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Oakland County Twisters: A Historical Guide

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment
A large two-story home with large, moving clouds above it. The sky is darkening and it appears that bad weather is on its way.

If you’re fascinated by weather, you’ll love our Tornadoes Map, created with data from local weather geek Matt Malone by Oakland County’s award-winning GIS team. It shows a limited history of the tornado paths and touchdown points, and their EF scale ratings, from 1953 – 2015. Go back to July of 1957, and view the path of an EF4 tornado that traveled 29.9 miles, almost all the way across the southern portion of Oakland County. In 1998, a funnel was spotted after having touched down near Otter Road and Sylvan Lake. It lifted without causing any damage – what a relief! Click on the map to learn more and get details on twisters that touched down here in the past.

A screenshot of a GIS Map of tornado paths and starting/touchdown points in Oakland County, Michigan ca. 1953-2015. Data provided by NOAA, OCIT, and Matt Malone of Farmington Hills GIS. Continue reading →

Haunted Halloween Fun & Fright Across Oakland County

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment
Jack O' Lanterns lined up on a stone wall on dark, fall night in front of the Van Hoosen Museum in Rochester Hills, MI.

This Halloween, Oakland County is crawling with haunted houses, spooky trails, and scary events. Whether you’re looking to scream, heighten your heartbeat, or have fun with your friends and family, Oakland County is the place to be. To see the full list of scary events and locations, click on the button below:

List of Haunted Fun in Oakland County

Oakland County is home to one of Michigan’s most famous haunted attractions: Erebus, four floors of terrifying thrills and unforgettable moments in Pontiac. Other spooky locations are scattered across the county and include the Tunnel of Terror in Rochester, the Rotten Manor in Holly, and the Haunted Junction in Farmington.

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The time for fun and fright has arrived, and all of these haunted locations in Oakland County are filled with both! Enjoy your Halloween, and, if you’re searching for more fun this fall, take a look at our list of family-friendly events.

Do you know of any other haunted Halloween fun in the Oakland County area? Let us know via Facebook or Twitter, contact us at socialmedia@oakgov.com, or leave a comment below.

Visit the Oakland County website, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest for more news and fun year round. Join the conversation using #OaklandCounty.

Family-Friendly Halloween Fun in Oakland County

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment
Little kids run around dressed up in Halloween costumes outside on a fall day.

This fall, participate in the magical, mysterious, and spooky excitement of Halloween by attending any one of the family-friendly events across Oakland County! From hayrides and pumpkin-picking, to trick-or-treating and solving corn mazes, there’s no shortage of great activities for residents of all ages to enjoy this holiday season. To see the full list of events near you, click the button below:

List of Family Friendly Oakland County Fun

Many of the events give a seasonal twist to iconic Oakland County locations. Examples include Zoo Boo at the Detroit Zoo, Halloween Science at the Cranbrook Institute of Science, and Halloween in Hollygrove in Holly. Others, such as Boo Bash in Addison Oaks, surround attendees with the beautiful fall landscape.

Wherever you go, you’re sure to have a Happy Halloween at any of these events in Oakland County.

Do you know of any other family-friendly Halloween events in the Oakland County area? Let us know via Facebook or Twitter, contact us at socialmedia@oakgov.com, or leave a comment below.

Visit the Oakland County website, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest for more news and fun year round. Join the conversation using #OaklandCounty.

Saddle Up Your Horse with Oakland County’s Equestrian Map

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment
A woman smiles at the camera while she snuggles up against a white horse's neck. In the background, leaves are beginning to turn fall colors.

Oakland County equestrian enthusiasts of all abilities, from beginners to professionals, can find a number of local resources to support their love of horses. Oakland County is just the place with more than 40 locations for boarding, training, lessons, equine therapy, or group outings. Several stables and ranches are located in and around the county; see the list below to learn more.

List of Equestrian Locations in Oakland County

This interactive map, created by Oakland County’s award-winning GIS team, also provides locations such as equestrian trails, feed and supply stores, saddlery locations, and veterinary care. Click on the map below to find a location near you, or discover a new equestrian destination to visit.

Equestrian Map

Looking for a trail to take a horseback ride? Check out an equestrian trail at one of the horse-friendly Oakland County Parks locations: Addison Oaks, Highland Oaks, and Rose Oaks. Or plan a trip along the popular Paint Creek Trail or Polly Ann Trail. Click on the map below to find even more trails and zoom in to find an equestrian trail near you.

Equestrian Map in Oakland County zoomed in to show horse-friendly trails.

Do you know of any other equestrian locations in the Oakland County area? Let us know via Facebook or Twitter, contact us at socialmedia@oakgov.com, or leave a comment below.

Visit the Oakland County website, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest for more news and fun year round. Join the conversation using #OaklandCounty.

Play Ball at Oakland County Dog Parks

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment

Looking for a fun place to spend time with your canine kids? You’re in luck! The Oakland County area offers a variety of dog parks. You and your furry friend can have a great time at any one of the local dog parks playing, socializing, and exercising. View all the dog parks in Oakland County below:

List of Dog Parks in Oakland County

Whether you want to play ball at the Lyon Oaks Dog Park in Wixom, swim & doggie paddle at Orion Oaks Dog Park in Lake Orion, or take a stroll at William Grace Dog Park in Farmington Hills, there’s a park for you nearby.

Oakland County’s Parks and Recreation manages three dog parks, which are all open most of the year. See the list above for additional dog parks and details. Rain or shine, the parks are open and waiting to welcome you and your pup!

Do you know of any other dog parks in the Oakland County area? Let us know via Facebook or Twitter, contact us at socialmedia@oakgov.com, or leave a comment below.

Visit the Oakland County website, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest for more news and fun year round. Join the conversation using #OaklandCounty.