I’ve lived in Rochester Hills for three years and visit Bloomer Park frequently. It has three awesome playgrounds as well as some cool hiking trails. But on a recent sunny afternoon, my son and I stumbled upon
a really awesome feature of the park that we had heard about but never seen: The big wooden staircase. We were amazed at the deep ravine and sturdy wooden stairs that seemed to go on forever and my son (who is 6) tried counting them as we descended, but we just decided to say there were 200 and call it good. This gorgeous, wooden staircase can be found in the park’s large stone structure not far from the entrance.
More about the Wooden Staircase at Bloomer Park
This amazing structure dates from the late 1970s and is well-known to local fitness buffs that tear up and down the stairs to get a killer workout. It is definitely not toddler or stroller friendly and I’d say it’s best for children who are 4 and up (unless you babywear, then go for it, mama!) I’d say you need a basic level of fitness to do the stairs, as they are not gentle on the knees. The wooded area they are in is gorgeous and peaceful. Surprisingly, the ravine is incredibly deep. I was unprepared for how breathtaking it was. It’s so close to my house, which is flat and suburban. My son said, “I guess this is why they call it Rochester HILLS!” In addition to the stairs, there are extensive hiking and biking trails in the park.
Some are pretty steep but if you are determined, you can hike to Yates Cider Mill or Yates Roadside Park. You could definitely spend a day here, just playing, exploring, and hiking. Additionally, there are a few picnic areas about the park. Also, if you are into geocaches, there are a few on the trails. The 200-acre Bloomer Park is at 345 John R Road. In addition to the playgrounds and the stairs, it has a velodrome, a cricket pitch, an awesome sledding hill, and restrooms. It requires an annual pass for entry or you can purchase a day pass (it was $5 last year).
Other Parks in Rochester Hills
Avon Nature Study Area
Avondale Park
Bloomer Park
Earl E. Borden Park
Eugene S. Nowicki Park
Helen V. Allen Park
Innovation Hills
Museum at Van Hoosen Farm
Thelma G Spencer Park
Veterans Memorial Pointe
Wabash Park
Yates Park
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Author: Korie Wilkins
Korie is a work at home mom to an energetic boy and a sweet todder girl. She loves big books, chocolate, writing, crochet and her Peloton. A recovering former journalist, Korie is also a wife, cook and allergy mama. Follow her on Twitter at @koriemw.
Korie is a work at home mom to an energetic boy and a sweet todder girl. She loves big books, chocolate, writing, crochet and her Peloton. A recovering former journalist, Korie is also a wife, cook and allergy mama. Follow her on Twitter at @koriemw.
