Rivertown and Gold Coast

History
Must-Sees
Where To Stay

Why Visit?

East of downtown Detroit, you’ll find the Rivertown and Gold Coast neighborhoods. These two riverside neighborhoods blend together with their marinas, riverfront parks, and upscale waterfront living.

The glamor and bustle of downtown Detroit is only steps away—literally. You can easily walk to and from downtown Detroit, via the Detroit International Riverwalk. This 5.5-mile pedestrian and biking path runs continuously through Rivertown and ends at Gabriel Richard Park on the border with Gold Coast, and is one of the best activities in all of Detroit.

Beyond the parks and trails of the Detroit riverfront, it’s worth visiting the area for unique restaurants and bars (like a speakeasy hidden inside a coffee shop, or smoky barbecue at Robert C. Valade Park).

If you’re driving, extend your journey into Gold Coast to see historic homes and luxurious apartment complexes. Be sure to drive by the Manoogian Mansion, which is the official residence of the Detroit mayor.

The neighborhoods are also the perfect jumping off point for other areas of Detroit. Take a trip to Belle Isle, Detroit’s 985-acre state park in Detroit River. Alternatively, head inland and take the Dequindre Cut Greenway, a 2-mile trail which connects Rivertown to the foodie hub of Eastern Market.

Featured Image
Detroit Riverwalk
Credit: Daniel "Moon" Truscott

History of Rivertown and Gold Coast

These days, Rivertown is known for its beautiful parks, riverside path, and popular bars and breweries. However, it wasn’t always this way. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the area was a shipping hub, known as the Warehouse District.

In the 1970s and 80s, Detroit’s riverfront began a major redevelopment. This started with the construction of the Renaissance Center in downtown Detroit, and expanded to nearby areas like the Warehouse District. Unfortunately, there were hiccups along the way, including a failed casino deal that resulted in the destruction of some of Rivertown’s most beloved prohibition-era bars and restaurants.

Thankfully, the Detroit Riverwalk’s official opening in 2007 revitalized the area further, connecting it to downtown and making it a more desirable place to live and visit. You can still see remnants of Rivertown’s industrial roots today, for instance in the manufacturing warehouses that have been transformed into loft apartments.

Gold Coast is a primarily residential area, and doesn’t share the same shipping and manufacturing past as Rivertown. The neighborhood is primarily filled with historic residences and apartment complexes, centered around historic parks built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Rivertown and Gold Coast Must-sees

There is so much to do in Rivertown, whether it’s along the riverfront or in the neighborhood’s side streets. Some of the best activities include:

  1. Walk or bike along the Detroit International Riverwalk, and be sure to stop at the many riverfront parks along the way. These include the William Milliken State Park, Robert C. Valade Park, Mt. Elliot Park, Gabriel Richard Park, and more.
  2. Catch a show at the Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre. This waterfront entertainment venue seats 6,000 people and hosts worldclass touring artists every summer.
  3. Take your kids to the Outdoor Adventure Center, a vast educational center where they can play and explore interactive exhibits that simulate Michigan’s great outdoors. Think: reeling in big fish, indoor mountain biking and snowmobiling, touching a waterfall, and more.
  4. Grab a drink at Rivertown’s unique watering holes. Andrews on the Corner is a good place to start. This is a neighborhood staple, operated by the same family since 1918 and a favorite among Red Wings hockey fans. Atwater Brewery is another good option for Detroit-brewed beer. For cocktails and wine, check out Brix Wine (a wine and charcuterie boutique), Say Less (a speakeasy hidden inside Cred Café), and Bob’s Barge (Detroit’s only floating bar, open seasonally at Robert C. Valade Park).

Where to Stay

There are a few accommodation options in Rivertown from recognizable hotel brands.

Comfort Inn Downtown, located conveniently off I-75 in Rivertown, offers cozy rooms along with complimentary breakfast, a fitness studio, and 24-hour lobby services. You’ll also have an on-site bar, and free parking for guests.

Baymont Inn & Suites Downtown is another hotel choice in Rivertown, offering varying styles of room, some with spacious suites. Guests are treated to a complimentary deluxe breakfast, a fitness center, and a free shuttle to destinations within a three mile radius.

Quality Inn Downtown is an affordable hotel option in Rivertown. It’s located walking distance to the Detroit Riverwalk and William Milliken State Park, and the hotel offers complimentary shuttles into downtown Detroit on Fridays and Saturdays.

How Can I Get to Rivertown and Gold Coast?

You can reach Rivertown and Gold Coast by driving, rideshare, or DDOT bus. You can also walk or bike via the Detroit Riverwalk.

What is the best way to explore Rivertown and Gold Coast?

The best way to explore Rivertown is on foot (or bicycle), along the Detroit Riverwalk. It can also be useful to have a car or rideshare to get around the wider Rivertown and Gold Coast neighborhoods, because they're somewhat spread out.

Where can I park?

There is street parking throughout Gold Coast and Rivertown. You can also park in free public lots, like the Mt Elliot Park lot or Gabriel Richards Park lot, or paid parking garages, like River Place Garage. The Park Detroit app can help you find available spots and pay ahead.

Distance from DTW

Rivertown is a 30 to 35 minute drive from Detroit Metro Airport (DTW), depending on traffic. Gold Coast, which is slightly further east, is about a 35 to 40 minute drive.

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