Nearly three million people visit the Detroit riverfront each year and it’s no surprise why. With 3.5 miles of scenic RiverWalk trails along the Detroit River, beautiful parks and months of entertainment, the Detroit riverfront has so much to offer.

Whether you’re visiting the riverfront for the first time, or come down every weekend, here are six things you might not know about the Detroit riverfront:

Detroit Riverfront History

Riverfront before and after — Photo: http://www.detroitriverfront.org/riverfront/after

The Detroit RiverFront Conservancy opened the East RiverFront RiverWalk and Rivard Plaza to the public in June 2007. The unique and family-friendly area boasts a custom designed carousel, a glass map of the St. Lawrence Seaway and a granite map of the Detroit River. Work is still being done to the Riverfront, but it has come a long way since its grand opening, ten years ago.

Live the Riverfront

Riverfront Run — Photo: http://www.detroitriverfront.org/riverfront

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy team up each summer to host multiple activities that promote fitness and healthy living. Some of these activities include Walk the RiverWalk Wednesdays, weekly fitness classes and Moonlight Yoga. Interested in getting fit this summer? Visit their website for more information.

Reading & Rhythm on the RiverFront (R3)

Reading and Rhythm — Photo: http://detroitriverfront.org/readingandrhythm

Keeping children interested in reading and the arts can sometimes be difficult, but General Motors and the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy are here to help. The two paired up to provide, R3, an interactive early literacy program. This unique program gives children free books and rides on the Cullen Family Carousel, along with the opportunity to see live entertainment and hear stories read by celebrities. In 2006, R3 handed out more than 3,800 books to children and their families across southeast Michigan.

GMRENCEN Riverfront Tours

Next time you stop at the GMRENCEN, go on one of our free one-hour tours. Not only will you have the opportunity to explore the building and learn its history, you’ll also get to stroll down to the RiverWalk. Tours meet at Pure Detroit and run Monday through Friday at noon and 2 p.m.

Eastern Market

Saturdays in Detroit are best spent at Eastern Market exploring vendor booths and chatting with locals. The Dequindre Cut, located between Mack Avenue and Atwater Street, is just a mile away from Eastern Market. End your Saturday with a walk or bike ride along the RiverWalk then stop at the GMRENCEN for a bite to eat.

Pet Friendly Events

Dogs are welcome on the Riverfront, in fact, they are encouraged! Every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Canine to Five Detroit offers a guided pack walk through the RiverWalk paths. The event is completely free and gives dogs, and their owners, a chance to socialize and enjoy the scenic views of the riverfront.

What is your favorite thing to do along the riverfront? Tell us in the comment section below!