Delightful Destinations

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Making Connections

Flat Rock Michigan is Downriver's outdoor adventure hub. With plenty of community ball fields, community parks with playscapes, splash pad, tennis and basketball courts, Downriver Linked Greenways trails, Iron Belle Trail, Huron River, water trail, and even a Fish Ladder to explore. Flat Rock welcomes you!

Flat Rock - Downriver's Recreation Hub

  • Starting Point

    Community Park/City Hall, 25500 Gibraltar Road, Flat Rock, MI 48134 ( 4.27 Acres ), ample parking

  • Ending Point

    Huroc Park, 28700 Arsenal Road, Flat Rock, MI 48134 ( 27.42  Acres), street parking

  • Estimated Time

    Day trip/ Land Tour 2-4 hours, Distance: 10-15 miles

  • Travel Components

    BIking, hiking, paddling, with a splash of history

  • Special Interest

    Athletes, History Buffs, Families

  • Submitted By

    Downriver Linked Greenways

     

Our suggested Flat Rock Historical Delightful Destinations Includes:

Starting Point

Community Park/City Hall in Flat Rock (25500 Gibraltar Road, Flat Rock)

Step back in time and experience life circa 1800 in Flat Rock's Historical Complex. The complex includes the Flat Rock Hotel, Munger General Store, Langs-Wagar House, and the Bobcean Stable buildings from the late1800's. Visit the Smith Hotel where Henry Ford's workers often stayed while building and working in Flat Rock at his Village Industry.

In 1923, Flat Rock was one of the oldest towns in the Downriver area and was a Wyandot and Huron Reservation. Flat Rock was a village until 1965 when it was incorporated as a City. Flat Rock has an area of 6.68 square miles and just under 10,000 people. While the City continues to develop, it is still a community that treasures its small-town feel and rich heritage. Global home to the Ford Mustang at the Ford Flat Rock Assembly Plant, Flat Rock also has one of the oldest Methodist Episcopal Churches in Michigan, started as a Methodist Indian Mission in 1823. Other amenities to explore in this area include the Flat Rock library, tennis courts, picnic area, splash pad, large playscape and basketball courts. Bike racks available at the Library, throughout the Downtown, Wimpy Burgers, Atwater Street Tacos, Community Park, and Huroc Park.

Ending Point

Huroc Park in Flat Rock (Arsenal Rd - follow Downriver Linked Greenways)

Now head West to Huroc Park via the Downriver Linked Greenways. Henry Ford built here because he was attracted to the waterpower of the Huron River. The Ford Motor Company Lamp Factory opened in Flat Rock in 1923 and employed as many as 1,200 people. They produced head and tail lamps, bomber parts (during WWII), and lamps for government vehicles. Henry Ford established numerous "village industries" throughout the larger region. His philosophy was to establish small factories in rural areas in order to provide farmers with a stable income in the winter months. The Flat Rock plant made all of the vehicle lamps used by Ford Motor Company at the time. It closed in 1950 and a State of Michigan historical marker now stands on the site which can be seen from Huron River Drive.

Huroc park was turned into an island when Henry Ford built a Mill Race and created the dam to help produce power for the headlights manufactured for his Model T. Flat Rock Metal currently operates at this site. Be sure to walk around the park and the perimeter to view the historical marker and kiosks about the fish ladder. Enjoy the soothing sounds of water from all areas of the park. Cross the bridge and explore the Vreeland Family Burial Grounds. Michael Vreeland, the original settler of Flat Rock, is buried here along with his family. If looking for a longer adventure, keep along the path, that leads to the Oakwoods Metropark.

Food Options Many places along the way to consider or hop in a car for a short ride:

Atwater Street Tacos, 26425 Atwater St. ($)

Bashar's Middle Eastern Cuisine, 27103 Telegraph ($)

Biggby Coffee, 26614 Telegraph ($)

Blue Heron Trading Company, 26217 E. Huron River Drive ($)

Build Your Own Burrito (BYOB), 26068 E. Huron River Drive ($)

Calder Dairy, 28190 Telegraph ($)

Kate's Kitchen, 26558 W. Huron River Drive ($)

Leo's Coney Island, 26988 Telegraph ($)

Michaels on the River, 28828 Telegraph ($)

Salute, Wize Guys Bistro, & The Roc (Fiorelli's Restaurant Collection) , 26126 E. Huron River Drive ($$)

Wimpy Burger, 26128 Gibraltar Road ($)

Other Ideas:

The Flat Rock Downtown Development Authority keeps you up to date on all things Downtown. Visit us on Facebook or at www.downtownflatrock.com. Flat Rock Our Hometown has many events throughout the year including the Easter Egg Hunt, Summer Taste of Flat Rock, Halloween Spooktacular and Christmas Passport program. Visit us on Facebook or at www.flatrockourhometown.com. Although not in the City of Flat Rock, Flat Rock Speedway is located just south of Flat Rock in Carleton at 14041 Telegraph and has racing and flea markets throughout the year. For more information, visit www.flatrockspeedway.com.

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