
Innovation Hills Park
A sprawling 110-acre park in Rochester Hills featuring an award-winning nature playground, river trails, and water play.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more playtime

Innovation Hills Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more playtime
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling 110-acre park in Rochester Hills featuring an award-winning nature playground, river trails, and water play.
"One of the best and most beautiful places for kids! Highly recommended for families!"

📱 Parking App Required
Pay for parking using the mobile app; no cash accepted. Download beforehand!
💧 Bring Swim Gear
Kids will love the water play area - pack a change of clothes!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Nature-Themed Playground
Main Play Area
A massive, inclusive playground with a real treehouse, zip line, climbing structures, and a toddler zone.

Clinton River Boardwalk
Along the river
Enjoy a scenic one-mile paved boardwalk offering views of the river and wildlife.

Water Play Zone
Towards the back of the park
Shallow streams and interactive water features perfect for cooling off on a warm day.

The Treehouse
Main Play Area
A real-life treehouse that sparks imagination and adventure for children of all ages.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking and App Essentials
Water Play Preparedness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📱 Parking App Required
Pay for parking using the mobile app; no cash accepted. Download beforehand!
💧 Bring Swim Gear
Kids will love the water play area - pack a change of clothes!
👟 Comfortable Shoes
Explore paved trails, dirt paths, and boardwalks with ease.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Trails
Leashed pets are welcome on the park's walking trails.
Tips
from all over the internet
📱 Parking App Required
Pay for parking using the mobile app; no cash accepted. Download beforehand!
💧 Bring Swim Gear
Kids will love the water play area - pack a change of clothes!
👟 Comfortable Shoes
Explore paved trails, dirt paths, and boardwalks with ease.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Trails
Leashed pets are welcome on the park's walking trails.
💡 Evening Solar Lights
The park has solar lights and glowing pavement for evening visits.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Innovation Hills Park is overwhelmingly praised as a fantastic, spacious, and clean destination with an exceptional nature-themed playground and scenic riverfront trails. Families particularly love the inclusive play areas and water features, though the mandatory mobile app parking fee is a noted inconvenience.
"Such an amazing park. I love that it's fenced in with only two entrances/exits. So even though it's huge it keeps kids mostly contained. The kids had such a great time. Bring an extra change of clothes because there is a water play area (we didn't know this and drove home with wet kids). All of the play structures are well thought out. They challenge our kiddos physically and mentally. I could not recommend this place more and I can't believe it took us so long to get here. We will definitely be back soon.
The only CON is you have to pay to park. No cash/change, you have to use their park mobile app. So be prepared for that."
Jennifer Randle
"A very fun playground, get ready because adventures await. So many different things to check out. Let your imagination lead the way :) . They have restrooms but they were closed at the time of my visit. 1.50 an hour for parking."
renee stegmueller
"One of the best parks in rochester/auburn hills. They have limestone pathways, dirt trails, and wooden deck walkways. You can walk along the clinton river all throughout the park. Tons of insects, wildlife, and a few big bucks too. I live close by and come here to fly fish, totally awesome."
Neil Berish
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Innovation Hills Park is located in Rochester Hills, Michigan. It's accessible by car, and there's a direct pathway from Legacy Rochester Hills. Visitors can also utilize pedestrian trails connected to various areas within the park.
Yes, the park is well-known in the Rochester Hills area. Many local families and visitors frequent it, making it a popular destination.
Information on public transportation directly to the park is limited. Driving or biking via connected trails are the most common methods of access.
If you're in the vicinity, consider walking or biking. There are pedestrian trails that connect to many areas, offering a pleasant approach.
While the park itself offers plenty, Rochester Hills has other local spots. For those visiting the area for work, it's a great option within a half-hour drive of Detroit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Innovation Hills Park is a free public park. However, there is a parking fee if you choose to park in the designated lots.
Parking fees must be paid using a mobile app; cash or change is not accepted. Be sure to download the app and have it ready.
