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Hours Update: Mem’l Weekend + Grand Prix Weekend
Yes, we will be OPEN Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, from 11AM to 7PM! However, due to our location within the footprint of the Detroit Grand Prix, we will be CLOSED Thursday, May 27 through Tuesday, June 2.
We have spaces available on two tours prior to our annual Grand Prix closure: Sunday, May 24, Music Heritage (2 spots) and Wednesday, May 26, Underground Railroad (5). More info and reservations HERE.
Have an awesome holiday weekend techno-ing, Tigers-ing, DCFC-ing, and BIKING!
Wheelhouse Detroit Private Bicycle Tour Options (2026)
Near East Side — 8 to 16 miles, 2 to 3 hours (This tour is $200-250 on weekdays for up to 6 riders, $250-300 on weekends, depending on length of time.): This tour showcases several of Detroit’s unique attractions. Depending on group choice, weather, and/or day of the week, stops may include the Dequindre Cut, Heidelberg Project, Earthworks Urban Farm, Eastern Market, Lafayette Park, Elmwood Cemetery, the Detroit Riverwalk, Belle Isle, and West/Indian Village. A beverage stop can be included upon request. This tour is highly customizable to the length of ride-slash-number of stops the group desires.
Near West Side — 8 to 16 miles, 2 to 3 hours ($200-250/$250-300): Explore the Riverwalk, Downtown, Corktown, and Mexicantown on this tour. Depending on group choice, weather, and/or day of the week, stops may include the Underground Railroad Monument, Ralph C. Wilson Centennial Park, Campus Martius, Capitol Park, Most Holy Trinity, the site of Tiger Stadium, Michigan Central Station, Ste. Anne’s Church, and Clark Park. A beverage stop can be included upon request.
Detroit RiverWalk/Dequindre Cut — 5 to 8 miles, 2 hours ($200/$250): Ideal for families, this tour is almost entirely on greenways, separated from auto traffic. Short and sweet, it focuses on the beautifully renewed RiverWalk and the Dequindre Cut rail-to-trail.
Booze* & Bikes — Approx. 10 miles, 3 hours ($250/$300): Detroit has an amazing craft beer, cocktail, and wine culture. Stops will vary depending on interest, time, and date. Options include Atwater Brewery, Batch Brewery, Motor City Wine, Two James Distillery, Detroit Distillery, and more. *If booze ain’t your thing, we can take you to cafes or shops instead!
Corktown — Approx. 8 miles, 2-3 hours ($200-250/$250-300): Get inside info on Detroit's oldest neighborhood, including charming Victorian homes, historic churches and buildings, and vibrant and dynamic businesses. Stops include Most Holy Trinity Church, Michigan Central Station, North Corktown, and the site of Tiger Stadium. A beverage stop can be included upon request.
Eastern Market — Approx. 5 miles, 2-3 hours ($200-250/$250-300): This tour takes in the Dequindre Cut, Lafayette Park, and the historic market, with an emphasis on history, current development, shopping opportunities, and vibrant murals.
Belle Isle — Approx. 15 miles, 3 hours ($250/$300): Explore the architecture and ecology of Detroit's island gem, including the Flynn Pavilion, Aquarium and Conservatory, Oudolf Garden, the Iron Belle Trail, the Boat and Yacht Clubs, the Casino, Dossin Great Lakes Museum, and Livingstone Lighthouse. Depending on the day of the week, the tour can include stops at one or more of the listed attractions.
Music Heritage — Approx. 12 miles, 3 hours ($250/$300): Music originating from Detroit has been innovative and impactful, spanning many genres that include techno, rock, gospel, hip hop, soul, punk, and, of course, Motown. This tour will take in many relevant sites, including the Masonic Temple, Michigan Theater, St. Andrews Hall, Detroit Opera House, Music Hall, Chin Tiki, Submerge, the site of the Gold Dollar, United Sound Systems Recording Studio, and the Motown Museum. A stop at the Old Miami, &/or Third Man Records can be included.
Public Art — Approx. 12 Miles, 3 hours ($250/$300): Detroit has a plethora of amazing public art, and this tour travels from the Riverfront through Greater Downtown, Midtown, and the East Side to take in a wide variety, ranging in scale, material, and era. This tour has been redesigned in 2024.
