23 Best Things To Do In Dexter, Michigan

1. Tour Dexter Area Historical Society Museum

Providing a telescopic insight into Dexter and Washtenaw County’s rich heritage with its many exhibits and showcases is Dexter Area Historical Society Museum. The museum’s local history library and even the genealogical library have several interesting findings that you ought to have a look at. It opens only seasonally so you can plan this outing if your vacation falls sometime between May to November. The museum also has a cute gift shop that you can pick up some stuff from.

Dexter Area Historical Society Museum

Address: 3443 Inverness St, Dexter, MI 48130, USA

Website: Dexter Area Historical Society Museum

Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 1pm - 3pm (closed from Sun - Thu)

2. Plan a picnic with family at Mill Creek Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

A fantastic place to enjoy a picnic and spend time soaking in the sun is Mill Creek Park, rife with abundant greenery and plenty of recreational activities. It was formerly known as Warrior Creek Park so don’t feel misplaced if you find the locals still using that name. As the name suggests, the park borders Mill Creek, which flows into the Huron River, making the park a top spot for picnics and spending time outdoors. There are also designated trails to enjoy walking, jogging, or running, along with a playground for kids to rollick in, and a horseshoe pitch for enthusiasts.

Mill Creek Park

Address: Jeffords, Dexter, MI 48130, USA

Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)

3. Enjoy time outdoors at Peace Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Just head around the corner of the Inverness and Ann Arbor streets and you’ll find another one of Dexter’s amazing parks – Peace Park. Sprawled across an area of about 0.8 ha (0.2 acres), there’s a wealth of greenery and numerous picnic tables for you to enjoy a fun time there. Head there and have yourself a great time in the lap of nature.

Peace Park

Address: 7530-7576 Ann Arbor St, Dexter, MI 48130, USA

4. Admire the greenery of Monument Park

Bang in the middle of Dexter’s downtown is Monument Park, a respite from the town’s hustle-bustle and a great place to unwind. It was built to commemorate Dexter’s fallen personnel but has become a popular venue for public events due to its stunning greenery. The Paint Dexter Plein Air Festival, Apple Daze, and Dexter Daze are among the few that are hosted there. It doesn’t stop here – the park also makes provisions for an outdoor ice skating rink in the winters. So, regardless of the time of the year you’re in Dexter, do remember to head to Monument Park.

Monument Park

Address: 8000-8558 Ann Arbor St, Dexter, MI 48130, USA

Website: Monument Park

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

5. Go fishing at Dexter-Huron Metropark

Pack your tackle box and fishing rod and prepare yourself to spend a day fishing in the Dexter-Huron Metropark. Hitch yourself a boat across the Huron River and cast your line. The river is rife with largemouth and smallmouth bass and sees enthusiasts indulging in shoreline as well as fly-fishing. Adding to the overall experience is the park’s lush woodlands and rich wildlife all around. However, do note that you’ll require a Michigan Fishing license. Also remember that a Metropark daily pass or an annual vehicle pass needs to be acquired for accessing the park in a vehicle.

Dexter-Huron Metropark

Address: 6535 Huron River Dr, Dexter, MI 48130, USA

Website: Dexter-Huron Metropark

Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)

6. Go boating in Hudson Mills Metropark

Engulf yourself in the tranquility of nature and go boating in Hudson Mills Metropark. A state-owned facility, the park offers ample of recreational activities for visitors to indulge in. Most popular amongst all is canoeing and kayaking across the Huron River. So, get going and make it a day. Although, do note you’ll need to purchase a Metropark daily pass or an annual vehicle pass for accessing the park with a vehicle.

Hudson Mills Metropark

Address: 8801 N Territorial Rd, Dexter, MI 48130, USA

Website: Hudson Mills Metropark

Opening hours: 7am - 10pm (daily)

7. Explore Sloan Preserve's rich foliage

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Rife with wetlands, woods, and the wild is the 14 hectares (35 acres) of Sloan Preserve. Prepped with trails and many a wonderful sights to admire, the preserve makes for a pretty interesting destination for a visit. Walking through the wildflowers and the towering greens, you’ll even come across the Mill Creek, which has been designated a natural river. Seat yourself along its banks and soak in the breezes or bask in the serenity that the place exudes.