The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Yes, you can walk or bike into the park using the connected pedestrian trails, bypassing the parking fee.
Absolutely! The park is designed to be inclusive, with play areas for toddlers and challenging structures for older children, as well as walking trails for all.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The park boasts a large nature-themed playground with a treehouse, zip line, and climbing areas, along with a water play zone and a scenic boardwalk along the Clinton River.
Yes, there is a dedicated smaller play area specifically designed for toddlers.
Certainly! The park offers a variety of paths, including limestone pathways, dirt trails, and a one-mile paved boardwalk along the Clinton River.
The park is fenced with only two entrances/exits, which helps keep children contained. The play structures are well-designed for safety and engagement.
Restrooms are available within the park, though they may occasionally be closed for maintenance.
Yes, the park is pet-friendly, and leashed pets are welcome on the walking trails.
Visitors have spotted various insects, wildlife, and even deer along the trails and near the pond.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there have been reports of food trucks offering snacks and drinks, such as freshly squeezed lemonade and cold brew.
While specific picnic areas aren't highlighted, the park is spacious and family-friendly, suggesting it's a suitable place for picnics.
Rochester Hills offers various dining options. The park's location makes it convenient to access local eateries after your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
The nature-themed playground, the treehouse, the Clinton River boardwalk, and the water play area offer great photo opportunities. The park's natural beauty and unique structures make for vibrant shots.
Absolutely! The spaciousness, diverse play areas, and scenic river views provide a wonderful backdrop for family portraits.
The park features evening solar lights and glowing pavement, which could offer unique photographic possibilities after dark.
Late afternoons often provide beautiful golden hour lighting for photos. Weekday mornings offer fewer distractions for capturing clear shots.
Drone usage policies can vary. It's advisable to check local park regulations or contact the city of Rochester Hills Parks and Recreation department for specific rules regarding drones.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the playground, the one-mile paved boardwalk offers a safe and scenic stroll for all ages, and the park's overall spaciousness and cleanliness make it ideal for a family outing. With dedicated toddler areas and engaging play equipment, there's something for every child.
🚶♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Walkers
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Inclusive Playground Experience
Many visitors highlight how the playground structures are thoughtfully designed to challenge children both physically and mentally, encouraging imaginative play. The park's commitment to creating a space where all children can play together is a recurring theme in reviews, making it a standout destination for families.
Play Area Highlights:
* Treehouse: A unique, real-life structure that sparks imagination.
* Zip Line: Offers an exhilarating experience for adventurous kids.
* Climbing Area: Provides physical challenges for various skill levels.
* Toddler Zone: A safe and dedicated space for the youngest visitors.
* Water Play Zone: Interactive streams perfect for cooling off.
Exploring the Natural Beauty
Visitors can also venture onto limestone pathways and dirt trails, which allow for a more immersive experience in nature. These trails are ideal for walking, jogging, or even fly fishing in the river, as mentioned by some local enthusiasts. The park's spaciousness and well-maintained paths make it a perfect spot for a peaceful nature walk or a more active outdoor adventure.
Natural Features:
* Clinton River: Scenic riverfront with opportunities for wildlife viewing.
* Paved Boardwalk: Accessible one-mile path for easy exploration.
* Dirt Trails & Limestone Paths: Offer varied hiking and walking experiences.
* Wildlife: Potential sightings of insects, birds, and deer.
Practicalities for a Smooth Visit
Another essential tip, especially for families, is to bring a change of clothes or swimwear due to the popular water play area. This feature is a big hit with kids, but it can lead to wet adventurers heading home. The park is also equipped with evening solar lights and glowing pavement, extending its usability into the night and offering a unique ambiance for late visits.
Key Visitor Tips:
* Parking: Mobile app payment required; download in advance.
* Water Play: Pack extra clothes for kids.
* Evening Visits: Enjoy the solar lights and glowing pavement.
* Accessibility: Paved boardwalk and well-maintained paths.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit