Sterling Heights is a city and a suburb of Detroit within Michigan State. With a population of around 130,000, the city of Sterling Heights is the second largest suburb of Detroit, that lies around 40 km to the southwest. The city of Sterling Height is part of Macomb County and is bounded by the communities of Warren, Troy, and Mt. Clemens. Branches of the Clinton River flow through the city of Sterling Heights.
Lots of farmers began to settle in the region of what is now Sterling Heights, after the Revolutionary War. These farmers were attracted to the fertile soils of the land. The numerous settlers began to quickly prosper by the 1880's, providing the region with a picturesque town of farm houses and fields of wheat and other crops. With the coming of the railroad, the Township of Sterling accommodated four passenger trains on a daily basis from Detroit. The Town of Sterling became Sterling Heights when it was officially incorporated as a city in the year 1968. The word "Heights" was added so as to distinguish the city from a village called Sterling in the County of Arenac. Sterling Heights is now a thriving commercial and industrial area and a core suburb within the greater Detroit metropolitan area.
The Detroit Institute Of Arts has its home in the city of Sterling heights. This museums is considered one of the best museums within the globe and holds more than 65,000 items. The city features several other cultural and historic places. The Museum Of Natural History features extensive prehistoric exhibits. Fisher Mansion has a collection of original art from Asia and India. Upton House is an historic home dated to the year 1867 and presently listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Detroit Symphony Orchestra Hall is the location for the 85-year-old Detroit Symphony. Outdoor sites comprise Four Bears Water Park, Detroit Zoo, Seven Ponds Nature Center and African Safari Wildlife Park.
The city of Sterling Heights boasts numerous yearly cultural events, such as Sterlingfest and the Memorial Day Parade. The event known as Sterlingfest is held each summer at Dodge Park near downtown Sterling Heights. Three days of performances and carnival rides distinguish this well-known family event that has featured recording artists like for instance Rick Springfield and REO Speedwagon. The Polish-American Festival, which features local Polish bands, is also a well attended event due to the large number of area residents with Polish heritage.