Think you know Macomb County? You might be surprised.

Beyond the restaurants, shopping centers and parks we pass every day, Macomb County is full of unusual experiences, hidden gems and activities that even longtime residents may not realize are right in their backyard.

Whether you're looking for something different to do this weekend or simply want to explore more of your own community, here are 10 things you may not have known you could do right here in Macomb County.

1. Take a Free Chocolate Factory Tour

Yes, FREE. At Sanders Chocolate & Ice Cream Shoppe - Clinton Township, you can get a behind-the-scenes look at the Morley Candy Makers production facility in Clinton Township. The factory offers free tours that include a look at the candy-making process, and the facility also has the Sanders Chocolate & Ice Cream Shoppe.

Guided tours require advance arrangements, so call ahead before making the trip. And naturally, you may want to leave room for some chocolate afterward.

2. Go Kayaking Through the Middle of Macomb County

When most people think of kayaking in Michigan, they probably picture one of the state's big lakes. But you can actually paddle 32 miles of the Clinton River right here in Macomb County.

There are public launch locations throughout communities including Utica, Sterling Heights, Clinton Township, Mount Clemens and Harrison Township. Rentals are available, including some new self-serve rental spots, if you don't own a kayak or canoe.

It's a pretty cool way to see parts of Macomb County from an entirely different perspective. There are also a few Clinton River kayaking groups on social media that will help you plan your trip, put out alerts, special events and more!

3. Go Geocaching—There Are More Than 10,000 Caches Here

If you've never tried geocaching, think of it as a giant outdoor treasure hunt using GPS.

And Macomb County is loaded with them. County officials report more than 10,000 geocaches throughout the area, including hundreds along the Macomb Orchard Trail and nearly 500 in and around local downtown areas.

Some caches are simple. Others involve puzzles, multiple locations and clues. All you need to get started is a smartphone and a free geocaching membership. Great for kids and adults looking to get out and explore!

4. Visit an Aquarium AND Interact With Reptiles

In Utica, The Reptarium Annex is part of the larger LegaSea Aquarium & The Reptarium experience.

The facility combines reptiles, aquariums and hands-on animal encounters, with opportunities to see everything from giant snakes and alligators to stingrays and unusual mammals such as capybaras and binturongs. There are also educational shows, feeding experiences and animal encounters. It's definitely not your typical afternoon at the zoo.

5. Explore a Museum Dedicated to the Anatomy of Death

If you're looking for something really different, Mount Clemens has it.

ANATOMY OF DEATH MUSEUM explores the history and anatomy surrounding death, with exhibits featuring items such as antique funeral preparation tools, skulls and coffins.

It's unusual, fascinating and definitely not the kind of museum you're likely to stumble across every day.

6. See a Historic Mill and a Working Farm

At Wolcott Mill Historic Center in Ray Township, you can step back into Macomb County's agricultural past.

The Wolcott Mill property includes a historic mid-1800s grist mill and historic buildings, while the nearby Farm Center operates as a working farm where visitors can see animals including cows, goats, sheep, chickens and horses.

It's a surprisingly different experience from the suburban Macomb County many of us are used to seeing every day.

7. Take a Walk Through a Hidden Native Plant Sanctuary

Tucked into Clinton Township is the Tomlinson Arboretum, a roughly 25-acre native plant sanctuary that can feel like a completely different world from the surrounding area.

The arboretum features walking and biking paths, native trees and wildflowers, and opportunities to spot birds, butterflies and other wildlife. It's the kind of place that's easy to drive past without realizing what's hiding nearby.

8. Visit an Actual Octagon House

Macomb County has some interesting architecture, but an eight-sided historic house might be one of the more unexpected finds.

The Loren Andrus Octagon House in Washington Township is a historic home museum dating back to the 1860s. The unusual octagonal design makes it a fascinating stop for anyone interested in architecture or local history.

It's one of those places that makes you wonder how many other pieces of local history you've driven past without noticing.

9. Walk, Bike or Geocache Your Way Along 24 Miles of Trail

The Macomb Orchard Trail stretches approximately 24 miles through Richmond, Armada, Romeo and Washington Township.

It's more than just a place to take a walk. The trail passes through wooded areas, farmland, orchards and small communities—and, as we mentioned above, it also has more than 200 geocaches hidden along the route.

You can make it a simple afternoon walk or turn it into a much bigger adventure.

10. Discover How Much Water Is Actually in Macomb County

Here's one that surprises people: Macomb County has 32 miles of freshwater shoreline, dozens of marinas and an extensive network of rivers and waterways.

You can go kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, fishing, boating or even take sailing lessons on Lake St. Clair. And you don't necessarily have to own a boat—or even your own kayak—to get started, since rental options are available locally.

Your Macomb County Might Be More Interesting Than You Think

One of the best things about living in Macomb County is that you don't always have to travel far to find something new.

From chocolate factories and hidden nature preserves to geocaching, historic buildings and kayaking down the Clinton River, there are plenty of experiences hiding in plain sight.

What did we miss? What's the one Macomb County hidden gem you think more people should know about? Let us know—we may feature it in a future local guide.