Detroit Riverwalk
America's Best Riverwalk, offering 3.5 miles of parks, pathways, and stunning views of Detroit and Canada.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful strolls, fewer people
Detroit Riverwalk
Best Time
Peaceful strolls, fewer people

Highlights
Must-see attractions
America's Best Riverwalk, offering 3.5 miles of parks, pathways, and stunning views of Detroit and Canada.
"It felt like stepping into a dream, a simple walk that left my heart full and mind at ease."
👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking! Wear comfy shoes to fully enjoy the 3.5 miles of pathways. :athletic_shoe:
🌅 Catch the Golden Hour
Sunset offers breathtaking views and a romantic ambiance, perfect for photos. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park
East Riverfront
A new 22-acre park with diverse activities, perfect for families and events.

Diamond Queen Boat Ride
Riverfront Docks
Enjoy a relaxing boat tour offering unique perspectives of the city and Canada.
Sunset Strolls
Throughout the Riverwalk
Experience the magical glow of sunset reflecting on the water, a truly romantic setting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for the Best Views
Plan Your Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking! Wear comfy shoes to fully enjoy the 3.5 miles of pathways. :athletic_shoe:
🌅 Catch the Golden Hour
Sunset offers breathtaking views and a romantic ambiance, perfect for photos. :camerawithflash:
🚢 Consider a Boat Tour
See the city from a different angle with a relaxing boat ride on the Detroit River. :ferry:
🍦 Ice Cream Pit Stop
Grab a treat from nearby spots like MILK and FROTH for a sweet walk. :ice_cream:
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Comfortable Footwear is Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking! Wear comfy shoes to fully enjoy the 3.5 miles of pathways. :athletic_shoe:
🌅 Catch the Golden Hour
Sunset offers breathtaking views and a romantic ambiance, perfect for photos. :camerawithflash:
🚢 Consider a Boat Tour
See the city from a different angle with a relaxing boat ride on the Detroit River. :ferry:
🍦 Ice Cream Pit Stop
Grab a treat from nearby spots like MILK and FROTH for a sweet walk. :ice_cream:
📅 Check for Events
Festivals and events add to the vibrancy, but can also mean more crowds. :calendar:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Detroit Riverwalk for its beauty, cleanliness, and the stunning views of Canada and the city skyline. It's frequently lauded as one of Michigan's best spots, offering a magical experience, especially at night. Families appreciate it as a great place for kids to explore, and many find the peaceful atmosphere perfect for relaxation.
"Beautiful river walk canada is so beautiful. That river walk is really beautiful and the animals that you see while you're walking and just the water coming back-and-forth waves and the air and the people boating is just so beautiful."
Russell Zeno
"There’s something magical about walking by the river at night. The gentle sound of water, the soft glow of streetlights reflecting on the surface, and the calm all around it felt like stepping into a dream. The cool breeze and peaceful silence made it the perfect escape from the noise of the day. A simple walk, but one that left my heart full and mind at ease."
aishwarya raj
"Love taking the kids down to walk the river. They just can't get enough."
David Brewer Sr
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Detroit Riverwalk is easily accessible by car, with several parking options available near the riverfront. Public transportation, including bus routes, also serves the downtown area. Many visitors find it convenient to walk or bike to the riverwalk from nearby downtown attractions.
Yes, there are multiple parking garages and street parking options available near the Detroit Riverwalk. Some popular choices include the Millender Center Garage and the attached parking for Huntington Place.
Absolutely! The Detroit Riverwalk is bike-friendly, with dedicated paths and bike racks. You can bring your own bike or use a bike-sharing service available in the city.
Yes, several Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) bus routes stop in the downtown area, providing access to the riverfront. Check the DDOT schedule for routes and stops closest to your location.
For a comprehensive exploration, consider renting a bike or using a scooter to cover the 3.5-mile stretch. Walking is also a great option, especially if you plan to stop at various parks and attractions along the way.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Detroit Riverwalk is free to access and enjoy. It's a public space open to everyone.
