21 socially-distant things to do outdoors in metro Detroit this spring

By Metro Times editorial staff on Fri, Mar 12, 2021 at 2:28 pm

Can you hear that, folks? The sound of snow melting and dripping gently down eaves, people taking to the streets to soak in the sun, and so many really horny birds? Ah, yes — spring is springing in the metro Detroit area, and we could not be more ready to hop off our Pelotons, bust out of the confines of our homes, swap our puffy coats for lighter layers, and move our frozen bones out in the world to thaw. Wait, what was that? The pandemic is still happening? Um, well. Shit. Well, we're staying positive on all fronts so we can enjoy springtime in Michigan. Whether you need a trail to hike, a place to buy weed to smoke on said hike, or maybe you're just in need of some fresh ideas as to how and where to get some fresh air, here are 21 things to do in the metro Detroit area — and a few activities worth the drive — for when the weather stops sucking.

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Get tiki tipsy on an Aloha Tiki tour

Sindbad’s Marina, 100 St. Clair St., Detroit | St. Clair Shores Public Dock, 24800 Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores; 586-980-1619; alohatikitours.com

All aboard the crazy tiki boat? Two years ago, a fleet of tiki boats landed in metro Detroit and though it costs a whopping $275-$325 per two-hour tour for you and six of your guests, this is one way to socially distance from, well, just about everyone not on your tiki boat, all while soaking up some serious rays. The BYOB ride (yes, that means you have only two hours to go from full Margaritaville to responsible adult) launches from two points: Detroit River or St. Clair Shores. Tours are available starting in April.

Photo by Noah Elliott Morrisson

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Kick the winter blues to the curb and take a hike

The minute the grey clouds take a hike, so should you — but, you know, out in the world on one or more of metro Detroit's many scenic nature and hiking trails far away from Zoom calls, that jar of Nutella you insist on eating spoonfuls of, and the persistent temptation of post-morning naps. Put on some real pants (if you feel so inclined, of course) and pick a dang trail. Your body will thank you.

Photo via Ken Lund/Flickr Commons

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Avoid getting murdered at these off-the-grid modern tiny cabins

Grand Junction; getaway.house/chicago

Ah, to be freed from the oppressive red iPhone notification bubbles, social media pings, and unnecessary work emails recapping meetings you were just at. Well, add fresh air, a lush forest, and a sprinkling of intrigue (and by intrigue, we mean, avoiding murder) and you'll get a stay-cation courtesy of Brooklyn-based start-up Getaway, which now has an unplugged outpost in western Michigan. All cabins, of which there are 31, range from 140 to 200 square feet and start at $129 per night, and also include air conditioning, heat, a private bathroom, shower, running water, two-burner stove, pots and pans, a fire pit and grill grate, picnic table, and optional cell phone lockbox. You can also add the sustenance box for $30, which comes with snacks, cans of soup, beef jerky, pasta, and pasta sauce, which would also be perfect for anyone looking to stage a tangy tomato-based murder. Currently, Getaway Barber Creek is accepting reservations from April 1 and beyond.

Photo courtesy of Getaway

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Kick it old school with a trip to Greenfield Village

Greenfield Village, Dearborn; 313-982-6001; thehenryford.org/visit/greenfield-village

Let's do the time warp again, y'all! Starting April 17 (meaning, you have time to get your petticoats pressed), Greenfield Village will reopen for its regularly scheduled glass blowing, butter churning, and horse and buggy hoopla. For the uninitiated or for those who think of it only as an elementary school field trip destination, Greenfield Village in Dearborn is actually pretty lit. A time capsule of early America, G-Vill (you can call it that) features reenactments, demonstrations, and Model Ts.

Photo via The Henry Ford/Facebook

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Go full zen at the Cranbrook Gardens

380 Long Pine Rd., Bloomfield Hills; 248-645-3149; housegardens.cranbrook.edu

While we are sort of exiting several nightmares — a pandemic and a Michigan winter — what better place to cool down than Cranbrook’s sunken garden? Or how about the Japanese Garden or Reflecting Pond? This shady (not, like, suspicious, but actual shade) and dreamy spot is the perfect place to cool off and, well, reflect on your useless and very expensive college degree. If the shade and gardens and ponds aren’t enough to lower your temps, stay tuned to Cranbrook’s social media as they're gearing up to reopen the art gallery and science museum. After all, air conditioning is both a work of art and a scientific marvel, and for that we are #blessed.

Photo via Cranbrook Center for Collections and Research/Facebook

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Enjoy the fickle spring weather by eating indoors while outdoors

Yeah, yeah, so you can eat indoors now. So what? It's still super risky to be in a space without masks with other maskless folks, so why not take advantage of metro Detroit's many outdoor/indoor dining options. Plus, we know that Michigan weather, uh, has a mind of its own, so just because the sun is out it doesn't mean it's warm enough to sit outside without some mild protection from the elements. Now comes the hard part: picking your igloo, tent, or patio of choice.

