Novi, Michigan is a charming suburb located just northwest of Detroit. Known as the “Gateway to Michigan’s High-Tech Automotive Industry,” Novi offers visitors a delightful mix of outdoor activities, museums, shopping, arts and entertainment.

With a population of around 60,000 people, Novi provides a warm small-town feel while still having enough diversity and attractions to keep visitors engaged in all of it’s neighborhoods. Families, couples, and solo travelers alike will all find something to love about this little Michigan town.

Novi is perhaps best known for its many cultural attractions and family-fun activities. From hands-on children’s museums to live theater productions, you’ll never run out of things to do here. Outdoor enthusiasts can also have a blast golfing, hiking, biking, and fishing around Novi’s beautiful parks and nature areas.

Whatever your interests, Novi has an adventure waiting for you. This guide will highlight some of the most popular tourist attractions that bring visitors flocking to Novi year after year. We’ll cover outdoor activities, museums, shopping spots, arts and entertainment venues, nightlife options, notable events, and the best places to stay during your visit. Let’s explore some of the top things to see and do in Novi, Michigan!

Outdoor Activities

Novi has plenty of wonderful outdoor spaces for recreation and leisure. One of the most popular is Walled Lake, a 505 acre lake perfect for boating, fishing, and swimming. You’ll often see people kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding on the lake when the weather is nice. The lake has a boat launch so you can bring your own watercraft. Fishing is allowed on the lake if you have a Michigan fishing license.

Another beautiful spot is Lakeshore Park located right on Walled Lake. This 79 acre park has sandy beaches, picnic areas, playgrounds, and trails winding through scenic natural areas. You can swim at the beach in the summer or go for peaceful nature walks year-round. The park hosts concerts and other community events during warmer months.

For hiking and biking, the ITC Community Sports Park has over 4 miles of trails through meadows, forests, and wetlands. Novi has done an excellent job establishing greenbelts and wooded corridors throughout the city, so you’re always close to nature even in developed areas. Get out and enjoy the beautiful parks and lakes that Novi has to offer!

Museums

Novi has some excellent museums that offer a window into the history and culture of the region. Two standout museums to visit are:

Novi Historical Museum

Located on Novi Road, the Novi Historical Museum captures the rich history of this city from its early beginnings up to the present day. Here you’ll find engaging exhibits and artifacts from Novi’s past, including early family heirlooms, vintage photographs, and relics from old businesses and homesteads that once dotted the area. The museum does an excellent job of bringing Novi’s local history to life.

Michigan Military Heritage Museum

This museum pays tribute to Michigan’s long military tradition with a collection of over 10,000 artifacts. You can view historic uniforms, weapons, medals, and military equipment from different eras and branches of the service. Some highlights include a WWII-era Sherman tank, a Vietnam river patrol boat, and a vast selection of period firearms. Interactive exhibits give you a hands-on glimpse at military life. An ideal place for history buffs to learn more about Michigan’s proud military legacy.

Shopping

Novi is home to several excellent shopping destinations for visitors. The premier shopping attraction is the massive Twelve Oaks Mall located right off I-96. This mall contains over 180 stores, including department stores like Macy’s and Nordstrom as well as retailers like Apple and Tesla.

In addition to Twelve Oaks, Novi has a few other notable shopping plazas. West Oaks Shopping Center on Novi Road contains over 50 stores and restaurants perfect for a day of casual shopping and dining. Further south, Fountain Walk is an open-air shopping center with high-end retailers like Restoration Hardware and Williams-Sonoma.

For shoppers looking for deals and bargains, Novi Town Center on Grand River Avenue features retailers like Marshalls, TJ Maxx, and HomeGoods. Meanwhile, Novi Promenade on 12 Mile Road offers a mix of national chains and local boutiques selling apparel, home goods, and specialty gifts.

With massive malls, lifestyle centers, outlet shops, and local boutiques, Novi offers a little bit of everything when it comes to shopping excursions for visitors. It’s easy to fill an entire day browsing the diverse and plentiful shopping options around town. Whether looking for luxury goods, big box bargains, or unique local finds, Novi shopping destinations have you covered.

