Oakland County Parks, Bloomfield Hills Schools and MSU Extension are building on the decades-long tradition of innovative environmental and farm-based education and Oakland County Parks’ long history of recreation programming and community service with Discovery Oaks - Bowers Farm. This 30-year partnership ensures that the values of hands-on learning, healthy living and community connection continue to grow, making Discovery Oaks - Bowers Farm Southeast Michigan's flagship public park destination.

Under the operating agreement, ownership remains with Bloomfield Hills Schools while staffing authority and day-to-day management responsibility transferred to Oakland County Parks. A capital commitment from Bloomfield Hills Schools included $1.5 million toward stabilization of existing conditions prior to OCP assuming operations while a capital commitment from Oakland County Parks includes not less than $1.5 million toward public access and recreation improvements across both Discovery Oaks - Bowers Farm and Bloomfield Oaks - Johnson Nature Center, to be expended within two years of full transition.

Legal and fiscal transition of Discovery Oaks - Bowers Farm occurred on July 1, 2026. Full operational transition will happen on Oct. 1, 2026. The Park Action Plan will be reviewed every five years and the Capital Improvement Plan reviewed every four years.

• Partnership FAQs
• Discovery Oaks - Bowers Farm news release

Additional Information

Discovery Oaks - Bowers Farm includes livestock operations with sheep, horses, goats, poultry and llama; agricultural production areas; a farm kitchen and market selling farm-grown produce; 75 community gardens; and 21 curated botanical gardens maintained by the Oakland County Master Gardener Society.

The site is also home to two historic structures relocated and restored by Preservation Bloomfield: The 1834 Craig Log Cabin and the 1845 Barton Farmhouse. These pre-Civil War buildings represent some of the oldest surviving examples of pioneer architecture in Oakland County.

Signature events draw regional audiences throughout the year. Winter Park and Glow Tubing has
become one of the county’s most popular winter attractions. The Fall Festival includes a 1.3-mile
corn maze, pumpkin patch, wagon rides and live music. Farm After Five hosts evening events
featuring local craft beverages, while strolling dinners and fairy-house building programs attract
families and adults alike.

The farm also hosts an active 4-H Club and serves as a partner site with MSU Extension.

The site sits within the population-dense central corridor of Oakland County, with direct access from Telegraph Road, Woodward Avenue and Square Lake Road, and visibility from I-75. It supports Oakland County Parks’ Mission 26 goal of expanding outdoor learning and stewardship opportunities.

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