From scenic canal tours to open-air art walks, there’s plenty to see in the Motor City
Published on July 10, 2026 09:40 am
Do you think the outdoors have been left behind in Detroit? think again. The city, known for its contributions to art, engineering and culture, also brings that energy to its natural spaces. Take Belle Isle Park on the Detroit River. The historic park offers panoramic views of the city, including the Art Deco buildings that define Detroit’s iconic skyline, while also offering glimpses of the green ribbon of the city’s award-winning Riverwalk below. And that’s just one example of how Detroit entices visitors and locals to get out and about while also embracing the distinctive culture of this innovative American city.
amazing walk
Amidst the steady stream of the Detroit River, Belle Isle Park Providing a natural escape for Detroiters since 1880. The public greenspace was partly designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the architect of New York’s Central Park. Elements such as the park’s central avenue, canal system, beach, and wooded areas come from his original plans.
Today, Belle Island is still a place for Detroit residents to gather and enjoy time outside. You can rent kayaks and paddle through the island’s canals, walk in the northern forests or the famous udolf gardenAnd bike around the scenic 5.4-mile loop that circles the island. This is in addition to its many open green spaces, athletic facilities (including a 6-hole golf course), and historic buildings and museums, such as Anna Scripps Whitcomb ConservatoryThe oldest continuously running conservatory in the country. (Bonus: Belle Island’s Ralph Wilson Gateway is also the southern trailhead for the Iron Bell Trail that leads to the western Upper Peninsula.)
Belle Isle fittingly joins another iconic feature that blends outdoor enjoyment with art and culture – the award-winning Detroit International Riverwalk. This greenway, running 3.5 miles along the Detroit River, was named the Best Riverwalk in America by USA Today for three consecutive years (2021-2023). The Riverwalk spans the distance between Ralph C. Wilson Centennial Park and the MacArthur Bridge at Belle Island, featuring parks, public art, live music and food along the way. places like Heart Plaza And William Milliken State Park and Harbor Share experiences with beautiful views across the Detroit River.
art around every corner
From the Riverwalk, it’s a quick detour to head over by bike or foot and see some of Detroit’s world-famous public murals. with about two miles Dequindre Cut GreenwayYou’ll spy 20 world-class murals created by local artists, with more being created each year. The wide walkway also connects to the Riverwalk eastern market This area is one of the oldest continuously running markets in the country. On market days (Saturdays year-round, as well as Tuesdays and Sundays in the summer), you’ll find all kinds of local produce, arts and artisans, plus a fleet of local food trucks with every kind of food you can imagine. Discover all the great sites along the Dequindre Cut Greenway by joining one of these wheelhouse detroit Customize your experience on public tours or privately guided rides.
Take a trip on the Dequindre Cut Greenway with Wheelhouse Detroit(Photo: Outside)
If you’re looking for more graffiti, check out the city graffiti map. If it seems like there’s one on every corner, that’s by design. Tourists can enjoy public art by walking around the city (see). heidelberg project in the MacDougall-Hunt neighborhood), while local walking and biking tours can provide additional historical and cultural context. And in Detroit, the buildings themselves are works of art. Nicknamed the Paris of the Midwest, many of the city’s Art Deco and Beaux-Arts style buildings are inspired by the city’s early French influence. This is one of architectural gem In the US, there are many tours available to highlight must-see sites.
Detroit Institute of Art(Photo: Outside)
But not all of Detroit’s art is found outdoors. Detroit Institute of ArtOne of the country’s leading art museums, it is home to more than 65,000 works of art spanning from early global and indigenous civilizations to the present. The museum houses many extraordinary objects, including America’s first Van Gogh, but its focal point lies in the courtyard detroit industry graffiti By Diego Rivera. Completed in 1933, the murals line four massive museum walls and depict Detroit’s factory workers and the forces, both natural and economic, that drove the industry at the time.
Paddle and paddle on the river
The Detroit River is more than a dazzling sight to enjoy from Belle Isle or the Riverwalk. you should meet But Water, don’t just look at it.
detroit sails Offers public and private tours of the river, including special tours such as sunset, sunrise and full moon tours. There is a fleet of boats to choose from and tours range from 75 minutes to four hours. Each tour is BYOB, so you can enjoy the downtown skyline or Belle Isle with your beverage of choice.
If you’re looking for a people-driven excursion, you can rent a kayak and take a slow river trip from Belle Isle. There is also an opportunity to paddle down the river Detroit Bicycle Boat. Inspired by the “pedal pubs” that line city streets, Cycle Boat is a floating party – bring your own drinks and supply your own tunes.
One of the most unique experiences offered on the water detroit river game. Located in the Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood, the Detroit River Sports showcases the area’s little-known canal system, known as the “Venice of Detroit.” two hour tour Winding through tranquil green spaces and urban environments alike, visit Grayhaven Island and the historic Fisher Mansion before exploring the Jefferson Chalmers Canals. It’s the kind of thrill you won’t find anywhere else – uniquely Detroit in every way. After, rest and refuel Coriander Kitchen & FarmA great farm-to-table option nearby.
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