The Best Public Parks in Detroit

Belle Isle Park has a special place in my heart. My favorite way to spend a summer day is a trip to Belle Isle. The island is safe, clean and chalk full of family friendly low cost to free activities. You could go swimming at the beach, picnic under a shady tree, visit the petting zoo, walk the gardens, kayak around the island, ride a bicycle around the island, visit the aquarium or conservatory, tour the maritime museum, and much more. The aquarium and conservatory are the shining jewels of the park. Everyone should spend a day at Belle Isle, it is not to be missed!

Located insidea round about in Downtown Detroit, it has been called the most variable park in the US. A skating rink in winter, a music hall in the summer, it has a restaurant on site, a fountain operating year-round, and a sand beach in the summer. No admission necessary, a great place to visit during the day almost any time of the year. Would recommend early evening or mid-afternoon for best experience. Programming during the summer months.

This is a really nice park! The picnic for my family reunion was held here this past Saturday. The adjoining pavilions were the perfect size to accommodate our large group. The location also provided a wonderful view of the Detroit skyline, and harbor to the Detroit River. The park also has a really nice trail to take you right along the river. It seemed to be a good place for boating, bicycling, and fishing as well. There's a building with restrooms with indoor plumbing as well, which was a nice feature. This park is also nearby Riverwalk which served as a nice escape full of activities for all of us to enjoy.