Michigan's Scenic Village North Of Detroit Offers A Charming Downtown, Lakes, And Historic Vibes

Detroit, Michigan has endless tourist attractions that make it clear why the surprising city is known as the Paris of the Midwest. But for those seeking a quieter, more tranquil destination, the Metro Detroit area offers many charming small villages within an hour of the city. Oxford, Michigan is one such destination. With a population of under 3,500 people, Oxford is a quiet place known for its lakes, charming downtown, and historic vibes.

Oxford is located about a 50-minute drive north of Detroit, next to Lake Orion, a village with wooded trails, local wine, and festivals. Oxford is proud of its small-town charm; the village's slogan is "Small. Done right." Oxford also has a unique history: It was once known as the "gravel capital of the world" but most of the gravel pits have been turned into manmade lakes, making the area particularly scenic. Staying overnight in Oxford? Book a room at Stag's Leap Farm Bed & Breakfast for a charming stay. You'll also find more options about a 20-minute drive away in the nearby city of Auburn Hills.

You'll find local businesses and historic buildings in Oxford's charming, walkable downtown. A section surrounding the Town Square is recognized by the National Register of Historic Places and encompasses around 20 buildings constructed in the late 19th and early 20th century. If you visit on a Thursday or Sunday between 1 and 4 p.m., you can learn about local history by visiting the Northeast Oakland Historical Museum (referring to Oakland County, where Oxford is located), housed in a historic bank building (pictured above).

Many of the village's local businesses are located within the walkable downtown area, making it a charming place to spend an afternoon. Literary types should stop by Page 18 Books, a cozy independent bookstore offering both used and new books and featuring a coffee counter. Families with kids will enjoy Funky Monkey Toys, a vintage-style toy store offering both retro and modern toys and games. One Google reviewer called it "an absolute must-visit in Oxford," adding, "This isn't your average toy store — it's truly an experience."

Feeling hungry? Stop by Oxford's top-rated restaurant on Tripadvisor, Victoria's Bistro & Cocktail Bar. Housed in a historic building, the restaurant serves French dishes like crepes, escargot, and pasta Saint Tropez. One Tripadvisor reviewer explained, "Victoria's is our go-to restaurant in Oxford. Such a gem in our little town!"

Outdoorsy types will enjoy exploring Oxford's lakes and parks. One of the best places to get outside is Stony Lake Township Park, a 13-acre park with a beach, picnic areas, and playground. In the warmer months, it's a popular spot for swimming and boating, and in the winter, ice skating and ice fishing take over. You can also get active year-round at Seymour Lake Township Park, offering athletic courts, playgrounds, picnic areas, a sledding hill, and a splash pad.

For a different type of outdoor experience, visit Oakwood Lake Township Park. This 300-acre park features many hiking trails, allowing visitors to observe the park's plants and wildlife as well as the Flint River, a branch of which runs through the park. Visitors can also fish in Rossman Lake and observe the ruins of a century-old log cabin. In the warmer months, local business Upland Hills Farm is another favorite. Kids love seeing the farm's baby animals in the spring, going on hayrides in the summer, and exploring the pumpkin patch in the fall. "They have the best apple cider and donuts, period," writes one reviewer on Google. Spending more time in Metro Detroit? Royal Oak fuses shaded parks, festivals, and a buzzing downtown scene.