Photo via Watermark Bar and Grill /Facebook

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Get a brain freeze while nomming on ice cream

It's socks and sandals weather, y'all. You know what that means: eating ice cream without enduring a full-body freeze. All you have to do is pick your frosty poison; whether it be a custard, cream, or non-dairy treat, metro Detroit is a frozen treat lovers paradise. Do one better and treat yourself to your own ice cream tour — just remember to pack some Lactaid.

Photo via Bob Jos Frozen Custard/Facebook

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Connect with our animal brethren at the Detroit Zoo

8450 W. 10 Mile Rd., Royal Oak; 248-541-5717; detroitzoo.org

Feeling downright feral? You're not alone. To quote the Killers: “Coming out of my cage and I've been doing just fine.” So, start your path to fine-ness by taking a walk on the wild side where the deer and antelope roam — the Detroit Zoo. Though some of the zoo’s indoor exhibits are unavailable for guests, why not soak up the start of some decent-ass weather with some furry, feathery, and, uh, scaly friends?

Photo via Patti Truesdell/Detroit Zoological Society

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Catch a drive-in movie with the windows down

Ford Wyoming Drive-In, 10400 Ford Rd., Dearborn; 313-846-6910; forddrivein.com | Monroe Street Drive-In powered by Emagine, 32 Monroe St., Detroit; emagine-entertainment.com

If you haven't noticed, there haven't been as many new movies hitting our big screens as usual due to the pandemic, which could easily rival any blockbuster supervillain because, honestly, fuck that guy. But that hasn't stopped metro Detroit drive-ins — some new, some temporary, and some totally and perfectly retro — from firing up their projectors just in time for spring, which means we won’t have to crank our car’s heater to the max which will dry out your make out lips. Isn’t that what drive-ins are for? Oh, right. Films.

Photo courtesy of Emagine Entertainment

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Grace the historic grounds of Fair Lane, Home of Henry and Clara Ford and Edsel & Eleanor Ford House

1 Fair Lane Dr., Dearborn; 313-668-3200; henryfordfairlane.org and 1100 Lake Shore Dr., Grosse Pointe; 313-884-4222; fordhouse.org

Historical importance? Check. Located in the metro Detroit area? You bet. A scenic place to let the inspiration flow or let the motivation go? Absolutely. Spring has sprung at both the Fair Lane estate on the Rouge River in Dearborn, which was Henry and Clara Ford’s 15th and final home where they hosted lavish parties and notable visitors like Thomas Edison. Yes, that Thomas Edison. Though the home itself is closed for a massive restoration effort, the stunning grounds are open for visitors, including the gardens which were designed by famed architect Jens Jensen. Meanwhile, over in Grosse Pointe along Lake St. Clair sits the sprawling estate known as the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House, which also offers scenic grounds and multiple gardens designed by Jensen.

Photo via Edsel & Elenor Ford House/Facebook

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Stroll the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum

1610 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor; 734-647-6700; mbgna.umich

What better way to soak in some beauty after our landscape was converted into a slushy grey shithole for several months than a visit to Matthei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum in Ann Arbor? In addition to the conservatory, the grounds offer scenic trails, gardens, exotic trees, sassy shrubs, and hidden dales, glens, and other photogenic moments that are reemerging from the piles of that pesky cold and white stuff.

Photo via Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum/Facebook

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Visit a local bike shop and hit the road/trail (but never the sidewalk)

Detroit might be referred to as the Motor City, but what keeps us moving is wheels. It's no wonder that Detroit is home to more than 240 miles of bike lanes, with an incredible number of nature-surrounded trails outside of city limits. So, pop off the Peloton and pick a lane or trail and swing by a local bike shop to spruce up an old set of wheels or snag some new ones.

Photo via Downtown Ferndale Bike Shop/Facebook

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Glamp at Michigan State Parks

6573 State Park Rd., Caseville; 989-856-4411; ww2.dnr.state.mi.us

Ew, bugs. Ew, air. Ew, nature. If you’re someone who may not love the idea of sleeping or shitting on the ground, there are Michigan glamping spots, aka glamorous camping. Some Michigan State Parks have been paid a visit by the glamping fairy, including that of Sleeper State Park in Caseville, which is now equipped with select waterfront "Tentrr" sites. Each site has a spacious, safari-style, canvas-walled tent on a platform and includes a queen-size memory foam mattress on what is described as a “sturdy” bed frame, a propane stove, Adirondack chairs, a fire pit, a grill, and picnic tables with storage. The sites are also near park facilities like showers and flush toilets. Need more structure? Check out the Port Crescent Geodesic Dome rentals. Regardless of which glamping moment you chose, guests will have to bring their own bedding, so don’t forget to pack your 200,000 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets, diva.

