The Detroit River is an international waterway, placing this park directly across from the skyline of Windsor, Canada.
The Riverwalk is built on what was once industrial land, shipping docks, and decommissioned rail yards.
Milliken State Park, located within the Riverwalk, features a 63-foot-tall lighthouse that serves as a functional beacon.
The project is a public-private partnership managed by the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy rather than exclusively by city government.
The site hosts a seasonal carousel, the Cullen Plaza Carousel, located near the center of the stretch.
It is a key segment of the 1,273-mile Iron Belle Trail, the longest state-designated trail in the United States.
The Detroit Riverwalk is a 3.5-mile revitalized public space stretching along the international border of the Detroit River. It connects multiple parks, including Milliken State Park and Hart Plaza, offering direct views of Windsor, Ontario. The pathway features dedicated lanes for pedestrians and cyclists, integrated into a larger urban master plan led by the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. It serves as a primary hub for public events, fishing areas, and open-air recreational programming. The space incorporates rain gardens, native plantings, and public art installations throughout its length. It serves as a critical link in the Iron Belle Trail, connecting Michigan from Detroit to the Upper Peninsula.
The elevated boardwalk area at Milliken State Park, providing a clear vantage point of the Detroit skyline and the river.
Bring a pair of binoculars to view the freighter ships that frequently transit the Detroit River.
Rent a MoGo bike from one of the many docking stations along the path to cover the full length efficiently.
Sun protection is essential as large sections of the pathway are fully exposed to direct sunlight.
Do not attempt to cross the river to reach the Canadian side, as this is an international border requiring an official port of entry.
Open year-round, though specific amenities like the carousel and splash pads operate on a seasonal, weather-dependent basis.
Cyclists should yield to pedestrians; keep to the right of the marked lanes.
