Detroit River Walk in the Winter

The Detroit River Conservancy deserves urban revitalization success of the decade award for its leadership in making the Detroit River the epicenter of outdoor fun in southeast Michigan. It’s award as the Best Riverwalk in the country in the 2021 USA Today readers poll does not really do justice to the impact this project has had on the cultural vitality and health needs of the community.

Detroit River Walk in Winter

It is wonderful year round of course, but there is something compelling about the walk in the winter. First, you are likely to have limited crowds to contend with which makes parking and traversing the pathway easier. But the bracing wind off the river, the occasional burst of snow fall whipping along the sidewalk towards the horizon, the gray, melancholy sun; all contribute to a memorable experience.

The Detroit Princess River Boat docked at the Detroit River Walk

We have been there several times this winter and have had great outdoor experiences both times. The first time, we had the opportunity to bring one of our son’s college friends from the East coast to the river. He had never been to Canada and it was an eye-opening moment when he realized it was an easy bridge crossing away! We even sat at a table and had a picnic lunch in the sub 20 degree weather. While it was not a leisurely lunch to be sure, it was still so fun to gaze across the river towards Canada, talking about cultural differences, watching the gulls float on the freezing river, and laughing about how cold it was.

Once you change your mindset to embracing some discomfort and inconvenience the world becomes a far more enjoyable and interesting place. In winter, it means reclaiming some of our cultural legacy as a hardy, outdoor people for whom the Scandinavian concept of “friluftsliv” or “open air living” is just second nature.

The Gateway to Freedom at Detroit River Walk

The other time, was equally cold and even windier, but a jaunty and lighthearted walk enjoying the many scenes on the riverfront and the promise of a hot beverage at the end were enough to make this another fantastic walk along the Detroit River Walk in winter.