Sterling Heights is a city and a suburb of Detroit within the state of Michigan. With a population of around 130,000, Sterling Heights is the 2nd largest suburb of Detroit, which lies approximately 40 km to the southwest. The city of Sterling Height is part of Macomb County and is bounded by the communities of Troy, Mt. Clemens and Warren. Branches of the Clinton River flow through the city of Sterling Heights.
Lots of farmers began to settle in the region of what is presently 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 charming town of farm houses and fields of wheat and other crops. With the coming of the railroad, Sterling Township accommodated four passenger trains a day from Detroit. Sterling Township became Sterling Heights when it was officially incorporated as a city in 1968. The word "Heights" was added to differentiate the city from a village called Sterling in the County of Arenac. Sterling Heights is presently a thriving industrial and commercial area and a core suburb in the greater Detroit metropolitan area.
The Detroit Institute Of Arts has its home in the city of Sterling heights. This museums is considered among the best museums in the world and holds more than 65,000 items. The city features numerous other cultural and historic places. The Museum Of Natural History features extensive prehistoric exhibits. Fisher Mansion features a selection of original art from India and Asia. Upton House is an historic home dated to 1867 and now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Detroit Symphony Orchestra Hall is the location for the 85-year-old Detroit Symphony. Outdoor locations include Four Bears Water Park, Detroit Zoo, African safari Wildlife park and Seven Ponds nature Center.
The city of Sterling Heights has a busy schedule of annual events, such as the Memorial Day Parade and Sterlingfest. Sterlingfest is held during the 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 REO Speedwagon and Rick Springfield. The American-Polish Festival, that features local Polish bands, is also a well attended event due to the huge number of area people with Polish heritage.