The downtown Detroit Riverwalk has consistently been rated as one of the most beautiful riverfronts in the US. With an ideal location that’s easily accessible from downtown, the Detroit Riverwalk is a great place to enjoy tranquility and activity in nature along with unique events at the various plazas and parks.
Along with its natural serenity, complete with trees, lawns and a wonderful view of the Detroit River, you can also get incredible views of Detroit's skyline and even of Windsor, Canada on a clear day.
From manicured paths to numerous parks, restaurants and access to Belle Isle, the Detroit Riverwalk makes for a great addition to any Detroit vacation. With this guide, you’ll learn about its incredible attractions and nearby offerings to help make your trip to Detroit as ideal as possible.
Things to Do at the Detroit Riverwalk
Over the past 20 years, the Detroit Riverwalk has been revitalized with many new manicured parks, trails and amphitheaters added to the area to make it more lively and diverse in attractions than ever before.
Today the Riverwalk has several plazas, pavilions and parks to help you enjoy the best of Detroit. The main path is about three miles long and while you can reach both ends fairly quickly, there are enough activities along the way to make it an all-day event or even for multiple visits if you desire. Plus, there’s abundant parking at both ends of the Riverwalk and at many of the stops along the way to make your trip completely customizable.
Some exciting activities you can enjoy along the downtown Detroit Riverwalk include:
• Bike riding
• Fishing
• Live music and fairs
• City and state parks
• Quick access to top Detroit downtown things to do
• A pedestrian bridge to Belle Isle
Now, let’s look more in-depth at the best things to do at Detroit Riverwalk to help you plan your next vacation.
Hart Plaza
• Address: 1 Hart Plaza, Detroit, MI 48226
Hart Plaza is a picturesque 14-acre riverside park, serving as the heart of the Detroit Riverwalk. It is the ideal destination for those seeking to enjoy a blend of downtown Detroit's top attractions while taking in the stunning views of the Detroit River.
With a large 40,000 person capacity, it's one of the most popular places in town and it's been holding regular concerts and events since opening in 1975. Today, you can experience an assortment of fairs, concerts and other exciting opportunities in this spacious hangout spot.
Enjoy the central fountain and relax on the lawn near some trees for a nice midday picnic, or simply pass through on your way to the next Riverwalk destination. With immediate access to both downtown and the river, this is an essential place to visit during your Detroit vacation.
Cullen Plaza
• Address: 1340 Atwater St, Detroit, MI 48207
Cullen Plaza is another bustling part of the Detroit Riverwalk and it’s a great place for families with kids, couples and groups of all ages to enjoy city amenities with an impeccable view.
This Riverwalk location is especially ideal for families and those with children due to its family-friendly activities, including:
• A carousel
• Children’s garden and playground
• Play fountains
It also has other activities that visitors of all ages can enjoy such as:
• Bicycle rentals
• River boat tours
• Special events at the central pavilion
As one of the busier locations on the Riverwalk, there are a number of onsite facilities including restrooms, benches, plus full handicap accessibility.
You can also enjoy a cup of coffee or meal at the Riverwalk Café, or have a nice date night in Detroit at the onsite Tiki Bar.
Aretha Franklin Amphitheater
• Address: 2600 Atwater St, Detroit, MI 48207
The Aretha Franklin Amphitheater hosts a number of concerts and events alongside a beautiful setting, being right on the Detroit River.
Make sure to check their website for any upcoming events during your visit. You can watch anything here from local plays to concerts from top-selling artists.
Outdoor Adventure Center
• Address: Globe Trading Company Building, 1801 Atwater St, Detroit, MI 48207
The Outdoor Adventure Center is a city-run organization that features indoor sports and recreation for kids. Here, families with children can try a number of excursions and classes, including courses on:
• Fishing
• Archery
• Hiking
• Wilderness exploration and conservation
For kids interested in the outdoors and hands-on experiences, this is one of the most unique Detroit Riverwalk things to do on your next family vacation.
GM Plaza
• Address: 300 Atwater St, Detroit, MI 48226
General Motors has long been a staple of Detroit’s automotive history and the recently built GM Plaza was designed to revitalize the area and create new multi-use spaces along the Detroit Riverwalk.
In this skyscraper-filled plaza, you can enjoy incredible views of both the river and downtown skyline and it's a great place to relax after walking to enjoy some rest and food.
At the Red Can food court, you can find something great to eat from buffets to restaurants for all tastes and budgets. Joe Muer Seafood and the Andiamo Detroit Riverfront both offer great meals and ambiance, or you can enjoy a quicker bite to eat from one of the many casual onsite options.
The GM Renaissance Center, which is the tallest building within the plaza, has an assortment of historical automobiles in a permanent exhibition making it an essential stop for car lovers of all ages.
Milliken State Park Lighthouse
• Address: 1900 Atwater St, Detroit, MI 48207
Considered the “anchor” of the Detroit Riverwalk, the Milliken State Park Lighthouse is a great place to visit at the end of the walk.
The park itself is also gorgeous with sprawling lawns and trails, along with a tiny marina where you watch fishermen and sailboats, or even join in on the fun and try fishing yourself.
You can rent fishing gear nearby along with other fun rentals like:
• Bicycles
• Electric scooters
• Boats
With so much to offer, the Milliken State Park Lighthouse is a great place to explore along the Detroit Riverwalk. Plus, there are a number of shops and restaurants nearby so you never run out of things to do during your visit.
Belle Isle
Belle Isle is an island right across from the Detroit Riverwalk, complete with perfectly manicured gardens and attractions, including:
• Belle Isle Aquarium
• Belle Isle Nature Zoo
• The Dossin Great Lakes Museum
• Multiple ponds and trails
While driving over the bridge requires a fee, you can walk or ride across the Belle Isle Pedestrian Bridge free of charge to reach the area from the Riverwalk.
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