Troy combines suburban comfort with urban amenities, offering premier shopping, diverse dining, excellent parks, and a thriving business community. As one of Metro Detroit's most desirable cities, Troy provides residents and visitors with quality experiences ranging from upscale retail at Somerset Collection to peaceful nature trails and family-friendly attractions throughout the community.
Whether you're exploring Troy for shopping or you're a local homeowner discovering your community's offerings, this guide highlights the best experiences our city provides. This local guide is brought to you by Elite Roofing, proudly serving Troy residents and protecting homes in Oakland County's premier community.
Table of Contents
- Somerset Collection
- Troy Historic Village
- Stage Nature Center
- Troy Museum & Historic Village
- International Restaurant District
- Sylvan Glen Lake Park
- Troy Public Library
- Premier Golf Courses
- Red Oaks Nature Center
- Coffee Shops & Cafes
- Big Beaver Road Corridor
- Troy Parks System
- Troy Farmers Market
- Emagine Theatre
- Fitness & Biking Trails
1. Somerset Collection
Somerset Collection ranks among America's finest upscale shopping destinations, featuring two buildings connected by a sky bridge over Big Beaver Road. Over 180 stores include luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Tiffany & Co., alongside popular retailers like Apple, Nordstrom, and Macy's. The beautifully designed interior features marble floors, elegant decor, and comfortable seating areas. Restaurants range from quick casual to upscale dining with options like The Cheesecake Factory, Maggiano's, and P.F. Chang's. Personal shopping services and valet parking add convenience. The Somerset experience goes beyond shopping, offering art displays, seasonal events, and superior customer service. The mall attracts visitors from across the Midwest seeking premium retail experiences.
Location: 2800 W Big Beaver Rd, Troy | Best Time: Weekdays for less crowded shopping
2. Troy Historic Village
Troy Historic Village preserves the city's rural heritage with 10 authentic historic buildings dating from the 1800s. The village includes a general store, one-room schoolhouse, log cabin, church, and other structures relocated to create a cohesive historical campus. Costumed interpreters demonstrate period crafts and explain daily life from Troy's agricultural past. Special events include Civil War reenactments, vintage baseball, seasonal celebrations, and educational programs. The village offers programs for school groups and families. Walking the grounds provides peaceful connection with local history. The restored buildings showcase period architecture and construction methods, demonstrating how structures were built to last generations with proper maintenance. The village represents Troy's commitment to preserving heritage amid modern development.
Location: 60 W Wattles Rd, Troy | Best Time: Summer for full programming; special events year-round
3. Stage Nature Center
Stage Nature Center offers 100 acres of forests, meadows, wetlands, and trails providing nature experiences within suburban Troy. Over 5 miles of trails wind through diverse habitats perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and nature photography. The interpretive center features exhibits on local ecosystems and wildlife. Educational programs include guided nature walks, children's programs, and seasonal events. The center emphasizes environmental education and conservation. The preserve protects important wildlife habitat while providing community access to nature. Special programs include maple syrup demonstrations, animal tracking workshops, and astronomy nights. Cross-country skiing operates during winter. The nature center demonstrates how communities can preserve natural areas within developed suburbs for environmental and recreational benefits.
Location: 6685 Coolidge Hwy, Troy | Best Time: Year-round; spring for wildflowers, fall for colors
4. Troy Museum & Historic Village
The Troy Museum shares the campus with the Historic Village, offering exhibits on local history, changing exhibitions, and community programs. The museum features artifacts from Troy's transformation from rural farming community to thriving suburban city. Rotating exhibitions cover diverse topics from art to history to science. The museum hosts lectures, workshops, and special events throughout the year. Gallery spaces showcase contemporary art and photography. The museum serves as a community gathering place beyond just exhibitions, hosting meetings and cultural events. Free admission makes the museum accessible to all residents and visitors. The facility demonstrates Troy's investment in cultural institutions that educate and enrich the community while preserving local heritage.
Location: 60 W Wattles Rd, Troy | Best Time: Year-round; check exhibition schedule
5. International Restaurant District
Troy's diverse population supports an exceptional international dining scene, particularly along Rochester Road and other major corridors. Find authentic cuisine representing dozens of countries including Indian, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and more. Many restaurants serve immigrant communities while welcoming all diners seeking authentic flavors. From casual family-owned spots to upscale establishments, the variety impresses. Notable concentrations include Indian restaurants serving regional specialties and Japanese restaurants offering ramen, sushi, and izakaya experiences. The restaurant diversity reflects Troy's multicultural character. Many establishments occupy strip malls and shopping centers, so don't judge by exterior appearances โ the food speaks for itself. This culinary landscape makes Troy a foodie destination.
