12 Perfect Picnic Spots In Detroit
Story by Ami Nicole
In and around Detroit, a tapestry of parks awaits you, each providing a serene haven for the perfect picnic.
Belle Isle Detroit
Whether you’re hanging out near the Belle Isle Fountain, hitting one of the picnic shelters, lounging near the Conservatory and Aquarium in the garden, or snuggling up at Sunset Pointe, Belle Isle has a ton of spots to choose from. If you explore the island, you might even find a spot that we’ve not mentioned! Sometimes a picnic can include an adventure, after all! Just make sure to snag your park pass on the way in!
Detroit Riverwalk / William G. Milliken State Park
Want to take in the sights on the water? The Detroit Riverwalk and Milliken State Park are excellent choices to lay down a blanket and set up camp for an afternoon. You can watch the freighters and boats go by, feel the chill of the air coming in off the water, and make the joke to your date that you could swim to Canada! And if you need to cool down, the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy has its own built-in sprinkler system for the kiddos – don’t forget your swimsuit!
Campus Martius
A perfect spot – and you don’t even have to bring food depending on the time of day! Given that Campus Martius is arguably the heart of the city, there are food trucks that set up shop, surrounding restaurants, and even a 7-11 within walking distance. You can also choose to visit the Monroe Street Midway after chowing down if you visit on a Thursday-Sunday.
Roosevelt Park at Michigan Central Station
The new, Roosevelt Park in Corktown is a great place to hunker down if you’re into chilling in the grass and catching the rays. Mercury Bar is a hop, skip and a jump from the spot, as well as Slows BBQ, or you can always venture into Southwest Detroit and pick up tacos on your way to the park!
Riverside Skatepark (Riverside Park)
This may seem like a weird choice, but don’t knock it until you try it! Created in 2015, Riverside Park, as the City of Detroit calls it, has a basketball court, a dog park, a playground, and the legendary skatepark. Take in some activities while you’re hanging out in the area, or people-watch all the skateboarders by setting up camp on the nearby picnic tables. You also get a great view of the Ambassador Bridge, which makes for a memorable experience.
The Greening of Detroit - Lafayette Greens
Have you ever been walking down Michigan Ave, headed toward Lafayette Coney Island or American Coney Island and encountered a garden? You are there! Lafayette Greens is a cute strip of nature in a sea of buildings right down the road from Campus Martius that is perfect for a quick bite. This is extra helpful if you work in the area and need a moment of zen.
Capitol Park
With ample tables, benches, grass and even a dog park, Capitol Park is a city-style spot to snack and chat. Canelle Bakery and Dessert Oasis Coffee Roasters are within walking distance, so you can always get a delectable treat after you finish your picnic basket.
Beacon Park
If you’re not into grass, but you want to still feel like you’re in nature, Beacon Park is your spot! The location has turf that you can chill on, and depending on the day and time, you might be able to take in one of their many events including live music, professional networking events, yoga, and more. DTE also shares that Beacon Park is also an energy saver as part of their Sustainability Initiative.
Detroit Institute of Arts Lawn
This one might sound like a weird choice but between the lush greens of the whole campus, plus the heavy stone tables with red chairs, and sculptures to view when walking off your dessert, it is a perfect spot to hang out. Plus, if you’re a resident of Oakland, Wayne, or Macomb County, you can go pursue the museum for free admission after your picnic.
Dequindre Cut
In the early days of Detroit, we were always told that “the Cut” wasn’t a place to hang out, especially alone. Those days are gone! There’s now a paved bikeway, lights for the evening, and even a shipping container bar called The Dequindre Cut Freight Yard. Entrance ramps to the Cut are located at Atwater Street, Franklin Street, Woodbridge Street, Lafayette Street, Gratiot Avenue, Wilkins Street and Mack Avenue. And if you want to work off your picnic, you can always rent a bike from Wheelhouse Detroit, or hit up your nearest MoGo station.
Palmer Park
Not quite in the heart of the city, but we have to show it some love! Palmer Park is one of the last parks to hit before you cross over the 8 Mile line toward Ferndale, but that doesn’t make it any less a part of the Detroit culture. There is a pond where you can watch the ducks and geese while chowing down on your picnic treats, during the spring time you’ll see pink flowering trees that are absolutely Instagram-mable, and there is a super-cool-yet-abandoned water fountain if you’re into that sort of thing. There is also a butterfly garden, lots of access to wooded areas, and depending on the time and day, you might be able to catch Yoga or T’ai Chi classes!
Core City Park
Last but not least, Core City Park. You may not be familiar with this one, but it is actually a really slick spot! Detroit Institute of Bagels just reopened in the area if you need to snag yourself some shmear, and if you’re not into relaxing in the grass, you’re in luck! There are concrete fixtures that you can hang out on, as well as some very avant-garde sculptures to feast your eyes on after you’re done feasting for your belly.
