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What is Beacon Park known for?
- Beacon Park is an example of one of the city’s newer parks.
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What happened to Capitol Park in 2018?
- Capitol Park was totally revitalized in 2018, offering fresh charm and appeal.
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What is the Spirit of Detroit Plaza?
- The Spirit of Detroit Plaza adds to the city's vibrant green spaces.
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Where can you go for hiking and biking in Detroit?
- If you’re looking for somewhere a little larger for hiking and biking, Belle Isle Park covers over 900 acres of green space.
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What is the Detroit International Riverfront?
- The Detroit International Riverfront stretches along the river for over five miles, providing scenic outdoor opportunities.
Best Time to Visit Detroit Parks
- May to September – Warm weather, ideal for picnics, hiking, and outdoor fun.
- June & July – Peak summer months with vibrant events and family-friendly activities.
- April & October – Shoulder season offering mild temps and fewer crowds.
- November to March – Cold months with fewer visitors, perfect for peaceful walks.
- Late May – Best time for blooming gardens and pleasant outdoor conditions.
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1. Beacon Park
Catch outdoor events and play light-up games on an exciting downtown visit.
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
2. Belle Isle Park
Explore the conservatory and walk riverfront trails on a relaxing weekend.
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
3. Campus Martius Park
Ice skate in winter or relax beachside in summer on a fun city trip.
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
4. Capitol Park
Sip coffee and enjoy shaded seating on a quick, affordable urban break.
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
5. Detroit International Riverfront
Bike the scenic path and admire skyline views on a romantic outing.
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
6. Eliza Howell Park
Walk wooded trails and spot wildlife on a peaceful nature retreat.
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
7. Grand Circus Park
Stroll through fountains and catch performances on an easy city stroll.
Grand Circus Park is a small (five acre) urban park located in the heart of downtown Detroit, where it offers a 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
8. New Center Park
Watch free movies and attend events on a fun family evening.
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
9. Palmer Park
Hike forested trails and enjoy art installations on an unusual weekend trip.
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
10. Patton Park
Swim at the rec center and play sports on an affordable family day.
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
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