A Walk down the Freeway

We had a unique experience this weekend.  Last April they closed down a stretch of I-96 near us. After a summer of angst, they opened the freeway (early yay!) this morning.  Before they did, yesterday, they opened a small section of the freeway for people to walk down.  Boy, did they.  Not only walking but also running, biking, unicycling, skating, skateboarding, strollering, and just about any other form of non-moterized travel.  There was even a marching band.  It was so much fun.  A great, free, once in a lifetime family field trip.

This is my favorite picture

and if we look just to the right it looked like this:

Five Fabulous Free Field Trips in the Detroit Area

Detroit Riverwalk 

The Detroit Riverwalk is a long path along the Detroit Riverfront.  Strung along the path are parks and landmarks with lots of fun outside things to do. 

Hines Drive

Hines Drive is a 17 mile long stretch of road that follows the Rouge River from Dearborn to Northville.  The land is essentially one really long, skinny park.  There is a bike trail along the entire length of the road.  There are also many playgrounds, a disc golf course, dog park and an RC car track. 

Belle Isle

Belle Isle is a large island in the Detroit River.  Essentially a large park.  There is a road that circles the island.  With several fountains, buildings, statues and landmarks to explore Belle Isle is a nice way to spend a couple of hours or an afternoon.  There is also a kids play area. 

Eastern Market

Eastern Market is one of the areas largest local food markets.  On Saturdays (and Tuesdays from July - October) hundreds of open air stalls are open to the public from 7am to 4pm.  Located between Gratiot, Crysler Freeway and Mack Ave in the City of Detroit. 

Pewabic Pottery

Pewabic Pottery, located at the corner of Jefferson Ave and Cadillac Ave in Detroit, is the world famous manufacturer of ceramics, specifically ceramic tiles.  There is a free self-guided tour (with guidebook from the website) through the National Historic building which houses a museum, fabrication studio and tile showroom.