Delightful Destinations
Making Connections
All trails lead to Trenton, Michigan! If you want to explore a quaint riverfront community with hiking and biking trails, parks and downtown shops, excellent dining options and the gateway to the only International Wildlife Refuge in North America, Trenton should be on your to do list today!
Trenton - Trail Town
Starting Point
Wayne County Elizabeth Park- Main Park or by the Tourist Lodge (162 acres), ample parking
Ending Point
Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge (440 acres)
Estimated Time
Day trip/Land Tour- 6-8 hours, Distance-10-20 miles
Travel Components
Sunrise park exploration, biking, hiking, downtown, eating good in the neighborhood, International Wildlife Refuge
Special Interest
Families, Adults, Photography, History Buffs, Bridge Lovers, Foodies, Environmentalist, Water Lovers
Point of Interest
Only International Wildlife Refuge in North America, Oldest County Park in Michigan, Walleye Capital of the World
Cost
Nominal
Submitted By
Downriver Linked Greenways
Our suggested Trenton Historical Delightful Destinations Include:
Starting Point
Wayne County Elizabeth Park Main Park or Tourist Lodge
The park faces east for a lovely sunrise bike or walk through the historic one-hundred-year-old park. In the summer there is a working pony stable, make sure to peek in the windows of the restored Chateau on the River banquet facility on your way around the three-mile-long trip. If the weather is good on the weekend, visit Riverside Kayak at Wayne County Elizabeth Park Paddle and Bike Rentals - Saturdays and Sundays from Memorial Day to Labor Day 11 am-4 pm. Located at the Wayne County Shelter off West Jefferson-Wayne County Parks - ($20 for 1.5 hours). More information: 734-285-2925. If you're into architecture, make sure to check out one of the three newly remodeled bridges throughout the park.
The third Sunday in September marks the annual Somewhere in Time event at the park filled with antique cars and memories from yesteryear. The park is also a beautiful setting for the annual Jazz on the River and Motown on the River. The Wayne County Elizabeth Park Marina is host to many Walleye Tournaments early spring and summer Bass Tournaments.
Look for the marker of the War of 1812 Battle of Monguagon. This was the first battle of that war, between American forces and the Canadian, British, and Native American fighters on August 9, 1812, and was the only battle won in Michigan by the Americans. The site, located at Wayne County Elizabeth Park, was at the time the Wyandot tribe village of Maguaga. The Battle of Monguagon marker was originally placed in 1962 by the State of Michigan at Wayne County Elizabeth Park, visible from West Jefferson near the Grosse Ile Free Bridge.
Allow time to explore Trenton Trails - Proceed north of Wayne County's Elizabeth Park through the hometown trails/streets in Trenton, MI, and stop at a variety of parks along the way. Make it as long or short as you like!
Make your way back to the quaint downtown on West Jefferson. Bike racks are conveniently located all along with W. Jefferson. Bike repair stations are located at Wayne County's Elizabeth Park and the International Wildlife Refuge.
Ending Point
The Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge ( 5437 W. Jefferson Trenton MI 19293)
The Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge is the first international wildlife refuge in North America and one of the few urban ones in the nation. The visitor center is positioned on the shores of the Humbug Marsh, including a 12,000 square foot Gold LEED-certified building with multipurpose spaces and classrooms, as well as a 740-foot school ship dock and fishing pier, a canoe and kayak launch (coming soon), three wildlife observation decks, outdoor classroom spaces and more than three miles of hiking trails connected to more than 100 miles of greenway trails. Located just south of a warm water discharge and adjacent to DRIWR's Humbug Marsh, Michigan's only "Wetland of International Importance" designated by the Ramsar Convention and the last mile of undeveloped shoreline along the U.S. mainland of the Detroit River, the Refuge Gateway's unique location boasts of high biodiversity. The Gateway site is a partnership between Wayne County and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. The Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge incorporates more than 5,800 acres along 48 miles of the lower Detroit River and western Lake Erie. The Refuge focuses on conserving, protecting, and restoring habitat for 29 species of waterfowl, 23 species of raptors, 31 species of shorebirds, over 100 species of fish, and over 300 species of birds. Unique habitats being managed within the Refuge include islands, coastal wetlands, marshes, shoals, and riparian waterfront lands. The DRIWR visitor center opening has been delayed due to COVID-19. Check the Refuge website for updates.
Want more information? Visit Trenton's Veteran Library on Westfield Road or the Cultural Center, Kennedy Recreational Center's aquatic center, ice arena and restaurant, historic cemetery, Trenton's historical museum (limited hours).
Food Options When it's time for lunch, many choices abound on West Road, Fort St. or W. Jefferson. You may need to hop in your car for a short trip to one of the area dining locations.
Try one of these fine dining restaurant options for dinner before your trip home or heading to your hotel --
For an afternoon treat try one of the many delish dessert options in Trenton --
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