much of the work to establish Clarkston and its government. Henry Ford paid to have the underground pipe system in the town. The 1990 Census showed that there were 962 residents. It is a part of Independence Township, in Oakland County.

Historically, Clarkston was the summer home of Henry Ford. You can view his cottage on Main Street, as well as the mill he built on the Mill Pond, which exists near the heart of the town. Depot Park is a small park located off of Main Street. It has a creek running through it and a jungle gym. Its beautiful gazebo is often used for wedding and prom pictures. One of the first schools built in Clarkston still stands and is now called Independence Township Hall. One of the first settlers houses still exists as well. It was built in 1839 by Jeremiah Clark, one of the important founders of Clarkston. You can view this building at 71 North Main Street. Clarkston's first and only museum is located inside the Independence Township Library, and features a variety of historical artifacts, as well as photographs and information regarding the town's history.

Clarkston township is home to Deer Lake, which reaches a depth of 968 feet in some areas. It features a no-wake zone perfect for kayaking and a swimming beach with lifeguards. There are also multiple private beaches. Other nearby areas offer popular boating destinations, where it is common to see tubing, water skiing, and wakeboarding. It is also a good place for anglers, with a rich variety of fish and many enclaves that provide the perfect setting. It also has many sandbars which are perfect for exploring. Clarkston locals may be found fishing or kayaking on one of several ponds, such as the Mill Pond which Henry Ford used to power a historic plant. Pink Knob Music Center is a concert venue that has featured hundreds of celebrities and is always one of the highest grossing outdoor amphitheaters in the country. It is located minutes away from downtown Clarkston and holds frequent concerts. During the winter Clarkston is a great skiing or snowboarding destination, it is close to Pine Knob Ski Resort, which features 15 trails and 10 lifts. It is known for its slope called "The Wall". Antique car fanatics will enjoy Clarkston with its rich history involving Ford, Pontiac, Buick, and General Motors. Southern Motor's Showroom in Clarkston has one of the best varieties of antique cars in the world. There are various car festivals throughout the year. The Deer Lake Athletic Club offers day passes where you can swim, play racquet ball, or exercise. There are also miles of bike paths around the town. During the summer, Depot Park offers free concerts in the park every Friday.

Clarkston boasts a variety of restaurants; 1 Via Bologna, 7071 Dixie Hwy, ☏ +1 248 620-8500. 2 Clarkston Union Bar & Kitchen, 54 S Main St (Downtown), ☏ +1 248 620-6100. Housed in an old church, great atmosphere, even better food. Mac-n-Cheese is to die for, and only $5 for a half order which is more than filling. House dressing is amazing. Menu goes from $5-50. Beautiful bar, non-standard beers & wines to choose from. (updated Mar 2017) 3 Brioni Cafe & Deli, 7151 N Main St, ☏ +1 248 625-6181. 4 Pita Way, 6315 Sashabaw Rd, Ste F, ☏ +1 248 620-5000. 5 Culver's, 6910 Sashabaw Rd, ☏ +1 248 922-9224. Gregg's Gourmet Cafe, 5914 S. Main St. (updated Dec 2019) Mesquite Creek Steakhouse, 7228 N. Main St. (updated Dec 2019) Renderoni's Pizza and Deli, 6215 Sashabaw Rd. (updated Dec 2019) Las Piramides Restaurant, 5903 Dixie Hwy. (updated Dec 2019) Big Boy, 6440 Dixie Hwy. (updated Dec 2019) East Ocean Restaurant, 6405 Sashabaw Rd. (updated Dec 2019) Little Caesars Pizza, 5922 South Main St. (updated Dec 2019) Chicken Shack, 6315 Sasabaw Rd. (updated Dec 2019) Old Village Cafe, 2 South Main Street. (updated Dec 2019) Leo's Coney Island, 6325 Sashabaw Rd. (updated Dec 2019) Guido's Premium Pizza, 5960 Sashabaw Rd. (updated Dec 2019) Rudy's Quality Market, 9 South Main St. (updated Dec 2019) Trini and Carmens North, 10063 Dixie Hwy. (updated Dec 2019) East Ocean, 6405 Sashabaw Rd. (updated Dec 2019) Mel's Grill 2, 7080 Gateway Park Dr. (updated Dec 2019) Outback Steakhouse, 6435 Dixie Hwy.

Clarkston has many bars and pubs including: Mr. B's, 6761 Dixie Hwy. (updated Dec 2019) Hamlin Pub, 6397 Sashabaw Rd. (updated Dec 2019) Deer Lake Inn, 7504 Dixie Hwy. (updated Dec 2019) Red Knapp's American Grill, 6722 Dixie Hwy. (updated Dec 2019) Sportsmans Great Northern Grill, 5864 Dixie Hwy. (updated Dec 2019) Pine Knob Tavern, 5736 Clarkston Rd. (updated Dec 2019) Clarkston Tap, 5801 South Main St. (updated Dec 2019)

1 Olde Mill Inn, 5835 Dixie Highway. 2 Clarkston Motor Inn, 6853 Dixie Hwy. 3 Millpond Inn Bed & Breakfast, 155 N. Main Street.

Clarkston is about an hour's drive or 44 miles from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW). Residing directly off Interstate 75 it is easily accessed from anywhere. Clarkston is also about an hour from the Ann Arbor Amtrak station. A rental car is advised as there is little public transportation.

Clarkston features minimal public transportation, so a rental car or bike in the summer months is advised.