Detroit Riverfront Tour
Tour Overview
 The dawn of a vibrant Riverfront is one of the most
exciting initiatives under way in Detroit today. The
city boasts nearly 14 miles of frontage along the fascinating Detroit River, three miles of which are the focus of massive
development investment. Early stages
of the revitalization are complete and open to the public, including the Renaissance Center's Riverfront Promenade and Tri-Centennial State
Park. The East Riverfront (the stretch between
the Ren-Cen and Belle Isle) is
slated for completion by late 2007 and construction of the West Riverfront is
to take place shortly thereafter.
Plans for the three mile stretch include a continuous RiverWalk with green spaces complete with outdoor dining, children’s
playscapes, art fairs, fishing areas, and historical markers. You will also be treated to awe-inspiring
views of Belle Isle, Windsor (Canada), and the occasional ocean
freighter! Do not miss this fantastic tour.
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Tour Map
More Information
Fort Wayne
6325 West Jefferson Avenue, Detroit
Website
 Hard to
imagine war with Canada! Not in the 1840s, however, when tensions
ran high with our British-controlled neighbor to the north and Detroiters
demanded a stronghold to protect them from attack. The threat of war with Canada eventually
faded, but the importance of the Fort increased. Fort Wayne played major
roles in the Civil War and both World Wars.
The Fort is open to the public on weekends only, so make sure to plan
accordingly. A great historical
destination!
Hart Plaza
1 Hart Plaza, Detroit
Website
 Hart Plaza is situated
in the heart of the City along Jefferson
Avenue, opposite the Financial District and
adjacent to the Renaissance Center. This mostly hard-surfaced 14-acre park was
opened in 1955 to provide a new gathering place and focal point for the
City. Hart Plaza occupies 14
scenic acres on the riverfront and has a capacity of 40,000, making it an
ideal host for numerous cultural and ethnic festivals throughout Spring,
Summer, and Fall. Notable events held
here include the Detroit Electronic Music Festival, Detroit International
Freedom Festival, and Detroit International Jazz Festival.
Renaissance Center Riverfront Promenade
100
Renaissance Center, Detroit
 When touring the Riverfront, it's basically
impossible to miss the tallest building in Michigan and Detroit's most recognizable icon. Opened in 1976 with the hopes of
re-energizing Detroit's economy, the Renaissance Center, or "Ren-Cen", is again
at the forefront of Detroit's redevelopment efforts. General Motors moved its headquarters to
the Renaissance Center in 1996 and spearheaded extensive
renovations completed in early 2005.
The renovations not only modernized the facility but made it more
accessible and welcoming to the public from Jefferson Avenue.
The Ren-Cen and its 6 cylindrical towers previously offered mainly
office space and few public attractions.
Now, the building's interior treats visitors to a brilliant new Wintergarden
that provides views of the Detroit River, a suspended glass circulation ring
that helps improve pedestrian flow inside the building's maze-like interior,
a GM-sponsored showroom of historic vehicles, a first-run movie theater, a
1,298-room hotel located in the 73-story center tower, and several prominent
restaurants and retailers. The exterior of the facility was
also redeveloped. The Ren-Cen's
Riverfront Promenade is the first step and centerpiece of Detroit's overall riverfront redevelopment.
Tri-Centennial State Park and Harbor
1900 Atwater Street, Detroit
Website
 This "green oasis" is the
only urban state park in Michigan.
Opened in 2005 at the location of the St. Aubins Marina, the park
draws land-dwellers and boaters alike.
Spanning nearly 31 acres, the park includes open green spaces, a
52-slip marina, and a 62 foot replicate of the lighthouse at Tawas Point State Park in northern Michigan on Lake Huron.
The park is ideal for picnics, fishing, or for simply taking in great
views of the river, Belle Isle,
and the Detroit and Windsor
skylines.
Belle
Isle
Douglas MacArthur Bridge off of Jefferson Avenue
Full Tour Page
 Belle Isle is a 982-acre island and
park in the Detroit River managed by the Detroit Department
of Parks and Recreation. The island
has been subjected to significant budget cuts recently, resulting in the
closing of America's oldest public aquarium (opened in
1904). Nevertheless, Belle Isle still has many excellent
attractions to offer, including the Belle Isle Nature Zoo , the Anna Scripps
Whitcomb Conservatory, and the Dossin Great Lakes
Museum to name a few.
Consider packing a lunch and enjoy great views of Detroit and Windsor
while you relax on Belle Isle's half-mile beach (the only beach in the City).
Tour
Map
Number of Destinations: 5
Overall Tour Time: 1 day
Continue the Tour!!!
The allure
of the Riverfront doesn't end at Belle Isle!
Visit our Grosse
Pointe & Nautical Mile Driving Tour page to find out more…
More Information
Click on the links below for
more information on other attractions and links to other Experience Detroit
tours:
Chene
Park
Detroit Riverfront
Conservancy
Diamond Jack's River Tours
Windsor
(Canada)
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