Grosse Pointe, Michigan, is known for its beautiful neighborhoods and its long stretch of shoreline along Lake St. Clair. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy a picnic with a great view, you’ll find plenty of options here. Whether you want to watch the boats, let the kids play, or just relax by the water, Grosse Pointe has a park for you. Here are some of the best picnic spots in the area, each offering something special for families, friends, and anyone who loves the outdoors.
Windmill Pointe Park
Location: 14920 Windmill Pointe Dr, Grosse Pointe Park, MI
Windmill Pointe Park is a favorite for many Grosse Pointe Park residents. This park sits right on the lake, so you get wide-open views of Lake St. Clair. There are picnic areas with tables, walking paths, and plenty of green space for spreading out a blanket. You can watch the sun set over the water or see the boats pass by. The park also has tennis courts, a swimming pool, fishing spots, and even a movie theater for rainy days. It’s a great place for a picnic, whether you want to be active or just sit and enjoy the view.
Patterson Park
Location: 16006 Essex Ave, Grosse Pointe Park, MI
Patterson Park is another wonderful spot in Grosse Pointe Park. It’s a little quieter than Windmill Pointe, and it has a boardwalk that takes you right out over the water. The boardwalk is perfect for a stroll before or after your picnic. There’s also a splash pad for kids, a putting green, tennis courts, and an outdoor fireplace for cooler evenings. The park is well-kept and has plenty of shady spots under the trees, making it a comfortable place to relax and eat.
Pier Park (Grosse Pointe Farms)
Location: 350 Lake Shore Rd, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI
Pier Park in Grosse Pointe Farms is often called the best park in the area for families. It has a beautiful lakeside setting with a marina, beach, and lots of picnic tables. The park also has tennis courts, a snack bar, a game room, pools, and walking paths. The beach is a big draw in the summer, and there’s always something to watch on the water. While dogs aren’t allowed in the main park, there is a dog park nearby on Kerby Road. Pier Park’s open spaces and waterfront views make it a top choice for a picnic with a breeze.
Grosse Pointe Woods Park
Location: 20025 Mack Plaza Dr, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI
Grosse Pointe Woods Park is another great spot, especially if you like a mix of trees and open space. The park has a big water slide, lots of picnic areas, and a marina. There are plenty of trees for shade, which is perfect for hot summer days. The park is well-loved by locals for its friendly feel and the variety of things to do. You can walk along the paths, watch the boats, or just enjoy the peaceful setting.
Grosse Pointe City Park
Location: 241 Chalfonte Ave, Grosse Pointe, MI
Grosse Pointe City Park is a solid choice if you want a classic park experience. There are lots of picnic tables and walking areas, and the park is kept clean and tidy. It’s a little smaller than some of the other parks, but it’s still a nice spot to eat lunch and watch the world go by. The park’s location makes it easy to get to from anywhere in the city.
Grosse Pointe Shores Park and Harbor
Location: 800 Lake Shore Rd, Grosse Pointe Shores, MI
If you like a marina vibe, Grosse Pointe Shores Park and Harbor is the place to go. This park has tennis and pickleball courts, a basketball court, swimming pools, pavilions, and picnic areas. There’s also a playscape for kids and a wading pool. The harbor is busy in the summer, and you can watch boats come and go while you eat. The park is well-maintained and has a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
Chene-Trombley Park (Grosse Pointe Woods)
Location: 16100 Chene-Trombley Dr, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI
Chene-Trombley Park is a smaller neighborhood park, but it’s a great spot for families with young children. It has new landscaping, a sail-shade pavilion with picnic tables, and a walking path. There’s also a play area with a wheelchair-friendly surface and a special swing for kids and adults to enjoy together. The park is peaceful and has a nice community feel, making it a good choice for a quiet picnic.
Tips for a Great Picnic in Grosse Pointe
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Most parks in Grosse Pointe are for residents and their guests, so check the rules before you go.
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Bring a camera—these parks have some of the best lake views in Metro Detroit.
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Many parks have playgrounds, pools, and other activities, so plan to stay a while.
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If you want to try something different, the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores also allows picnics and has lovely gardens and lake views.
Grosse Pointe’s parks are some of the best places in Metro Detroit to enjoy a picnic with a view. Whether you want to be by the water, under the trees, or near a playground, you’ll find a spot that’s perfect for you and your family. Pack a basket, grab a blanket, and enjoy the simple pleasure of eating outside in one of Michigan’s prettiest towns.
Sources: grossepointepark.org, gpshoresmi.gov, gpwmi.us
Header Image Source: gpwmi.us
