Whether you’re looking to photograph a championship golf course, a family camping trip, kids swimming and splashing around, or just a beautiful scenic view, Oakland County Parks has a park that can meet your needs.
Below is a “Best of” list, providing you with ideal locations to photograph the best scenic and action shots.
Addison Oaks County Park
“Best ‘I Do’ Spot” – The historic 1920s Tudor-style home overlooking a lush wedding garden creates a romantic spot to say “I do”
“Best Entrance Drive” – A captivating willow-lined, two-lane road welcomes visitors
“Best Game” – A 24-hole disc golf course provides unique recreation and fun
“Best Challenge” – 7.5 miles of marked mountain biking trails offers fun and fitness, and also features the annual Addison Oaks Mountain Bike and Handcycle Challenge
Catalpa Oaks County Park
“Best Neighborhood Park” – Families and teams all gather to play on the six soccer fields, baseball diamond and softball field, located conveniently in the neighborhood
Glen Oaks Golf Course
“Best View” – The view from the conference center overlooks the 18th hole of the golf course and the peaceful Pebble Creek
Groveland Oaks County Park
“Best Dunk” – The three-story spiraling waterslide splashes into a lake creating a huge dunk full of laughter
“Best Campout” – Nestled in a grove of pine trees, the cabins offer an “up north” camping feel
Highland Oaks County Park
“Best Kept Secret” – 264 acres of quiet, rolling hills, wetlands and old pastures with 1.5-miles of equestrian trail makes this Oakland County’s best kept secret
Independence Oaks County Park
“Best Zen” – 1,100-foot wooden boardwalk over wetlands offers a peaceful feel and enchanting view
“Best Hike” – More than 14 miles of marked trails, including the paved River Loop Trail, All-Visitors Trail and Hawk’s View Trail offer plenty of opportunity to get fit and be outdoors
“Best Scenic Spot” – A picturesque gazebo on a hill overlooking a 68-acre lake makes for a breathtaking scene
“Best Nature Education” – The Wint Nature Center has been “growing the green minds of tomorrow” for more than 25 years, offering educational programs and events to tots and school-age children
“Best Groomed” – Cross-country ski trails in southeast Michigan offer great winter recreation
Lyon Oaks County Park
“Best International Sport” – Cricket fields and pitches offer unique, worldly recreation
“Best Picnic” – The picnic area and pavilion are ideal for family outings or special occasions, surrounded by trees and activities such as a children’s playground, hiking trails and a 13-acre dog park
Lyon Oaks Golf Course
“Best Design” – The Arthur Hills-designed 18-hole golf course presents a challenging and scenic day of golf
“Best Deck” – The conference center features a beautiful stone patio overlooking the golf course’s scenic first hole to the east and the challenging ninth hole to the west
Orion Oaks County Park
“Best Sunset” – The 110-foot long wooden fishing dock over a 90-acre lake is a prime spot for watching the sun go down
“Best Dog Park” – 14-acres are available for dogs to run around, as well as a beach for dogs to swim and splash
Red Oaks Golf Course
“Best Neighborhood Nine” – Jerry Matthews-designed, 9-hole, par 31 course showcases beautifully-manicured greens and trees for a relaxing game of golf
Red Oaks Waterpark
“Best Get Wet” – A wave pool, triple waterslide, river ride and a children’s water playground with a 300-gallon tipping bucket creates a wet and wild time
Rose Oaks County Park
“Best Natural Area” – Experience nature through 637 acres of gently rolling open meadows and wooded uplands, wetlands and frontage on two glacial lakes
Springfield Oaks County Park
“Best Barn” – The 1884 fully-restored, two-story, 14,000-square-foot wooden barn has beautiful features and an intriguing history. The barn includes: 11 box stalls, indoor riding arena, tack rooms, granary, hay lofts and a mechanical exercise ring. The site also features the annual Ellis Barn Festival.
“Best Horseshoe” – Two outdoor equestrian arenas and multiple barns offer a great place to ride
Springfield Oaks Golf Course
“Best Escape” – The scenic 18-hole, Par 71 course makes for a peaceful escape and has an “up north” feel with the front nine open and hilly and the back nine tighter with more trees and water.
Waterford Oaks County Park
“Best Ride” – Bicycle motocross track that hosts local, state-wide and national events is always full of action-packed fun
“Best Greens” – The greenhouse grows plants, encourages community involvement and provides educational opportunities for all ages
“Best Adventure” – The new, universally-accessible playground promotes inclusive play, featuring simulated rock, water and fossil characteristics indicative of the Great Lakes State
Waterford Oaks Waterpark
“Best Splash” – Giant raft ride, wave pool, double waterslide and a kid’s water playground with a giant tipping bucket makes for a splashin’ good time
White Lake Oaks Golf Course
“Best Layout” – The scenic 18-hole, par 70 course is well-manicured and player-friendly with the front nine open and the back nine tight, featuring wetlands and woodlands