Photo via Sleeper State Park/Facebook

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Walk the walk at the one of the most beautiful riverwalks in the U.S.

detroitriverfront.org

We're No. 1! Suck it, other states. OK — that was way harsh, but Detroit's Riverwalk was named the most beautiful in all the land by USA Today readers, and for that reason we feel justified in telling other less attractive river walks to, well, suck it. With warm weather within reach, Detroit's riverfront offers views of a country that has its shit together (we're looking at you, Canada!) and miles of paved river walk that will eventually connect the Ambassador Bridge to Belle Isle's MacArthur Bridge. Did we mention the people watching? That's the good stuff.

Photo by Hannah Ervin/Detroit Stock City

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Get in touch with your dark side at Headlands Dark Sky Park

15675 Headlands Rd., Mackinaw City; 231-427-1001; midarkskypark.org

While things continue to get brighter, you know, with vaccination administration underway and the impending spring season around the corner, one thing will always be dark AF, and, no, we're not talking about our soul. Michigan's internationally designated dark sky park, one of just a few in the world, is the one place where darkness is guaranteed so long as it's, like, dark out, you know, as in nighttime. Sure, it’s a bit of a drive from Detroit, but spring is as good as a time as any to take a longer-than-usual hike to visit Headlands Dark Sky Park, where natural darkness is preserved and celebrated and where, during certain times a year, one might be able to watch the Northern Lights dance.

Photo via Headlands Dark Sky Park/Facebook

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Spend the day at Belle Isle

99 Pleasure Dr., Detroit; 313-821-9844; belleisleconservancy.org

It’s no secret that Belle Isle is the closest thing we Detroiters have to a beach getaway, and it's the go-to spot when it’s hot, cold, or when we're dreaming of a COVID-19-less world where we can get weird while taking in the best dang view of Detroit's skyline there is. Though indoor attractions like the aquarium and conservatory remain closed, the isle is like that damn Coldplay song we get stuck in our damn heads every time someone says “paradise.” Just don’t get caught skinny dipping in the fountain. You’ve been warned.

Photo by Hannah Ervin/Detroit Stock City

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Stroll the Dequindre Cut Greenway

1776 Woodbridge St., Detroit; detroitriverfront.org/riverfront/dequindre-cut

Cut it out, would ya? We’re trying to thaw our bones without leaving city limits. The Dequindre Cut Greenway is a sick two-mile greenway connecting the East Detroit Riverfront, Eastern Market, and some residential areas. The below-street level pedestrian greenway is prime for biking and has bike lanes, as well as street art, murals, and provides a moment of zen in the hustle-bustle of the city. You can also rent a bike via Detroit Wheelhouse, but appointments are required, as are masks, ya dingus!

Photo via Hannah Ervin/Detroit Stock City

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Visit a local recreational marijuana shop and find a pretty place to medicate

Listen — you no longer have to hide your habit. Smoking, eating, and dabbing weed is not only super cool but it's super legal for adults over the age of 21 (or 18 if you have a medical marijuana card) to partake in the marijuana arts, if you will. Not sure where to start? Well, for one, peep our list of all the recreational weed spots in metro Detroit and, well, from there the world is your oyster. While we have to advise that it's not legal to consume marijuana products on public property, there are plenty of beautiful and discrete places to expand your consciousness, relieve your aches and pains, and give ye ole brain a good massage. In other words, you do you.

Photo courtesy of Skymint Ann Arbor

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Get some fresh air at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park

1000 E. Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids; 616-957-1580; meijergardens.org

Speaking of beautiful places, skip that trip to Meijer and head two-hours west for a trip to Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, where you can soak up sculpture, horticulture, butterfly kisses, and maybe even catch a moment of zen while visiting the Japanese garden, which features Bonsai and Buddha.

Photo via Meijer Gardens/Facebook

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Get weird, splash around, and eat some chicken in Frankenmuth

1365 S. Main St., Frankenmuth; zehnders.com

Because we’re #blessed to live in a place surrounded by, you know, incredible freshwater lakes, we don’t always have pools on the brain. Let alone pools in Little Bavaria. But Frankenmuth — home to fudge, fried chicken, Greta Van Fleet, and year-long Christmas — has the ultimate pool experience, and one of the few waterparks in the country that has not one, but two, waterpark experiences, both with a retractable roof. Did we mention it features 50,000 square feet of slides, pools, and splash zones? Not sure if you can actually eat fried chicken in the pool, but no one is stopping you from jingle bell rockin’ your way down a lazy river, you lazy little river rat, you.

Photo via Zehnder’s Splash Village/Facebook

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