The Detroit River Walk

Last summer a friend and I explored the Detroit River Walk. We parked on Belle Isle, because parking is free there, and crossed the MacArthur Bridge to the mainland.

The River Walk is unfinished project as of yet, so I think that explains why the part of the trail near Belle Isle is a bit...uh...hard to follow. Every now and then we'd see a sign guiding us along.

Before long however, the trail was clearly posted and featured "stylish" sidewalks that ran in and out of the buildings and loading docks along the Detroit River.

On the walk we saw such a variety of sights. There were dilapidated buildings with colorful graphitti murals (nearer Belle Isle). Grand buildings with patios decked out for wedding receptions overlooking the river on that fine summer Saturday.  The trail passes by Chene Park with it's unusual theatre overlooking a lovely pond. Presently we came to a small marina, and the trail led us out to a wee lighthouse. People picnicked and fished under the shady boughs of weeping willows.

The Rivard Plaza

The trail led on to the Rivard Plaza. It's a welcome center/way-station complete with public restrooms and concessions (including ice cream!).   Large white canopies spread their wings over tables and chairs and gave us a respite from the bright sun. The plaza faced the river, and it is here that a river themed carousel in soft purples and turquoise resides. We enjoyed looking at and walking on the large map of Metro Detroit etched into the pavement of the plaza.

From the plaza, it's not much farther to the Detroit Renaissance Center.  The trail leads, still close to the river, through a patch of wild flowers and marsh plants.

At the foot of the Renaissance Center, in front of the Wintergarden Entrance, a fountain cast up small jets of water. Little kids ran threw them in their swimsuits. After taking a visit to the Ren Cen, we took off our shoes and cooled our hot, achy feet, (and tried to get each other wet)! Many other people were doing the same. And although the trail continued South past the towers, it was time for us to turn back with very sore feet.

We'd seen many people biking the path, and I highly recommend that approach if you plan on seeing as much as you can.

The Detroit River Walk is great activity for a day out with friends or family! 

Photo Op?

Tips: If you go in the summer, wear appropriate protection from the sun and bring drinking water for there is very little shade.

Bring a lunch or plan your excursion so you can purchase food at the way-station plaza or the Renaissance Center (and don't limit yourself to just the options at the Wintergarden entrance, there are plenty of options of various price ranges, check at the info desk). There aren't very many places to eat along the trail.

Parking: 1. The Rivard Plaza parking lot, located on Atwater St.
2. There are parking structures on both sides of the Ren Cen: Miller Parking Structure on Bates St. and Beaubien Place Garage on Beaubien St.
3. If you have a lot of time and are a strong walker, you can park for free on Belle Isle. Cross over the MacArthur Bridge and take the fork to the right (South) and pull into the parking lot on the right where you will have a great view of the Ren Cen as it rises from amongst the other tall buildings in the heart of Detroit.

I especially recommend biking the river walk if you park on Belle Isle. It's roughly 3.5 miles from Belle Isle to the Ren Cen, so not real far, but if you're stopping and looking at things and standing on your feet a lot, it can get tiring.  Plus, on the way back, you're seeing all the same things you saw the first time, it's not new scenery.

Just for fun: When you reach the maps, have someone take a picture of you pointing to your hometown or country!

A lovely sight