Family Fun

Novi is home to several exciting indoor playgrounds and activity centers that are perfect for families with young children.

One of the most popular spots is Great Escape Lakeside. This massive indoor entertainment center features bumper cars, mini bowling, arcade games, laser tag, and more. Kids can jump on huge inflatable bounce houses, climb a three-story jungle gym, or zip down massive slides. There are activities suited for all age groups. Parents can relax in the cafe area while the kids burn off energy in the play zones.

For high-flying fun, visit Airtime Trampoline Park. This trampoline arena will get your kids bouncing off the walls, literally! The park features wall-to-wall trampolines, slam dunk basketball hoops, dodgeball courts, a foam pit, and ninja warrior obstacle course. Kids get their own special jungle gym area as well. Airtime offers fitness classes and camps too.

Novi also has indoor playgrounds like Zap Zone with laser tag, bumper cars, and arcade games. Or burn energy at Adrenaline Zone which has inflatables, ninja courses, a wipeout machine, and more.

With so many energizing and entertaining options, families will have no problem keeping the kids smiling and active in Novi. The indoor playgrounds provide hours of fun out of the cold Michigan weather.

Arts & Entertainment

Novi has plenty of options for arts and entertainment, whether you’re looking for live music, theater performances, or a movie.

Music Venues

The historic Novi Theater offers live music in an intimate, 420-seat theater. Recent acts have included indie rock, country, jazz, and tribute bands. The theater has a full bar and menu if you want dinner and a show.

For larger concerts, the Suburban Collection Showplace hosts national touring acts and festivals. With over 200,000 square feet of space, you’ll find rock, pop, country, and comedy shows in their main exhibit halls.

Performing Arts

The Novi Civic Theater is an all-volunteer group that puts on several plays and musicals each year. Productions range from classic musicals like Guys and Dolls to more avant garde works. Their small black box theater makes you feel close to the action.

For Broadway-style shows, Meadow Brook Theatre on the campus of Oakland University brings Equity actors from across the country. Their season includes comedies, dramas, and musicals you’d see on the Great White Way.

Movie Theaters

The Novi Town Center has an AMC multiplex with 20 screens playing the latest Hollywood blockbusters. They have IMAX and Dolby Cinema premium formats. Concessions include movie-themed cocktails for adults.

For an indie film experience, the Emagine Theater in Canton shows limited-release and art house movies on 10 screens. They have luxury recliners and serve food and drinks delivered to your seat.

Nightlife in Novi, Michigan

Novi has a fun and vibrant nightlife scene with plenty of options for grabbing drinks and enjoying live music. Some of the top nightlife spots in Novi include:

Tracks Brewing Company – This local brewpub has 30 brews on tap, brick oven pizza, and live music on weekends. It’s a lively spot with a modern industrial vibe. They frequently host events like trivia and open mic nights.

Novi Bowl – In addition to bowling, Novi Bowl has a full bar and DJs playing the latest hits on weekend nights. They also host cosmic bowling with neon lights and music on Friday and Saturday nights. It’s a great night out with friends.

Shark Club – A popular sports bar with locations across Michigan, Shark Club Novi has dozens of TVs, American pub fare, and regular drink specials. There’s shuffleboard, darts, and billiards too. It’s one of the liveliest bars in the area.

Five01 Bar & Grill – This upscale bar offers craft cocktails and a wide selection of wine and beer. They have live music performances on the patio during summer. The vibe is trendy but laidback.

Shots and Slices – As the name suggests, this late night spot offers pizza by the slice and a full bar. It’s open until 2am on weekends so it’s popular for grabbing a bite after the bars close down. They also host karaoke nights.

Novi has options ranging from brewpubs to upscale lounges for a fun night out on the town. Most hotspots are located around Grand River Ave and Novi Road for easy bar hopping.

Notable Events

Novi hosts several notable events throughout the year that highlight the city’s culture, diversity, and community spirit.

