Discovering the Beauty of the Detroit RiverWalk
Detroit in the summer is a vibrant and lively city. The sun glints off the river, families fill the parks, and neighborhoods are alive with activity. One of the best ways to experience this energy is along the Detroit RiverWalk, where a bike ride transforms into more than just exercise. It becomes a way to witness how much the city has grown and changed. If you’re looking for an easy, family-friendly way to explore Detroit this summer, this is the perfect place to start.
The Detroit RiverWalk stretches about 3.5 miles along the river and has been named the Best Riverwalk in America by USA TODAY readers for three consecutive years. It welcomes over three million visitors annually and is part of the larger 5.5-mile Detroit International Riverfront. Once lined with factories, this area has been transformed into a safe and beautiful space for families to walk, bike, play, and enjoy the waterfront together. It’s one of Detroit’s top spots for a day out with kids, which is why many locals, including myself, make it a summer tradition.
Recently, I took my 11-year-old son, Michael, on a bike ride along the Detroit RiverWalk. Just the two of us, we set off from Cullen Plaza, where we rented Michael a bike. I brought my own peach Batch Comfort bike. Wheelhouse Detroit, located next to the parking lot, is an open-air shop that offers cruisers, hybrids, kids’ bikes, tag-alongs, and trailers. Helmets and locks are included, making it a convenient spot for families.
Cullen Plaza serves as a great starting point for a ride down the riverfront. There’s a beautiful old-fashioned carousel for kids, a cafe with plenty of outdoor seating, and lots of free parking. Right next to the carousel, we saw the boarding area for the Detroit River Cruise. Families and couples were lining up to board, and we enjoyed people watching for a few minutes before heading out for a ride on the RiverWalk.
Exploring More Along the RiverWalk
About 15 minutes from Cullen Plaza, we stopped at the DNR Outdoor Adventure Center. Despite its name, it’s an indoor museum. This was a great way to cool off from the summer heat. My son climbed into a real fishing boat, tested a mountain bike simulator, walked behind a waterfall, and even tried out an archery range. It was a fun and educational stop that provided a nice break from the heat.
Next, we rode into the Dequindre Cut, a wide, paved path that runs below street level. What makes it special is the street art. Nearly every wall and bridge along the way is covered with colorful graffiti and murals. We stopped a few times to admire the designs and take selfies, which are technically “usies.” Some of the paintings featured animals, city scenes, and creative lettering. The Dequindre Cut felt like a secret art gallery right in the heart of the city.
We finished our ride at Milliken State Park and Harbor, one of my favorite parts of the RiverWalk. The park has a wide green lawn, a marina filled with boats, and a pretty lighthouse that made a great photo backdrop. Michael and I hopped off our bikes and sat near the water for a while, skipping stones and watching the boats cruise by.
Beyond the RiverWalk: Other Family-Friendly Activities
The city truly comes alive when the weather warms up each summer. Neighborhoods, parks, and public spaces buzz with families enjoying the sunshine. While the RiverWalk is a perfect place to spend a day, there’s even more to explore just a short distance away. Here are three of our family’s favorite destinations near the Detroit River:
Visit the Detroit Institute of Arts
Just a few miles north of the RiverWalk, the Detroit Institute of Arts is a cool, inspiring stop for families. The museum’s collection is world-class, but there are also plenty of interactive spaces and programs designed just for kids. Families can explore everything from ancient artifacts to modern art, and the Detroit Industry Murals by Diego Rivera are a must-see. The museum is large enough to explore for a few hours, but small enough to manage with little ones in tow.
Explore Belle Isle Park
Belle Isle is Detroit’s island park, sitting right at the eastern end of the RiverWalk and connected by a short bridge. The park has a beautiful beach, shaded picnic areas, playgrounds, and open spaces that are perfect for running around or flying a kite. Families can visit the Belle Isle Aquarium or stroll through the Belle Isle Conservatory, both of which feel just the right size for kids.
Catch a Tigers Game at Comerica Park
For sports-loving families, catching a Detroit Tigers game is a fun way to experience the energy of the city. Comerica Park is less than a 10-minute drive from the RiverWalk and offers plenty for kids, including a carousel, a Ferris wheel, and family-friendly concessions. Even families who aren’t die-hard baseball fans will enjoy the atmosphere and excitement of a game day downtown.
Planning Your Visit
When planning your trip to Detroit, consider the best time to visit. Late summer and early fall are ideal, with July and August offering warm, sunny weather, while September and early October bring cooler air and beautiful fall colors along the riverbanks. The RiverWalk is open year-round, but these months feel especially pleasant for afternoon rides.
To get here, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is about 21 miles from downtown. Visitors can rent a car, take a taxi or rideshare, or hop on a SMART or DDOT bus to downtown Detroit. The Detroit People Mover has a stop at the Renaissance Center, which is a perfect starting point for a RiverWalk ride.
There are two beautiful hotels near the RiverWalk. The Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center is a full-service hotel right on the river with floor-to-ceiling views and easy access to the trail. The Roberts RiverWalk Hotel is a boutique hotel in a historic building located along the east RiverWalk.
Whether you’re exploring the RiverWalk or visiting nearby attractions, Detroit offers a wealth of experiences for families. From carousels and public art to boat watching and museum stops, this stretch of Detroit is packed with places where kids can play and parents can relax. Add nearby destinations like Belle Isle Park, the Detroit Institute of Arts, and Comerica Park, and a day here easily turns into a full weekend getaway.
