Detroit Parks on a Sunny Day

Beacon Park

Beacon Park opened in downtown Detroit in 2017, providing residents and visitors with an inviting green space for relaxation and recreation. The park has a large central grassed area where children can run around and let off some steam while parents relax. There is always something exciting on the go at the park which hosts a wide variety of concerts, festivals, children’s activities and other events. If you are feeling hungry you can head to the two-storey Lumen restaurant which offers rooftop seating overlooking the park. Everyone will enjoy the interactive light installations, visiting food trucks and the vibrant atmosphere of the park.

Beacon Park, 901 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48226, Phone: 313-566-8250

Belle Isle Park

Located on an island in the Detroit River, Belle Isle Park covers over 980 acres and beckons both locals and visitors to come an experience a day out with a difference. The entire island is a conservancy area boasting a unique ecology which you are invited to explore along a network of walking, running and nature trails. Sports enthusiasts can hone their golf skills at the Belle Isle Golf Range, join in a game of football, softball or tennis or head for the lakes to enjoy canoeing, kayaking or paddleboats. Other premier attractions you can visit on Belle Isle include the Belle Isle Aquarium, Dossin Great Lakes Museum, Belle Isle Nature Center and the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservancy.

Belle Isle Park , 2 Inselruhe Ave, Detroit, MI 48207-4448, Phone: 313-821-9844

Campus Martius Park

Often referred to as Detroit’s Gathering Place, Campus Martius Park is a large green public space located close to downtown Detroit. The park is the ideal place for you to spend a while relaxing with a book or meeting up with friends – try the comfortable seating near the relaxing sound of the Woodward Fountain. There are lovely gardens to admire and taking a walk around the park will give you the opportunity to admire several historic monuments. In spring and summer families can enjoy the sunshine on The Beach (400,000 pounds of beach sand is imported) while in winter everyone comes to enjoy the large outdoor skating rink. The park host year-round activities and events for the whole family.

Campus Martius Park, 800 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI48226, Phone: 313-566-8250

Capitol Park

Nestled in the heart of downtown Detroit’s most populace residential neighborhood, Capitol Park offers residents an ideal place to get out into the fresh air, relax under a shady tree or take their dogs for a walk. The park stands on the spot of the original Michigan State Capital Building, where it is surrounded by several historic buildings, many interesting eateries and boutique stores. There is a special dog-friendly area where (leashed and accompanied) dogs can frolic on the grass and make friends. The park was renovated and revitalized in 2018 and once all the newly-planted trees have grown a bit more it will provide a much-needed city-center green space.

Capitol Park , 1150 Griswold, Detroit, MI 48226, Phone: 313-963-2940

Detroit International Riverfront

No visit to Detroit would be complete without exploring the Detroit International Riverfront area which stretches for 5.5 miles along the Detroit River. The riverfront encompasses the cruise ship passenger terminal, a marina and many parks, restaurants, residential areas and impressive Detroit skyscrapers. One of the most popular draw-cards you can look forward to visiting is the unique Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, while all the attractions of Belle Isle Park are also easily accessible. You could also attend a concert at the huge amphitheater in Chene Park (where you can also go walking or hiking along a selection of trails). Do not miss the chance to walk along the amazing GM Plaza and Promenade.

Detroit International Riverfront, 600 Renaissance Center, Detroit, MI 48243-1815

Eliza Howell Park

Located in Detroit’s Brightmore neighborhood, the Eliza Howell Park covers around 250 acres. Efforts by local communities and school children have been responsible for a slow but steady recovery of this formerly-neglected park which is home to surprisingly varied habitats, and provides a home for several plants and bird species. You can do some wildlife watching as you explore two miles of maintained trails on foot or by bike. There are four picnic shelters in the park, a playground for young children and plenty of open space for older children to run around and have some outdoor fun. In addition there is a soccer field, baseball field and plenty of free parking.

Eliza Howell Park, 23751 Fenkell St, Detroit, MI 48223, Phone: 313-578-7500

Grand Circus Park

Grand Circus Park is a small (five acre) urban park located in the heart of downtown Detroit, where it offers a peaceful green space to which residents and office-workers can escape. The park is conveniently located close to several downtown attractions including Comerica Park, Little Caesar’s Arena, the Detroit Opera House and the Fox Theater. On your way to one of your favorite destinations you can stop off and enjoy a moment on two admiring the attractive gardens, two beautiful historic fountains and comfortable seating area. Local residents love the Dog Park where they can bring their four-legged friends to have some fun.