Concerts

Outdoor summer concerts are a popular tradition in Novi. The Concert in the Park series is held every Thursday evening from June to August at the Lakeshore Park amphitheater. Families come out to enjoy live music under the stars, from pop and rock to country and classical. Food trucks provide refreshments during the shows.

Another musical highlight is the Novi Hometown Concert series, with free performances by the Novi Concert Band at locations like the Novi Civic Center and Fuerst Park. Holiday concerts are also held in December.

Festivals

The Novi Community Expo held each May at the Suburban Collection Showplace celebrates everything that makes Novi a great place to live and work. Local businesses, vendors, nonprofits and city services have booths and displays. Entertainment includes multicultural music and dance performances.

Art lovers flock to Novi for the annual Art & Apples Festival each September. Over 300 artists exhibit their works while visitors enjoy art demonstrations, live music, children’s activities, and of course, everything apple – from cider to donuts.

Foodies indulge at Taste of Novi in July. This street fair highlights cuisines from Novi’s diverse restaurants through tastings and special dishes. Craft beer and wine are also popular attractions.

Conventions

The Suburban Collection Showplace convention center hosts over 500 events every year like consumer shows, corporate expos, trade shows, and conferences. Top annual conventions include the Novi Boat Show, Home Improvement Show, and Motorcycle Show attracting enthusiasts regionwide.

The center’s large capacity, flexibility, and high-tech amenities combined with Novi’s location and amenities make it a premier Midwest convention venue.

Where to Stay

Novi has several nice hotel options for visitors looking for convenient lodging near top attractions. Here are some of the top-rated hotels and motels in the area:

Sheraton Detroit Novi Hotel

The Sheraton Detroit Novi Hotel is located right off I-96 and close to Twelve Oaks Mall, making it a great option for shoppers. This hotel features an indoor pool, free WiFi, and several onsite dining options. Rooms are modern and comfortable.

Homewood Suites by Hilton Detroit-Novi

Perfect for longer stays, the Homewood Suites by Hilton has studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom suite options. All suites have fully equipped kitchens. Complimentary hot breakfast is served daily. There’s an indoor pool and fitness center onsite.

Hilton Garden Inn Detroit Novi

Located just off I-96, the Hilton Garden Inn is close to shopping and dining. Rooms feature microwaves, refrigerators, and free WiFi. There’s an indoor pool and well-equipped fitness center. The Garden Grille & Bar serves breakfast and dinner.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Detroit – Novi

This affordable hotel provides nice rooms with free WiFi, plus an indoor pool and fitness center. Each morning, guests can enjoy the free Express Start breakfast bar. The location is convenient to Twelve Oaks Mall.

TownePlace Suites by Marriott Detroit Novi

The TownePlace Suites offers apartment-style suites with full kitchens in a peaceful location. Complimentary hot breakfast is served daily. There’s a heated indoor pool, fitness room, and outdoor grill area onsite.

Conclusion

Novi, Michigan offers a wide variety of attractions and activities for tourists of all ages and interests. From outdoor recreations like kayaking at the lakes, to indoor entertainment at comedy clubs, there is something for everyone.

Some of the top picks for things to do in Novi include:

• Kayaking or paddleboarding on one of the area lakes. Walled Lake and Lake Sherwood offer beautiful scenery and plenty of room to explore on the water.
• Browsing the unique shops and restaurants at Twelve Oaks Mall. This massive mall has stores ranging from department stores to specialty boutiques.
• Experiencing hands-on science fun at the Detroit Zoo’s Wildlife Interpretive Gallery. See wildlife up close and learn about animals and conservation.
• Laughing out loud at Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle. Nationally touring standup comedians perform at this intimate comedy club.
• Testing your skills at Fieldstone Golf Club. This scenic 18-hole course was designed by Arnold Palmer and offers challenges for all skill levels.

Whether you love the outdoors, entertainment, shopping or family fun, Novi has something for every tourist. With excellent dining, attractions, and amenities, it makes a great home base for exploring southeast Michigan.

Nearby Tourist Attractions