Campus Martius Park is an open downtown square at 800 Woodward Ave. in Detroit, on the spot where the city's rebuilding began after the 1805 fire. Lawns, a fountain and the Michigan Soldiers and Sailors Monument make it a central meeting place for locals and visitors. The park changes with the seasons. In summer a sand beach with lounge chairs fills the square, and in winter an ice rink opens below a large Christmas tree. Tall buildings surround it, and it is a good starting point for walking the downtown streets.
Rebuilding after the 1805 fire
A fire devastated Detroit in 1805, and the rebuilding started here. The name Campus Martius is Latin for "Field of Mars."
The intersection of Woodward and Monroe was marked as the city's "Point of Origin," and a new street grid was laid out from that point. The park occupies that ground, so the streets around it still radiate from the square.
The park was built in the early 2000s on the site, and the surrounding downtown has grown up around it.
The monument, the fountain and Cadillac Square
At the center of the park stands the Michigan Soldiers and Sailors Monument, erected after the Civil War. It serves as a marker for the square and draws many visitors for photographs.
Woodward Fountain is a centerpiece in the warmer months. Cadillac Square, next to the park, includes the fountain and is also worth a short walk.
The park's monuments, lawns and seating make it popular for people-watching during spring, summer and fall.
Winter at the rink
The Rink at Campus Martius Park usually runs from late autumn into early March. It is open-air, and skate rental is available on site, so you do not need to bring your own pair.
The giant Christmas tree is lit around Thanksgiving and stands above the rink. At night the tree and the holiday lights in the park sparkle against the downtown buildings.
The rink also hosts local and national skating events, and many thousands of people skate there each year.
Summer on the beach
From May through October, a sandy beach is laid out in the park. It has lounge chairs, ping-pong, bean bags and a sand area for children to build sandcastles. The beach hosts Friday night parties through the summer.
The park also has an open-air restaurant on the beach, called The Fountain. It serves sandwiches, salads and appetizers, and it is open in the warmer months.
The sand area is large, with about 400,000 pounds of sand for play.
Events and practical details
Campus Martius hosts concerts, outdoor movie nights, trivia and holiday markets. Many of Detroit's seasonal events take place here, and several of them are free.
The park has public restrooms, picnic tables and an accessible entrance. Dogs are allowed, and the park has food vendors and a barbecue grill area.
The park is free to enter. Many events and the rink carry separate charges.
Perguntas frequentes
Is there an entry fee for Campus Martius Park?
The park itself is free to enter. The ice rink and skate rental are charged separately, so check current rates before you go.
How long do you need at Campus Martius Park?
A skating session takes about two hours. The park can also be part of a longer walk through downtown.
Is there parking near Campus Martius Park?
Yes. A paid parking garage is right in front of the park, and there is also free and paid street parking nearby. The garage has a flat evening rate after 4 p.m., so check the current rate at the entrance.
Is Campus Martius Park accessible?
Yes. The park has a wheelchair accessible entrance and an accessible parking lot.
