Auburn Hills History
Auburn Hills began as Pontiac Township, including the village of Auburn, in 1821, at what is today the corner of Auburn and Squirrel roads. Situated on the Clinton River, it was named by Aaron Webster, the first settler, for Auburn, New York. His sawmill and grist mill attracted settlers to Auburn. After the streets were laid out in 1826, Auburn rivaled nearby Pontiac until the 1860s, when it lost its prosperity. The town was renamed Amy in 1880, and it officially became Auburn Heights in 1919. Pontiac Township bordered the city of Pontiac on two sides. The township attempted to incorporate as Pontiac Heights in 1971, but the request was denied by state officials. Pontiac Township became a charter township in 1978, to protect itself from further annexation. The city was formed in 1983 when Pontiac Township became the City of Auburn Hills, and included the village of Auburn Heights. It is not to be confused with the city of Auburn, Michigan, that exists in Bay County, near Saginaw Bay.
In 1908, automobile pioneer John Dodge bought a farmhouse 3 miles (4.8 km) northeast of Auburn Heights to use as his country retreat. His oldest child, Winifred Dodge, married real estate baron Wesson Seyburn, who built his own country retreat 2.5 miles (4.0 km) north of Auburn Heights. The estate included hunting land, dog kennels, a swimming pool, horse stables, and a 5,000-square-foot (460 m2) Colonial Revival house. Pontiac Township purchased the estate in 1976, and adapted the buildings for government use. Today, it is known as the Auburn Hills Civic Center.
The first use of the name "Auburn Hills," in 1964, was by Oakland Community College. They named their campus (a former Nike missile base) at Featherstone and Squirrel roads for the town and the hilly terrain in the area. Besides Oakland Community College, three other colleges, Oakland University, Baker College, and Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School have campuses partially within the city limits.
- Info provided by the City of Auburn Hills
PARKS & RECREATION
Auburn Hills Skate Park
A skateboard, inline skate and BMX bike park open to all ages and skill levels. The use of the facility is always free and it remains open from April to November, 8 a.m. until dusk.
Civic Center Park
Popular hiking and walking attraction with numerous nature trails. A fishing pond and picnic area are also available for public use. The park offers open lawn areas and a picnic shelter with a fireplace inside. The park features a softball field, 9-hole disc golf course, tennis courts, two play structures, and swings.
Clinton River Trail
An expansive, 16-mile (26 km) walkway through the heart of Oakland County. The trail cuts through several different cities, including Rochester, Rochester Hills, Sylvan Lake, Auburn Hills, and Pontiac. The 2.1-mile (3.4 km) section of trail within Auburn Hills is covered in finely crushed stone, ideal for walking, jogging and biking.
Dennis Dearing Jr. Memorial Park
Featuring a fireman-themed “tot-lot” for children ages 2–5, Dennis Dearing Jr. Memorial Park is a popular spot for families with children. The park also has swings, picnic tables and open space areas for picnic or play.
Hawk Woods Nature Center
Eighty acres of woods, meadows and marsh are accessible via several groomed nature trails and a boardwalk. This year-round facility features heated restroom and shower facilities for the winter months, along with a two-story lodge with six overnight camping cabins. The lodge can be rented for meetings or activities year-round.
Manitoba Park
A two acre park which contains a play structure, sand volleyball courts, a paved play area and open space for activities.
Riverside Park
Located adjacent to downtown Auburn Hills and along the Clinton River, Riverside Park is a popular spot during the warmer months. A canoe launch is open during the warm season.
River Woods Park
Located along the Clinton River and features a covered picnic shelter that can be reserved in season, a paved pathway system with a bridge over the Clinton River, a play structure with swings and climbers, basketball courts, open spaces and picnic areas with barbecue grills.
WHAT TO DO
Great Lakes Crossing
Peppa Pig's World of Play
Great Lakes Crossing
Located just a couple minutes away from Auburn Park Condominium Association.
Sea Life Aquarium
Peppa Pig's World of Play
Great Lakes Crossing
SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium, a Metro Detroit aquarium, will transport you into the amazing underwater world.
Peppa Pig's World of Play
Peppa Pig's World of Play
Peppa Pig's World of Play
14 themed areas of free-roaming play bring to life the world of Peppa Pig like never before and will spark the imagination of your little piggies. Jump, laugh, play, imagine and giggle!
AMC Star Great Lakes 25
LegoLand Discovery Center
Peppa Pig's World of Play
Located in Great Lake Crossing Outlets. Click link to see what's playing.
LegoLand Discovery Center
LegoLand Discovery Center
LegoLand Discovery Center
The Ultimate Indoor LEGO Playground will be coming to Great Lakes Crossing Outlets, Auburn Hills, Michigan in Spring 2016.
Fieldstone Golf Club
LegoLand Discovery Center
LegoLand Discovery Center
Amidst over 170 local golf courses, Fieldstone is consistently hailed as one of the decades top 3 public golf courses in Southeast Michigan.
Pine Knob Music Theater
Pine Knob Music Theater
Pine Knob Music Theater
Recognized as one of the most attended amphitheaters in the country. Located in Clarkston, Michigan.
Meadowbrook Theater
Pine Knob Music Theater
Pine Knob Music Theater
Michigan's Answer to Broadway!