Farmington Hills Travel Guide — Best Time, Things to Do & Where to Stay

Why Farmington Hills

Farmington Hills is a suburban city situated in Oakland County, Michigan, approximately 22 miles northwest of downtown Detroit. Spanning over 33 square miles of mostly land area, it stands as the second-largest community in the county by population. The city shares close historic, educational, and civic ties with the neighboring city of Farmington, with the two communities frequently perceived as a unified region. Surrounding municipalities include Novi to the west, Livonia to the south, West Bloomfield to the north, and both Franklin and Southfield to the east.

The area's early settlement began in the 1820s when Arthur Power, a Quaker from New York, purchased land and established a community initially known as Quakertown. A post office established in 1826 under the name Farmington remains standing today as a recognized historic site. Over time, several distinct settlements and subdivisions developed across the township, including Clarenceville—home to the historic Botsford Inn, which accommodated travelers along the plank road between Detroit and Howell—as well as the incorporated villages of Wood Creek Farms and Quakertown. Following an 1872 fire that destroyed many buildings in the village center, the township continued to evolve until the City of Farmington Hills was officially formed in 1973 through the consolidation of the villages and remaining township land. The community is widely recognized for its rolling hills and residential estates.

Visitors to Farmington Hills can explore a range of notable historical and cultural destinations. The city houses the Zekelman Holocaust Center, which serves as the only Holocaust memorial facility in the state of Michigan. Regional heritage is also preserved through historical sites such as the Governor Warner Mansion. Among the city's recreational facilities is the Riley Skate Park, noted as the largest skate park in the Midwest, alongside The Hawk, a major community center repurposed from the former Harrison High School building.

In addition to its residential and cultural features, Farmington Hills serves as a key commercial hub within the metro region. It hosts the corporate headquarters or main offices for companies such as 5-Hour Energy, Mango Languages, Gale, and The Sharper Image, alongside the United States headquarters for Bosch, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, and TD Auto Finance. Automotive innovation also plays a significant role in the local economy, supported by Nissan's North American technical center and design studio, as well as facilities operated by Panasonic Automotive Systems, Hitachi Automotive Systems, and Lordstown Motors.