When it comes to Detroit, nature might not be the first thing that comes to mind. Those of us who are lucky enough to hail from the Motor City, however, recognize that Detroit is overflowing with fun-filled outdoor locales to explore. When you’re looking to experience the great outdoors in and around Detroit without breaking the bank, check out these nine awesome (and free!) activities.
- Biking along the Dequindre Cut
Flickr/Sean_Marshall There’s nothing better than making your way along this two-mile stretch of land. Whether you’re biking, walking, rollerblading, jogging, or something in between, you’re sure to have a blast checking out the stunning public art and lovely scenery that surrounds you. The best part? It won’t cost you a single cent. Find out more by reading our previous article here.
- Exploring Beacon Park
Facebook/Beacon Park Detroit Beacon Park is one of Detroit’s newest outdoor attractions, and it’s always hosting unique events and activities. With a large circular lawn and plenty of green space, there’s no shortage of fun to be had here. Upcoming events include an Easter egg hunt, a Tigers Opening Day celebration, and multiple food truck gatherings. What’s not to love? Learn more about Beacon Park by reading our previous piece here.
- Visiting Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory
Flickr/Ivan-Chaar Lopez Okay, okay — this activity technically takes place inside a conservatory, but there’s an unforgettable natural element here that will make you wonder if you’ve landed in a tropical rainforest. Explore countless beautiful plants before strolling the greenery of the grounds — all for a whopping zero dollar admission fee! Learn more by reading our previous article here.
- Watching the sunset from Belle Isle
Flickr/Mike Boening Photography Following your visit to the Whitcomb Conservatory, make a point of exploring Belle Isle as a whole. Detroit’s most famous island park offers easy admission to Michiganders with state park memberships, which can be secured for only $11 per year. If you stick around, you’ll catch a breathtaking sunset over our beloved Motor City. To learn more, check out our previous feature article here.
- Sightseeing at Milliken State Park
Flickr/Charles W. Bash Many non-Detroiters are surprised to hear that our city houses its very own state park, but we wouldn’t have it any other way! Milliken State Park and Harbor offer gorgeous views of the Detroit River, plenty of fishing and walking opportunities, and some of the loveliest scenery imaginable. Whether you’re strolling along the shore or settling in for a picnic lunch, you’ll be enamored. For further information about Milliken State Park, click here to read our previous piece.
- A day trip to Kent Lake
Facebook/Kensington Metropark Hop in the car and make your way to Kensington Metropark in nearby Milford, which houses the stunning Kent Lake. If you choose to utilize hike/bike paths into the park, entrance is free — and the views you’ll catch here are nothing short of breathtaking. Whether you’re sprawling out on the shoreline or simply taking a hike along the waterfront, you’ll receive a healthy dose of natural beauty. If you’d like to learn more about Kent Lake, click here to check out our feature article.
- Picnicking at Campus Martius Park
Flickr/Sean_Marshall Put together a few sandwiches and make your way to Campus Martius Park, which sits at the very heart of downtown Detroit. This central locale comes to life with hustle and bustle throughout the year, and there’s no better place to meet with loved ones for a quick meal. Snag a park bench or table and enjoy a bit of people-watching during your totally free visit to Campus Martius. More information is available here.
- Splashing in the Hart Plaza fountain
Flickr/Eugene Yoo Summer is right around the corner, believe it or not — and that means you’ll soon be longing for ways to cool off! Why pay for admission to a fancy waterpark when you could simply venture down to Hart Plaza for a quick splash in the on-site fountain? Kids and adults alike will appreciate the cool waters. For more awesome downtown locales, click here to explore our previous article.
- Embarking on a walking tour of the city
TripAdvisor/management Did you know that the history of our city can be easily explored via free walking tours from the Detroit Experience Factory? Whether you’re interested in architecture, previous residents, or arts and culture, you’ll find a free tour to keep you engaged. The best part? Tours are absolutely free. For other great walking tour options, click here.
Are there any other outdoor activities in Detroit that don’t cost a cent? We would love to hear from you, so please feel free to leave your suggestions and experiences in the comment section below!
Flickr/Sean_Marshall
There’s nothing better than making your way along this two-mile stretch of land. Whether you’re biking, walking, rollerblading, jogging, or something in between, you’re sure to have a blast checking out the stunning public art and lovely scenery that surrounds you. The best part? It won’t cost you a single cent. Find out more by reading our previous article here.
Facebook/Beacon Park Detroit
Beacon Park is one of Detroit’s newest outdoor attractions, and it’s always hosting unique events and activities. With a large circular lawn and plenty of green space, there’s no shortage of fun to be had here. Upcoming events include an Easter egg hunt, a Tigers Opening Day celebration, and multiple food truck gatherings. What’s not to love? Learn more about Beacon Park by reading our previous piece here.
Flickr/Ivan-Chaar Lopez
Okay, okay — this activity technically takes place inside a conservatory, but there’s an unforgettable natural element here that will make you wonder if you’ve landed in a tropical rainforest. Explore countless beautiful plants before strolling the greenery of the grounds — all for a whopping zero dollar admission fee! Learn more by reading our previous article here.
Flickr/Mike Boening Photography
Following your visit to the Whitcomb Conservatory, make a point of exploring Belle Isle as a whole. Detroit’s most famous island park offers easy admission to Michiganders with state park memberships, which can be secured for only $11 per year. If you stick around, you’ll catch a breathtaking sunset over our beloved Motor City. To learn more, check out our previous feature article here.
Flickr/Charles W. Bash
Many non-Detroiters are surprised to hear that our city houses its very own state park, but we wouldn’t have it any other way! Milliken State Park and Harbor offer gorgeous views of the Detroit River, plenty of fishing and walking opportunities, and some of the loveliest scenery imaginable. Whether you’re strolling along the shore or settling in for a picnic lunch, you’ll be enamored. For further information about Milliken State Park, click here to read our previous piece.
Facebook/Kensington Metropark
Hop in the car and make your way to Kensington Metropark in nearby Milford, which houses the stunning Kent Lake. If you choose to utilize hike/bike paths into the park, entrance is free — and the views you’ll catch here are nothing short of breathtaking. Whether you’re sprawling out on the shoreline or simply taking a hike along the waterfront, you’ll receive a healthy dose of natural beauty. If you’d like to learn more about Kent Lake, click here to check out our feature article.
Put together a few sandwiches and make your way to Campus Martius Park, which sits at the very heart of downtown Detroit. This central locale comes to life with hustle and bustle throughout the year, and there’s no better place to meet with loved ones for a quick meal. Snag a park bench or table and enjoy a bit of people-watching during your totally free visit to Campus Martius. More information is available here.
Flickr/Eugene Yoo
Summer is right around the corner, believe it or not — and that means you’ll soon be longing for ways to cool off! Why pay for admission to a fancy waterpark when you could simply venture down to Hart Plaza for a quick splash in the on-site fountain? Kids and adults alike will appreciate the cool waters. For more awesome downtown locales, click here to explore our previous article.
TripAdvisor/management
Did you know that the history of our city can be easily explored via free walking tours from the Detroit Experience Factory? Whether you’re interested in architecture, previous residents, or arts and culture, you’ll find a free tour to keep you engaged. The best part? Tours are absolutely free. For other great walking tour options, click here.
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