Location: Rochester Rd & other major corridors | Best Time: Dinner hours; lunch specials at many restaurants
6. Sylvan Glen Lake Park
Sylvan Glen Lake Park offers beautiful natural areas centered around a scenic lake with fishing, trails, and picnic facilities. The park features walking paths around the lake providing peaceful exercise opportunities with water views. Fishing attracts anglers targeting bass, bluegill, and other species. The park includes playground equipment for children and open areas for games and activities. Well-maintained grounds make it popular with families and dog walkers. The park's natural setting provides habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife. Benches along the trails offer places to rest and enjoy nature. The park represents Troy's commitment to preserving green spaces and providing outdoor recreation within residential neighborhoods. Summer brings beautiful sunsets over the lake.
Location: 4101 Kinross Ave, Troy | Best Time: Spring through fall for outdoor activities
7. Troy Public Library
Troy Public Library ranks among Michigan's finest public libraries with an extensive collection, modern facilities, and comprehensive programs. The spacious main library features comfortable reading areas, study rooms, computer labs, and children's spaces designed to encourage literacy and learning. The collection includes books, magazines, DVDs, audiobooks, and digital resources. Programs for all ages include storytimes, book clubs, lectures, technology classes, and cultural events. The library hosts author visits and community discussions. Free WiFi and public computers provide technology access. Meeting rooms serve community organizations. The library represents Troy's investment in education and community resources. The modern facility demonstrates how public buildings can serve diverse community needs while creating welcoming spaces.
Location: 510 W Big Beaver Rd, Troy | Best Time: Year-round during operating hours
8. Premier Golf Courses
Troy offers excellent golf opportunities with several high-quality courses serving players of all skill levels. The Sanctuary Golf Course provides championship golf with beautiful landscaping and challenging holes. Glacier Club offers another premier option with excellent conditions and amenities. These courses feature well-maintained fairways, strategic bunkering, and excellent greens. Driving ranges allow practice before rounds. Pro shops carry equipment and apparel. Many courses offer lessons from PGA professionals. The courses provide important green spaces within suburban landscapes while offering recreation. Summer brings ideal conditions for golf. Leagues and tournaments create community connections. The quality golf facilities contribute to Troy's reputation as a desirable place to live with excellent recreational amenities.
Location: Various locations in Troy | Best Time: April-October golf season
9. Red Oaks Nature Center
Red Oaks Nature Center provides 162 acres of natural areas with trails, wildlife observation, and environmental education programs. The center features forest, wetland, and meadow habitats supporting diverse plant and animal communities. Trails wind through the preserve offering peaceful hiking experiences. The nature center building includes exhibits and program spaces. Educational offerings include guided nature walks, children's programs, and seasonal events like maple syrup production. The center emphasizes hands-on learning about local ecosystems. Birdwatching opportunities attract enthusiasts year-round. Cross-country skiing operates during winter months. The nature center demonstrates Troy's commitment to environmental education and habitat preservation, providing residents access to nature experiences and learning about ecological systems.
Location: 30300 Hinkley Rd, Madison Heights (serves Troy area) | Best Time: Year-round; varied programs
10. Coffee Shops & Cafe Culture
Troy's thriving coffee culture offers numerous independent cafes and specialty coffee shops serving expertly-crafted drinks and creating community gathering spaces. Local favorites serve everything from traditional espresso drinks to specialty roasts and creative beverages. Many cafes offer comfortable seating, WiFi, and welcoming atmospheres perfect for working, studying, or meeting friends. Some feature bakery items, light meals, and desserts. The variety ranges from cozy neighborhood spots to modern specialty roasters. Coffee shops have become important third places where community connections form beyond home and work. Many serve Troy's diverse population with international coffee traditions. The cafe scene demonstrates changing social patterns and demand for quality coffee experiences in suburban settings.
Location: Various locations throughout Troy | Best Time: Mornings for fresh pastries; afternoons for studying
11. Big Beaver Road Corridor
Big Beaver Road serves as Troy's commercial spine, featuring hotels, office buildings, shopping centers, and restaurants creating a vibrant business district. The corridor connects major destinations including Somerset Collection and numerous corporate headquarters. The road represents Troy's economic success as a regional business center. High-rise office buildings house major corporations and professional firms. Hotels serve business travelers and visitors. Shopping centers provide convenient retail access. The corridor's development demonstrates suburban commercial growth patterns. The area's prosperity supports Troy's excellent municipal services and amenities. While primarily commercial, the corridor includes pedestrian improvements and landscaping. The area shows how suburban communities evolved from residential-only to mixed-use commercial centers supporting regional economies.
