{"id":15501,"date":"2026-07-10T15:51:15","date_gmt":"2026-07-10T15:51:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/?p=15501"},"modified":"2026-07-10T15:51:15","modified_gmt":"2026-07-10T15:51:15","slug":"detroit-will-surprise-and-amaze-you","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/?p=15501","title":{"rendered":"Detroit Will Surprise and Amaze You"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"justify-start\">\n<nav class=\"align-left col-span-full mb-base\" data-pom-e2e-test-id=\"breadcrumbs\"\/>\n<p>From scenic canal tours to open-air art walks, there\u2019s so much to explore in the Motor City <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"article-body\">\n<p>Published July 10, 2026 09:40AM<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Think the outdoors takes a back seat in Detroit? Think again. The city, well known for its contributions to art, engineering, and culture, brings that energy to its natural spaces as well. Take Belle Isle Park on the Detroit River. The historic park affords an all-encompassing view of the city, including the Art Deco buildings that define Detroit\u2019s iconic skyline, while also serving up a peek at the green ribbon of the city\u2019s award-winning Riverwalk far below. And that\u2019s just one example of how Detroit entices visitors and locals alike to get outside while taking in the distinct culture of this innovative American city.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_2746670\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\"><span class=\"article__caption\">The Detroit River<\/span> (Photo: Outside)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><b>Awe-inspiring Walks<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>Amid the steady current of the Detroit River, <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.org\/property\/belle-isle-park\">Belle Isle Park<\/a> has been providing a natural escape for Detroiters since 1880. The public greenspace was partially designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, architect of New York\u2019s Central Park. Elements like the park\u2019s Central Avenue, canal system, beaches and wooded areas come from his original plans.<\/p>\n<p>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\u2019s canals, walk in the northern woods or the renowned <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/oudolfgardendetroit.org\/\">Oudolf Garden<\/a>, and bike around the 5.4-mile scenic loop that circles the island. That\u2019s in addition to its many open green spaces, athletic facilities (including a 6-hole golf course), and historic buildings and museums, like the <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.org\/property\/anna-scripps-whitcomb-conservatory\">Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory<\/a>, the oldest continually running conservatory in the country. (Bonus: Belle Island\u2019s Ralph Wilson Gateway is also the southern trailhead for the Iron Bell Trail that goes all the way to the western Upper Peninsula.)<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_2746671\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Kresge Court inside the Detroit Institute of Arts\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2746671\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Detroit_13-scaled.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover 1x\" bad-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Detroit_13-scaled.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"\/><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\"><span class=\"article__caption\">Kresge Court inside the Detroit Institute of Arts<\/span> (Photo: Outside)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Belle Isle fittingly connects with another iconic feature that blends outdoor enjoyment with art and culture\u2014the award-winning <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/visitdetroit.com\/directory\/detroit-international-riverwalk\/\">Detroit International Riverwalk<\/a>. Running 3.5 miles along the banks of the Detroit River, this greenway was named the Best Riverwalk in America by USA Today for three consecutive years (2021\u20132023). The Riverwalk spans the distance between Ralph C. Wilson Centennial Park and Belle Island\u2019s MacArthur Bridge, with parks, public art, live music, and food along the way. Places like <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.org\/property\/hart-plaza\">Hart Plaza<\/a> and <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.org\/property\/william-g-milliken-state-park-and-harbor\">William Milliken State Park and Harbor<\/a> anchor the experiences, with scenic views of the Detroit River throughout.<\/p>\n<h2><b>Art Around Every Corner<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>From the Riverwalk, it\u2019s a quick detour to continue on bike or foot and see some of Detroit\u2019s world-renowned public murals. Along the nearly two miles of the <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/visitdetroit.com\/directory\/dequindre-cut-greenway\/\">Dequindre Cut Greenway<\/a>, you\u2019ll spy 20 world-class murals by local artists, with more being commissioned each year. The wide path also connects the Riverwalk with the <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.org\/property\/eastern-market\">Eastern Market<\/a> area, home to one of the oldest continuously running markets in the country. On market days (Saturdays year round, plus Tuesdays and Sundays in the summer), you\u2019ll find local produce, art, and artisans of all kinds, in addition to a fleet of local food trucks with every kind of eats you can imagine. Discover all the best sites along the Dequindre Cut Greenway by joining one of <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wheelhousedetroit.com\/guided-tours\">Wheelhouse Detroit\u2019s<\/a> public tours or customize your experience on a privately guided ride.<\/p>\n<div class=\"slideshow\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col items-center justify-center py-base-loose\">\n<div class=\"relative flex w-full flex-col items-start\">\n<div class=\"relative w-full touch-pan-y pb-base-tight select-none\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"block h-auto w-full object-cover\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Detroit_3-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Cruise the Dequindre Cut Greenway with Wheelhouse Detroit\" draggable=\"false\"\/><\/div>\n<p class=\"min-h-[48px]\"><span class=\"text-left font-utility-3 text-secondary\">Cruise the Dequindre Cut Greenway with Wheelhouse Detroit<\/span><span class=\"ml-1 text-left font-utility-3 text-text-disabled\">(Photo: Outside)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex w-full justify-center gap-2 pt-base-loose\">\n<div class=\"flex cursor-pointer flex-col justify-center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Detroit_3-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Cruise the Dequindre Cut Greenway with Wheelhouse Detroit\" width=\"120\" height=\"80\" class=\"max-h-10 object-cover transition-all duration-200 hover:opacity-80 border-4 border-brand-primary\"\/><\/div>\n<div class=\"flex cursor-pointer flex-col justify-center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Detroit_15-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Cruise the Dequindre Cut Greenway with Wheelhouse Detroit\" width=\"120\" height=\"80\" class=\"max-h-10 object-cover transition-all duration-200 hover:opacity-80 opacity-60\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>If you\u2019re looking for more murals, check out the city\u2019s <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/ace.detroitmi.gov\/mural-map\">sprawling mural map<\/a>. If it seems like there\u2019s one on every corner, that\u2019s by design. Visitors can enjoy public art simply by wandering the city (check out <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.heidelberg.org\/\">The Heidelberg Project<\/a> in the McDougall-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, the city\u2019s many Art Deco and Beaux-Arts style buildings take their cue from the city\u2019s early French influence. It\u2019s one of the <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.org\/article\/detroit-10-stunning-architecture\">architectural gems<\/a> of the U.S., with many tours available to highlight must-see sights.