Oakland University is located in Rochester, Michigan, about 30 miles north of Detroit. The city of Rochester is well connected to international destinations by Detroit Metro Airport (45 miles) and Bishop International Airport in Flint, Michigan (35 miles). Rochester has great natural beauty due to the three waterways that surround the city, abundant green space of three parks, and two winding nature trails. The Rochester downtown is a perfect mix of historic and hip, with more than 350 shops, salons, restaurants and professional service businesses, 85 percent of which are independent merchants. For those wishing to stay in Rochester, Royal Park hotel provides four-star luxury (ask for the Oakland University conference rate). There are many car rental agencies both at the Detroit Metro Airport and at several locations in and close to Rochester. For those staying at the conference venue or in hotels around Oakland University, a rental car provides an opportunity to see enjoy Michigan’s glorious summer. Oakland University and Rochester boast several 18-hole golf courses and the 5,000-acre Stony Creek Metro park with its 500-acre lake is ideal for boating, swimming, and countless other outdoor activities.
One can visit the Henry Ford museum and the Greenfield village in Dearborn, Michigan, for a ride around the village in either Model T or a train. After spending the day in the museum and the village, one can head for Detroit downtown which has an active nightlife with many casinos and top restaurants. The city of Windsor in Canada is right across the Detroit river with several of its own casinos and restaurants.
From Rochester it is easy to drive to several tourist attractions. Speed limits on interstates (freeways) in Michigan is 70 miles an hour. Mackinac Island (275 miles) is a throwback to the era without cars. Visitors travel to the island by ferry and rent bicycles to go around the 8 mile island soaking in breathtaking view of the Mackinac bridge. Some may even prefer to rent horse drawn carriages. The 125-year old Grand Hotel on the island provides the ultimate in luxury. Toronto and the Canadian side of the Niagara Falls are also located about 250 miles from Rochester. Valid visa may be required to visit Canada. Please check with the Canadian Consulate in your country. Niagara Falls may also be visited from the US side, though the distance is much larger – 450 miles.
Another historic city, Chicago is also within the driving distance and can be reached in about 5 hours. There are three daily Amtrak trains from Pontiac, Mich., to Chicago. Please visit www.Amtrak.com for more information. Chicago has an excellent public transport system which offers accessibility to almost all tourist attractions.