Enjoy Green Space and Scenic Views at Milliken State Park in Detroit
Enjoy Scenic River Views and Urban Green Space in Detroit
While visiting Detroit, take a break from the city and relax in this 31 acre Michigan state park. Easily spend a couple hours enjoying Milliken State Park and Harbor, while enjoying river views, a grassy picnic spot and photo opportunities in this urban green space. Located along the stretch of Detroit River, is a lovely area to get some fresh air.
Our family is on a quest to visit and camp at all the Michigan State Parks. With 103 state parks, it’s no easy feat. We’re documenting our adventures to help others discover the best spots in Michigan. So when visiting downtown Detroit we knew we needed to add Milliken State Park to our list.
Milliken State Park Lighthouse
Notching out extra time to stroll along the Detroit Riverwalk, explore Milliken State Park, along with a fun stop at the Outdoor Adventure Center. Located directly across the street, we highly recommend leaving ample time to experience the best of what Michigan state parks have to offer at the Outdoor Adventure Center. This inexpensive indoor facility features nature playscapes, waterfalls, simulated trail rides and educational opportunities that your family will love.
Milliken State Park Features Numerous Recreational Opportunities
The Harbor and Milliken State Park Lighthouse
Milliken State Harbor in Detroit
Take in the views of the boats at the 52- slip harbor during your visit to the state park. A prominent fixture at the state park is the striking lighthouse set against the backdrop of the Detroit River. At the entrance of the harbor, the white towering Milliken Lighthouse, at 63 feet tall, is modeled after the Tawas Point Lighthouse. Although not a working lighthouse, the lighthouse built in 2004, does serve as a safety light and a memorial at the harbor entrance.
Detroit River Walk
Slow down as you watch freighters power through the water and geese bob on the surface as you walk along the expanse of rocky river bank set along the Detroit Riverwalk. Across the river, take in distant views of Windsor, Canada.
Views of Windsor Canada on the Detroit Riverwalk
Located just east of downtown, a section of the city’s Detroit Riverwalk, provides a paved path for those looking to pursue outside recreational activities from running, walking your dog, biking, or rollerblading -the options are endless on this barrier free trail. Grab a fishing pole and try your luck at fishing because the Detroit Riverwalk features several fishing dock platforms allowing individuals to enjoy shoreline fishing.
Bicycle Rentals
Detroit contains a number of exciting recreational opportunities, including bike rental stations. With MoGo Detroit, simply utilize your credit card to rent a bike from one station and then drop it back off at another bike rack at a different location within the city. You can find one of the bike racks at Milliken State Park, across from the Outdoor Adventure Center. The bike path meanders through the side of the wetland area, which connects the park to Atwater Street or Rivard Plaza.
Bike Rentals with MOGO Detroit
The Picnic Shelter Area
Sit a spell underneath the shaded awnings at Milliken State Park’s shelter area. Numerous picnic tables make it the ideal outdoor space to enjoy a picnic lunch, especially with sweeping views of Windsor, Canada and the Detroit River. Additional amenities include restrooms, showers, a laundry facility, and multiple grills that make it a convenient place in the city to enjoy the outdoors.
Picnic Shelter Area at Milliken State Park
Berm Area
With the addition of new landscape during recent renovations, the berm offers an accessible walkway and handrails through eye catching vegetation that enhances the area. Birdwatching is a relaxing leisure opportunity by the river. In 2023, two new extraordinary spotting scopes were added at the top of the berm. Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge and EnChroma teamed up to add specially designed SeeCoast viewer scopes, which contain adapted lenses for red-green color blindness. These lenses allow visitors who are color blind to see vibrant colors in nature. Source.
Learn about the Wetlands with Interpretive Signs
At the Michigan state park, learn as you explore at the Wetlands demonstration area. Interpretative signs describe how the wetlands helps purify the water, returning it to the Detroit River as clean water.
Nearby Attractions
As a resident of metro Detroit for the majority of my early years, I love seeing the changes that the city of Detroit is making to revitalize the area. Home of three sports teams, the Detroit Lions Football, Detroit Tigers baseball and Detroit Red Wings hockey team there are amble opportunities for entertainment. The new little Caesars Arena, houses the Detroit Red Wings, and is a great venue for concerts too.
For a fun Michigan day trip, consider visiting Detroit as you explore the Outdoor Adventure Center, Belle Isle Park, carousel or downtown Detroit attractions, sports stadiums, restaurants, and activities.
Belle Isle Park A beautiful Michigan State Park on a with 98-acre island featuring the Belle Isle Aquarium, conservatory, fountain and nature center
Comerica Park: Take in an American tradition-a Detroit Tiger’s baseball game. Children can watch the game, and ride on a baseball Ferris wheel!
Farmers Market With a host of vendors, Eastern Market is the place to head on Saturdays to pick up fresh produce, baked goods and home made products.
Rivard Plaza Head to the plaza and ride the Cullen Family Carousel for a $1 ride or splash in the fountain.
RiverWalk Café: Top of your trip to Detroit with a special treat cold drink or some delicious ice cream.
Closing Thoughts
When visiting downtown Detroit with kids, make sure you stop at Milliken State Park and explore the Outdoor Adventure Center. Milliken State Park is the perfect place to enjoy river views, take a bike ride and soak in sunshine in Detroit. We believe a day trip or a kid-friendly vacation to Detroit is quite enjoyable, especially while enjoying the Detroit Riverwalk or after exploring the OAC. With multitude of kid-friendly activities, planning a trip to experience Detroit with your family is a wonderful weekend adventure. Take in a Tigers Games at Comerica park, dine at Greek town, stroll along the Detroit Riverwalk or explore the Outdoor Discovering Center, your family will love exploring the largest city in Michigan.
Our family hopes to inspire others to get outside and explore the vast beauty that Michigan’s Great Lakes has to offer. Follow Discovering Anew for more Michigan day trip ideas, camping reviews and Midwest travel ideas. Make sure to pin and save for later.
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