William G. Milliken State Park & Harbor
When Milliken State Park opened in 2004, it was the first state park in Michigan located in a dense urban area and Detroit’s first state park. The park was formerly St. Aubin Park, which was maintained by the city before the Michigan DNR took over. When it first opened, it was called Tri-Centennial State Park, named after the 300 years that had passed since the founding of Fort Detroit. It was renamed in 2009 after William Milliken, who was governor of Michigan from 1969 until 1983. Today, the park offers more than ever. My favorite way to enter the park is from the Dequindre Cut, a former railroad line that starts and Mack Avenue and dumps into Milliken State Park. Once in the park, you’ll be able to walk and bike on paved trails, walk around lowlands and wetlands, see a 63-foot tall lighthouse, or store your boat at the 52-slip harbor. The park also interconnects with the Detroit Riverfront Conservatory, a 3.5-mile route that follows the Detroit River. Milliken State Park is a great destination or a great place to start your adventure around Detroit.
