# Detroit Riverwalk named best riverwalk in America for 2nd straight year! **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [April 23, 2022, 1:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/detroit-riverwalk-named-best-riverwalk-in-america-for-2nd-straight-year/963315 "2022-04-23T13:55:20Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![solost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/solost/32/11776_2.png) [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2022, 1:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/detroit-riverwalk-named-best-riverwalk-in-america-for-2nd-straight-year/963315/1 "2022-04-23T13:55:20Z")
This was on the local news this morning— according to a USA Today reader’s choice poll. I was surprised to hear it- the best river walk in the entire country? I’m all the more surprised because in my early 20s I worked in the Renaissance Center, that steel and glass monstrosity on the Detroit River, and at that time there were nothing but parking lots right up against the river. I thought then, what a stupid waste of real estate! So I’m gladdened that the city did finally come to their senses and create the riverwalk. Though more than a bit skeptical that it’s the best in the entire country. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2022, 2:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/detroit-riverwalk-named-best-riverwalk-in-america-for-2nd-straight-year/963315/2 "2022-04-23T14:10:59Z")
I don’t know what qualifies as a ‘riverwalk’ but it difficult to believe you’d find it in Detroit. ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2022, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/detroit-riverwalk-named-best-riverwalk-in-america-for-2nd-straight-year/963315/3 "2022-04-23T15:03:40Z")
As someone who walks it regularly, I endorse the award. I think it is nicer than you imagine. mmm [![Imgur](https://i.imgur.com/FD3OBaW.jpeg "imgur.com") ](https://imgur.com/FD3OBaW) [![Imgur](https://i.imgur.com/VOSFCEO.jpeg "imgur.com") ](https://imgur.com/VOSFCEO) ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2022, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/detroit-riverwalk-named-best-riverwalk-in-america-for-2nd-straight-year/963315/4 "2022-04-23T15:12:28Z")
It does look nice in those pictures. Not what I expected. ---
**Author:** ![Si\_Amigo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/si_amigo/32/2877_2.png) [@Si\_Amigo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Si_Amigo)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2022, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/detroit-riverwalk-named-best-riverwalk-in-america-for-2nd-straight-year/963315/5 "2022-04-23T15:40:23Z")
Well technically the Detroit River is not a river since it connects two of the great lakes, so its actually the straights. They tore down or restored a lot of the older stuff that was down there (including the Joe) and have invested heavily in downtown in general. Much nicer (and safer) than it was when I moved here 20 years ago. I think they got the award based upon effort. I still think San Antonio beats it out for style and charm, but it is very nice. Way to go D! ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2022, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/detroit-riverwalk-named-best-riverwalk-in-america-for-2nd-straight-year/963315/6 "2022-04-23T15:49:31Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > It does look nice in those pictures. Sure, but do they have a Bronze Fonz? [![](https://www.roadsideamerica.com/attract/images/wi/WIMILfonz_clarkw.jpg) ](https://www.roadsideamerica.com/attract/images/wi/WIMILfonz_clarkw.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![racer72](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/racer72/32/3075_2.png) [@racer72](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/racer72)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2022, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/detroit-riverwalk-named-best-riverwalk-in-america-for-2nd-straight-year/963315/7 "2022-04-23T15:54:43Z")
How many places have a riverwalk? The only one I have ever heard of is in San Antonio. ---
**Author:** ![Gorsnak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gorsnak/32/7587_2.png) [@Gorsnak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gorsnak)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2022, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/detroit-riverwalk-named-best-riverwalk-in-america-for-2nd-straight-year/963315/8 "2022-04-23T16:15:56Z")
Huron and Erie are not (quite) at the same elevation, which makes ‘straits’ a little problematic. The Detroit also has a high volume one-way flow, which seems rather more river-like than strait-like. Course _detroit_ is French for strait, so what do I know? ---
**Author:** ![jaycat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jaycat/32/3015_2.png) [@jaycat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jaycat)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2022, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/detroit-riverwalk-named-best-riverwalk-in-america-for-2nd-straight-year/963315/9 "2022-04-23T16:27:58Z")
It does look nice, but I’ll take New Orleans. ---
**Author:** ![burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/burpo_the_wonder_mutt/32/365_2.png) [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burpo_the_wonder_mutt)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2022, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/detroit-riverwalk-named-best-riverwalk-in-america-for-2nd-straight-year/963315/10 "2022-04-23T16:29:20Z")
[Jacksonville, FL, has one.](https://www.google.com/search?q=jacksonville+riverwalk&oq=jacksonville+riverwalk&aqs=chrome..69i57j0i512l2j0i457i512j46i175i199i512j0i512l2j46i175i199i512j0i512l2.11829j0j15&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8) Baltimore has its Inner Harbor, which looks like a riverwalk but is not technically on a river. ---
