1. Eastern Market
You can’t visit Detroit without checking out the Eastern Market. Visited by many, the Eastern Market is always packed with local vendors, food trucks, events, street performers, and some of the best wall art in the city. Saturdays are the best days to visit but honestly any day is a good day to check out the murals!
Bring a camera and explore the murals that make the Eastern Market a unique and free destination.
Pro tip: Head over to the Dequindre Cut Greenway for a stroll, bike ride or rollerblading. You can access the cut from the Eastern Market at the Wilkins Entrance open from 6am to 11PM.
2. Belle Isle Park
Belle Isle is a city treasure and is a favorite among Detroiters. Take in the views by the James Scott Fountain or the Belle Isle beach. Walk along the shoreline, or find a quiet picnic spot. The island has a little something for everyone. Fun fact: Belle Isle was actually designed by the same person who created Central Park in New York!
And when the sun starts to set? A magical moment.
Pro Tip: For the sunset lovers: for one of the best sunset views in the city, head to Sunset Point on Belle Isle. You’ll catch stunning skyline views as the sun dips behind Detroit. Don’t forget to snap a photo with the life-sized “Sunset Point” frame for the perfect golden hour shot.
Belle Isle Aquarium & Conservatory
Tucked inside Belle Isle are two gems that are 100% free:
The oldest public aquarium in the United States is the Belle Isle Aquarium right here in Detroit, dating back to 1904 and is a great experience for all.
Right next door you’ll find the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, which actually opened its doors the same day as the Aquarium. It’s full of lush greenery, tropical plants and even has plants that grow bananas and oranges. You guessed it, totally free.
Their hours are from Wednesday to Sunday from 10AM to 5 PM.
3. Detroit Riverwalk
Stretching over 5 miles along the Detroit River, the Riverwalk has been named the best in the nation for 3 years in a row by USA Today and it lives up to the hype. Walk, bike, skate, or simply enjoy the beautiful views. You’ll pass parks, gardens, playgrounds, and plenty of waterfront views. Bonus points for waving to our Canadian neighbors in Windsor across the way.
Pro Tip: Walk along the river walk to Robert C Valade Park for a sandy playscape for the whole family to enjoy.
4. GM Renaissance Center
While you’re at the riverfront, pop into the GM Renaissance Center where you’ll get to experience Detroit’s automotive heritage with an indoor car display. From vintage cars to newer models, It’s like a free auto museum tucked into Detroit's popular downtown skyscraper.
5. Events by the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy
There’s always something happening along the Riverwalk. From “Work From the River Wednesdays” to outdoor concerts, volleyball, walking tours, movie nights, and fitness classes. The Riverfront Conservancy curates a lineup of events that are free, fun, and easy to join.
6. Yoga in the Parks
How about moving your body while soaking up the summer sun? Yoga in the parks is perfect for the nature-loving yogi. Yorganic Flow is a nonprofit organization that brings free yoga to Detroit parks all across the city. Open to all levels, their sessions are welcoming and great for mind-body connection. Bring your mat, water bottle and good energy. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a summer day outside. The summer reset you didn’t know you needed.
Yorganic Flow kicks off their first flow of the season on May 24th at Palmer Park.
7. Campus Martius
It’s not a Detroit summer without a visit to Campus Martius. Detroit’s downtown hotspot is always buzzing year round but in the summer it becomes the ultimate playground. Think pop-up events, live music, food trucks, beach chairs, and even free movie nights. It’s also the perfect spot to chill by the fountain, book in hand, or deep convo with a friend. You never know what you'll walk into at Campus Martius but it’s always worth the stop.
8. Free Art Galleries
Detroit’s art scene is vibrant and has so much incredible local talent. Visiting Detroit’s art galleries will leave you inspired and wanting more. Step in, look around and experience the creativity that Detroit has to offer. Some Detroit Art Galleries offer free admission or host public events that make it easy to explore Detroit’s art scene. Check out these options:
Norwest Gallery
Playground Detroit
Detroit Institute of Arts: Free for Wayne-Oakland-Macomb Residents
9. Detroit Historical Buildings
Two of Detroit’s most iconic and totally free buildings to check out are the Guardian Building and the Fisher Building. The Guardian, right in the heart of downtown, is full of color, pattern, and detail. Just walking into the lobby feels like a whole experience with its bold tilework and tall, arched ceilings.
The Fisher Building, over in New Center, is just as stunning. Designed by Albert Kahn, it has marble hallways, bronze finishes, and some seriously beautiful architecture. Plus, it’s home to the Fisher Theater. If you’re into history, design, or just exploring cool spaces, both are well worth the visit.
10. Join a run club
One more for the active crowd. Werun313 is a Detroit based run club that organizes multiple free group runs each week across the city, welcoming runners of all paces. At Werun313, the running is just the beginning. The community is what keeps people coming back. It’s a beautiful way to stay active, meet new friends, and see Detroit from a whole new perspective.
Go explore, bring a friend, meet a friend, and maybe even find your new favorite go-to spots. Make the most of what Detroit has to offer this summer. No spending required!
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