Thousands of bodies of water shape the landscape of metro Detroit. Bordered by two Great Lakes — which are connected by the Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, and the St. Clair River — and peppered with hundreds of inland lakes, rapid rivers, and scenic creeks, this region boasts some of the state’s best places to live and visit. Here, we dive into five different waterways and take a look at cities and towns near them that make the most of their locations.
The Wayne County communities that dot the Detroit River as it flows south into Lake Erie are great spots to view freighters and pleasure craft, as well as anglers hoping for yellow perch, bass, and walleye.
The most charming of all the communities is Wyandotte. “It is one of the main reasons I choose to call this region my home,” says Renee Monforton, the now-retired former vice president of Visit Detroit. “A perfect day in Wyandotte begins with a leisurely stroll along the riverfront at Bishop Park. Dozens of boats glide by throughout the day, and on occasion, I might spot a Great Lakes cruise ship.”
Wyandotte is known for its summer festivals, but the “granddaddy of all,” says Monforton, is the annual Wyandotte Street Fair in July (this year, July 8-11). Paula Satterfield Matzkows, a native of Clawson in Oakland County, has lived in “the Dotte” for 31 years and recommends a visit to “our downtown, which is really cool. It’s right on the river, and there are lots of bars, restaurants, little shops, and an art gallery. District 142, a great music venue, holds 700 people. They get lots of great tribute bands and some famous ones, too.”
Further south, enjoy 3 miles of Lake Erie shoreline at Lake Erie Metropark in Brownstown Township, south of Gibraltar. With hiking routes, paved biking trails, and even 18 holes of golf, the park offers something for any outdoors buff.
In the summer, Monforton heads to Wyandotte’s Latitudes for outdoor and indoor dining on the riverfront. “The views are stunning,” she says. “The lobster mac and cheese is among my personal favorites, while friends rave about the fish and chips.” Other Wyandotte gems near the waterfront include R.P. McMurphy’s, a classic Irish pub that’s been a staple in the community for decades, and La Crème Pastry. Monforton swears by the fruit tarts and almond croissants.
About 30 miles south on I-75, you’ll find the city of Monroe, which was founded in 1785 at the mouth of the River Raisin on Lake Erie. Originally named Frenchtown, Monroe is Michigan’s third-oldest community and has a boatload of interesting history. Learn more about its role as the site of a pivotal battle and massacre of American soldiers during the War of 1812 at the River Raisin National Battlefield Park.
The city is also the site of Michigan’s only state park on Lake Erie, William C. Sterling State Park. Situated along a mile of sandy shoreline, the park protects more than 500 acres of Great Lakes marsh and restored lake plain prairie habitat. It’s known for providing access to walleye and perch fisheries.
The River Raisin Heritage Trail connects the state park to downtown Monroe, local parks and trails, and the River Raisin National Battlefield Park. The city’s downtown, also known as the Old Village Historic District, features charming shops and eateries. A few blocks north on Telegraph Road, you’ll find the Dolce Nonna bakery. “It’s excellent,” says Lori Goins, a Monroe resident who grew up on Lake Erie.
Goins recommends the 60-plus-year-old, family-owned Detroit Beach Pizzeria for “delicious pizza and pasta.” Craving a dog? Vince’s West Elm Drive-In serves what many call the area’s best hot dogs. Pack a picnic to enjoy on the banks of the River Raisin.
More Waterfront Living in Metro Detroit
Lake St. Clair
Huron River Waterway
Detroit River
This story originally appeared in the July 2026 issue of Hour Detroit magazine. To read more, pick up a copy of Hour Detroit at a local retail outlet. Click here to get our digital edition.
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