**Author:** ![Eyebrows\_0f\_Doom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eyebrows_0f_doom/32/3119_2.png) [@Eyebrows\_0f\_Doom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eyebrows_0f_Doom)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2022, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/detroit-riverwalk-named-best-riverwalk-in-america-for-2nd-straight-year/963315/11 "2022-04-23T16:38:21Z")
Savannah. New Orleans. ---
**Author:** ![solost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/solost/32/11776_2.png) [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2022, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/detroit-riverwalk-named-best-riverwalk-in-america-for-2nd-straight-year/963315/12 "2022-04-23T16:41:21Z")
> [@Si\_Amigo](#): > > Well technically the Detroit River is not a river since it connects two of the great lakes, so its actually the straights. Well technically it would be ‘straits’ 😉 ---
**Author:** ![burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/burpo_the_wonder_mutt/32/365_2.png) [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burpo_the_wonder_mutt)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2022, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/detroit-riverwalk-named-best-riverwalk-in-america-for-2nd-straight-year/963315/13 "2022-04-23T16:55:08Z")
> [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](#): > > Baltimore has its Inner Harbor, which looks like a riverwalk but is not technically on a river. Boston has its Harborwalk, similar dealie as Baltimore. ---
**Author:** ![solost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/solost/32/11776_2.png) [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2022, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/detroit-riverwalk-named-best-riverwalk-in-america-for-2nd-straight-year/963315/14 "2022-04-23T17:16:05Z")
> [@solost](#): > > Well technically it would be ‘straits’ 😉 Also, fun fact, Detroit got its name from French for ‘the strait’ ---
**Author:** ![Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/13edae/32.png) [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stranger_On_A_Train)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2022, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/detroit-riverwalk-named-best-riverwalk-in-america-for-2nd-straight-year/963315/15 "2022-04-23T17:18:00Z")
> [@Joey\_P](#): > > Sure, but do they have a Bronze Fonz? Aaaaiiiyyyyyy! > [@racer72](#): > > How many places have a riverwalk? The only one I have ever heard of is in San Antonio. [A lot of them.](https://www.wheretraveler.com/play/10-best-riverwalks-us) Basically any city with a river running through it, i.e. most cities East of the Mississippi and many in the Southwest with artificial or enhanced rivers (Phoenix) have a riverwalk-type area. It is pretty much the easiest and most visible form of urban renewal and downtown revitalization (for cities built around their river system). > [@jaycat](#): > > It does look nice, but I’ll take New Orleans. You can take it but sooner or later it is going to be underwater regardless of the Mississippi River and Tributaries Project. Stranger ---
**Author:** ![jaycat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jaycat/32/3015_2.png) [@jaycat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jaycat)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2022, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/detroit-riverwalk-named-best-riverwalk-in-america-for-2nd-straight-year/963315/16 "2022-04-23T20:47:45Z")
> [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](#): > > You can take it but sooner or later it is going to be underwater regardless of the Mississippi River and Tributaries Project. I’d rather be underwater in New Orleans than on solid ground in Detroit. ---
**Author:** ![Happy\_Lendervedder](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/happy_lendervedder/32/8488_2.png) [@Happy\_Lendervedder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Lendervedder)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2022, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/detroit-riverwalk-named-best-riverwalk-in-america-for-2nd-straight-year/963315/17 "2022-04-23T22:03:56Z")
So are you Detroit haters just going “Detroit sucks hyuk-hyuk-hyuk” because you believe that’s what people do, or do you actually have first hand knowledge from within the past two years that you don’t like Detroit? ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2022, 10:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/detroit-riverwalk-named-best-riverwalk-in-america-for-2nd-straight-year/963315/18 "2022-04-23T22:09:29Z")
> [@jaycat](#): > > I’d rather be underwater in New Orleans than on solid ground in Detroit. You’ve been to both riverwalks? mmm ---
**Author:** ![Bonum\_Legatum](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bonum_legatum/32/6183_2.png) [@Bonum\_Legatum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bonum_Legatum)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2022, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/detroit-riverwalk-named-best-riverwalk-in-america-for-2nd-straight-year/963315/19 "2022-04-23T22:20:44Z")
> [@Joey\_P](#): > > Sure, but do they have a Bronze Fonz? No. A definite plus for Detroit. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2022, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/detroit-riverwalk-named-best-riverwalk-in-america-for-2nd-straight-year/963315/20 "2022-04-23T22:26:31Z")
Having been there - yes, it is very nice, much nicer than I think outsiders expect of Detroit. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/detroit-riverwalk-named-best-riverwalk-in-america-for-2nd-straight-year/963315.md?page=2)