Blake Walsh

20 Best Things to Do in Rochester Hills, MI

  • Published 2023/03/17

Rochester Hills is a quaint little city in Michigan’s Oakland County with a lot of local history.

This city is perfect for a modest relaxing vacation.

Its calm environment and peaceful aura will give you an escape from the hustle and bustle of cities.

This city has a lot of fun and excitement to offer for some lasting memories.

Here are the best things to do in Rochester Hills, MI:

Visit the Yates Cider Mill

History marker and exterior of the Yates Cider Mill

gg5795 / Shutterstock.com ​

Established in 1863, the Yates Cider Mill was formerly the Yates Grist Mill.

This mill uses hydropower with water from the Yates Dam.

This mill comes from the Yates family, which produces the best Michigan cider.

A jug of apple cider from Yates Cider Mill

gg5795 / Shutterstock.com ​

Local farmers, orchard owners, and landowners often bring their apples to this mill for pressing, creating top-quality cider.

This mill still produces the same delicious cider as it did all those years ago.

Sample their iconic cider, or check out their bakeshop at Yates Cider Mill!

The plaque of Yates Cider Mill

gg5795 / Shutterstock.com ​

Learn Local History at the Rochester Hills Museum

This museum is home to several iconic establishments, including the Van Hoosen Farmhouse, the Red House, and the Dairy Barn.

Likewise, this museum spans over 16 acres and attracts tourists with its historical significance.

The National Register of Historic Places added it to the record.

These barns and farmhouses have been converted into a permanent exhibit that you can explore.

Besides learning about these establishments, you also immerse yourself in the rich history of Rochester Hills.

Learn all about its past, including the fascinating lives of significant figures, through exhibits and displays.

Attend a Concert at Meadow Brook Amphitheatre

Meadow Brook Amphitheatre is within the Oakland University campus.

However, they accept tourists and guests.

This outdoor amphitheater can seat over 7,700 people and is known for being the go-to venue for musicals, plays, concerts, shows, and more.

Its intimate setting helps you enjoy yourself as you sing along or simply enjoy their productions.

The theater’s ample seating capacity allows for music festivals, so drop by for an enjoyable experience.

Experience Luxurious Theater Seating at Emagine Rochester Hills

Emagine Rochester Hills is a luxury theater with giant screens and comfortable leather seating.

This multiscreen theater screens the latest movies to keep you up to date on your favorite film franchise.

Their concession stands also offer snacks and beverages like traditionally flavored popcorns, pizzas, hot dogs, and more.

You can also buy alcoholic beverages such as craft beers, cocktails, wines, and other mixed drinks.

Emagine Rochester Hills is also the venue for film festivals, kids’ summer series, open caption films, and other fun events.

Buy your tickets before they run out of seats.

Enjoy the Outdoors at Innovation Hills

This community-favorite park is the ideal place to soak up the sun and enjoy a hike.

Innovation Hills is just a few minutes from the heart of Rochester Hills, giving you a cool breeze during your visit.

You can fish there as long as you comply with community guidelines.

Likewise, you can bring your own kayak and paddle along the river.

Kids are also welcome to play on their nature-themed playground.

You can stop by and take a leisurely trek along their extensive trail system to get some steps in.

Find a little pond with a small waterfall in this park.

Become a Laser Tag Commando at Mi-Combat Tactical Laser Tag

People say this laser tag facility is the “future of tactical laser tag entertainment.”

It features high-quality gear and equipment and compelling realistic battlefields.

Mi-Combat Tactical Laser Tag will make you feel like you’re on a real battlefield with their simulation technology.

Your laser guns are patterned after a real weapon, making you feel like a commando on a mission.

Your gun even recoils and reloads.

Likewise, it mimics the noise of authentic gunfire, giving you a heart-pumping experience.

There’s no other laser tag experience like Mi-Combat Tactical Laser Tag, so bring your friends there.

Polish Your Golf Skills at Pine Trace Golf Club

Pine Trace Golf Club is one of the most beautiful golf courses in Rochester Hills.

