More than 30 outdoor sculptures, historic monuments and trails at Mill Pond give Brighton several distinct ways to explore. When planning your trip, you can first decide whether art and local history, walking trails or natural areas will shape your stay.

Sculpture and Local History

The Brighton Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit features more than 30 outdoor sculptures throughout the city center; 19 are permanently installed. Another connection to the arts is the BACC Sculpture Garden on East Main Street, which features works by local artists. A map is available for a self-guided tour of the garden.

Brighton’s Old Village Cemetery brings together several aspects of local history: the first burial there took place in 1838, and the cemetery documents the city’s historical development. Preserved graves include those of prominent local and state figures, well-known political figures, 45 Civil War veterans and two World War II veterans. A self-guided tour leads to the gravesites and offers a distinct way to explore this part of the city’s history.

Built in 1879, the CoBACH Center is Brighton’s center for art, culture and history. Visitors can experience changing historical exhibits, concerts, artistic presentations and events there. Since exhibits and programming may change, it’s best to check what’s scheduled during your travel dates in advance.

Mill Pond, Events and Market

The AMP at Brighton Mill Pond hosts musical events year-round. The program may change; if a particular date is important to your plans, check the current event schedule. Around Mill Pond, the AMP includes a paved promenade. There is also a half-mile nature trail in the city center. These trail options make Mill Pond a destination in its own right for walks and musical events.

The Brighton Farmers’ Market takes place every Saturday in the city center from May through October. Local vendors sell fresh produce, baked goods and handmade crafts. Since market dates may change seasonally, it’s worth checking the specific date before your visit.

Parks and Nature Trails

Kissane Park has a climbing structure, swings, a slide, seating areas and an open space. The Brighton Imagination Station is a 10,000-square-foot playground in the city center and a free attraction. Current access details may change, so check them before your visit.

The Charles and Albert Parker Families Nature Preserve is a 4.5-acre natural area along Charles Orndorf Drive in Brighton, protected by a permanent conservation easement. Work at the preserve included the existing Hillside Trail and the new Woodland Loop Trail.

In the wider region, Island Lake Recreation Area includes 4,000 acres of state-managed natural areas, four inland lakes and the Huron River. Activities there include mountain biking, paddling, hiking, swimming and fishing. A paved out-and-back trail is four miles long and connects to the Kensington Metropark Bike Trail and the Huron Valley Trail. By comparison, the nature trail at Mill Pond is a shorter, local trail option. The different distances and activities can help you decide whether to focus on Brighton or include other natural attractions in the wider region in your plans.

When looking for a hotel in Brighton, the mix of cultural attractions, walking trails and parks you want can help guide your decision. If you’re also considering activities in the wider region, you can include the natural areas and trails at Island Lake Recreation Area separately in your plans.

Discover more destinations: Whitmore Lake, Fowlerville, Howell.

For the overview of the wider region: Livingston.