Dodge Park

A Natural Escape in the City

Tucked alongside the Clinton River, Dodge Park spans a generous 51.2 acres of green space that feels like a breath of fresh air in Sterling Heights. This expansive park offers everything from wildlife spotting opportunities to a splash pad for those hot Michigan summer days.

What makes this place special is how it seamlessly blends natural beauty with practical amenities. You'll find yourself surrounded by lush greenery while still having access to all the conveniences you need for a day outdoors. The park stays open year-round, making it suitable for both winter walks and summer picnics.

Trails That Keep You Coming Back

The park's trail system is one of its standout features. The walking and jogging paths here connect to the broader Clinton River Trail System, offering smooth paved surfaces that work perfectly for whatever movement calls to you - a leisurely walk, morning run, bike ride, or even rollerblading if you're feeling adventurous.

The trails meander through wooded areas that provide welcome shade during hot summer days. As you explore, keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife - ducks paddling along the water, geese honking overhead, and if you're lucky, deer quietly observing from a distance.

For those who prefer their adventures with a bit more adrenaline, the unpaved trails designed for mountain biking offer natural challenges with their twists, turns, and occasional obstacles. Each path presents a different difficulty level, so both beginners and experienced riders can find their sweet spot.

Something for Every Season

Dodge Park offers various seasonal activities. When summer heat hits, the splash pad becomes a neighborhood favorite from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Once winter arrives, the refrigerated ice rink transforms the landscape into a skating destination (weather permitting, of course).

Thursday evenings during summer months bring a special energy to the park. The farmers market fills with local vendors selling fresh produce alongside food trucks offering delicious meals. These market days often coincide with evening concerts, creating this perfect blend of community, food, and music under Michigan skies.

Get Your Game On

Sports enthusiasts will feel right at home with the variety of athletic facilities scattered within the grounds. There are well-maintained basketball courts, a sand volleyball court that's particularly popular during warmer months, a dedicated soccer field inside an enclosed area, a tennis court for those racket sports cravings, and a versatile multi-purpose field that adapts to whatever game you're in the mood for.

The volleyball courts deserve special mention for their quality sand surfaces - no rocky, hard-packed disappointments here.

Family-Friendly Down to the Details

If you're visiting with kids, you'll appreciate the thoughtfully designed playgrounds with separate areas for toddlers and older children. When hunger strikes, head to one of the many picnic areas equipped with grills and shelters - ideal for everything from impromptu lunches to planned gatherings.

Planning a graduation celebration, birthday party, or family reunion? The pavilions can be reserved for special events, offering spacious settings surrounded by the park's natural beauty. Across the grounds, you'll find barbecue grills available for public use - just bring your charcoal and favorite foods.

You won't need to cut your visit short due to bathroom emergencies either. Clean restroom facilities are strategically placed near major activity areas within the park.

Community at Its Core

The park's outdoor amphitheater represents the heartbeat of Sterling Heights' cultural scene, hosting everything from Music in the Park concerts to seasonal celebrations like A Sterling Christmas.

Year-round, the park transforms for various cultural events, including Juneteenth celebrations that reflect the diverse community that calls Sterling Heights home.

Whether you're looking for a morning walk, family activities, or community events, Dodge Park combines natural beauty with practical amenities throughout the seasons.