Grand Circus Park, Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 18226-3473

New Center Park

New Center Park is a popular meeting place and outdoor relaxation area located in the New Center district in uptown Detroit. In summer the park is always bustling with local residents and visitors who come to enjoy a series of week-long events and activities. One week you could be watching outdoor movies under the stars while the next week the park could be a concert venue. Foodies arrive in their droves to enjoy the annual CityFest Food Festival. The park is also a popular area for families to relax and enjoy a picnic during the daytime. All the summer season movies and concerts are free of charge, bringing great summer entertainment and fun to everyone.

New Center Park, 2998 West Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48202

Palmer Park

Palmer Park is one of Detroit’s oldest parks, having been designed in the late 1880’s. The park covers over 290 acres of hiking and biking trails, extensive lawns and woodlands and sporting facilities. You can enjoy a game of tennis, visit the Butterfly Garden, or volunteer your services at the Community Garden. Other activities you could consider in Palmer Park include Yoga and T’ai Chi, joining the Walking Club or simply relaxing or bird watching surrounded by nature. There is a large splash pad where children can have summer fun, located alongside the children’s playground. The park hosts several seasonal festivals and events for the whole family and is open daily all year round.

Palmer Park, 910 Merrill Plaisance, Detroit, MI 48023, Phone: 313-757-2751

Patton Park

Named for the World War II US military leader John S. Patton, Patton Park is a large green space located in southwest Detroit. Besides offering visitors access to several sport facilities such as baseball diamonds, soccer fields and tennis courts, the park is best known for its indoor recreation area (Patton Recreation Center) where you will find a gym and weights room, a large indoor swimming pool (with shower facilities and locker rooms), a dance room and a playscape for younger visitors. You can explore the park on foot along a network of trails and visit the spring-fed pond (which was once a popular swimming hole) to do some fishing.

Patton Park, 2301 Woodmere Street, Detroit, MI 48209, Phone: 313-628-2000

Philip A. Hart Plaza

You will find the Philip A. Hart Plaza located along the north bank of the Detroit River in downtown Detroit, where it marks the spot where the original city was first settled in 1701. Today Hart Plaza is a popular venue for city festivals and events and has two amphitheaters which can accommodate up to 40,000 spectators. The plaza is also home to the Detroit Cruise Ship Terminal so you are bound to see some of the world’s largest vessels when you visit. A walk around the 14-acre plaza will give you a chance to admire several striking monuments including the Gateway to Freedom International Memorial to the Underground Railway and the Horace E. Dodge and Son Memorial Fountain.

Philip A. Hart Plaza, 1 Hart Plaza, Detroit, MI 48226, Phone: 313-877-8057

Spirit of Detroit Plaza

Home to the impressive Spirit of Detroit sculpture by local sculptor Marshall Fredericks, the Spirit of Detroit Plaza is becoming a popular meeting place in downtown Detroit. The plaza opened in 2017 and is intended to provide a “civic square” where locals can gather to celebrate victories, rally support for various causes or simply to enjoy a changing list of events. The plaza is currently still finding its feet, so to speak, and it is hoped that further initiatives will in time attract people from all over the city. Currently you will find lunch-time food trucks in attendance during the week and on Mondays, Wednesdays and Friday you can enjoy free entertainment between 11.30 and 1.30.

Spirit of Detroit Plaza, 2 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48223, Phone: 313-566-8250

William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor

You will find the William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor located along the Detroit International Riverfront, east of downtown Detroit. Although this is a rather small state park, covering just 31 acres, it is absolutely deserving of a place on your to-do list. The most obvious attraction of the park is the views it offers of the city and of the Canadian skyline across the Detroit River. You can go walking/jogging or biking along the paved trail along the river edge or spend some time sitting on a bench and watching the passing parade. In addition, nature lovers will enjoy the wetland area which is full of birds and is home to beavers and other small creatures. There is a boat launch and picnic shelters.

William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor , 1900 Atwater St, Detroit, MI 48207-4019