Books & Bikes – Approx. 13 Miles, 3-4 hours ($250-300/$300-350): Check out some of Detroit’s independent book shops. Stops can include John K. King Books, Vesper, Source Booksellers, Vault of Midnight, and the main branch of the Detroit Public Library. A beverage stop can be included upon request.
Haunted Detroit — Approx. 13 miles, 3 hours ($250/$300): This tour combines some ghostly anecdotes with factual historic info about Harry Houdini, Elmwood Cemetery, Capitol Park, and the St. Aubin Street Massacre. We also visit a few spots rumored to be haunted, including the Fort-Shelby and Leland Hotels, The Whitney, and the Masonic Temple and talk about the legendary Nain Rouge. The route includes Rivertown, Elmwood Park, Poletown, Midtown/Cass Corridor, and Downtown. A beverage stop is included.
CONTACT LINDA AT BOOKINGS@WHEELHOUSEDETROIT.COM TO GET ROLLING ON YOUR ADVENTURE!
Last edited 05/04/26
Quick May Note From the Owner
May certainly isn’t “May-ing” yet, but that’s fine, we are still over here rolling, and we are now officially open six days a week 11AM-7PM, closed Tuesdays.
Although the weather hasn’t yet turned, we still encourage you to bring your bike in for its seasonal tune-up sooner rather than later because we guarantee once it does, everyone and their brother…and sister…and mom and dad…will be coming by for a “quick fix” and anxious to ride — meaning longer turn-around times for service. Instead, come by now, beat the pack mentality and be ready for that first glorious weekend we are well overdue for!
Our tour season is looking strong — for more info on that topic, check out our last blog post HERE.
Lastly, one of the best things about running a small business is cultivating a tight team. I am so blessed to welcome back Joseline, Rob, Tatiana, Henry, Dan, Reg, Chris, Henry, Mike, Linda, Blake, and Allie — all of whom have been with us for at least three years, and most for more than 10! We have more than 100 years of experience on this crew. Dang.
Looking forward to an amazing Season 19 - Kelli
2026 TOURS
It’s official! Our 2026 tour schedule is fully bookable! Some pertinent details…
There is a 10%-off Promo Code [SPRING10] in effect for the following May tours:
5/2 Auto
5/9 Public Art
5/10 Architecture
5/16 Belle Isle
5/17 Corktown
We are only able to offer our Underground Railroad Tour once this season — on a weekday no less — due to an unfortunate convergence of our guide, Reg’s, availability and the Detroit Grand Prix. It’s Wednesday, May 27 from 5 to 8PM — and it will sell out quickly.
Another one-off is Boston Edison on August 30. It’s being offered in conjunction with Preservation Detroit and it, too, will sell out.
We are bookending the Hart Plaza festival season with two Music Heritage Tours: May 24 — Movement! — and September 6 — Jazz Fest!
Our monthlies include Corktown, Auto Heritage, Architecture, Belle Isle, Public Art, and Belle Isle.
Poletown is offered just the weekend of the Sweetest Heart of Mary Pierogi Festival, Haunted the last two weekends of October, and there’s one more Books & Bikes on the calendar as well.
Southwest Detroit is offered once a month in June, July, and August.
We’ve merged our bi-weekly weekday tours, Eastern Market and Detroit Riverfront/Dequindre Cut into one Tuesday Tour! It will be offered weekly June through September.
If you’re looking to book a private tour, contact us sooner rather than later, especially if it is for a weekend. They start to fill up quickly! Reach out to Linda at bookings@wheelhousedetroit.com.
Bookings for all public tours HERE. Google Calendar with all tours HERE. Questions? Email us!
Quick Update: Hours, Tours, In the News
Just a quick check-in as Spring has finally sprung…2026 is looking pretty sweet. This will be Detroit’s first year with the Ralph C. Wilson Centennial Park and we are really looking forward to the opening of the Gordie Howe Bridge and more Joe Louis Greenway miles!
We are currently open four days a week: Thursday through Sunday Noon to 6PM. Starting May 1, we will be open six days a week: Wednesday through Monday 11AM-7PM — with rentals available Tuesdays by appointment.
Our public tour season kicks off the weekend of April 25 with Books & Bikes and Corktown. Most weekend dates for the season are set, also including Architecture, Auto Heritage, Belle Isle, Haunted, Poletown, and Public Art. We’ve additionally got our Tuesday Tour, which is short and sweet and focused on the Riverwalk and Eastern Market.
Dates are still being added for Books & Bikes, Boston Edison, Music Heritage, Southwest Detroit, and Underground Railroad.
