the DETROIT RIVER along tHE RIVERWALK RIVARD PLAZA biking THE RIVERWALK west village neighborhood FLOWER GARDENS IN BLOOM The Detroit RiverFront Conservancy is a non-profit organization founded in 2003 by a group of dedicated civic, corporate and community leaders who had the vision of what an accessible riverfront could become — bridge to bridge, spanning 5.5 miles from the Ambassador Bridge to Gabriel Richard Park just east of the MacArthur Bridge to DETROIT Belle Isle. The Conservancy’s mission is to develop RIVERFRONT the public space of Detroit’s riverfront and serve as an anchor for economic development – all while The detroit riverfront what to see THE DETROIT RIVERFRONT working collaboratively to create more thriving, walkable and connected communities within CONSERVANCY Detroit. Please consider making a donation to WHAT TO help ensure the Detroit riverfront continues to be Welcome to the Detroit riverfront. Detroit is older If you look across the water, you will see Windsor, Joe Louis Arena Home of the 11-time Stanley Cup -- Riverwalk Café The Riverwalk Café offers diverse Eastern Market The largest open-air wholesale/ The Detroit RiverFront Conservancy is a non-profit a beautiful place for all. than Chicago, Toronto, Cleveland and every other Canada. Detroit is the only American city with Champions, the Detroit Red Wings, Joe Louis Arena menus at two locations; Rivard Plaza and Gabriel retail market of its kind in the United States, Eastern organization founded in 2003 by a group of deter- SEE + DO Midwestern city. Detroit is 75 years older than the another country just five minutes away by bridge proudly stands on the banks of the Detroit River with Richard Park. Grab a quick bite to go, or stay and Market was declared a historic area in 1977. It is more mined, forward-looking, civic, community and public 600 Renaissance Center #1720, Detroit, MI 48243 United States. We were founded by the French, or tunnel, and where Canada is “south” of the USA. a 20,058-seat arena. watch the ships go by. More details on menus than 160 years old with over 150 currently operating leaders. They had the vision of what an accessible ph. 313.566.8200 e: [email protected] were briefly British and then blossomed into a great and café hours can be found at the café locations, food-related businesses. For more information, visit riverfront could become – and a plan to make it American city. Today, with newly developed public spaces and Cobo Center A world-class meeting and convention or at detroitriverfront.org. detroiteasternmarket.com. happen bridge to bridge, spanning 5.5 miles from www.detroitriverfront.org more to come, a growing number of people value facility, located along a beautifully restored inter- Gabriel Richard Park at the MacArthur Bridge to Belle -- Diamond Jack’s River Tours Diamond Jack’s The Detroit River has always represented the life- the riverfront in their daily lives, accessing its many national riverfront in the heart of vibrant downtown Chene Park The 6,000 seat amphitheater on the Isle, to the western most portion at the Ambassador provides boat tours on the sparkling waters of the line of the region. Founded by Antoine Laumet de offerings from other cities, or neighborhoods, office Detroit, undergoing a $300 million transformation, banks of the Detroit River is just east of the Milliken Bridge, Riverside Park. Detroit River. Visit its dock at Rivard Plaza or get Lamouthe Cadillac in July 1701 on the south bank of buildings or boats. Here are just a few highlights which hosts the North American International State Park and Harbor. Regularly scheduled summer more info at diamondjack.com. the river, Detroit was named the Strait – or in his own that help tell the story: Auto Show. Get more info at cobocenter.com. concerts attract more than 100,000 visitors annually. With a backdrop as one of the busiest waterways in French tongue – le Detroit. The river connected Lake -- Waterways Maps These beautifully designed For more information, visit cheneparkdetroit.com. the world, it would be the first time in its 300-year -- 3 miles of newly developed riverfront. Hart Plaza The 14-acre riverfront plaza, named in St. Clair on the north with Lake Erie to the south. three dimensional maps highlight the impor- history that Detroit would have a vibrant, safe, green, honor of Senator Phillip A. Hart, opened in 1975 -- 3 million visitors a year. tance of the Detroit River within the international Stroh River Place, Talon & Roberts Riverwalk Hotel and accessible riverfront that could be enjoyed by all. As early as 1707, settlers were awarded farm and has the capacity for 40,000 people. It is the site waterways. An inlaid granite map at Rivard Plaza The RiverWalk stretches for more than 1.25 miles grants along the river - from 200-800 linear feet -- 9 neighborhoods surrounding its path. of many of Detroit’s popular events and festivals. The mission of the Conservancy is to develop public highlights the 32-mile-long Detroit River and its along the east riverfront, starting at Joseph Campau and extended back two to three miles. It gave each At the center of the plaza is the 30 ft. tall Horace access to Detroit’s riverfront and serve as an anchor -- 2,434 new trees and shrubs and 10,000 plants. surrounding communities. A standing glass map Street and Stroh River Place, and continuing east property owner access