Upcoming Events

Parks in Action Series  

Parks in Action is a fun, engaging community program that combines outdoor recreation, nature exploration and hands-on activities in our parks. Designed for all ages, this series offers a variety of interactive experiences such as archery, fishing, nature education, games, and more - encouraging participants to get active, try something new and connect with the outdoors.

The series includes these upcoming sessions:

• July 8, 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Lyon Oaks County Park & Golf Course. Experiences include pickleball and golf activities like closest to the pin and chipping/putting
• Aug. 12, 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Red Oaks Nature Center. Activities include a portable planetarium, Birds of Prey program, Agents of Discovery and a nature hike
• Sept. 19, 3-8 p.m. at Independence Oaks County Park. Recreation opportunities include archery, kayaking, fishing, hiking and more 

This program is sponsored by MSU Federal Credit Union. 

All guests who register at $5/person will receive a branded water bottle. Earn stickers for your Parks in Action water bottle (registered guests) or receive stickers to decorate your own water bottle (all guests). Register online or sign-up the same day.

Register for Parks in Action Series

• Printable Parks in Action Series Flyer

Oakie's Birthday Bash

Celebrate Oakland County Parks’ 60th anniversary at Oakie's Birthday Bash, a free outdoor party from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, July 24 at Independence Oaks County Park’s Twin Chimneys Pavilion. Enjoy food trucks, a DJ, live entertainment, inflatables (socks required), air jumper (socks required), performers and classic birthday games. Receive a goodie bag while supplies last and meet OCP’s mascot Oakie the Squirrel, too!

This is a free event and no registration is necessary. Event will be held rain or shine. Some activities are weather permitting

For more information, call 248-858-0916 or email events@oakgov.com.

• Printable Oakie's Birthday Bash Flyer

Tails & Trails 5K

Run or walk with your dog or cat beginning at 10 a.m. Aug. 16 to raise funds for Great Lakes Dog Rescue and Teacher’s Pet during the Tails & Trails 5K. The Cat Walk 1K begins at 10 a.m. at Independence Oaks County Park followed by the Tails & Trails 5K at 10:30 a.m. The event includes vendors, activities and family fun zone.

Cost for the Cat Walk 1K is $15 and includes a goodie bag and medal. Cost for the Tails & Trails 5K is $25 and includes a T-shirt and medal. Online registration is encouraged. 

Donations can also be made through the race website to Great Lakes Dog Rescue and Teacher’s Pet or bring pet products for donation on race day. Great Lakes Dog Rescue’s mission is to rescue well-tempered, adoptable dogs from animal control facilities and from owner-surrenders and provide them shelter and medical care until they are adopted.

Teacher’s Pet is a 501(c)3 that facilitates animal assisted interventions for the benefit of vulnerable populations, including but not limited to adjudicated and at-risk youth. Pairing together with harder-to-adopt, local area shelter dogs, they strive to provide therapeutic gains, vocational training and empowerment in order to build stronger communities and improve dog adoptability.

Dogs and cats are optional to participate. Pets must be licensed and on a 6-foot leash. Tails & Trails is presented by McLaren Oakland. For more information, email HayesR@oakgov.com.

Register for Tails & Trails 5K

• Printable Tails & Trails 5K Flyer

Archery Range

Give archery a shot at Independence Oaks County Park! Archery is a great way to build strength and improve concentration. It boosts hand-eye coordination, enhances upper body strength and increases confidence. There is no charge to use the facility or equipment on site during Open Archery Range hours from 4-7 p.m. on Thursdays. For more information, call 248-858-0916.

Archery Hunting

Archery hunting for white-tailed deer (with some limitations) is allowed in this park, hunting locations and rules are listed in the individual park archery maps. No parks allow firearm hunting.

Locations where archery hunting is also allowed:

• Addison Oaks-East Nature Park
• Highland Oaks Nature Park
• Lyon Oaks County Park
• Orion Oaks Nature Park
• Rose Oaks Nature Park

Old-Growth Forest designation 

A portion of Independence Oaks County Park has received national recognition for its  preservation of mature forests with its induction to the Old-Growth Forest Network (OGFN), the only national network of “protected, old-growth, native forests where people of all generations can experience biodiversity and the beauty of nature.”

Independence Oaks County Park is the 24th location recognized in the state of Michigan and joins more than 315 forests recognized nationwide. Read more about the designation at OldGrowthForest.net or view the news release.

About

Independence Oaks is the largest Oakland County Park at 1,286 acres. Wint Nature Center offers interactive exhibits, interpretive programs and Scout Badge Days. Camp Wilderness, a youth group overnight camping area, features platform tents and a modern bathhouse. Recreation amenities include: 12+ miles of natural and paved trails; a swimming beach; archery range; volleyball courts; and boat launch (non-motorized boats). Twin Chimney Shelter provides a sweeping view of 68-acre Crooked Lake and is popular for outdoor wedding ceremonies and receptions. Independence Oaks-North is the only Southeast Michigan park with a Catch and Release Special Designation by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Anglers can portage and launch canoes, kayaks or other non-motorized boats. No vehicular boat launch is provided. Independence Oaks-North is open for archery deer hunting in the fall.

Printable Map

Tick Bite Prevention

• Learn How to Protect Yourself
• Children and Lyme Disease

Additional Information

• Independence Oaks County Park Brochure