This course is surrounded by the woods and forestry area of Oakland County, providing a cool breeze as you play.

This evergreen establishment allows you to practice your golfing skills without interfering with other players.

First-time or amateur players can take private golf lessons with professionals.

Whether you’re stopping by for a leisurely game or challenging your friends and family, Pine Trace Golf Club ensures a great time for everyone.

Challenge Your Family to Bowling at Classic Lanes

Classic Lanes is the perfect bowling alley to enjoy a friendly game with your loved ones.

With over 32 lanes, some with a glowing twist, you’re bound to have a great time.

One of their famous attractions is called “Glow Bowling,” where the lanes light up with neon colors, accompanied by music.

In case you get hungry, Classic Lanes offers burgers, pizzas, and their crowd-favorite Philly Cheesesteaks, to keep you full and happy.

Professional or seasoned bowlers can try out for League Bowling, where teams compete with other teams for a grand prize.

Eat a Hearty Meal at Golden Eagle Restaurant

Previously known as Golden Eagle Bar and Grill, this eatery has rebranded into a restaurant to cater to more people.

Golden Eagle Restaurant serves only the tastiest dishes at affordable prices.

Experience the ultimate dining experience without breaking the bank while spending time with the people you love most.

This restaurant has become part of the community for over four decades.

It has consistently attracted both regulars and first-time visitors with its outstanding service, relaxing atmosphere, and delicious food.

Some of their crowd favorites are their shrimp scampi, filet mignon, and pan-seared scallops.

Don’t forget to top it off with a decadent dessert to satisfy that sweet tooth.

Try Indoor Golf at X-Golf Rochester Hills

If outdoor golfing isn’t for you, try indoor golf at X-Golf Rochester Hills!

Although an indoor course isn’t available, this entertainment facility uses modern technology to simulate an authentic golfing experience.

Guests get the feel of a golf course through technology that replicates the physics of golf, including velocity, trajectory, and more.

If you’re not confident with your skills, you can schedule a private lesson with a professional.

Both small and large groups are welcome to get a taste of this fantastic experience!

X-Golf Rochester Hills does not take walk-ins, so you need to book a reservation.

Paint and Sip Wine at Painting with a Twist

There’s nothing better than unwinding with friends while unleashing your inner artist and sipping fine wine.

Painting with a Twist offers events and discounts for groups who want to freestyle on a blank canvas.

Whether a girls’ night or a date night, you can create colorful memories together.

You can also join a friendly competition against your friends on Trivia Night, which will test your general knowledge.

Loosen up after a long day and relax with your loved ones here at Painting with a Twist.

Go On Aerial Excursions at Treerunner Rochester Adventure Park

Located in Oakland University, TreeRunner Rochester Adventure Park offers aerial fun for people seeking outdoor excursions.

The park features more than 60 obstacles, 4 difficulty levels, zip lines, rope courses, and 7 trails in a natural lush forested area.

It also hosts birthday parties, school field trips, corporate events, and team building.

In the summer, the park features Summer Glow Nights on Fridays and Saturdays, where the park illuminates with themed lights and climbers wear glowing attire.

Treerunner Rochester Adventure Park is a whole lot of fun for families and friends!

Tour the Historic Meadow Brook Hall

Exterior of the Historic Meadow Brook Hall

Kelocyde, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Constructed between 1926 and 1929, the historic Meadow Brook Hall was once the home of automobile heiress Matilda Dodge Wilson and her second husband Alfred Wilson.

She was married to John F. Dodge, an automobile magnate who originally owned the 1,443-acre farm where the mansion stands.

Today, the mansion hosts weddings, special events, and entertainment.

The mansion has 110 rooms and is the fourth-largest historic house museum in the U.S.

It was built in the Tudor Revival architectural style and entered the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

Meadow Brook Hall offers guided house tours, flashlight tours, and self-guided tours.

