Rivard Plaza

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Rivard Plaza is a beautiful waterfront park located in Detroit, Michigan.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

It is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, offering stunning views of the Detroit River and access to many recreational activities.

One of the main attractions at Rivard Plaza is the carousel, which was built in 2007 and features 36 hand-carved animals. Visitors can take a ride on the carousel for a small fee and enjoy the whimsical music and colorful lights.

Another popular feature of Rivard Plaza is the RiverWalk, which is a scenic pathway that stretches for several miles along the Detroit River. The RiverWalk is a great place for walking, jogging, or biking and offers stunning views of the skyline and the river.

In addition to these attractions, Rivard Plaza also has a splash fountain, a picnic area, and a small playground for children. There are also several restaurants and shops in the nearby area, making it a great place to spend the day with family and friends.

One interesting fact about Rivard Plaza is that it was named after the Rivard family, who were prominent French settlers in the area during the 18th century. The plaza was created as part of a revitalization effort in the early 2000s and has since become a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike.

The best time of year to visit Rivard Plaza is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and sunny and the park is at its busiest. However, the plaza is open year-round and offers beautiful views of the Detroit River and the city skyline no matter the season.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
View more

Featured Parks