Detroit, Michigan

Glittering Attractions Along the Detroit River

Monica Poling

The city of Detroit, which features 14 miles of coastline along the Detroit River, has interconnected the finest of its waterfront attractions with the opening of the Detroit International RiverWalk. The project’s first phase, known as “East RiverWalk,” is made up of a three-mile series of scenic, interconnected pathways, bike and jogging trails, fountains, and playgrounds. Along this walkway, pedestrians can stroll from the Joe Louis Arena (home of the Detroit Redwings), past the GM Renaissance Center, Tri-Centennial State Park and end up Mt. Elliott Park, all the while enjoying pleasant river breezes while watching the Windsor (Canada) skyline, and views of the ocean freighters passing by.

Rivard Plaza

A good starting point along the RiverWalk is Rivard Plaza, which is the symbolic heart of RiverWalk because of the carousel located there. This “animals” on this custom-designed attraction are all designed after lake and river creatures indigenous to the Detroit River. At the center of the ride are a 33-foot mural of the river and its wildlife, and the rides which last two minutes cost $2. Rivard Plaza also features an in-laid granite map of the Detroit River and a standing glass map of the St. Lawrence Seaway.

Renaissance Center

Known to locals simply as the RenCen, Detroit’s Renaissance Center rises 73 stories above the Detroit River, and houses seven towers, stores, movie theatres, a 1,300-room Marriott Hotel and some of the city’s hottest restaurants. It is also the global headquarters of General Motors. Free tours of the center are offered Monday-Saturday, providing guests with an overview of the architecture and history of the building and the surrounding area. The tour ends with a glass elevator ride up to the 72nd floor of the Detroit Marriott Hotel.

GM World

While visiting the Renaissance Center, be sure to stop by GM World to view GM’s latest concept cars. This 50,000 square foot display is a fun stop that features vintage, new model and concept vehicles from all General Motors brands, including Chevrolet, Buick, Saturn and even Hummer. Most cars allow visitors to get behind the drivers seat, so even if a Hummer isn’t in your budget, you can still hop in and pretend it’s all yours.

Tri-Centennial State Park

Tri-Centennial State Park offers a lovely, green respite along the mid section of East RiverWalk. The park, which first opened in 2003, is Michigan’s first urban park. Within the park’s boundaries are several covered picnic areas, shoreline fishing and a 52-slip harbor. Marking the harbor entrance is a 63-foot lighthouse tower, which is a scaled-down replica of an 1876lighthouse located at Tawas Point State Park.

Detroit People Mover

The best way for newcomers to enjoy Detroit’s waterfront is by taking a ride on the Detroit People Mover. This fully automated light-rail system loops through Detroit’s central business district on an elevated rack, and the fare is just 50 cents. The entire loop takes less than 25 minutes to complete, and provides views of the waterfront, as well as some of Detroit’s top attractions. Every station also provides a variety of unique public art. To help navigate the system, the Detroit Transportation Corporation has published Go! See! Shop! Eat!, a guide featuring the 400 businesses that are located within two blocks of People Mover stations.