Clarkston is home to Deer Lake, which reaches a depth of 968 feet in some areas. It features a no-wake zone perfect for kayaking and a swimming beach with lifeguards. There are also multiple private beaches. It is a popular boating destination, where it is common to see tubing, waterskiing, and wakeboarding. It is also a good place for anglers, with a rich variety of fish and many enclaves that provide the perfect setting. It also has many sandbars which are perfect for exploring.
Other smaller lakes in Clarkston also offer kayaking, such as the Mill Pond.
DTE Energy Music theater is a concert venue that has featured hundreds of celebrities and is always one of the highest grossing outdoor amphitheaters in the country. It is located minutes away from downtown Clarkston and holds frequent concerts.
During the winter Clakston is a great skiing or snowboarding destination, as it is home to Pine Knob Ski Resort, which features 15 trails and 10 lifts. It is known for it's slope called "The Wall".
Antique car fanatics will enjoy Clarkston with it's rich history involving Ford, Pontiac, Buick, and General Motors. Southern Motor's Showroom in Clarkston has one of the best varieties of antique cars in the world. There are various car festivals throughout the year.
The Deer Lake Athletic Club offers day passes where you can swim, play raquet ball, or exercise. There are also miles of bike paths around the town.
During the summer, Depot Park offers free concerts in the park every friday. The park also contains walking paths and a play-ground.
Clarkston is home to many festivals, such as the Crafts & Cider festival, and the Taste of Clarkston festival, which offers food and music from local vendors. Both of these events occur in September. It is also minutes away from the Michigan Renaissance festival that lasts from August to September.
Clarkston is also only a half hour from downtown Detroit, which has an exciting 'motown' nightlife. The Detroit Museum of Art is home to many notable works.
Michigan has more golf courses per capita than any other state, many located near Clarkston. Fountain Golf and Pine Knob Golf Club are both located in Clarkston.
If you're coming to Michigan for professional sports, Clarkston is the perfect location. The Palace of Auburn Hills is only 15 minutes away and is the home stadium for the legendary Detroit Pistons. Clarkston is only a short trip from Detroit, where the newly built Comerica Park has the Detroit Tigers.
A trip to Sleeping Bear Dunes or one of the Great Lakes is a perfect day trip from Clarkston.
Indian Springs Metro Park and Independence Oaks offer cross-country skiing as well as running and jogging paths.
The Deer Lake Raquet club offers tennis.
The Independence Township Library offers a large selection.