Sloan Preserve

Address: Baker Rd, Dexter, MI 48130, USA

8. Hike through Miller-Smith Preserve

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Sprawled across an area of approximately 12 ha (30 acres) is Miller-Smith Preserve, Dexter’s top spot for indulging in some hiking and bird-watching. It is primarily a marsh-like, undeveloped park and has now been equipped with hiking and walking trails to provide visitors the best of experience. These trails wind through a thick oak-hickory forest, swampy white oak areas, and numerous other smaller wetlands to take you through some of the most scenic natural spaces. However, come prepared as the experience can get pretty rustic!

Miller-Smith Preserve

Address: 8570 Dexter-Chelsea Rd, Dexter, MI 48130, USA

Website: Miller-Smith Preserve

9. Head to Burns-Stokes Preserve for beautiful hikes

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Burns-Stokes Preserve, perched along Huron River, makes for one of the most amazing spots for hiking or walking. Walk along its well-paved trails and you’ll find yourself crossing streams, wetlands, prairie remnants, and lots of greenery. You’ll also find many fishing enthusiasts and bird-watchers as the park is famous for that as well. Burns-Stokes Preserve is one of Washtenaw County’s 17 nature preserves and makes for a great place to stroll around.

Burns-Stokes Preserve

Address: Zeeb Rd, Dexter, MI 48130, USA

Website: Burns-Strokes Preserve

10. Go for a jog to Dexter Community Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Equipped with walking trails, a basketball court, a gazebo, several benches, and plenty of other amenities is the Dexter Community Park. Squeeze in some exercise while on vacation and go sweating at the park’s wonderfully laid out trails. If you get tired, just seat yourself on the ground or on one of the benches and just soak in the natural beauty of the place. Let the atmosphere of the park invigorate your very being!

Dexter Community Park

Address: 3575 Ryan Dr, Dexter, MI 48130, USA

Website: [Dexter Community Park]http://www.dextermi.gov/parks-and-recreation)

Opening hours: 7am - 8pm (daily)

11. Catch a performance of The Encore Musical Theatre Company

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

A professional musical theatre group, The Encore Musical Theatre Company produces about six major productions per season, with some one-night or one-weekend performances strewn here and there. Lifting the performing arts’ scene in the Washtenaw County up a notch, the production company’s actors are a mix of local talent as well as well-known theatre actors. Check up their website for The Encore Musical Theatre Company’s show schedule and try catch one of their shows. They’re not to miss!

The Encore Musical Theatre Company

Address: 3126 Broad Street, Dexter, MI 48130 USA

Website: The Encore Musical Theatre Company

12. Spend an insightful day at Dexter Cider Mill

Established in 1886, Dexter Cider Mill easily qualifies for being the oldest cider mill in the state. It is family-run and is perched along the banks of Huron River, making for a superb place to spend a day at. Head to the mill and watch delicious doughnuts, delightful caramel apples, yummy apple nut bread, and woodpressed cider being made from scratch; not just looking, but tasting is also involved! And, what you can’t taste, you can always buy from their store on-site. The mill is open for visits from mid-August to mid-November so don’t forget a trip to this humble yet brilliant place in Dexter.

Dexter Cider Mill

Address: 3685 Central St, Dexter, MI 48130, USA

Website: Dexter Cider Mill

Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 8am - 5pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

Price: Free

13. Go berry-picking at Dexter Blueberry Farm

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Here’s a local and family-owned farm in Dexter, which will make for an absolutely delightful trip. Plan a visit to Dexter Blueberry Farm and spend time outdoors, walking through lush greenery and picking the best blueberries of the lot. Although, do note that they advise you to wear picking-appropriate clothes and carry along some necessities like sun block, bug repellent, hat, water bottle, wet wipes, etc. with you. Also remember to bring along your container. Else, you can take one being provided at the farm as well. The experience might require you to rough it out a little but is tons of fun nonetheless. The peak picking season is usually from mid-July to mid-August, but you can go there any time of the year.