The Detroit Riverwalk is generally open 24/7, though specific park areas or amenities might have their own hours. It's a public promenade, so you can visit anytime.
While the Riverwalk itself is free, special events like the Detroit Harvest Fest at Centennial Park may require tickets or have specific entry details. It's best to check the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy website for event-specific information.
While official guided tours might not be consistently available, you can find information about the Riverwalk's history and attractions through resources like Pure Michigan Trails.
Yes, the Detroit Riverwalk is generally dog-friendly. However, always keep your pet on a leash and clean up after them to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Riverwalk boasts numerous parks, plazas, and public art installations. Highlights include the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park, the GM Renaissance Center, and stunning views of the Detroit River and Canada.
You can walk, jog, bike, have a picnic, enjoy boat tours, visit parks, and simply relax by the water. It's a versatile space for recreation and leisure.
Yes, there are many restaurants and food trucks in the downtown area near the Riverwalk, offering a variety of cuisines. You can also find spots like MILK and FROTH for ice cream.
Absolutely! The Riverwalk features several parks with play areas, making it a great destination for families. The Centennial Park is particularly designed with children in mind.
The views are spectacular, offering panoramic sights of the Detroit skyline, the Detroit River, and across to Windsor, Canada. It's particularly beautiful at sunset and at night.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire Riverwalk offers great photo opportunities, but the areas near the GM Renaissance Center, the Ambassador Bridge, and the waterfront parks provide iconic backdrops. Sunset is a prime time for photography.
The Riverwalk is well-lit at night, making it generally safe for photography. The city lights reflecting on the water create a magical atmosphere.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing cityscapes and wider river views. A wide-angle lens can be useful for expansive shots, and a telephoto lens can capture details across the river.
Iconic landmarks include the GM Renaissance Center, the Ambassador Bridge, and the various sculptures and pavilions along the Riverwalk. The view of Canada is also a popular subject.
The 'golden hour' just before sunset offers the most beautiful light for photography. Sunrise can also be stunning, though less crowded.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways
🚶♀️ Solo Explorers & Day-Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Evolution of the Detroit Riverwalk
Key to its success are the numerous parks and pathways that dot the landscape, offering diverse experiences. From the expansive Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park to smaller, intimate gathering spots, the Riverwalk is designed for recreation, relaxation, and community engagement. The integration of green spaces, public art, and stunning views of the Detroit River and Canada creates a unique urban oasis.
Future developments aim to further enhance connectivity and accessibility, solidifying the Riverwalk's status as a premier urban destination. The commitment to continuous improvement ensures that the Detroit Riverwalk remains a dynamic and evolving space for generations to come.
Experiencing the Riverwalk: From Relaxation to Romance
For a more active experience, consider a boat tour on the Detroit River. Options like the Diamond Queen Boat Ride offer a relaxing way to see the city from a new perspective, enjoying the breeze and scenic views. Alternatively, renting a bike allows you to cover the 3.5-mile stretch efficiently, stopping at various parks and points of interest along the way.
Romance is also a key theme, with the Riverwalk being highlighted as a perfect spot for proposals. The stunning sunset views and the city skyline create an unforgettable backdrop for special moments. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat, an adventurous outing, or a romantic setting, the Detroit Riverwalk delivers a memorable experience.
Community Insights: Making the Most of Your Visit
For those looking to enjoy a treat, Reddit users suggest spots like MILK and FROTH for ice cream, which is conveniently located for a stroll along the riverfront or towards Campus Martius. This blend of scenic beauty and accessible amenities makes the Riverwalk a well-rounded destination.
When planning your visit, it's also wise to check for local events, as festivals and concerts can add to the vibrancy but also increase crowd sizes. Ultimately, the consensus is that the Detroit Riverwalk is a beautiful, accessible, and enjoyable destination for everyone, from families with kids to couples seeking a romantic escape.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit