8 Outdoor Attractions in Metro Detroit to Visit

Take advantage of the sunny days in Michigan by grabbing a friend, significant other and/or the kids and making your way to one or more of these favorite metro Detroit outdoor attractions:

Metro Detroit’s Best Outdoor Attractions

1. The Detroit Riverfront

The 3.5-mile east riverfront spans from Joe Louis Arena to Gabriel Richard Park. Attractions here include parks, plazas, pavilions, pathways, fountains, international views and open green space. The east riverfront is currently 80 percent done.

On the west riverfront, visitors will find three wide pathways, which are great for walking, running, biking or fishing, that link the riverfront to West Jefferson Avenue.

Known as the link between the east riverfront, Eastern Market and several residential neighborhoods, the Dequindre Cut Greenway is an urban recreational 1.5-mile path. It runs parallel to St. Aubin Street between Gratiot Avenue and Atwater Street. Entrance ramps to “the Cut” are located on Atwater Street, Franklin Street, Lafayette Street, Gratiot Avenue and Woodbridge Street. You can walk, run or ride a bike from Eastern Market straight to the riverfront and get glimpses of great public art in the process.

2. Greenfield Village

Opening for the season April 15, Greenfield Village at The Henry Ford in Dearborn is an 80-plus-ace outdoor museum that includes 83 authentic historic structures that will interest all ages.

3. Eastern Market

Although open and enjoyable year round, Eastern Market, the largest historic market in the country located in Detroit on Russell Street, is extremely popular during the warmer months. Whether you go for the food, art or music, everything is guaranteed to originate from Detroit.

4. Belle Isle Park

Whether you want to golf, paddleboat or take the kids to a half-acre complex of play areas, Belle Isle has plenty of outdoor activities for adults and children alike.

5. The Mall at Partridge Creek

If you often have the itch to shop but feel guilty staying inside during nice weather, then you will need to check out The Mall at Partridge Creek, which is located on Hall Road in Clinton Township. In addition to a long list of popular stores and restaurants, there is an outdoor fireplace, bocce ball courts and sprinklers for children. Also, the mall is a dog-friendly atmosphere.

6. Detroit Zoo

In addition to the animals, the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak has several attractions: Science on a Sphere, 4-D Theater, Simulator, Carousel, Tauber Family Railroad, Rackham Fountain, PlayVentures and the Giraffe Encounter. The Detroit Zoo also has year-round events to get you outside, including Run Wild at the Detroit Zoo, Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo, Breakfast with Santa and Boo at the Zoo!

7. Metroparks

Feeling a family picnic? There are 13 Metroparks within decent driving distance of Detroit.

8. Comerica Park

Nothing says spring in Detroit like a Tigers game, and April 8 is Opening Day. Visit the official site of the Detroit Tigers for the game schedule and ticket information.

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