Explore Clarkston through three distinct interests: historic architecture, Mill Pond as part of the Clinton River in the town center, and cultural offerings at Depot Park. This gives you several ways to focus your trip: you can make local history your priority, take note of the town center’s connection to the water, or plan your stay around a particular event. This makes it easier to choose Clarkston based on what matters most to you: a protected historic district, a central connection to the water, or a specific event.
Historic Buildings and Local History
The Clarkston Village Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. The nationally recognized district includes more than 100 historic buildings. They are protected by a state law and an ordinance of the City of the Village of Clarkston. The district is therefore listed on the National Register and protected by two specific measures at the state and city levels. If you’re interested in architectural history, it offers a clear starting point: the number of buildings and their protections give the historic townscape a distinctive focus.
Clarkston’s development also offers a historical timeline: the town developed through the early 20th century. This development resulted in a collection of traditional and representative houses and shops. The Clarkston Heritage Museum opened in 1999 to preserve and share local history. Two aspects thus stand side by side: the houses and shops as a result of the town’s development, and the preservation and presentation of local history at the museum.
The Clarkston Historic District Walking Tour brings the city’s historic houses into focus, street by street. As an online resource for visitors, it offers a distinct way to explore the architecture. The museum is designed for self-guided visits; access is based on the regular opening hours of the Clarkston Independence District Library. Check these hours before your visit. This lets you consider the tour and museum as different ways to explore local history and factor the museum’s opening hours into your plans.
Mill Pond, Depot Park, and Events
Mill Pond, part of the Clinton River, is in the center of Clarkston. It provides a direct connection to the water in the town center. Depot Park covers just under 35 acres and is the largest contiguous property in the City of Clarkston. Mill Pond can be understood through its location and connection to the river, while the park’s size and ranking describe it from a different perspective.
Two different cultural events take place at Depot Park. Art in the Village has been held there for decades and takes place in September. The Concerts in the Park series features four weeks of free concerts at the same location; dates and performers may change. Event dates may change, so check the specific dates if you’d like to plan your trip around one of these events.
Market and Local Produce
The Clarkston Family Farm’s Sunflower Market offers another local perspective. It sells locally grown, natural, and organic produce, as well as handcrafted goods. The market is also part of the nonprofit farm’s educational program. This adds another facet of the area alongside architecture and events: a market selling produce and handcrafted goods as part of the farm’s educational program. The selection and program may change over time. If specific items are important to you, check what’s currently available before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Bloomfield Hills, Rochester Hills, Clawson, Farmington Hills, Pontiac, Royal Oak, Southfield, Lake Orion.
For the broader travel overview: Oakland.