to a source for food, E. Dodge and Son Memorial Fountain, designed by for economic development – all while working shows the entire St. Lawrence Seaway route. past the Talon office building and the Roberts drinking water and a highway on which the farmer -- Glorious public art along the RiverWalk Garden Isamu Noguchi. Hart Plaza is immediately south of Riverwalk Hotel. collaboratively to create more thriving, walkable and transported goods to and from the marketplace. Rooms, and graffiti art in the Dequindre Cut. Woodward and Jefferson Avenues. At the river’s -- Wheelhouse Detroit Experience the Motor connected communities within Detroit. These eventually became known as “ribbon farms” edge is the international Underground Railroad City on two wheels! Located on Rivard Plaza, Formerly the home of Detroit-based pharmaceutical -- Continued environmental stewardship, from use and are marked in today’s Detroit by streets, which Memorial, commissioned by Detroit 300. The 10 ft. Wheelhouse Detroit offers bike rentals, tours and firm Parke Davis & Co., the buildings date back The first phase of the project, which is 3.5 miles of of recycled materials in signage, to the storm water bear the names of the original owners such as: by 12 ft. sculpture is of nine slaves and a railroad services, seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. the east riverfront, is now 80 percent complete. management system at Milliken State Park & Harbor. Beaubien, Riopelle, St. Aubin, Chene, Campau “conductor” looking and pointing towards Canada 8 p.m. Two-hour, half-day, or full-day rental The Stroh family, owners of the Stroh Companies, In July 2012, work began on the final phases of and Livernois. -- One of the most successful public private in anticipation of safety and freedom. packages are available. For more information, Inc., purchased the historically designated site construction, which will allow for the completion of partnerships, founded initially by three key partners visit wheelhousedetroit.com. in 1979. The 25-acre mixed use campus brings the east riverfront project. It is important to note that The Detroit River and riverfront has been the site of — the City of Detroit, which provided valuable Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority A 21,000 together businesses and upscale living, which the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy is responsible some of our most significant history. Little known riverfront land and significant infrastructure square foot public dock and terminal on the Milliken State Park and Harbor The first urban includes: The 4-star Rattlesnake Club, the Talon for raising 100 percent of the costs to maintain and stats and facts include: improvements; General Motors, which made downtown Detroit riverfront that brings new Great state park in Michigan, the William G. Milliken State Building, the 108-room Roberts Riverwalk Hotel develop this beautiful asset. additional investments into its waterfront renovations Lakes cruise visitors to the waterfront. Park and Harbor features a 52-slip marina, a 63-ft. and the Roberts Bistro. For more information, visit It is only through your generous support that -- The inaugural voyage of the first steamship that included the construction of the G.M. Plaza Get more info at portdetroit.com. replica of the Tawas Point lighthouse, covered detroitriverwalkhotel.com. the Conservancy will be able to keep the Detroit Walk in the Water arrived in Detroit in the 19th and the first half mile of RiverWalk; and the Kresge picnic areas and interpretive signage, wildlife G.M. Plaza As a part of its renovation of the riverfront a beautiful place for residents, workers Century and was the beginning of Detroit’s Foundation, which provided its largest grant ever observation trails and fishing outlooks, a wetlands Mt. Elliott Park A complete redevelopment of this Renaissance Center for its world headquarters, and visitors to enjoy for generations to come. manufacturing might. Within 20 years, more than to a single project – a $50 million challenge grant storm water treatment system, a memorial to long-time city park, which is located at the foot of General Motors created the G.M. Plaza, a spectacular 200 businesses became located on the river to that served as an economic catalyst to launch the Detroit River advocate, Peter Stroh, historical Mt. Elliott Street and adjacent to an active Coast riverfront space that is a gathering spot and Participate in this once-in-a-generation opportunity support the new industry. Conservancy’s efforts and allowed the Conservancy markers to the Jewish Soldiers of the Civil War and Guard station, began in summer of 2012. The new signature event venue. The synchronized water to make a difference in one of the great American to attract additional funds from foundations, the Black Presence in Detroit, as well as Chapman park will be universally accessible to all and will -- More than 650 ships were built here from the fountains and a granite world map are spectacular cities – Detroit. corporations and the private sector. Abraham markers. For more information or to include an interactive water feature and play scape, 1800s to the 1960s. The Detroit River was so busy features. The Wintergarden serves as a backdrop to reserve a picnic shelter or boat slip, visit an improved shoreline, a plaza, a pavilion with a