Warmer days are upon us and living, working and playing in South Lyon is at its finest. It’s a green, modern, spacious township that’s just 3.5 miles in size, yet perfectly situated in an area with the amenities and fun of a vacation destination.

South Lyon is a fabulous, spacious, well-designed community of upscale Oakland County. Gorgeous Michigan real estate nestled in neighborhoods featuring spacious backyards and homeowners who make time to unwind with so much enjoy to everyday here – big and small.

Here’s why we love South Lyon during summer:

Park Life

There’s hundreds of acres of parks in South Lyon including McHattie Park with its Victorian Gazebo and pretty picnic areas and Volunteer Park with its busy baseball diamonds and soccer fields and also sand volleyball courts to jump into a game on any given day.  Paul Baker Memorial Park has a scenic fountain and gazebo near a great hiking trail. The Huron Valley Rail Trail – paved and mostly flat is for natural lovers and links several area communities and parks to a growing network of biking, hiking and walking trails. On one end of the trail is foliage, flowers and cute wooden bridges and on the other is a rockier road for more adventurous walks.

The Michigan Airline Trail: South Lyon to Pontiac – is 25.4 miles with a scenic lake and is super dog friendly. This active biking trail is set to be home to events starting in summer 2021 as area volunteers are encouraging and arranging outings for cyclists looking to feel social.

Kayaking & Canoeing At Every Turn

There’s a dozen-plus kayaking options within minutes of South Lyon. Spending time at glorious, peaceful Huron River on beautiful Proud Lake where you can rent kayaks and paddle boards is ideal to unwind regularly on weekends or after work. Glide along the gentle ecosystem to spot turtles resting on the lily pads, Great Blue Herons perched among the cattails and wildflowers plus more than 180 other bird species worth watching.

Also nearby is Lake Pathway for canoeing, swimming and cabin rentals – you literally can have a weekend vacation within six miles from your house in South Lyon.

The township is home to the Michigan Dog War Memorial, a nonprofit aimed to educate the public about the heroic canines who served for our freedoms. It’s where military dogs are laid to rest, at no cost to the owners, with full honors. It’s worth a regular visit to these sacred grounds.

Witchy Wonders

Yes, South Lyon has a museum shaped like a Witch’s Hat and we can never get enough of it. The  Witch’s Hat Depot Museum, Little Village Chapel, and the Freight House are delightful to take the kids or just enjoy the views solo from a nearby park bench. Planning a party or family reunion? This is where to do it.

The Witch’s Hat Depot was moved from its original location on East Lake Street to McHattie Park in 1976 as a bicentennial project and it now serves as the focal point for the historic area.

It’s so beloved, there’s also the Witch’s Hat Brewing Company located in a nearby shopping center that serves its own beers including barley wine, brown ale, scotch ale, and more. South Lyon loves it’s beer and Third Monk Brewery – a stop for music and brew lovers – is also worth a visit. Owned by musician/record producer who likes to chat it up with visitors, the craft breweries here are perfect to cool down on hot summer days.

Golf, Anyone?

Some of the most spacious, enjoyable courses in the region are located in this area and whether you want to play nine on a weekday morning before work, or partake in 18 on the weekends, the scenic courses here range from relaxed to challenging.

Outdoor dining

Sitting outside with a cocktail in South Lyon at any of its historic restaurants – like the South Lyon Hotel that opened in 1867 (but it’s not a hotel any longer)  – is always special. Live music and a late night Saturday menu is great for night owls.

Nearby, Lake Street Tavern’s burger Mondays for custom burgers or live music on various nights is the spot to be for locals and out-of-towners. Lyon Grill is known for its multicultural approach to traditional American dishes – including seafood and steaks – and its outdoor dining is perfect for a fun date or family night.

Honey at the Farmer’s Market

The South Lyon Farmer’s Market is one of the best around for small town charm. Quality crafted artisan work, locally sourced honey in different flavors and a wide range of local produce (South Lyon is surrounded by family farms) helps make summer here a delight! It’s also home to Erwin’s Orchards where you can actually go pick asparagus and other fruits and veggies at a 101 year older cidery.

Morning Java

Summer starts at the friendly Java House where South Lyon coffee aficionados begin their day with single origin whole bean coffee and to catch up with neighbors.  At night it’s on ice cream…

Ice Cream Social

Later in the day, Mickey’s Dairy Twist is a must-visit to walk up or drive-thru and get a frozen fresh squeezed lemonade, famous generously-sized brownie sundae and fresh frozen custard. Where else might you see someone bring their adorable pet goat and share some ice cream with it while fashionable hipsters pop in for the orange vanilla twist in a huge waffle cone.

For nature lovers, outdoor recreation, family-friendly small charm or  sophisticated foodies what’s not to love about summer in South Lyon?