Does your family live in or near Sterling Heights, Michigan? If so, you’ve probably heard of Dodge Park — one of the city’s largest parks and recreational facilities.
Dodge Park is one of Sterling Heights’ largest parks at 51.2 acres. It’s one of the best parks year-round thanks to its splash pad that’s open in the summer, and an ice rink that’s a blast in the winter months.
But the amenities go way beyond the splash pad and ice rink. For sports lovers, there’s a basketball court, sand volleyball court and soccer field. For the little ones, there are two playgrounds: one for toddlers and one for bigger kids. If your family is looking to connect with nature, then check out the trails! Dodge Park has its own walking/jogging path, but it also connects to the Clinton River Trail System — a 461-acre long trail that connects several of the city’s parks and runs along the beautiful Clinton River. This trail is great for viewing all kinds of different wildlife; visitors have seen squirrels, Canada geese, deer, skunks, ducks and more on these trails!
And, of course, the park is an excellent gathering place for special occasions like birthdays and family reunions — or even just an afternoon family barbecue! There are plenty of picnic shelters/pavilions and grilling areas, plus a horseshoe pit.
All of the above amenities — the sports areas, picnic areas, trails, splash pad and ice rink — are just the basics at Dodge Park. What makes the park even more popular are its event spaces! Dodge Park has a huge outdoor concert stage/amphitheater and a multi-use field, making it one of the city’s best event spaces all year round.
ADVERTISEMENT
Summertime Fun Events in Sterling Heights Dodge Park
In the summer, you can check out the Dodge Park Farmers Market, Music in the Park and Patios ‘n Pints. All three of these events take place on Thursdays all summer long.
The Dodge Park Farmers Market features fresh food and produce — “all locally made straight to you” — plus food trucks and live entertainment. The market runs from 3-8 p.m. on Thursdays from June through September.
Following the market each Thursday from June through August is Music in the Park — a summer concert series featuring a different live band each week! The bands kick off each Thursday at 7 p.m.
If you want to test out a new craft beer or cider while enjoying the live music, head to Patios ‘n Pints, sponsored by the Sterling Heights Regional Chamber of Commerce. Enjoy different craft brews each week across from the Farmers Market from 5-8 p.m.
Sterlingfest also takes place in Dodge Park at the end of July. This annual festival is “the city of Sterling Heights’ signature family fun festival celebrating the performing, visual and culinary arts.” It includes a free concert series — this year with headliners Uncle Kracker, Jefferson Starship and the Mike Leslie Band — plus free activities and live entertainment for kids, food trucks and other food vendors, carnival rides and more.
ADVERTISEMENT
Fall Events in Sterling Heights Dodge Park
The summer events might be the soonest events for the park, but the fun doesn’t stop in September. In the Fall, you can catch great events like Oktoberfest — which has live music, German beer and food, and other vendors. There’s also Sterling Frights — the annual kid-friendly Halloween event that features music, games, food and lots of festive fun for the little ones.
Winter Holiday Events in Sterling Heights Dodge Park
In the winter, Dodge Park really comes center stage to the city with its ice skating rink. The park transforms into a winter wonderland — and at the beginning of December each year, there’s the annual A Sterling Christmas event: complete with a tree lighting, holiday music & caroling, visits with Santa, a petting farm, refreshments, pony rides, horse-drawn wagon rides, a carousel, train rides, ice skating, warming fires and more!
The ice rink continues to be one of the most fun places in the city until around March, weather dependent. Throughout the winter, there will be themed events at the rink, like 80s and 90s nights.
Overall, Dodge Park is the place to be in Sterling Heights. Make sure you check it out this summer — and keep an eye on the city’s event calendar year-round for more fun events!
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
The 25 Most Festive Michigan Towns to Visit During the Holidays
ADVERTISEMENT