Location: Big Beaver Rd (16 Mile Rd), Troy | Best Time: Weekdays for business district atmosphere
12. Troy Parks System
Troy maintains an excellent parks system with over 20 parks offering diverse recreational opportunities throughout the city. Parks range from small neighborhood playgrounds to larger facilities with sports fields, trails, and amenities. Boulan Park features splash pads and playgrounds. Firefighters Park honors first responders while providing recreation areas. Many parks include tennis courts, basketball courts, and sports fields. The parks system emphasizes accessibility and serving neighborhood needs. Well-maintained facilities and attractive landscaping make parks inviting. The variety ensures residents have nearby recreational access. Parks host community events and provide spaces for informal gatherings. The parks demonstrate Troy's investment in quality of life amenities that make the community desirable for families.
Location: Multiple locations throughout Troy | Best Time: Spring through fall for outdoor activities
13. Troy Farmers Market
The Troy Farmers Market operates seasonally providing fresh local produce, baked goods, flowers, and artisan products from regional farmers and vendors. The market creates community gathering spaces where residents connect with local food producers. Find seasonal fruits and vegetables, homemade jams and preserves, fresh-baked breads, locally-raised meats, and more. The market emphasizes supporting local agriculture and small food businesses. Prepared food vendors offer breakfast and lunch options perfect for market mornings. The market location provides convenient access with ample parking. Special events and seasonal themes add variety throughout the season. The farmers market demonstrates demand for local food connections even in suburban settings, supporting sustainable agriculture while providing quality fresh products.
Location: Troy Civic Center area | Best Time: Saturday mornings, May-October
14. Emagine Theatre
Emagine Theatre provides premium movie-going experiences with comfortable seating, excellent screens and sound, and upscale amenities. The luxury theater features reclining seats with reserved seating, making every seat the best seat. The concessions go beyond standard movie fare with expanded food and beverage options including beer and wine. The facility maintains high standards for cleanliness and customer service. Multiple screens show current releases and special programming. The theater represents modern cinema evolution toward luxury experiences competing with home viewing. The comfortable environment and quality presentation make movie-going special occasions. The theater serves Troy residents and draws visitors from surrounding communities seeking premium entertainment experiences in convenient suburban locations.
Location: Shopping center locations in Troy area | Best Time: Evenings and weekends; matinees for value
15. Fitness & Biking Trails
Troy offers paved trails and bike paths throughout the city providing safe routes for cycling, walking, and jogging. The trail system connects parks, schools, and neighborhoods creating non-motorized transportation options and recreational routes. Popular trails include paths around lakes and through natural areas. The trails serve commuters, fitness enthusiasts, and families enjoying outdoor activities. Well-maintained surfaces and clear signage make trails accessible to all skill levels. The expanding trail network demonstrates Troy's commitment to alternative transportation and active lifestyles. Trails provide health benefits while creating community connections as neighbors encounter each other during outdoor activities. The system shows how suburban communities can support walking and cycling beyond just automobile transportation.
Location: Trail access points throughout Troy | Best Time: Spring through fall; early mornings or evenings
Local Tips for Visiting Troy
๐๏ธ Best Time to Visit
Troy offers year-round attractions with indoor shopping and dining. Summer brings farmers markets and outdoor recreation. Fall offers comfortable weather for parks and trails. Winter shopping at Somerset provides climate-controlled retail therapy. Spring features blooming parks.
๐ Getting Around
Troy requires a car for most destinations. Major roads include Big Beaver, Rochester, and Coolidge. Shopping centers have ample free parking. Traffic can be heavy during rush hours. The city is well-connected to I-75 and other freeways.
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐งโ๐ฆ Family-Friendly
Troy Historic Village, parks with playgrounds, and nature centers are perfect for families. Many restaurants welcome children. The library offers extensive children's programming. Somerset Collection has family-friendly dining. Parks provide safe outdoor spaces.
Experience Troy & Protect Your Home
Whether you're visiting Troy for premier shopping or you're a local homeowner enjoying suburban amenities with urban conveniences, these attractions showcase why Troy ranks among Michigan's most desirable communities. From world-class retail to beautiful parks and diverse dining, Troy delivers quality experiences.
Elite Roofing: Your Troy Roofing Experts
Just as Troy maintains excellent public facilities and beautiful neighborhoods, Elite Roofing protects Troy homes with expert craftsmanship and reliable service. We understand Oakland County's housing stock and weather challenges.
๐ Call us at (555) 123-4567