Dodge Fountain Hart Plaza
A stunning, modern sculpture by Isamu Noguchi, the Dodge Fountain is an iconic Detroit landmark offering refreshing water displays and city views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fountain lights up beautifully
Dodge Fountain Hart Plaza
Best Time
Fountain lights up beautifully
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning, modern sculpture by Isamu Noguchi, the Dodge Fountain is an iconic Detroit landmark offering refreshing water displays and city views.
"This beautiful piece of functional art is a life saver and unlike anything I've ever seen."
Check Fountain Schedule
Hours are weather-dependent & can change for events. Check City of Detroit for updates! :calendar:
Embrace the History
Learn about the Dodge family legacy & Isamu Noguchi's design for deeper appreciation. :book:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Dodge Fountain
Hart Plaza
A 30-foot tall stainless steel sculpture with over 100 lights and 130 spray nozzles, creating a futuristic spectacle.
Hart Plaza Skyline Views
Detroit Riverfront
Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Detroit skyline and across the river to Canada.
Riverfront Promenade
Detroit Riverfront
A scenic walk or bike ride along the river, connecting to other attractions and offering a refreshing escape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Understanding the Fountain's History and Significance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Fountain Schedule
Hours are weather-dependent & can change for events. Check City of Detroit for updates! :calendar:
Embrace the History
Learn about the Dodge family legacy & Isamu Noguchi's design for deeper appreciation. :book:
Cool Off on Hot Days
Stand near the powerful jets to beat the August heat! Great for kids too. :droplet:
Capture the Skyline
Perfect spot for photos of the Detroit skyline & Canada. :camera:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Fountain Schedule
Hours are weather-dependent & can change for events. Check City of Detroit for updates! :calendar:
Embrace the History
Learn about the Dodge family legacy & Isamu Noguchi's design for deeper appreciation. :book:
Cool Off on Hot Days
Stand near the powerful jets to beat the August heat! Great for kids too. :droplet:
Capture the Skyline
Perfect spot for photos of the Detroit skyline & Canada. :camera:
Skateboarding Hub
Watch or join skateboarders in action at this popular plaza spot. :skate:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Dodge Fountain at Hart Plaza as a beautifully maintained, iconic landmark offering refreshing water features and stunning city and river views. Its historical significance and modern design are frequently highlighted, making it a must-see spot for its aesthetic appeal and as a vibrant gathering place for events.
"I thought that the most interesting thing to do in Detroit would be visiting motor museums because of the name “motor city”, however, the river walk around this area had a lot of fun. This fountain park had a beautiful view of Detroit city and Canada across the river. There were many people who playing skateboarding at this park. The weather was pretty hot in August. We took a rest here and cooled down standing in front of this fountain with heavy water flow."
Vincent Lam
"This beautiful piece of functional art is a life saver. I ride my bike to belle isle a few times a week and this is my halfway point. I take a ride through to cool off and it an a small corner of heaven. The area is clean and we'll keep and the fountain is unlike anything I've ever seen."
George Mais
"I had seen the picture of this fountain when I was child from an old album, when my parents visited America during 80s and I was amazed to see this again live in front of me. Even after these many years it was well maintained but little does anyone heed it, everyone is busy with their fast lives.
The iconic fountain has a history and it goes like this, Anna Thompson Dodge, widow of automobile pioneer Horace E. Dodge, bequeathed $2 million in 1971 to construct a fountain to honor her husband and son. The stainless steel, 30' high fountain sculpture is composed of a ring suspended between two inwardly canted supports and a black granite pool directly under the ring. Its powerful jets of water and dramatic setting combine to create a futuristic environment as the focal point of Detroit’s main civic plaza.
Just visit this place and take a picture, it will stand there until the end of the world and changes to the surroundings can be noticed. A beautiful clean place for a walk or stroll with peaceful settings."
Anup Viswanathan Thampi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Dodge Fountain is located in Hart Plaza, a central downtown Detroit landmark. It's easily accessible by car, with several parking garages nearby. Public transportation, including DDOT buses, also serves the downtown area. Many visitors enjoy walking or biking along the Detroit Riverwalk to reach the plaza.
Yes, there are multiple parking garages and surface lots in the vicinity of Hart Plaza. Popular options include the Millender Center Parking Garage and the Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority Garage. Street parking may also be available, but can be limited during events.
Absolutely! The Detroit Riverwalk provides a scenic and safe route for cyclists. There are bike racks available at Hart Plaza for securing your bicycle. It's a great way to combine a ride with a visit to the fountain.
