Palmer Park — Attraction in Detroit

Cool historic location.

Palmer Park, located in Detroit, Michigan, spans 296 acres and offers a variety of recreational activities and historical sites. Here’s what you can explore:

Recreational Activities: • Hiking and Biking Trails: The park features numerous trails suitable for both hiking and biking, allowing visitors to enjoy its natural beauty. • Tennis Courts: Newly renovated full-sized and junior tennis courts are available for public use. • Splash Park and Playground: Families can enjoy the splash park and playground, providing fun for children during warmer months. • Disc Golf Course: An 18-hole disc golf course, established in 2021, offers a unique recreational opportunity. • Fitness Zone: Outdoor fitness equipment is accessible for those looking to exercise in a natural setting.

Historical Sites: • Log Cabin: Built in 1885 by Senator Thomas W. Palmer, this historic log cabin is a notable landmark within the park.  • Merrill Humane Fountain: Designed in the Italian Renaissance style, this white marble fountain was relocated to Palmer Park in 1926.

Community Events and Programs: • Free Yoga and T’ai Chi Classes: Offered during the summer, these classes promote wellness in a serene environment. • Walking and Biking Groups: Organized groups provide opportunities for social engagement and physical activity. • Special Events: The park hosts various events throughout the year, including the annual Log Cabin Day and Harvest Festival. 

Association with Arnold Palmer:

Despite sharing the name “Palmer,” there is no known association between Palmer Park in Detroit and the renowned golfer Arnold Palmer. The park is named after U.S. Senator Thomas Witherell Palmer, who donated the land to the city in 1893 with the stipulation that it remains a public park. 

For more information on events and activities, you can visit the City of Detroit’s official page on...

Palmer Park has a little something for everyone. The first time I came here with my 4 year old son, just at the start of spring, and there were geese with little fuzzy yellow ducklings everywhere! Do not feed or touch the animals(not a petting zoo) but a great place to see wild amazing nature... in the city. there are two parks, a lake with islands and a windmill, super friendly ducks who swim up to you .. dont feed them... leave no trace there are trash cans... there is a cool nature walk through the forest from one park to the other splash pads in the summer and alot of people who love this place. Yes it is in city, yes, there are maybe some things you may not see if you are from the burbs parents.. but hey! it builds character, teaching moments right?... no the fountain doesn't work...but it's pretty cool and the splash pad does work! The playgrounds are awesome. mind the one by the splash pad that spinny chair does go fast. there are tennis courts, handball courts, basketball court, and disc golf course! orchards gardens and primitive grade a Michigan forest... that is fully accessible with a fully paved walking path if one is in a wheelchair or...

Great historical park with amazing water fountain with an interesting history to it. Make sure to check out the old log cabin here also.

While your here make sure to check out the Palmer Woods neighborhood that is across the street. This is one of the very few exclusive neighborhoods actually in city of Detroit for the predominately wealthy. It is monitored by a private security company which you really don't see much of unless you look like your up to no good. Comparable to the homes in the Boston Edison district in stature. The way the streets are laid out is a bit confusing and can be difficult to navigate if your not familiar. This is one of the very few places in the city where you won't see any graffiti. Architecture here is Beautiful and has a historical value all to itself which makes it worth wanting to live in this up scale urban neighborhood. Nearest Police station is literally across the street on 7 mile Rd and there is a beautiful church across the street on Woodward Ave. If you can afford to live here then look no further because this would be my top choice of places to live outside of the Downtown...