How to Make a Day Trip to Metamora, Michigan

Updated

Tucked just off the beaten path, Metamora Michigan will capture your heart. Metamora is a charming little village off of M24 in Lapeer County, about 3 miles north of the Oakland County line. If you have never been for a visit, you should plan a day trip soon. If you have visited, don’t forget to plan another trip soon. Keep reading to learn how to make a day trip to Metamora, Michigan.

Tall 4 sided black clock on a post on a downtown corner that says village of Metamora. small plaque in front has information about the Metamora Historic District
Crossroads of a small downtown with historic buildings on all corners and down the street

Seasonal Considerations

The season, weather, and local events will significantly impact how you plan your day in Metamora, Michigan. There are two large events in Metamora each year. You could choose one of these fun events to plan your trip if you enjoy small-town festivals.

Metamora Country Days and Hot Air Balloon Festival

Metamora puts on the Metamora Country Days and Hot Air Balloon Festival in August. This is a great little country festival with many fun things to do. There are craft shows, live music, monster truck rides, tractor pulls, and more. The end of the day is punctuated by a Hot Air Balloon launch and fireworks (weather permitting).

Wassailing Celebration

The other event is the Wassailing Celebration in December, with the highlight being a horse-only parade. That means no bands, first responder vehicles with sirens, or anything with an engine. It’s a different kind of parade, harkening back to former days.

Both are worth attending, and the difference is striking. One is filled with loud engines and music. Lots of activities and fun things to do. The other is quiet and filled with horse hooves striking the pavement and the jingling of bells. One is sunshine and warmth; the other is flannels, fleeces, and maybe some snowflakes. Choose one or both for some good country fun. If you visit during either of these events, plan to spend your day downtown shopping, sipping, eating, and enjoying the entertainment.

Itinerary Builder

For the remainder of the year, you will find some tips and general guidelines to help you plan an itinerary below.

Low brown and white building with plants in hangers and planters
close up of an omelet cubed homestyle potatoes and whole wheat toast on a plate
bowl of yogurt, granola, fruit and honey

First Stop: Breakfast

We recommend breakfast at Champane’s Honeybee Grille as your starting point. They serve a first-rate breakfast that will fuel you on your adventure. All the food is delicious, but our favorites are the omelets, breakfast potatoes, and the yogurt parfait. That parfait is large enough for a filling breakfast and is covered with fresh fruits, crunchy granola, and their very own honey. Give it a try.

Entrance sign to Sutherland Nature Sanctuary
new bridge at Sutherland Nature Sanctuary
winter stream with logs
Front doors and sign at 7 Ponds Nature Center
pond and A-Frame bridge
comfortable chairs in front of birdwatching windows

Second Stop: Nature Center

Next on your list would be one of two local parks for a walk through the woods. Sutherland Nature Center is a short drive to the West, and 7 Ponds Nature Center is a short drive to the East. Be sure to dress appropriately. We walk in the woods no matter the weather, but if it is rainy, you may want to head to 7 Ponds rather than Sutherland. The trails at Sutherland can get rather soggy in wet weather, and 7 Ponds has an Interpretive Building for indoor nature exploration. Either place has beautiful trails of varying lengths, so you can choose what fits you.

Third Stop: Exploring Downtown

front door and upper story of Roadside Attractions
View of store from back to front
Front of Metamora General building
Indoor seating booth at Metamora General Store
Inside view of display window at Metamora General

Historical Buildings and Shopping

After walking off breakfast and immersing yourself in nature, head to the downtown Metamora; there are beautiful old buildings to admire that are good for taking great photos. Downtown is frequently used as a backdrop for senior and engagement photos. Among those buildings, you can enjoy one-of-a-kind shopping at Roadside Attractions and the Metamora General Store. Roadside Attractions has tremendous unique antiques and oddities. New items come in every day. We love exploring the varied treasures there. Metamora General Store carries beautiful heirloom quality gifts. The General Store also has drinks, snacks, pizza, and more if you are feeling a little hungry or thirsty. Both stores carry Michigan-made items if you want something local and like to support our Michigan artisans and farmers.

Library

We love reading and history, so we enjoy bookshops and libraries wherever we go. Metamora has no bookstore, but there is a little library downtown. If you want to peruse some books and take a little break from the hiking and shopping, you are only a few steps away from the library, no matter where you are downtown. Stop in and chat with the librarian, who can surely help you find something to browse while you are there.

White Horse Inn sign
patio and fire pit at night
cowboy mac n cheese
White Horse Inn fire pit
South Side of White Horse Inn

Food

After a full day of hiking and shopping, you will surely be ready for a tasty meal at The White Horse Inn. During the warm season, the patio has charming umbrella tables and a firepit for delightful outdoor seating. The White Horse Inn places several igloo tents on their patio in the cooler season. They are each decorated with different themes. These must be reserved ahead of time and require a minimum food purchase. Check their website for details. If you choose to eat inside, the restaurant exhibits a timeless beauty in the flooring, walls, staircases, and even the bathrooms. Be sure to look around and take it all in while enjoying delicious food.

Weekly Summer Events

During the warmer months, there are weekly events downtown that you can put on your itinerary depending on your interests. On Wednesday evenings, part of downtown is blocked off to host the weekly Car Cruise. On Thursday evenings, you can listen to live music in Harmer Park.

Halloween Night

One final event is indeed a “treat.” The annual Fire Department Pumpkin Drop kicks off trick-or-treating in Metamora. A short stretch of downtown is blocked off, and the fire department stretches its bucket truck up in the air. One Firefighter rides in the bucket as it rises into the sky and drops a hollowed-out pumpkin filled with candy from the bucket. Once it splats on the street and the candy sprays everywhere, the kids are released to go and scoop up the tasty treats. Afterward, the kids and families spread out throughout the village for trick-or-treating.

patio and fire pit
Seating on Porch at Metamora General Store
South side of Metamora General Store building

Create Your Own Day Trip to Metamora, Michigan

Use the above list to create your itinerary for a perfect day trip to Metamora, Michigan. It is a lovely village where you are sure to feel welcome. It’s a quiet change of pace from the hustle and bustle of daily life, and it’s one of our favorites for slowing down, enjoying good food and fresh air, and picking just the perfect gift for ourselves or someone else. Plan a day trip to Metamora soon.

For more trip ideas, check out the posts on Lexington, Grand Rapids and Port Huron.