I’d been getting tips for months about a newish local gem — the DNR Outdoor Adventure Center — and I finally had the opportunity to visit last weekend.
Turns out my readers know me well because this place combines many of my favorite things: Passion for all things Michigan + my love of nature and the great outdoors. We had an absolute blast exploring!
For starters, there was plenty of free parking in a dedicated lot outside the building, which is located on Atwater St. in front of the beautiful Detroit Riverfront.
The center’s tagline is “bringing up north to downtown Detroit” and it’s so perfect. Some of the neat areas inside the 40,000-square ft. facility included a giant freshwater tank of local fish species, a great treehouse to climb in, and plenty of stations highlighting some of Michigan’s favorite outdoor activities: Camping, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, bike riding and more.
There’s even a beautiful area that looks so real and serene, just like the beautiful waterfalls found in the Upper Peninsula.
My kids loved the mini camping area, a fishing simulator and climbing the treehouse the most.
I can’t even stress to you how beautiful the facility was. Love that they turned this old, rundown building into something so wonderful for kids of ALL ages to enjoy! We all had ear-to-ear grins as we ventured through.
The only downside was how fast the kids wanted to go through and explore. We ended up having a little misunderstanding as my girls climbed to the top of the treehouse, and got separated for a few minutes. For this reason, I would suggest having another adult with you if you have multiple kids.
Age wise, I would say the center is ideal for elementary age kids, but my almost 2-year-old had a blast exploring, too. He loved sitting in my lap as his 3-year-old sister “drove” us on a mini off-roading trip. So fun!
Overall, my kids absolutely LOVED this place. We will definitely be back!
After exploring the center, walk a short ways to the Detroit Riverfront to picnic in Milliken State Park {and see Detroit’s own lighthouse} and over to Rivard Plaza for a ride on the carousel {$1 per ride; adults are free}, dip your toes in the fountain, and nab a sweet ice cream treat from the RiverWalk Café.
Additionally, you could even bring bikes and ride the Dequidre Cut and play at the adorable playground…There really is something for all ages to enjoy!
Plan some {inexpensive} family fun in Detroit today!
DNR Outdoor Adventure Center Information
Pricing is as follows: $5 for adults; $3 for seniors and kids {2-12}, and free for those under 2. An annual family membership is available as well for $50/year.
Follow the DNR Outdoor Adventure Center on Facebook for special events and more.
Summer 2021 Hours
Hours will be Friday 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday noon-5 p.m. In October, the center will resume its five days a week schedule.
LOCATION
The center’s address is 1801 Atwater St, Detroit, MI 48207, and it is open Wednesday through Sunday.
Have you been to the Outdoor Adventure Center? What other tips have I missed?
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