Grand Circus Park back to Judge Augustus B. Woodward's master plan to rebuild Detroit after the 1805 devastating fire. The park was meant to be a full circle - the "circus" the name - but rising land values north of Adams Street led property owners to resist selling, leaving the park as a half-moon bisected by Woodward Avenue. It links Detroit's theater district to its financial core, and over the decades, it has hosted everything from presidential eulogies to public protests. In fact, General George Armstrong Custer once delivered a eulogy there for Abraham Lincoln before thousands of mourners. The park is adorned with statuary and fountains that speak to Detroit's civic pride. The eastern half features the Russell Alger Memorial Fountain, designed by Henry Bacon (who also designed the Lincoln Memorial), with a Roman allegorical figure sculpted by Daniel Chester French. Nearby stands the statue of Mayor William Cotter Maybury. The western half is anchored by the Edison Memorial Fountain and the statue of Mayor Hazen Pingree, a populist reformer whose legacy still looms large. It's a layered space - literally, as there are parking garages below - with memorials and a green park. Plenty of benches and tables and a free wifi. And a very strong police presence during the daytime and after Tigers games. [Review 971 of 2025 - 452 in Michigan - 24525 overall] read more

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This is quite an interesting areas of downtown Detroit. I was in town and strolling around to get some exercise before turning in for the evening. It's one of my favorite things to do when I'm visiting a city other than my own. I never know what I'm going to find and as for this park, I just happened to run into it. At first glance I didn't even realize it was a park. I noticed a few empty water fountains, a couple statues, a bike share station, and there wasn't much landscaping or anything. I'm not sure if it was just the timing of my visit or what, but it came across rather dreary. I'm not sure if I would describe it as grand but considering the location, I get the circus part. It is completely surrounded by traffic and there's restaurants, theaters, and a lot of other things to do nearby. In a way, that's a circus all on its own. Would I intentionally come back to this park? Probably not, but I can always appreciate some greenery in the middle of a concrete jungle. It's good for the soul. read more

This is a decent park located in the heart of downtown Detroit. It has two sections, separated by Woodward Avenue and cover 5 acres. There is limited metered street parking, a public bus stop and a bike share station near the park. There is also a paid parking garage that is under the park. The park has a very nice dog park, tables and chairs (with umbrellas), lots of bench seating and two awesome water fountains. One named the Thomas Edison Memorial fountain on one side of the park and the Russell Alger Memorial Fountain on the other. There are also statues for Detroit Mayor William C. Maybury and Hazen S. Pingree at the entrance to the park along Woodward street. This park appears to be popular among the dog walking crowd. The park looks dimly lit. The park was surprisingly peaceful, even though it is located right off of a major street and cars are zooming by. I guess the cars along with the fountain serve as white noise. This is a decent park and a nice place to hang out and take a load off if you are passing through. Not sure if I would make this a destination or not though, but more possibility a part of a larger itinerary. read more

Grand Circus Park is an interesting place to visit. There are plenty of benches. It is located in a very busy location. It is a true circus as there is circular driving all around the park. The crossings to the other streets are short and well identified. Some of the cars enter the circus a little too fast. Either they aren't used to the small street motion or they are being careless. The park has been neglected for a long time. It is great to see it being put back into use. It's a great place to stop for lunch. Whether you are having takeout or a brown bag lunch. The last time I stopped there they had some example patio furniture around. The pieces looked like something you'd have in your living room, so, I thought it a bit much but its a durn sight better than having the place empty. There is some underground parking there but I'm not sure how it works or if it is still in service. The Opera House is nearby and some great apartment buildings. I am so glad they are being fixed up. Most of them are still empty as people move back around the park I expect to see more people there. Come on by when you're downtown. It's got a great fountain, a giant statue and an obelisk! read more

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I love coming to this park and Detroit does too. It's a vibrant hangout spot that attracts people from all walks of life and ages. How to best describe this jawn.....If Campus Martius Park was a Cedar Point ride, it would be Millenium Force. It's hype, it's the showcase. Grand Circus Park - this is the Blue Streak. A very classic park. Lots of history. Great monuments and a cool fountain. Very chill and relaxing. While one can never tire of Millennium Force, one can also never be tired of hitting the Blue Streak. It's still a fun and enjoyable time. There won't be as many people there, but the experience is still lovable and enjoyable and chillaxed if you will. If you enjoy people watching, come on Tigers or Lions game day, you'll always spot some cuties shuffling along the walkway wearing team colors and leggings. Another perk is that the area has lots of trees for shade, which is perfect for people like me who enjoy a beautiful sunny day, but not looking to catch melanoma from being in direct contact with the sun. Tip 1) catch the monuments. There are a few along Woodward. History fans can learn a lesson or two about our rich history. Tip 2) I'm not sure drinking is allowed at this park, but I've definitely seen a dude who dumped out his Gatorade red and poured in a Watermelon 4-Loko to enhance his writing experience while catching some scenery. Genius! Tip 3) On Tiger game days, you'll see a man selling fresh roasted peanuts and water. Buy from him. He's located next to the Mayor Pingree Monument on Woodward and he actually kind of looks like him. Best peanuts ever! They come out warm and they taste nice and salty! (The good salty - not the personality-less salty version you see from haters on Facebook) I believe he sells water bottles cheap too. Bringing in unopened water bottles to a game instead of buying one at the stadium is really wallet friendly. Final Tip - If you smell a skunk during the day, have no fears about being bit by an animal with rabies. That smell you are ingesting isn't a skunk, but perhaps some "skunk." I'm talking about the reefer. The ganja. The Doja - most likely being smoked by that cute older 60-year-old couple chilling underneath the big trees in a nice quiet section. Yessir, this is a very chill place to be. Very safe. Very relaxing. read more

Grand Circus Park - Look for this statue on Tigers game day. The peanut guy near it sells the best peanuts on the planet - roasted and tasty! - Parks Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

The guards aren't buttholes like before. I love this park. Nice place to sit and soak up some sun and get sum fresh air. Nice tables with chairs and umbrellas. They even have lounge sets now. read more

Small yet quaint Dog Park. If you are expecting a big huge park then this is not the one for you. It is free to get in(besides the price you pay to park on the street nearby) no registering required. There are only a few benches, artificial mulch grass and a couple water bowls for your furry friend. Most people that came were residents and/or employees to let their dog relieve theirselves. My Dog and I played around for an hour or so and it was relaxing to not be overcrowded with other people and/or dogs. read more

Nice little place to stop by on a walking tour of downtown. Good place to hang out and sip a coffee as the city bustles by. read more

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