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SEPT TOUR UPDATE
With Labor Day upon us, it’s time to book that tour you’ve been meaning to all Summer! Here’s what’s available in the coming month.
Saturday, September 5 Auto Heritage
Saturday, September 12 Public Art
Saturday, September 19 Books & Bikes
Saturday, September 26 Corktown
Sunday, September 27 Belle Isle
All bookings and more info at wheelhousedetroit.com/public-tours.
And of course, you can always set up a private tour to fit your calendar. Email Linda at bookings@wheelhousedetroit.com to get rolling.
Wowe Gordie Howe!
Biking to and from Canada across the Gordie Howe Bridge has quickly become a bucket-list ride around here! As such, we are getting a ton of questions about the experience, and in this post I’ll do my best to answer them and demystify the experience. Questions and answers, commence!
Can I rent a bike from Wheelhouse to bike the Gordie Howe? Absolutely! We recommend a sports hybrid with a minimum of a half-day rental. You can book HERE.
Where should we park? If you are renting at Wheelhouse, we have a lot adjacent to the shop. If it’s full, there is street parking the Rivertown neighborhood and several parking structures within walking distance.
Other options include Clark Park, Riverside Park, Fort Wayne, Delray Public Boat Launch, and Patton Park. More info on each to follow.
How long does it take? Depends on customs, but give yourself a minimum of an hour to go back and forth and get through customs. If you don’t actually enter Canada, you will just have to go through customs once on the US side.
Anything else? It’s quite a climb! I’ve ridden the Mackinac, Ambassador, Golden Gate, Williamsburg, and Verrazzano-Narrows bridges, so I’m quite familiar with a “bridge climb” and this one was no joke! I rode on a weekday morning that was cool enough for me to be wearing a windbreaker and I ripped it off immediately, I got so hot. I can only imagine on a warmer, sunny day, you’ll heat up quite quickly so keep that in mind. Lots of people were walking their bikes, there’s no shame in your game if you need to do that.
Do you do a tour that includes the Gordie Howe? Not yet, but we hope to in 2027.
Here’s some more route and parking details.
Wheelhouse: 6-ish miles
Quicker and dirtier: Riverwalk west through Ralph C. Wilson Centennial Park, Rosa Parks north to Fort Street, Fort west to Clark Street, Clark south to West Jefferson, West Jefferson west to bridge entry.
Nicer ride: Riverwalk west through Ralph C. Wilson Centennial Park, Southwest Greenway northwest to Bagley St, Bagley west (across pedestrian bridge) (jog through Clark Park) to Clark Street, Clark south to Jefferson, head west to bridge entry. Good stops at Honeybee Market, Donovan’s Pub, Los Golanes, La Michoacana, Armando’s, Mexicantown Bakery.
Clark Park: 1.6 miles
Clark south to West Jefferson, West Jefferson west to bridge entry. Start near La Michoacana, Armando’s, Mexicantown Bakery. If small lot on Clark at Porter is full, there is street parking around perimeter of park.
Riverside Park: 2 miles
North on W. Grand Boulevard or Scotten to Fort Street, Fort west to Clark Street, Clark south to West Jefferson, West Jefferson west to bridge entry. Lots of parking options (and bathrooms) at Riverside, but not a lot going on between the park and the bridge entry.
Fort Wayne: across street from entry
You can park at Fort Wayne and the entry to the multi-use pathway is right across the street. If you choose this option, build in some time to ride around the Fort grounds! More info about Historic Fort Wayne HERE.
Delray Public Boat Ramp: <.5 miles
Head east on West Jefferson to bridge entry.
Patton Park: 3 miles
South on Woodmere to Dearborn Street, Dearborn southeast to West Jefferson, West Jefferson east to bridge entry. Good stops include Black Horse Cantina, Carbon AC (become a member!), Woodmere Cemetery.
OFFICIAL INFO FROM GORDIE HOWE BRIDGE HERE. Thanks to our good friend Uncle Dave K for sharing his pics!
Happy International Trails! - Kelli
New Merch
Just landed: New tanks and caps!
Not pictured: tee shirts and water bottles.
Thanks to Essential Screen Printing for design, embroidery, and printing.
July Tour Update
Cannot believe July is already here! Just a heads up, summer vacation means an uptick in tour bookings, so there are only a handful of tours left with availability this month. Here we go:
Tuesday, July 7, Tuesday Tour (Riverwalk, Dequindre Cut, Eastern Market)
Sunday, July 12, Architecture
Tuesday, July 21, Tuesday Tour (Riverwalk, Dequindre Cut, Eastern Market)
Saturday, July 25: Belle Isle
Sunday, July 26: Corktown
Tuesday, July 28, Tuesday Tour (Riverwalk, Dequindre Cut, Eastern Market)
Reservations for these tours as well as those set up for August, September, and October can be found HERE. To book a private outing, reach out to Linda at bookings@wheelhousedetroit.com.
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!