4 Ways to Spend Memorial Day Weekend Outdoors

Although the summer season does not officially begin until June 20, Memorial Day Weekend seems to be the “real” summer kick-off for those in Michigan, and, naturally, many want to spend it outdoors – weather permitting, of course!

Metro Detroit Memorial Day Activities

1. Biking

When’s the last time you hopped on that ol’ bike of yours? For some, it could’ve been yesterday, but for the majority of us, it’s been more than a while. Whatever skill level you’re at, metro Detroit has a variety of places where you can get your “ride” on:

Bike Trails:

Belle Isle Park (Detroit)
This 982-acre island park is situated on the Detroit River between Michigan and Canada. Its 6-mile, multi-use paved trail is open year-round from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Clinton River Trail (Oakland County)
This “rail-trail” extends across 16 miles through the suburban, urban and rural portions of Oakland County. The trail has a variety of surfaces, most of it being unpaved, ranging from crushed limestone to pavement; with that said, this may not be the ideal trail for those with narrow bike tires.

The Dequindre Cut Greenway (Detroit)
A part of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, the Dequindre Cut is a two-mile greenway known for its examples of urban artwork and graffiti alongside a 20-foot-wide paved pathway that includes separate lanes for bikers and pedestrians.

Dequindre Cut bike path by Bill Bowen

Macomb Orchard Trail (Macomb County)
This all-paved, 24-mile park starts at 24 Mile Road and Dequindre in Shelby Township and travels northeast to the city of Richmond.

2. Swimming/Kayaking/Lounging by the Water

Nothing marks a better Memorial Day Weekend than it being warm enough to spend it near (or on!) the water, and luckily, metro Detroit has a lot of options:

Huron-Clinton Metroparks (Metro Detroit)
Huron-Clinton Metroparks include 13 parks: Delhi, Dexter-Huron, Hudson Mills, Huron Meadows, Indian Springs, Kensington, Lake Erie, Lake St. Clair, Lower Huron, Oakwoods, Stony Creek and Willow. Some of these have beaches and waterparks but all have one thing in common: outdoor fun.

Island Lake Recreation Area (Brighton)
Island Lake in Brighton is a local “up north” experience for canoeing, volleyball, picnics and swimming. You may have to bring your own kayak or canoe during this time, though.

3. Relaxing at a Park

Another form of outdoor entertainment can also be found just kicking your feet up at one of these Detroit parks:

Campus Martius Park (Detroit)
Campus Martius Park is known for its fountains, monuments, surrounding historic downtown skyline and, of course, its green, beautiful oasis that’s “maintained at the highest quality of standards.” The park has a good amount of comfortable French bistro tables and chairs for you to use and enjoy, too.

Detroit International RiverWalk (Detroit)
In addition to biking, the Detroit International RiverWalk serves as an excellent place to just relax, too. Attractions along the riverfront include parks, plazas, pavilions, benches, lush green space and even the RiverWalk Café.

Wheelhouse Detroit

4. Shopping

If you want to shop Memorial Day Weekend but feel guilty staying indoors, try out one of these local outdoor shopping venues:

Eastern Market (Detroit)
“Nourishing Detroit since 1891,” Eastern Market is the largest outdoor farmers market in the nation. But those who have had the pleasure of visiting would say there is much more to it than just fresh and nutritious food. Shed hours are currently Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., but starting in June through September, it will also be open again on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.