Palmer Park

A Glimpse into History

In the heart of Detroit lies Palmer Park, a sprawling 296-acre green haven donated by U.S. Senator Thomas Witherell Palmer back in 1893. This urban space balances preserved woodlands, recreational spots, and historical areas that capture Detroit's past.

If you're a history buff, you'll love the park's charming log cabin, built in 1885 at Palmer's request to showcase pioneer life. While not always open, you can peek inside during special occasions like the annual Log Cabin Day - definitely worth marking on your calendar if you're into historical architecture.

Large trees are scattered on the park grounds

Photo: Warren LeMay (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Nature's Sanctuary

Take a deep breath and wander through Witherell Woods, a remarkable 70-acre old-growth forest that houses oak and beech trees older than the United States itself - some over 350 years old! This preserved woodland offers a peaceful escape where you might spot deer gracefully moving between trees, ducks paddling along, or the park's famous black squirrels darting about.

Lake Frances adds to the park's picturesque charm with its delightful red-and-white lighthouse and tiny islands. The lake area is currently getting some TLC through restoration work, promising an even more beautiful central feature soon.

Play All Day

If you're an active sports enthusiast or just looking to have some fun, Palmer Park offers several options. Grab your racket for some matches on the tennis courts, try your hand at pickleball, shoot some hoops on the basketball courts, or test your skills on the 18-hole disc golf course added in 2021. The course thoughtfully includes both challenging and easier options, so everyone from beginners to pros can enjoy a round.

There are two playgrounds - one near the splash pad well-suited for children 5 and older, and another by the pond that's ideal for toddlers and the younger crowd. During summer months, the splash pad becomes the coolest spot in the park (literally!), offering a refreshing escape when the Michigan heat kicks in.

Looking to connect with nature? The winding biking and hiking trails through the wooded areas provide a peaceful retreat from city life. If you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the Detroit Mounted Police on horseback patrolling the trails - always a special sight.

View of the historic Merrill Fountain with the playground visible behind

Photo: Warren LeMay (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Community Spaces

Planning a get-together? The park offers several picnic areas complete with tables and grills. Some shelters even have modern touches like charging ports for your devices - because even in nature, sometimes you need a little juice for your phone.

The fitness zone features outdoor exercise equipment conveniently placed near the playground, making it possible to squeeze in a workout while keeping an eye on the kids. There's also a thriving community garden, volleyball courts, and a newly opened dog park where your four-legged friends can run free in a safe environment. Public restrooms are available near the main facilities, however they may have seasonal hours.

Coming Together

All year long, Palmer Park transforms into a vibrant community hub hosting events like Log Cabin Day, Winterfest, the colorful Palmer Park Art Fair, and a seasonal Farmers Market every Wednesday from June through October. Summer brings outdoor yoga and tai chi classes - fantastic for finding your center in a natural setting.

The park's appeal extends beyond its boundaries to the surrounding Palmer Park Apartment Building Historic District with its distinctive architectural style. Currently, several improvement projects are underway, including restoration of the fountain and development of a bandshell for future performances.

Behind many of these positive changes is the dedicated nonprofit People for Palmer Park, whose members work tirelessly to preserve and enhance this vital green space. Their efforts, along with artistic touches like the Art in the Trees installations and DIA outdoor exhibits, contribute to the park's role in the community.