<\/p>\n<div class=\"slideshow\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col items-center justify-center py-base-loose\">\n<div class=\"relative flex w-full flex-col items-start\">\n<div class=\"relative w-full touch-pan-y pb-base-tight select-none\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"block h-auto w-full object-cover\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Detroit_9-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"The Detroit Institute of Art\" draggable=\"false\"\/><\/div>\n<p class=\"min-h-[48px]\"><span class=\"text-left font-utility-3 text-secondary\">The Detroit Institute of Art<\/span><span class=\"ml-1 text-left font-utility-3 text-text-disabled\">(Photo: Outside)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex w-full justify-center gap-2 pt-base-loose\">\n<div class=\"flex cursor-pointer flex-col justify-center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Detroit_9-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"The Detroit Institute of Art\" width=\"120\" height=\"80\" class=\"max-h-10 object-cover transition-all duration-200 hover:opacity-80 border-4 border-brand-primary\"\/><\/div>\n<div class=\"flex cursor-pointer flex-col justify-center\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Detroit_10-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"The Detroit Institute of Art\" width=\"120\" height=\"80\" class=\"max-h-10 object-cover transition-all duration-200 hover:opacity-80 opacity-60\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>But not all of Detroit\u2019s art is found en plein air. <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.org\/property\/detroit-institute-arts\">The Detroit Institute of Art<\/a>, one of the premier art museums in the country, is home to more than 65,000 works of art, spanning from early global and Indigenous civilizations to the present. The museum houses many standout pieces, including the first van Gogh in America, but its focal point is the courtyard-spanning <i>Detroit Industry Murals<\/i> by Diego Rivera. Finished in 1933, the murals occupy four enormous museum walls and depict Detroit\u2019s factory workers and the forces\u2014both natural and economic\u2014that drove the industry at the time.<\/p>\n<h2><b>Paddle and Pedal the River<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>The Detroit River is more than a shimmering sight to enjoy from Belle Isle or the Riverwalk. You should get <i>on<\/i> the water, not just see it.<\/p>\n<p><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.org\/property\/detroit-sails\">Detroit Sails<\/a> offers public and private tours of the river, including specialty outings like sunset, sunrise, and full moon tours. There\u2019s a fleet of boats to choose from and tours ranging from 75 minutes to four hours. Every trip is BYOB, so you can cheers to the downtown skyline or Belle Isle with your drink of choice.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_2746672\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Detroit Skyline\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2746672\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Detroit_6-scaled.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover 1x\" bad-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Detroit_6-scaled.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"\/><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\"><span class=\"article__caption\">Detroit Skyline<\/span> (Photo: Outside)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>If you\u2019re looking for a people-powered excursion, you can rent a kayak and shove off from Belle Isle to travel the river at a slower pace. There\u2019s also an opportunity to pedal the river with the <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.detroitcycleboat.com\/\">Detroit Cycle Boat.<\/a> Inspired by the \u201cPedal Pubs\u201d that roll through the streets downtown, the Cycle Boat is a floating party\u2014bring your own drinks and supply your own tunes.<\/p>\n<p>One of the most unique on-the-water experiences is offered by <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.detroitriversports.com\/\">Detroit River Sports<\/a>. Located in the Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood, Detroit River Sports showcases the area\u2019s little-known canal system, called the \u201cVenice of Detroit.\u201d The <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.detroitriversports.com\/about-historic-canal-tour\">two-hour tour<\/a> winds through quiet green spaces and urban settings alike, visiting Greyhaven Island and the historic Fisher Mansion before exploring the Jefferson Chalmers canals. It\u2019s the kind of adventure you can\u2019t find anywhere else\u2014uniquely Detroit in every way. Afterward, relax and refuel at <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.corianderkitchenandfarm.com\/paddletotable-dinners\">Coriander Kitchen and Farm<\/a>, a great farm-to-table option nearby.<\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<p><i>Your trip begins at <\/i><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-afl-p=\"2\" href=\"http:\/\/michigan.org\"><i>michigan.org<\/i><\/a><i>. <\/i><\/p>\n<p><!-- --><\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.outsideonline.com\/adventure-travel\/destinations\/detroit-will-surprise-and-amaze-you\/\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>From scenic canal tours to open-air art walks, there\u2019s so much to explore in the Motor City Published July 10, 2026 09:40AM Think the outdoors takes a back seat in Detroit? Think again. The city, well known for its contributions to art, engineering, and culture, brings that energy to its natural spaces as well. Take<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":15502,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[35],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-15501","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-wild-living"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15501","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=15501"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15501\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/15502"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=15501"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=15501"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=15501"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}