More info and reservations HERE. And of course, we are available for private bookings as well. Find out more HERE.
We got some great coverage in the Detroit News this week, in an article about the wild ride that is the bicycle industry. Check it out HERE.
Detroit is best seen from a pedal-powered saddle, right? See ya very soon!
Season #19 Is Here!
We are now open for our nineteenth season! Early Spring hours are Noon to 6PM Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Some more good news: six of our tours are bookable! All dates for Architecture, Auto Heritage, Haunted, Poletown, and Tuesday Tours (new this year!) are available, as well as one date, April 25, Independent Bookstore Day, for Books & Bikes. Please visit wheelhousedetroit.com/public-tours to reserve your spot.
That’s it for now, stay tuned for more hours and more tours. Can’t wait for the weather to turn and another great season of biking on the Detroit Riverfront!
Pre-season Sale: 20% off Tuneups & Tours
Spring will be here before you know it and we’ll be back open to serve all your cycling needs for our NINETEENTH SEASON!
One of the toughest aspects of a seasonal business is that expenses occur even in your off-season. Every Fall, we do our best to make sure we have enough funds to get us through the winter for things like insurance, taxes, and our web domain. This year, we are just a teeny-tiny short so we are holding a pre-season sale to get us safely through to opening.
There are two deals to be had:
20% off a Spot on a Wheelhouse Public Tour. Know you’re going to be riding with us this coming season? Buy a spot on a tour for 20% off! Purchase a digital gift certificate HERE using the Promo Code Spring2026. You can use your purchase on any public tour and/or bicycle rental, no expiration date. Pro Tip: Most tours cost $45 per person, so for 2 people, purchase a gift certificate for $90 — you’ll pay just $72. This offer will expire March 1!
20% off a Tune-Up. A tune-up, regularly $85, can be purchased prior to our opening for the season for $68. Fill out the form below and we will send you a payment link for $68. That’s it! When we open, you can bring your bike in for its annual tune-up and you’ll be all set. A tune-up includes adjustment of brakes, gears + derailleur; a minor (on-bike) wheel true; chain lube; checking and tightening crank & headset; and wiping down the frame and wheels. Please note that only 25 of these will be sold!
Gift Cards & Certificates for the Cyclists on Your Holiday List!
If you’re looking to give the gift of “buying where you ride” consider the oh-so-convenient gift card or certificate from your favorite neighborhood bike shop!
GIFT CARDS
You can purchase a gift card in any denomination. We will mail it free of charge to either the gifter or the giftee. A personalized, hand-written note card can be included as well.
Gift cards can be used towards any retail purchase, any bicycle service (idea: a standard tuneup is $85 so they’ll be ready to roll come Spring), or towards a private tour.
It couldn’t be easier: just fill out this handy dandy FORM and we will call you at the time you request to complete the purchase.
NB: Please get us that email by December 15 so we can be sure to get your card to a post office by the recommended Christmas mailing deadline of December 17.
ONLINE GIFT CERTIFICATE
We also offer online gift certificates, which can be used to reserve a rental bike or towards a spot on a public tour. These do not expire and can be emailed to the recipient on a date that you specify.
More info and to purchase HERE.
Cheers to a happy and healthy holiday season!
SEPTEMBER TOURS
As sad as it always is when another Michigan summer winds down, truth be told, Autumn is the absolute best time of year for riding! We’ve got some good ones for you this month. Find out more and reserve HERE.
If you’re looking to book a private tour, the more notice the better — reach out to Linda with dates ASAP to get on our calendar!
Our Google calendar of all public tours is HERE. We look forward to riding with you!
USED FLEET BIKES FOR SALE
We regularly refresh our rental fleet, and we are currently selling a handful of deluxe and simple cruisers to make way for the new! We have the Opus Nouvella, with a 3-speed internal hub and a step-thru frame for $200, and the Sun Atlas, an industrial-strength single-speed cruiser with coaster brakes for $150, in both step-thru and -over frames.
These bikes are well-maintained — the biggest issue on any of them is cosmetic (paint fading and/or chipping). Other than that, they’re perfectly serviceable. Great for a pub cruiser, college student, or a guest bike!
Looking for something new? We have bikes from Giant, Kona, Haro, and Sun in stock. Check out our current selection HERE; feel free to stop in for a test ride or to talk options. We have other bikes in boxes and are also able to order from any of our distributors.