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10 best winter walks in Detroit

By Metro Times Staff

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Wild Winter Weekends @ Detroit Zoo • Wild Winter Weekends @ Detroit Zoo • Walk among the animals at the Detroit Zoo and relate to the winter animals at this limited, two-weekend event. Unlike the holiday Wild Lights exhibit, visitors are able to enjoy outdoor and indoor animal exhibits and activities during Wild Winter Weekends. Activities include music, crafts and chats with zookeepers. Wild Winter Weekend events are included with general admission ticket. Open 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.; 8450 W. 10 Mile Rd., Royal Oak: 248-541-5717: detroitzoo.org: adult tickets, $14, kids (2-14) tickets, $10. (Photo via Wild Winter Weekends Facebook event page)

Ice skating rink @ Campus Martius Park • Why walk when you can glide around a giant ice skating rink right in the heart of Detroit? Tie up your ice skates, or rent them for $3, and live out your inner Winter Olympian dreams now until Sunday, 3/6. Not a skater? Walk around Campus Martius and enjoy some of the many businesses open around the park. Ice skating rink hours vary throughout the week; 800 Woodward Ave., Detroit: campusmartiuspark.org: adult rink admission, $8; kids 12 and under rink admission, $7. (Photo via Instagram user ngianhormua)

Snowshoe Sunday @ Stoney Creek Metropark • Don’t wait until the ground is clear the temperature is high to take a stroll. Try on snowshoes, enjoy the snow covered trees and grass and participate in a winter walk. Call the nature center to register at 586-781-9113; 4300 Main Park Road, Shelby Township; metroparks.com; $6. (Photo via Huron-Clinton Metroparks website)

Bishop Park, Wyandotte • The Detroit River is the focal point of Wyandotte's Bishop Park with a fenced walk that stretches from either end. A long pier allows strollers to enjoy an up close view of the beautifully icy waters. Its close to the city's downtown district and a couple of coffee shops, which means you'll be able to warm up from your winter walk rather quickly! (Photo by Kelly Christopher Luttrell via the Bishop Park Facebook page)

The Mall at Partridge Creek • This outdoor mall has heated sidewalks so you won't slip on ice and is dog friendly. Yes, you can bring your pooch to stores like Moosejaw and Vera Bradley. Just make sure you leave them at home if you plan on dining out in restaurants like P.F. Chang's and California Pizza Kitchen. (Photo via Yelp user Matt K.)

The Village of Rochester Hills • The Village of Rochester Hills offers a unique outdoor experience to shoppers and foodies alike. The 375,000-square-foot shopping mecca is home to such stores like Pottery Barn and lane Bryant, as well as a Whole Foods Market and great dining from Bravo! and Mezza Mediterranean Grille (check out their happy hour specials!). (Photo via The Village of Rochester Hills' Facebook page)

Detroit RiverFront • Sure, the Detroit RiverFront is a pleasure to visit during the summer, but don't forget to take a stroll down this concrete path during a winter afternoon. The view of the Detroit river is simply stunning. Plus, you're close to the Renaissance Center if you need to warm up!

Belle Isle Conservancy • Belle Isle has always been one of Detroit’s underrated gems. The park offers many activities to visitors year-round, even throughout the winter months. From its well-known aquarium to its various monuments, museums and gardens, Belle Isle is one of the places to be to get a blast of brisk, cold winter air while enjoying a nature walk. Attraction and activity hours vary daily; 300 River Place Dr. Detroit: 313-331-7760: belleisleconservancy.org. (Photo via Flickr user Mike Fritcher)

Eastern Market • Eastern Market offers more than just a weekend grocery store. With over a hundred shops, cafes and paths, Eastern Market is the place to explore throughout the week. Offering fresh produce, flowers, and eats, check out what winter has to offer, food-wise at the open market located right in the city of Detroit. Daytime walks not your thing? Eastern Market also has your nightlife covered with various bars and local restaurants lining the large area. Restaurant and market hours vary daily; 2934 Russell St. Detroit: 313-833-9300: easternmarket.com. (Photo by Andrew Jameson)

Canine to Five Winter Walks • Canine to Five Winter Walks @ Riverfront and Dequindre Cut • Take a winter stroll with your furry friend along the Dequindre Cut. Every second Sunday of the month, Canine to Five, a doggy daycare and grooming facility located in Midtown, hosts a “pack walk” along Riverfront and up the Dequindre Cut. Whether you own a dog or just love being around them, Winter Walks provides a great view of Detroit and a great way to keep your New Year's’ Resolution to stay fit and healthy. Every second Sunday of the month; 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Rivard Plaza, 1340 Atwater St. Detroit: 313-831-3647: caninetofivedetroit.com: admission is free. ( Photo via Canine to Five website)