Go Shopping at The Village of Rochester Hills

Shops along The Village of Rochester Hills

ajay_suresh, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Shopping can be therapeutic to mall rats, and if you’re in the city, you can check out The Village of Rochester Hills.

The shopping mall features more than 40 brands, including restaurants, boutiques, and many other popular brands like American Eagle, Banana Republic, and more.

It officially opened in 2002 as a replacement for the old Meadowbrook Village Mall, which was built in 1976.

You’ll love the mall’s walking area with beautiful flowers, as well as its events center with several shows happening on a regular basis.

The Village of Rochester Hills is owned by Robert B. Aikens & Associates.

Take the Kids to Rochester Play

Help your little ones enjoy and burn off the energy, and take them to Rochester Play.

This indoor playground features lots of play structures, where kids can roll, climb, jump, swing, crawl, slide, and explore in an old-fashioned way.

There’s also a separate area for smaller kids or toddlers below four years old to ensure safety and fun with other kids their age.

And of course, kids go hungry as soon as they have burned off all that energy, so you can always grab some snacks from the cafe.

What’s more, is that Rochester Play doesn’t require parents or guardians who are over 16 to pay.

Buy Fresh Produce at Rochester Farmers’ Market

Locally grown and fresh produce vendors from all over southeast Michigan gather at Rochester Farmers’ Market selling their own products and crafts.

Here, you can find lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, plants, and herbs, as well as artisan products.

There are also specialty homemade food, baked products, coffee, and many unique items to grab for yourself or for your loved ones.

Enjoy Michigan’s growing season and smell the flavors and aromas it brings.

So, if you’re in the city sometime between May and October, Rochester Farmers’ Market happens every Saturday.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Race Your Friends at Full Throttle Adrenaline Park

Full Throttle Adrenaline Park is a go-kart track in Sterling Heights, Michigan, roughly a 20-minute drive from Rochester Hills.

This thrilling facility features go-karts that go almost twice the speed as other kart tracks, providing a truly exhilarating experience.

Anyone can race their friends on this track as long as they are over 48 inches tall.

Grab a light snack at their café to keep you going.

There’s nothing more exciting than racing on a track against your friends.

Book a reservation at Full Throttle Adrenaline Park before running out of slots.

Unleash Your Inner Hulk at Rage Room Madison Heights

Rage Room Madison Heights allows you to blow off steam by smashing random items.

This rage room is in Madison Heights, Michigan, 18 minutes from Rochester Hills.

As the first rage room in all of Michigan, this establishment allows you to destroy a room safely.

Destroy furniture and breakable items using your weapons of choice, like a baseball bat or a sledgehammer.

Unleash your inner Hulk and smash all your worries to pieces.

Experience Incredible VR Gaming at Virtual Chaos

Virtual Reality (VR) provides realistic, lifelike experiences with the use of technology to give you a thrill!

Virtual Chaos in Shelby Township, just east of Rochester Hills, immerses you into a completely different world.

There are multiple games to choose from which you can do, ranging from shooting games, horror missions, adventure, and more!

Enjoy solo or multiplayer gaming with friends and family and have a great time together in an alternative universe!

This facility does not take walk-ins, so book a reservation ahead of time!

Use Your Detective Skills at Michigan Escape Room

Check out Michigan Escape Room in Washington City, Michigan, 17 minutes from Rochester Hills.

Work with your friends to find clues, solve puzzles, and escape the locked room within the time limit.

Players supposedly only have a 25% chance of winning at the Michigan Escape Room.

This place will put all of your sleuthing skills to the test.

Choose from different themes, such as crime scenes, kidnapping mysteries, and moving rooms.

Do you have what it takes to win?

Book a reservation at Michigan Escape Room and test yourself.

Final Thoughts

Rochester Hills’ convenient location allows you to visit nearby cities for more exploration and adventure.

With various recreational activities, both indoors and outdoors, you won’t run out of things to do in this serene city in Michigan.

This city has got everything from historical sites to state-of-the-art establishments.

What are you waiting for?

Book your trip to Rochester Hills today!

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