Yes, Hart Plaza is well-served by Detroit's public transportation system, DDOT. Numerous bus routes stop in the downtown area, making it convenient to reach the plaza without a car. Check the DDOT website for specific route information and schedules.
Many visitors recommend exploring the surrounding Detroit Riverwalk for stunning skyline views and a pleasant stroll. The plaza itself is a great meeting point and often hosts festivals and events, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, visiting Dodge Fountain and Hart Plaza is free and open to the public. There are no admission fees to enjoy the fountain and the surrounding plaza area.
The fountain's operating hours are weather-dependent and typically run from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. during the spring and summer seasons. However, hours can shift for maintenance or special events like festivals.
The fountain is usually activated for the season in spring and operates through the summer. Evenings are particularly magical when the fountain's lights are on, creating a spectacular display.
Hart Plaza is a popular venue for numerous events, including the Movement Music Festival, outdoor concerts, and community gatherings. It's always a good idea to check the City of Detroit's event calendar for upcoming happenings.
Hart Plaza is a well-maintained public space in downtown Detroit. Like any urban area, it's advisable to be aware of your surroundings, especially during large events or at night. The area is generally considered safe and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
📸 📸 Photography & Art
The fountain itself, with its dynamic water jets and modern design, is a prime subject. Capture it from different angles, especially at dusk when the lights come on. The Detroit skyline and the view of Canada across the river also make for stunning backdrops.
The iconic fountain was designed by renowned Japanese-American sculptor Isamu Noguchi, known for his innovative and monumental works. His design for the Dodge Fountain is a significant piece of public art in Detroit.
The fountain sculpture is primarily constructed from stainless steel, giving it a sleek, modern, and futuristic appearance. The base is made of black granite, creating a striking contrast with the water and steel elements.
Yes, the area around Hart Plaza features other public art, including the nearby Pylon sculpture. Noguchi also designed other notable works in different cities, such as the Red Cube in New York and Bolt of Lightning in Philadelphia.
Golden hour, just before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for capturing both the fountain and the skyline. Dusk is also ideal for photographing the fountain when its lights are illuminated, creating a magical ambiance.
🎫 💧 Onsite Experience
Yes, you can get quite close to the Dodge Fountain. The plaza design allows visitors to walk around and experience the water features up close. On hot days, standing near the powerful jets can be a refreshing way to cool down.
Absolutely! Kids often love watching the water jets and can even get a bit of a cool mist on hot days. The open space of Hart Plaza is also great for them to run around. It's a fun and engaging spot for families.
Hart Plaza is known for its vibrant and energetic atmosphere, especially during events and festivals. It's a popular meeting place and offers a great sense of the city's spirit. Even on quieter days, it provides a peaceful setting with beautiful river views.
Hart Plaza offers various seating areas, including benches and open spaces where you can sit and enjoy the views. It's a perfect spot to take a break, have a snack, or simply people-watch.
Hart Plaza is a major hub for events in Detroit, most notably the Movement Music Festival, a world-renowned electronic music festival. It also hosts concerts, cultural celebrations, and community gatherings throughout the year.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Walkers & Cyclists
📸 Photographers & Art Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of the Dodge Fountain
The fountain's design is a testament to its era and the city's forward-thinking spirit. Renowned sculptor Isamu Noguchi, celebrated for his monumental and innovative works, envisioned a futuristic stainless steel ring suspended between two canted supports, all set above a black granite pool. This striking design, with its powerful water jets and dramatic lighting, was meant to symbolize Detroit's industrial strength and innovation, making it a focal point of Phillip A. Hart Plaza.
After years of service, the fountain underwent significant renovations and repairs, ensuring its continued presence as an iconic landmark. Its reactivation has been met with enthusiasm, highlighting its enduring appeal and importance to the city's cultural landscape. The fountain continues to be a beloved spot for both locals and visitors, offering a blend of art, history, and refreshing water displays.
Experiencing Hart Plaza: Beyond the Fountain
The plaza itself is designed for public enjoyment and often serves as a vibrant gathering place. Its open layout makes it a popular spot for various activities, from casual relaxation to more active pursuits like skateboarding. During warmer months, the area is a magnet for families, with children often delighted by the fountain's spray and the open space to play.
Hart Plaza is also a premier venue for large-scale events and festivals in Detroit. It famously hosts the Movement Music Festival, a globally recognized electronic music celebration, drawing thousands of attendees. Beyond music, the plaza is a stage for cultural festivals, concerts, and community events, contributing significantly to Detroit's lively cultural scene.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit