It’s officially springtime! Cheers to warmer weather ahead and fresh foliage. The best picnic spots in Detroit are the best place to truly see the active community after a long hibernation and on and off social distance measures. Whether you’re just getting a quick bite from a food truck or eating at a nearby restaurant. The foods represent the city well.
Detroit has everything from soul food, vegan food, the classic Lafayette Coney Island Coney Dog, or a smoky BBQ sandwich, Detroit has the views and the foods to show you why you don’t need to go out of local Detroit. Detroitisit rounded up a list of pristine park areas and other green places to have a delightful picnic.
BELLE ISLE
PHOTO DANIELLE CERULLO / UNSPLASH
Why not have a picnic at one of the most famous spots in the city? Belle Isle Park is a Detroit gem and a Michigan state park. There are plenty of picnic tables. With 982 acres, this unique island park in the middle of the Detroit River also has a beach. Accessible features include a playground and picnic shelter. Take a bike ride around the island, or be a kid on the giant slide. Click HERE to learn more. Located at 99 Pleasure Drive,
Detroit, MI 48207.
THE GREENING OF DETROIT-LAFAYETTE GREENS
Green in Detroit is definitely a theme for this year and moving forward. Right outside the Westin Book Cadillac Hotel and nestled in the middle of the downtown landscape, Lafayette Greens is an urban garden and public green space. The Greening of Detroit grows organic fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers here, creating an environment where visitors are surrounded by lush nature pollinated by bees and butterflies. The park also holds educational sessions, tastings, and a farmers’ market. Click HERE to learn more. Located at 132 W Lafayette Blvd
Detroit, MI 48226.
PHOTO JARRITOS MEXICAN SODA / UNSPLASH
CAPITOL PARK
Capitol Park is in one of the city’s hippest enclaves. Surrounded by restaurants and cafes, you’ll have plenty of original options for your simplistic picnic. Bring your furry friend to the fun dog park. and is near a coffee shop, a bike store, and the stylish grocery Eatori. If you take a four-legged friend, City Bark can supply treats and dog-friendly water bottles. The Detroit pizza scene is part of the city’s appeal, stop by Shorty Bell’s Pizza, which serves up $10 brick-oven pies. It’s housed in the Detroit Beer Exchange that came about in 2020. Click HERE to learn more. Located at Capitol City, Detroit, MI 48226.
DETROIT RIVERFRONT
The riverfront has 5 1/2 miles to soak in by the river. Several gorgeous locations are surrounding the water including Canada! Relish in the beauty while enjoying a tasty meal. Benches facing the river are spread out throughout the riverfront. Check out the numerous parks and verdant areas along the stretch from the Ambassador Bridge to Gabriel Richard Park. Take your little ones to the beach, the children’s musical garden, or the community barbecue pavilion. To rent a picnic shelter, visit the Michigan DNR website or call 1-800-44-PARKS. At Atwater Beach, inside Valade Park, Smokey G’s serves barbecue ribs, pulled pork, and brisket sandwiches, along with turkey legs and chicken. Click HERE to learn more. Located at 588 Jefferson Ct. Detroit, MI 48207.
CAMPUS MARTIUS PARK
PHOTO JOHNATHAN MACEDO / UNSPLASH
Didn’t get enough of Campus Martius during winter? There may not be any more colorful lights, but there it is still one of the nation’s best public squares. A downtown centerpiece is a perfect place for gazing at the skyscrapers, and people-watching around the fountain. Don’t worry, the ice rink will return! You can enjoy season-appropriate activities like dog-friendly yoga classes; movies on the lawn; and an urban beach, complete with sand, volleyball, and shovels. The expansive lawn serves as the setting for food and wine festivals. Click HERE to learn more. Located at 800 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI 48226.
As always, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for regular updates on all things Detroit and more.
[…] in Detroit help keep our favorite parks as pretty and vibrant as possible, especially as we spend time outside this spring. Let’s bring together the bright-minded community to make Palmer Park even more […]
[…] over to Clark Park this summer for Detroit community action and plenty of outdoor courts. You’ll find the public enjoying all of the tennis courts, basketball courts, soccer […]
[…] views. Enjoy 5 1/2 miles of of river water sights and say “Hello” to Canada! A perfect picnic spot location, you can have your food on the benches facing the river, which are spread out throughout […]
[…] opportunities between now and next Tuesday, July 4 in Michigan. Unwind during the day with BBQs, picnics at public parks, playground fun, spacious green areas, cool drinks, some water activities, and […]
[…] selections are perfect with wine and a nice picnic! Not to mention, cheese is a simple way to make a meal and/or party fancier because of how many new […]