The park features a specialized sensory play area designed to foster unstructured nature play using wood, stone, and water features.
The site was formerly occupied by the Crittenton Hospital complex and was reclaimed and converted into a public nature space.
It contains a significant portion of the Clinton River watershed, which provides essential flood mitigation for the surrounding area.
The park's boardwalks are constructed to allow visitors to traverse delicate wetland areas without damaging the soil or flora.
Innovation Hills hosts a diverse range of Michigan-native tree species, including sycamores and swamp white oaks.
Innovation Hills is a 136-acre nature park in Rochester Hills, Michigan, featuring extensive boardwalks and paved paths along the Clinton River. The park is distinguished by its nature-themed adventure play area, which integrates natural landscape elements rather than traditional plastic equipment. Visitors can navigate a variety of terrains, including wetlands, woodlands, and open meadows via an accessible trail network. The site serves as a regional hub for passive recreation and features an iconic waterfall feature fed by the park's natural topography. The park is maintained by the City of Rochester Hills and emphasizes ecological conservation through restored native habitats.
The elevated overlook bridge providing a panoramic view of the Clinton River and the surrounding valley.
Wear footwear suitable for varied terrain as some trails transition from asphalt to wood boardwalks and packed dirt.
Bring binoculars if you plan to visit the boardwalks, as the wetlands are active corridors for migratory birds.
Visit during the shoulder seasons to see the dramatic changes in foliage color within the wetland sections.
Do not attempt to feed local wildlife or stray from the boardwalks into the marshy areas.
Stay on marked trails to protect the fragile wetland ecosystem; pack out all trash.
