Officially opened on May 20 by Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and Detroit City Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, Michigan's 97th State Park and Harbor signifies a new era for Michigan State Parks.  As the first urban park, the 31 acres carved out on the banks of the Detroit River are a green oasis in the midst of Michigan's largest city.

Tri-Centennial State Park and Harbor offers several covered picnic areas, shoreline fishing and a newly renovated 52-slip harbor of refuge. Reservations for transient boating slips are available on-line at the Central Reservation System or by calling 1-800-447-2757.  No seasonal slip reservations are available.

Walkers, anglers, boaters and city dwellers looking for a taste of Michigan's bountiful natural features will find them on the green, grassy knolls and the rocking of the river waves. Future phases of the project will continue to develop additional examples of natural habitats available throughout Michigan's State Parks.

The 63-foot light tower marks the harbor entrance. It is a scaled-down replica of the recently-renovated lighthouse at Tawas Point State Park, originally built in 1876. The new safety light tower is believed to be the first conical brick structure of this type built in Michigan since 1892 and serves as a tribute to Michigan's Great Lakes maritime history.

Tri-Centennial State Park will provide an opportunity to introduce urban residents to the many natural resource-based recreational opportunities Michigan has to offer. The multi-phase project has been a cooperative effort between the Michigan DNR and The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. For additional information about the upland park areas, click here.  For additional information about the amenities offered in the harbor of refuge, click here.

To find out more about the project, download this file:
Tri-Centennial State Park and Harbor Master Plan