The Detroit RiverWalk is the city's most successful reinvention, a continuous promenade along the Detroit River where there were once parking lots and warehouses. Managed by the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, it now runs for more than four miles, from Gabriel Richard Park east of the MacArthur Bridge, past Mt. Elliott Park, Robert C. Valade Park and Cullen Plaza, to the Renaissance Center and beyond. At its west end, Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park, a twenty-two-acre waterfront park, opened in October 2025, and the Southwest Greenway links the riverfront to Michigan Central in Corktown. The Dequindre Cut, a sunken former rail line turned greenway, joins from the north near Eastern Market. Across the water is Windsor, Ontario, and freighters slide past on their way between the Great Lakes. The riverfront is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., it is free, and it is the best place in the city to walk off a Coney dog.
Using it: the simplest plan is to start near the Renaissance Center, the cluster of glass towers long associated with GM, and walk east along the river toward Valade Park, which has a playground, a sandy beach and a year-round sledding hill, before cutting north up the Dequindre Cut. Or rent a bike: Mogo has bike-share stations at Mt. Elliott Park, Valade Park, the Dequindre Cut, GM Plaza and the Southwest Greenway, and Wheelhouse Detroit at Cullen Plaza rents bikes and runs guided rides. Public restrooms are available at several parks along the way during opening hours.
In November: the path, the parks and the views stay open all year, but many of the warm-weather extras, including the free Cullen Family Carousel, the splash pad, the seasonal cafés and the Bob's Barge bar at Valade Park, close for the season. Dress for wind off the water, which makes it feel colder than downtown. Sunset comes early, and the skyline and the lights of Windsor are beautiful from the river edge just after dark.
Why it matters for visitors: the RiverWalk ties downtown together, connecting the hotels near the river with Hart Plaza, the Renaissance Center and the parks to the east, and it is free. Combine it with the People Mover, whose loop runs close to the river, or continue east by car or bike to Belle Isle for a full day by the water.
What to expect
The experience
A free, self-guided walk or bike ride along a landscaped riverside promenade with parks, plazas and views of Windsor, Canada.
Best time
Late afternoon into dusk for the skyline and the lights across the river; the path is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
How long
One to three hours, depending on how far you go.
Tips
Rent a bike to cover more ground, layer up against the river wind, and add the Dequindre Cut for a loop.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Everyone: it is free, central and the best place to feel the city's comeback.
- Families
- Valade Park's playground, beach and sledding hill are open all year.
- Couples
- A sunset stroll with the lights of Windsor across the water.
- Pair with
- Belle Isle to the east and the People Mover downtown.
- Time needed
- One to three hours.
Good questions
How long is the Detroit RiverWalk?+
It runs for more than four miles today, with the goal of linking the MacArthur Bridge to the Ambassador Bridge. New sections continue to open at the west end.
What are the RiverWalk hours?+
The riverfront is open every day from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Parks with restrooms keep the same hours.
Can I rent bikes on the RiverWalk?+
Yes. Mogo bike-share stations sit at several parks and the Dequindre Cut, and Wheelhouse Detroit at Cullen Plaza rents bikes and runs tours.
What is open in winter?+
The path and parks stay open, and Valade Park's playground, beach and sledding hill operate year-round. The carousel, splash pad and seasonal cafés close until spring.
Is the RiverWalk safe?+
It is busy and well used during the day and early evening, and the conservancy manages it closely. As in any city, stick to lit, busy stretches after dark.
