Palmer Park

Detroit park rules set ordinary hours at 6:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.; the City's Adopt-a-Park partner says winter access is limited to daylight hours. Splash play, Log Cabin interiors and bandshell programs keep seasonal or event schedules.

Use Merrill Plaisance and Woodward Avenue for the Lake Frances and Log Cabin area. The City documents a new 60-space paved lot at the bandshell; large events can fill or control nearby parking.

Use Merrill Plaisance for Lake Frances, the Log Cabin and the historic core. The dog park and bandshell are approached from the Seven Mile Road side, while recreation facilities farther south require their own arrival point.

The City documents new restrooms at the bandshell complex but does not promise that they remain unlocked outside programmed events. Verify access before relying on them elsewhere in the 281-acre park.

Ordinary park access is free. The dog park and seasonal splash park are free; reservations, special events and programs may have separate registration or costs.

The City documents newer paved walkways, parking, playground and gathering areas, but does not certify every route. Witherell Woods remains natural terrain, and the exact condition of older facilities should be confirmed for a mobility-specific visit.

Detroit park rules require a leash no longer than 72 inches outside the fenced dog park and prohibit pets in play areas and sports fields. The one-acre dog park has separate small- and large-dog areas, drinking fountains and waste stations.

The playground, summer splash park, Lake Frances, courts and 2026 community programs offer varied family stops. Keep children close at the lake and verify the independent schedule for water play or Cabin access.

DDOT Route 4 Woodward serves the east edge of Palmer Park, and the City identifies a mobility hub at Woodward and Merrill Plaisance. Confirm the current stop and the walk to the selected feature.

The splash park is seasonal, the Log Cabin interior opens for announced programs rather than daily tours, and bandshell events can control parking and restroom access. The City still presents Lake Frances and Witherell Woods habitat work as an active park project.

Check Detroit weather, air quality and operator alerts. Heat, snow, ice, storms, flooding and seasonal operations can close paths or facilities independently.