How can you help keep the riverfront that it was declared a public highway by an Act of -- A place to recreate and reconnect with nature this vital piece of the Detroit riverfront. Michigan.gov/Milliken. café, picnic areas and fishing outlooks. beautiful? Congress in 1819. for the nearly 150,000 employees in the greater Rivard Plaza The plaza is a favorite Detroit -- The last stop of the Underground Railroad before downtown area. Dequindre Cut Greenway Part of the Community Gabriel Richard Park At Gabriel Richard Park, visitors -- Buy a brick to be placed along the riverfront for destination and signature event site. The plaza is Foundation of Southeast Michigan’s Greenway can stroll along paths through special gardens someone you love. Canada — and freedom. And that’s just the beginning. We invite you to use home to many riverfront highlights, including: Initiative, the 1.5 mile-long paved pedestrian biking planted with flowers chosen for their personal appeal this guide to explore what is one of Detroit’s oldest, -- Create a Living Memorial through the endowment -- The river is 32 miles long from Lake St. Clair greenway with its examples of public and graffiti art, to butterflies, or take a winding tour of an inlaid brick and newly rediscovered treasures. -- The Cullen Family Carousel Handcrafted and of a tree, plantings or a bench. to Lake Erie. connects the riverfront to its northern neighborhoods labyrinth, donated by the Adcraft Club of Detroit. specially designed for Detroit, it features creatures -- Become a Friend of the Conservancy. and to Eastern Market. These peaceful amenities invite visitors to take a breath -- There are 21 islands with 72 miles of shoreline. native to the Detroit River, including sturgeon, and enjoy the peaceful setting. -- Volunteer at the Conservancy. egrets and walleye, along with the mythical River -- 65 kinds of fish and 29 species of waterfowl, -- To support the Conservancy in the above ways, Mermaid and River Monster. including blue heron, sturgeon and walleye. please visit detroitriverfront.org.
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What to do for Children Dining Free community partnership programming Rules + Regulations Hours 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., all seasons. The Detroit riverfront is accessible from Joe Louis Arena (1D) Dequindre Cut (7C) Cullen Family Carousel (5E) Riverwalk Café (5E, 15D) Visit detroitriverfront.org for details on all To ensure that all visitors and residents the Jefferson Avenue exits from the Lodge Detroit Port Authority (3E) Eastern Market (7A) Riverwalk Café (5E, 15D) Andiamo’s (4E) of our seasonal activities and programming. have the best experience possible, the Detroit Photography and Filming Freeway and I-375. Cobo Center (2D) Belle Isle Kaboom! Playscape (5E) Joe Muer’s (4E) Tai Chi riverfront is governed by the same regulations For commercial uses, permission is needed. Hart Plaza (2D) - Scripps Conservatory There are several public parking options near Fountain at G. M. Plaza (4E) Coach Insignia (4E) Yoga established at other riverfront city parks: Please contact our Security and Operations Underground Railroad Memorial (2D) - Scott Fountain the riverfront in downtown Detroit. Butterfly Garden & Labyrinth (15D) Rattlesnake Club (9F) RiverFront Canine Club team at 313 656 2276. G.M. Plaza (4E) - Nature Walk - Be respectful of other guests around you. Rent Bikes at Wheelhouse Detroit (5E) Roberts Bistro (10F) River Walkers senior walking group Rivard Plaza (5E) - Bike Trails - Cyclists & roller skaters should yield right of For information about special events Have a picnic at the Milliken State Park (7E) Guided Tours The Cullen Family Carousel (5E) - Picnics Concerts + Events way to pedestrians and observe “slow” signs. and wedding photography, visit our web site People Mover Access to the riverfront can Go Fishing: Detroit Target Fireworks Wheelhouse Detroit Bike Rentals (5E) Chene Park (8F) at detroitriverfront.org. also be attained by using the Detroit People Neighborhoods - Milliken State Park (7E) Run/Walk at the River Days Run - Help us keep the riverfront clean & beautiful Riverwalk Café (5E, 15D) visit cheneparkdetroit.com for concerts + events Mover and exiting at the marked stations. Downtown (3A,B) - Gabriel Richard Park (15D) Detroit Free Press Marathon by depositing trash and recyclable bottles in Milliken State Park & Harbor (7E) Rockin’ on the Riverfront: Summer (4E) For more information on restaurants and Corktown (1A) - Mt. Elliott Park (12E) Herbal Walk appropriate receptacles. Chene Park (8F) River Days Concerts: June (5E) attractions along the People Mover route, Midtown Motown in Motion - Fishing is permitted in designated areas. Stroh River Place (9F) Take a River Cruise (5E) Hart Plaza (2D) visit thepeoplemover.com. Lafayette Park (8A) Families in Fitness - Pets are welcome when on a leash and waste Talon/Roberts Riverwalk Hotel (10F) - Diamond Jack diamondjack.com visit detroitriverfront.org for concerts + events Elmwood (9A) bags are provided. UAW/GM (11F) - The Detroit Princess detroitprincess.com Island View (13A) Harbortown (11E) - Private Yachts: The Infinity + Ovation Harbortown (11E) Coast Guard (12E) infinityandovation.com The Villages Mt. Elliott Park (12E) Jefferson East Gabriel Richard Park (15D)
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