Dexter Blueberry Farm

Address: 11024 Beach Rd, Dexter, MI 48130, USA

Website: Dexter Blueberry Farm

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8am - 7:30pm; Sun: 12pm - 6pm

14. Spend a day in Lesser Farms' orchards

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Also family-run and operated is Lesser Farms, offering cider, plums, apples, pumpkins, homemade jams, and a ton of other fresh stuff, straight off the orchards for you to purchase. You can walk through their expansive fields and marvel at the richness of the produce. Although, they don’t permit you to pick the produce yourself.

Lesser Farms

Address: 12651 Island Lake Rd, Dexter, MI 48130, USA

Website: Lesser Farms

Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 9am - 6pm; Sun: 1pm - 6pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

15. Have fun with kids at Jenny's Farm Stand & Cider Mill

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

A farm as well as a farmers market, Jenny’s Farm Stand & Cider Mill sells fresh-made cider, pumpkins, and a bunch of other locally grown produce along with artisanal items as well. Don’t worry if you’re with an energetic little one – Jenny’s Farm Stand & Cider Mill has some interesting stuff for kids to do as well. So, you can peacefully do your shopping while they rollick around in the haystacks and hayrides. And while you are picking up stuff, do try their bread and butter pickles – they’re absolutely delish!

Jenny's Farm Stand & Cider Mill

Address: 8366 Island Lake Rd, Dexter, MI 48130, USA

Website: Jenny’s Farm Stand & Cider Mill

Opening hours: 7am - 8pm (daily)

16. Pick up some gifts from Artistica Gallery

Editor’s note: establishment is permanently closed

Keepsakes and souvenirs are a vacation essential so how about you take home something that can prove to be beautiful as well as practical? Owned by artists themselves, Artistica Gallery displays and sells a collection of items handcrafted by other artists from Michigan. Currently, they’re supporting more than 40 local artists from the state. Right from candles, artisanal beauty, silverware, photography, jewellery products, you’ll find a fantastic range of stuff that you can choose from.

Artistica Gallery

Address: 3203 Broad St, Dexter, MI 48130, USA

Website: Artistica Gallery

Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 10am - 5:30pm; Sat: 10am - 4pm; Sun: 12pm - 4pm (closed on Mon)

17. Go on a trip to candyland at Mindo Chocolate Makers

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Established in 2009 as a full-fledged chocolate business is Mindo Chocolate Makers, excelling in making “bean-to-bar chocolates” that bring the best of South American (Ecuador) flavours to Michigan. Today, a decade later, what began as a humble home business has taken enormous proportions. Offering the best of artisanal chocolate selection and facility tours, Mindo Chocolate Makers can easily be identified as a tourist favourite in Dexter. Mindo sources their cocoa beans from Ecuador and maintains the highest standards of manufacturing to ensure that their chocolates have a nuanced flavour, quite unlike any other. Head along there and hitch yourself a tour – sample some of their amazing flavours while learning some interesting bits about chocolate-making!

Mindo Chocolate Makers

Address: 11061 Trinkle Rd, Dexter, MI 48130, USA

Website: Mindo Chocolate Makers

18. Have a cuppa at Bearclaw Coffee Co.

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Head over to Bearclaw Coffee Co. and start your morning on a refreshing note. It is a sit-down cafe and has a drive-through as well so you can easily pick something up even if you’re en route for something else. Right from the usual cappuccino, hot teas, cold coffees to a variety of smoothies, the place excels in just about everything. You can even pair your drink with a bagel or one of the other bakery products they sell over the counter.

Bearclaw Coffee Co.

Address: 9188 N Territorial Rd, Dexter, MI 48130, USA

Website: Bearclaw Coffee Co.

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 5am - 6:30pm; Sun: 6am - 6pm

19. Try Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales + Kitchen's sour ales

Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales was founded in Dexter in 2004 and started out as a brewery but has now expanded into a full-fledged brewery-cum-pub, Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales + Kitchen. Primarily famous for their unpasteurized and unfiltered beers, the place is a beer lover’s candyland! Their beers are aged in oak, which infuses a rather rustic and exquisite taste in each of the blends. Unlike the rest of the Jolly Pumpkin establishments, the one in Dexter focuses mainly on seasonal flavours, with a change in selection every other month. Their taproom currently offers close to 30 flavours. Pair them with one of the delicious dishes from their kitchen and you have yourself a winning duo! Do try and include this experience in your itinerary. Bonus: all of their beers are vegan-friendly!

Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales + Kitchen

Address: 2319 Bishop Cir E, Dexter, MI 48130, USA

Website: Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales + Kitchen

Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 4pm - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 4pm - 11pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

20. Chug Beer Grotto Dexter's craft beers and wines

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Featuring some 50 (or more!) craft beers on tap and about 25 boutique wines, Beer Grotto Dexter is definitely a must-visit. Seat yourself on one of their tasting pods and let the world of beers and wines unfold itself before you. While the beers are every bit delectable, so are the wines – you can have them in a glass or by the bottle as well. The place has been set up in two sections where one is a sit-down lounge and the other is a store for you to purchase stuff for take-out. The latter is where you can head to pick up stuff that you really liked having in the lounge. If you’re looking to try a new flavour, the folks at the store counter let you taste up to three draft beers for free so you can buy one you find best.

Beer Grotto Dexter

Address: 8059 Main St, Dexter, MI 48130, USA

Website: Beer Grotto Dexter

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 3pm - 11pm; Fri: 3pm - 12am; Sat: 12pm - 12am; Sun: 12pm - 11pm

21. Tuck into a sumptuous brunch at Barred Rock Cafe

Editor’s note: establishment is permanently closed

Nope, not the Hard Rock Cafe you may be thinking of. This is “The Rock”, Dexter’s very own breakfast, brunch, and lunch eatery, which has come to be one of the most-loved dining spots of the town. Their french toasts, waffles, skillets, pancakes, and just about everything is as yummy. The menu is quite extensive and the service is fast, friendly, and makes you want to return to the place.

Barred Rock Cafe

Address: 7049 Dexter Ann Arbor Rd, Dexter, MI 48130, USA

Website: Barred Rock Cafe

Opening hours: 7am - 3pm (daily)

22. Grab some grub at Aubree's Pizzeria & Grill

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Take out some time from your itinerary and grab yourself a wholesome meal from Aubree’s Pizzeria & Grill. Excelling in traditional American fare and pizzas, the place is has an extensive menu and generous portions. Regulars have claimed that their pizzas are loaded and pretty darn amazing so you too should try and let us know what you think. They have gluten-free variants also available – just give a shout to the servers and they’ll let you know what’s available! Also, it is a pet-friendly joint! So, seat yourself at their outdoor seating and let your furry buddy also enjoy time outdoors with you.

Aubree's Pizzeria & Grill

Address: 8031 Main St #101, Dexter, MI 48130, USA

Website: Aubree’s Pizzeria & Grill

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri: 11am - 1am; Sat: 11am - 11:30pm

23. Get your hands dirty at Hotel Hickman Chuckwagon BBQ

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Bringing the best of barbecue-style cooking in an authentic cowboy style is Hotel Hickman Chuckwagon BBQ. Done up in a traditional mom-and-pop restaurant style, the place has been satisfying its grubbers ever since it opened its doors. All of the dishes’ recipes have been put together by the restaurant’s owner itself, and by golly, are they yummy! Everything is prepared chuckwagon-style, on Dutch ovens, over open fire, and served with a ton of warmth and flavours. Their Texas-style beef brisket, Cowboy baked beans, pulled pork, jalapeño sausages, and cherry cobbler are only a few of the many items you have got to give a try.

Hotel Hickman Chuckwagon BBQ

Address: 8050 Main St, Dexter, MI 48130, USA

Website: Hotel Hickman Chuckwagon BBQ

Opening hours: Thu - Sun: 6am - 7pm (closed from Mon - Wed)

Lots to do in Dexter

Whether it be stroll along one of Dexter’s tree-lined streets or a trip to one of the historic landmarks, nothing about the place will disappoint you. There’s history, natural wealth, fun stuff to do, impressive architecture, and lots more that you can explore here. This list of things to do in Dexter, Michigan covers the very best of everything so you don’t have to waste your time doing any extra research and make the best use of your time.