Introduction to Sterling Heights, Michigan
The city of Sterling Heights, situated along the banks of the Clinton River, is not only one of Michigan's largest in terms of population but also one of its largest in area. It is also one of the state's fastest growing large cities. Located in Macomb County, the city lies about 25 miles northeast of Detroit. Nearby communities include Warren (to the south), Troy (to the west), and Mt. Clemens (to the east). Sterling Heights is serviced by Michigan State Highways 53 and 59; and is close to Interstates I-75, I-94, and I-696.
Settlement in the area now made up by Sterling Heights began shortly after the Revolutionary War. Farmers soon took advantage of the area's rich soil and built large homesteads, and by 1880, Sterling Township was a prosperous rural area consisting of farm homes and fields of wheat, corn and other crops. When the railroad era arrived, passenger trains from the Detroit and Bay City Railroad passed through Sterling Township four times a day. Upon its incorporation as a city in 1968, Sterling Township became Sterling Heights. The word "Heights" was added to the township name to avoid conflict with the existing village of Sterling located in Arenac County. Sterling Heights today is home to literally thousands of commercial and industrial businesses and is considered an integral part of the greater Detroit metropolitan area.
Attractions in the Sterling Heights Area
Sterling Heights is home to Upton House; an historic home built in 1867 and currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The structure houses the city’s parks and recreation division offices. There are numerous other attractions in the Sterling Heights area, including the following:
- Crocker House Museum (Mt. Clemens): A 19th Century Italianate Home
- Detroit Institute Of Arts: Over 100 galleries featuring centuries of world famous art treasures
- Detroit Symphony Orchestra Hall: Home to the 85-year-old Detroit Symphony
- Museum Of Natural History (Ann Arbor): Three stories of exhibits featuring prehistoric life and culture
- Fisher Mansion (Detroit): Features original art from Asia and India
- Ford Estate (Dearborn)
- Four Bears Water Park (Utica)
- Kellogg's Cereal City USA (Battle Creek)
- Detroit Historical Museum
- Detroit Zoo
- Motown Museum (Detroit)
- Renaissance Center (Detroit)
- Seven Ponds Nature Center (Dryden)
- African Safari Wildlife Park (Port Clinton)
Several major league pro sports teams are prominent in the metropolitan Detroit area. These include the following:
- National Football League: Detroit Lions
- Major League Baseball: Detroit Tigers
- National Hockey League: Detroit Red Wings
- National Basketball Association: Detroit Pistons
- Women's National Basketball Association: Detroit Shock
