Bloomfield Oaks - Johnson Nature Center

Bloomfield Oaks - Johnson Nature Center is a beautiful, natural 40-acre site that offers scenic views and numerous learning opportunities.

The rolling terrain left by prehistoric melting glaciers features many native plants and wildflowers and features a 4-acre inland pond that is home to an assortment of fish, frogs and turtles and a large variety of trees, including stands of pine, hardwoods and a sugar bush. A tributary of the Rouge River flows through the park-like setting.

The grounds are crisscrossed with more than two miles of wood-chipped walking trails and foster a safe habitat for red fox, coyote, deer, mink and a wide variety of birds, amphibians and reptiles. Wildlife enclosures that contain orphaned deer and injured falcons and owls can be observed up close. Stop by to visit our resident deer and a great-horned owl.

Under a 30-year partnership, Oakland County Parks and MSU Extension are building on Bloomfield Hills Schools’ decades-long tradition of innovative environmental and nature-based education. Hands-on learning, healthy living and community connection make Bloomfield Oaks - Johnson Nature Center a premier destination for eager learners and nature lovers of all ages.

Under the operating agreement, ownership remains with Bloomfield Hills Schools while staffing authority and day-to-day management responsibility transferred to Oakland County Parks. Legal and fiscal transition of Bloomfield Oaks - Johnson Nature Center occurred on July 1, 2026. Full operational transition will happen on Oct. 1, 2026. Read more about this partnership below.

• Partnership FAQs
• Bloomfield Oaks - Johnson Nature Center news release

Visitor Center

The Visitor Center and surrounding areas provide a wonderful setting to learn about nature, observe wildlife, enhance wellness and simply enjoy the outdoors. The Visitor Center features interactive educational exhibits and seasonal displays that are open to the public and guests are welcome to visit the authentic 1800's homestead for an interesting trip back in time. Docks, boardwalks, bridges, trail signs, picnic tables and benches provide a quality experience. The center, parking lot and pathways are barrier free.

In addition, the Visitor Center, log cabins, and an outdoor amphitheater provide areas for meetings, classes and programs.

Trails

The nature center has nearly two miles of mulched trails with terrain that includes both gentle rolling hills and flat areas. The distance around the perimeter trails is .9 miles. Benches and picnic tables provide places to relax and enjoy, but please carry out all trash.

Most of the trails are hard-packed and accessible for wheelchairs and strollers during dry conditions. A hard-packed stone trail leads from the Visitor Center to the pond dock. There are no paved trails.

During winter, enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on the ungroomed trails. The nature center has rental snowshoes available for use during select weekends as weather conditions allow.

Guidelines

• Pets are not allowed due to the enclosed wildlife and other animals that roam freely on the property.
• Restrooms are available at the Visitor Center.
• Jogging is welcome.
• No bikes are allowed on trails.
• Collecting natural materials and picking wildflowers are prohibited.
• For the protection of the wildlife, balloons and confetti are not permitted on the property.
• Fishing is only allowed during programming and with a guide.
• All groups with 10 or more people must schedule a program to visit. Call 248-341-6488 for more information.
• Drones are not permitted.

View the Bloomfield Oaks - Johnson Nature Center trail map.

Signature Events

Signature events draw regional audiences throughout the year.

Maple Sugaring

Maple sugaring season each March invites guests to tour the sugar shack, tap a sugar maple tree, explore the history of sugaring and taste one of nature’s sweetest treats. Self-guided tours are also available. Registration is required. Other event highlights include drilling demonstrations, sap and syrup tastings and the maple store.

Enchanted Forest

In the spring, a whimsical woodland path is sprinkled with fairy houses and gnome homes for a magical experience through a fantasy world set in the woods. Guided or self-guided forest walks are filled with wonder at every turn. As visitors wander beneath the trees, they keep their eyes open for tiny, hidden homes tucked into stumps, nestled among roots and peeking out from mossy corners. Each one is thoughtfully crafted, hinting at the secret lives of fairies and gnomes who may be just out of sight.

This gentle, immersive experience invites explorers of all ages to slow down, look closely and let their imaginations lead the way. These walks offer a sense of curiosity, charm and quiet enchantment. The event is perfect for families, nature lovers and anyone who believes in a little magic.

Wildlife Information

Although the nature center holds a Michigan DNR Threatened and Endangered Species Permit #TR322 for the purpose of care and education for a few rescue animals, it is not a licensed wildlife rescue facility and staff is unable to take in rescued or orphaned animals. In many cases, the best way to help a wild animal is to leave it alone.

If you are concerned about an injured or orphaned animal, please visit the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website for a list of Licensed Rehabilitators before moving, touching or otherwise handling the animal. These community volunteers are specially licensed to care for and rehabilitate injured animals and can give you more information on your specific situation. Please remember that many baby animals spend most of their day alone, waiting for their mothers to return.

For information about specific wildlife, visit OCP's Wildlife webpage.

Nature Center History

More than 13,000 years ago, a melting glacier left behind massive piles of sand and gravel that formed the "hills" of Bloomfield, and shaped the original landscape of the area now known as the Johnson Nature Center. Since then, usage of the land and the property itself has undergone dramatic changes. Read the complete Johnson Nature Center history for more details.