Downtown Walled Lake - Walled Lake, MI

Like much of Michigan, Walled Lake was originally inhabited by Native American tribes. Up until about 1830, the Ojibwa and Potowatamie people were basically the only permanent residents in the area. Around that time, fur traders and trappers began to move in and set up shop, although growth continued to move slowly, and the city still retains a small-town feel.

Walled Lake also served as a strategic depot along the Underground Railroad for slaves looking to escape to Canada. Visitors can still see the historic Foster Farmhouse, which provided refuge for hundreds of slaves before and during the Civil War.

Other nearby points of cultural interest include: The Cranbrook Institute of Arts, the Holocaust Memorial Center and the Motorsports Museum and Hall of Fame. The S.O.U.L. 5K run occurs every year at Mercer Beach and raises money to help unique learners thrive.

Haang's Bistro sits right on the shores of Walled Lake, serving Thai and Chinese food prepared by a husband-and-wife team. The owners know most of the patrons by name and by their usual orders. The clean and contemporary dining room provides great views of the lake and invites diners to take their time eating. Order from the list of chef's specialties for a unique dining experience. Both the Curry Duck and Pad Talay (made with shrimp, scallops, and crab) provide spicy options for those who enjoy their food with a little heat. The Bayside Sports Grille also lies right on the shores of Walled Lake and provides a perfect destination for food, drinks and entertainment. Order Johni's Famous Burger made with black Angus beef to experience one of the best burgers in the metro Detroit area. Regulars also enjoy the Bourbon Salmon, which comes grilled and glazed to perfection. In addition to serving up sophisticated pub food, this popular bar also hosts regular events that account for much of the local nightlife. Bring a partner on Monday nights for the Euchre tournament, play trivia on Tuesday nights or stop by on Thursdays for some truly competitive beer pong. Happy hour and drink specials start at 3 pm, making it a perfect after-work pit stop.

Residents can also stop in Novi for a more active nightlife scene, make the drive to nearby Ann Arbor to enjoy concerts at the Ark and Blind Pig, or head into Detroit to catch a professional football or baseball game.

Its fairly rural setting makes Walled Lake and the downtown section mainly a driver-friendly area. Plenty of on-street parking and convenient lots allow visitors to easily park and browse the local shops. Residents can also easily access Interstates 96, 275 and 696 to quickly reach major cities such as Detroit and Ann Arbor.

The SMART bus system that serves most of the metropolitan Detroit area does not have services in Walled Lake, so it can be difficult to get around without a car. Passengers can always call ahead for a cab or an Uber ride.

Downtown Walled Lake has spacious sidewalks lining the streets to accommodate pedestrians. Further out from this central area, it can become more difficult to get around on foot although a trail system does help connect bikers to other areas of town and nearby neighborhoods.

Residents of Walled Lake enjoy being surrounded by lakes and parks that provide year-round access to outdoor activities. In addition to the beaches of Walled Lake, locals also head to the Proud Lake Recreation Area for fishing, hiking, canoeing, horseback riding, cross-country skiing and a variety of other activities. Lakeshore Park features more family friendly amenities, including playgrounds, jungle gyms and picnic areas that may be more appropriate for smaller children who aren't quite up to spending a day hiking in one of the larger parks.

All state and county parks require drivers to have a parking pass that can be acquired for an annual fee of $30. Otherwise, using the parks is free of charge throughout all the seasons.

The cost of housing n Walled Lake runs higher than other suburban areas of Detroit. A one-bedroom apartment rents for an average of $792 per month. However, drivers save at the pump with gas prices that trend about 11 percent below national averages. With happy hour specials, grabbing bottle of domestic beer can be just $2 per drink.

Several shops exist in the Walled Lake area offering a range of goods and services.

Local crafters and jewelry designers head to the Bead Boutique. This boutique is the perfect place to find semi-precious stones, glass beads and a range of other hard-to-find beads. You can also get custom made jewelry or take classes in the art of jewelry making. Once the accessories have been selected at the Bead Boutique, jump in the car and head to nearby Novi.

Residents can purchase discount items at the Save-A-Lot store or head to the nearby Meijer location to stock up on groceries and other essential household items. The Walled Lake Farmer's Market sits right next to the firehouse and provides fresh, affordable produce throughout the summer months.