Honestly, if you mention Auburn Hills to anyone in Metro Detroit, they usually think of one thing: traffic. Specifically, that weird, sprawling knot of concrete where I-75 meets M-59. People see the big Chrysler sign (it's Stellantis now, but nobody calls it that), they see the massive mall, and they keep driving.
But that is a mistake.
Auburn Hills is kinda the "secret in plain sight" of Oakland County. Most folks treat it as a pit stop or a place to go buy discounted Nike shoes. In reality, it’s arguably the entertainment capital of the northern suburbs. Whether you're trying to tire out a toddler, hit a bucket of golf balls in a snowstorm, or find a decent plate of pasta that doesn't cost an arm and a leg, there are a ton of things to do in auburn hills that most people just skip over.
The Great Lakes Crossing "Ecosystem"
You can't talk about things to do in auburn hills without starting at Great Lakes Crossing Outlets. It’s huge. Like, 1.4 million square feet huge. But here’s the thing: it isn’t really a mall anymore. It’s an "indoor amusement district" that happens to have a Coach store.
If you have kids, LEGOLAND Discovery Center is the heavy hitter here. It’s not a full-blown theme park like the one in Florida—don't go in expecting roller coasters that drop you 50 feet. It’s more of an interactive playground. There's a 4D cinema where it actually "rains" on you, and a MINILAND that recreates Detroit landmarks out of 2 million bricks. It’s fascinating even for adults, seeing the GM Renaissance Center built entirely out of plastic.
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Right across the hall is SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium.
It has this 180-degree underwater tunnel where sharks and rescued sea turtles swim right over your head. It’s the largest aquarium in Michigan. Is it the Shedd in Chicago? No. But for a Saturday afternoon in the suburbs, it’s surprisingly immersive. They do a lot of work with lake sturgeon conservation too, which is a nice local touch.
Pro Tip: If you're doing both, buy the combo ticket online. Buying them at the door separately is basically lighting money on fire.
Where to Eat When You’re Sick of Mall Food
Look, the mall food court is the largest in the state, but sometimes you just want a real meal.
If you want the "classic" Michigan experience, you have to hit Buddy’s Pizza. This isn't your average round pie. We’re talking authentic Detroit-style pizza: square, deep-dish, with those crispy, caramelized "cheese corners" that people fight over. They use forged-steel auto pans to bake them. It’s a literal taste of the city’s manufacturing history.
For something a bit more sit-down, Alfoccino Italian Restaurant is a local staple. It feels a bit like a movie set—vintage posters, dim lighting, and heavy booths. The bread basket is dangerous. You’ll tell yourself you’ll only have one piece, and suddenly the basket is empty. The Chicken Marsala is usually the go-to there, though their toasted ravioli has a cult following.
The Outdoor Side Nobody Expects
People assume Auburn Hills is just parking lots and office buildings. Not true.
Hawk Woods Park and Campground is 80 acres of actual woods and marsh. It has groomed trails and—get this—six overnight camping cabins you can rent. It’s bizarre to think you can be roastings marshmallows over a campfire while being five minutes away from a massive tech hub.
Then there's Riverside Park in the actual "downtown" area. It’s right on the Clinton River. They have a splash pad for the summer and the Knight Amphitheater for free concerts. It’s a much slower pace than the Baldwin Road corridor. If you're into disc golf, head to Civic Center Park on Squirrel Road. It’s a 9-hole course that’s pretty forgiving for beginners but enough of a hike to count as exercise.
High-Tech Fun and "Fowling"
If you’re looking for things to do in auburn hills that involve moving around, you’ve got two weirdly specific options.
- Topgolf: This isn't just a driving range. It’s more like a giant outdoor video game. The bays are climate-controlled, so people are out there swinging in January when it’s 20 degrees. The balls have microchips that track your accuracy. Honestly, even if you suck at golf, the food is good enough to make it worth the trip.
- The HUB Stadium: This place is peak Michigan. They specialize in "Fowling" (which they call Bombowling for trademark reasons). It’s a hybrid of football and bowling. You throw a football at bowling pins. It sounds ridiculous until you try it with a group of friends and a few craft beers. They also have axe throwing, which is exactly what it sounds like.
The Oakland University Connection
Don't overlook the university. Meadow Brook Hall is on the campus, and it’s a National Historic Landmark. It’s the fourth largest historic house museum in the United States. Built by Matilda Dodge Wilson (widow of auto pioneer John Dodge), it’s a 110-room Tudor revival mansion that looks like it was plucked out of the English countryside.
During the holidays, the "Holiday Walk" is a big deal. They deck the whole place out in insane decorations. Even if you aren't a history buff, the architecture alone is worth the stroll. Also, Meadow Brook Theatre is right there, which is Michigan’s largest non-profit professional theater. They do a production of A Christmas Carol every year that has been running for decades.
A Note on the "Palace" Sized Hole
Just a heads-up for anyone who hasn't been to the area in a few years: The Palace of Auburn Hills is gone. Like, completely demolished. Don't go looking for it. The Detroit Pistons moved downtown years ago, and the site is now being turned into a mixed-use tech park. It's a bit of a bummer for those of us who grew up watching Bad Boys basketball there, but the city has pivoted pretty hard toward being a "tech-hub" rather than just a stadium town.
Planning Your Trip
Auburn Hills is best tackled in "zones."
If you're doing the "Baldwin Road Zone," you're doing the mall, Topgolf, and the big-box retailers. If you're doing the "University/Downtown Zone," you're looking at Meadow Brook, the parks, and the local eateries.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the weather: If it’s raining or snowing, stick to Great Lakes Crossing or Topgolf (since the bays are heated).
- Book ahead: If you want a bay at Topgolf or a lane at the HUB on a Friday night, you basically have to reserve it a week in advance.
- Park smart: At the mall, park near Entry 6 if you're going to LEGOLAND or the Aquarium. It’ll save you a half-mile walk through the crowds.
- Explore the trail: If you have a bike, the Clinton River Trail runs right through town. It’s 2.1 miles within Auburn Hills but connects to a much larger 16-mile system that can take you all the way to Rochester.
Auburn Hills isn't just a highway junction. It’s a place where you can see a shark, throw an axe, tour a mansion, and eat a world-class square pizza all within a three-mile radius.