Eco-Tourism & Sustainable Travel Destinations in Detroit, United States
1. Detroit RiverFront
An urban waterfront district offering outdoor activities, green spaces, and stunning river views. It's a model of sustainable development and stormwater management.
- Green Spaces: Offers over 50 acres of parks and public space
- Sustainable Design: Incorporates sustainable design elements like permeable pavers, rain gardens, and solar-powered lighting
- Community Engagement: Hosts various events promoting local culture and environmental education
2. Belle Isle Conservancy
A unique urban oasis with diverse ecosystems, including a beach, aquarium, and historic sites. The conservancy focuses on preservation and sustainable development.
- Ecosystem Protection: Protects over 980 acres of green space, supporting numerous plant and animal species
- Sustainable Practices: Uses renewable energy sources like solar panels and promotes composting initiatives
- Community Outreach: Provides educational programs about environmental conservation and local history
3. Eastern Market
A historic marketplace where locals and tourists gather for fresh produce, artisanal goods, and events. It promotes sustainable agriculture practices.
- Local Produce: Supports over 275 local farmers and food producers
- Sustainable Practices: Promotes organic farming, composting, and minimizes waste through recycling initiatives
- Community Engagement: Hosts art events, educational workshops, and seasonal celebrations
4. Heidelberg Project
An outdoor art environment showcasing creative reuse of found objects, promoting environmental awareness through art.
- Artistic Expression: Creates a unique and thought-provoking artistic experience
- Community Engagement: Empowers local artists and fosters creativity within the community
- Resource Conservation: Promotes the reuse of materials, reducing waste and inspiring sustainability
5. Dequindre Cut Greenway
A linear park built on a former railroad corridor, connecting neighborhoods and promoting active transportation.
- Green Spaces: Provides over two miles of green space for walking, biking, and enjoying nature
- Sustainable Design: Incorporates stormwater management techniques and native plant species
- Community Connection: Connects neighborhoods, fostering a sense of community and promoting active transportation
6. RiverWalk at West Riverfront Park
A riverfront path offering scenic views, recreational activities, and educational opportunities.
- Green Spaces: Offers over three miles of green space for walking, biking, and enjoying nature
- Sustainable Design: Incorporates sustainable design elements like permeable pavers, native plantings, and solar-powered lighting
- Community Engagement: Provides educational programs about the Detroit River and its ecosystems
7. Temperance Street Farms
An urban farm offering CSA shares, educational programming, and a community marketplace.
- Local Food Production: Grows over 50 varieties of vegetables and fruits using sustainable farming practices
- Community Engagement: Offers educational workshops, farm tours, and a community marketplace promoting local food access
- Waste Reduction: Practices composting and minimizes packaging waste through CSA shares
8. MotorCity Wine Tours
A sustainable wine tour company promoting local wineries, vineyards, and eco-friendly practices.
- Local Support: Supports local wineries and vineyards, fostering economic growth in Detroit
- Sustainable Practices: Promotes eco-friendly transportation, reducing carbon emissions
- Educational Opportunities: Provides educational opportunities about wine production and sustainable practices
9. Detroit Bike City Tours
A bike tour company offering eco-friendly transportation and exploration of Detroit's unique neighborhoods.
- Active Transportation: Promotes active transportation, reducing carbon emissions
- Community Engagement: Offers educational opportunities about Detroit's history, culture, and sustainable initiatives
- Sustainable Practices: Promotes the use of electric-assist bikes to conserve energy
10. Green Garage
A sustainable business incubator and co-working space focusing on green businesses and eco-friendly practices.
- Sustainable Businesses: Supports over 40 green businesses focused on sustainability and innovation
- Educational Opportunities: Provides educational resources and networking opportunities for sustainable businesses
- Resource Efficiency: Practices energy efficiency, recycling, and waste reduction initiatives
11. Wildcat Studio
An art studio offering sustainable jewelry-making workshops and eco-friendly product sales.
- Artistic Expression: Offers unique, handmade jewelry and art pieces made from recycled materials
- Community Engagement: Provides educational workshops and fosters artistic expression within the community
- Resource Conservation: Promotes resource conservation through the reuse of materials in jewelry-making
12. The Peacock Room at The Westin Book Cadillac
A restaurant and bar offering sustainable dining options and eco-friendly practices.
- Sustainable Dining: Offers locally sourced, seasonal menu items
- Resource Efficiency: Practices energy efficiency and waste reduction initiatives
- Community Support: Supports local farmers, fishermen, and artisans, fostering economic growth in Detroit
13. The Park Shelter at Palmer Park
A unique event space offering sustainable catering options and eco-friendly event practices.
- Sustainable Catering: Offers locally sourced, seasonal menu items using sustainable ingredients
- Resource Efficiency: Practices energy efficiency and waste reduction initiatives during events
- Community Engagement: Supports local businesses, artists, and musicians, fostering a vibrant community
14. The Greening of Detroit
A nonprofit organization promoting green spaces, tree planting, and environmental education in Detroit.
- Green Spaces: Plants over 10,000 trees each year, improving air quality and providing habitat for wildlife
- Community Engagement: Engages community members in tree planting and environmental education initiatives
- Resource Conservation: Promotes resource conservation through urban forestry, stormwater management, and green infrastructure projects
15. The Detroit Urban Bike Factory
A community bike shop offering affordable bikes, repairs, and eco-friendly transportation options.
- Affordable Transportation: Provides affordable, refurbished bicycles to the community
- Sustainable Practices: Promotes eco-friendly transportation, reducing carbon emissions
- Community Engagement: Engages community members in bike repair and maintenance, fostering a sense of empowerment and self-sufficiency