Michigan City Claims ‘Best Public Square In America’ For The Second Year In A Row

One of my favorite summer fun spots in Michigan is receiving national acclaim!

When I first moved away from Michigan in 2014 one of my biggest regrets was not having spent enough time in the neighboring big cities of Detroit and Chicago-- Detroit especially.

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Only weeks after learning of the "urban oasis" that pops up each summer in downtown Detroit Campus Martius Park has been named the "Best Public Square in America" for the 2nd year in a row!

USA Today's 10Best poll says each public square was nominated by an expert panel and voted on by readers. Of the Detroit park USA Today writes,

Campus Martius Park serves as Detroit’s gathering place, where locals and visitors alike can come to take in the skyline views, people-watch around the Woodward Fountain, grab a meal from a food truck, or go ice skating in winter.

As mentioned during the summertime the park transforms into an urban oasis as nearly  400,000 pounds of sand fills the park. Summers at Campus Martius mean frozen cocktails and munchies at Brisa Bar, entertainment and live music, lounge chairs, and plenty of space to build a sandcastle!

However during winter at Campus Martius you'll find an ice rink, igloos, and plenty of local food vendors supplying hot chocolate to keep you nice and toasty.

According to the Project for Public Spaces the beach first took shape over a decade ago,

In 2013, Southwest Airlines Heart of the Community Program and Project for Public Spaces brought a taste of the northern Michigan beaches to an underused lawn in the center of downtown Detroit’s Campus Martius Park...Project for Public Spaces transformed Campus Martius Park into a seasonal beach that includes a curved deck with colorful seating, a Beach Bar and Grille, and a large sand-filled area with lounge chairs, umbrellas, and an extra-long shared table.

We can't wait to see what the future holds for Detroit's public square.