Discuss Detroit » Archives - Beginning July 2006 » Inspriation Point(s)? « Previous Next »
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Inquisitor
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Username: Inquisitor

Post Number: 9
Registered: 01-2006
Posted From: 205.56.129.195
Posted on Sunday, July 09, 2006 - 10:33 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Okay, I am sure just about everyone has seen a movie or two where a couple, parks on a hilltop, usually in the woods, overlooking a city. Usually a romantic setting often referred to as "inspiration point". Well, i was wondering who knows of any spot like that overlooking Detroit. I am trying to find the most romantic spot in the whole Detroit area. I know I can count on all of you for some good advice. Thank you.
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Neilr
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Username: Neilr

Post Number: 294
Registered: 06-2005
Posted From: 68.60.139.212
Posted on Sunday, July 09, 2006 - 10:40 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

How about the western end of Belle Isle, with the grand view of downtown and the Ambassador Bridge in the background? Want to check it out from the comfort of your own home? Look up about 3 inches to the masthead photo for DetroitYES!
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Ventura67
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Username: Ventura67

Post Number: 51
Registered: 12-2003
Posted From: 68.41.239.143
Posted on Sunday, July 09, 2006 - 10:58 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Maybe... Ah Yes! The Michigan Central Station's roof!
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Bvos
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Username: Bvos

Post Number: 1653
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 75.10.21.159
Posted on Sunday, July 09, 2006 - 2:15 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

As Neilr said, the western tip of Belle Isle is the only comprable place in the Detroit area. Since the Detroit area is flat, there are no senic overlooks like you speak of.
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Mikeg
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Username: Mikeg

Post Number: 133
Registered: 12-2005
Posted From: 69.136.155.244
Posted on Sunday, July 09, 2006 - 2:49 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

When the weather is clear, downtown Detroit is visible from along the Stony Creek Metropark exit road near the Park Office. It's not a very romantic location, but the elevation there is about 260 feet higher than downtown and its location on the south side of a bluff allows for a fairly unobstructed view of large portions of the city of Detroit, including the CBD.

Of course, being at 26 Mile Road, you might want to bring along some binoculars. This section of road is open to the public and can be driven without paying for a park permit (see map).
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Mackinaw
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Username: Mackinaw

Post Number: 1868
Registered: 02-2005
Posted From: 71.148.31.60
Posted on Sunday, July 09, 2006 - 4:02 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

It would need to be awfully clear to see the city from there. Haze is usually thick enough to blot out the skyline from as close as the Neff Park pier in GP, only 7 miles east of downtown. This is a neat inspiration point because it brings together the lake, river, Canada, and the skyline rising behind Windmill Pointe. The stupid residents only rule would require you to be admitted as a guest of someone.

I would also suggest western Belle Isle as a great place to achieve your goal.

You know, the Mack Avenue bridge over the Chrysler Assembly Plant provides an uplifting view, but it's really not to easy to get out and chill there.

With our lack of hills, you really need a high-rise to get a commanding view.

An empty parking deck will also do the trick, especially the ones located near Wayne State and the DMC. Go up to the top after most people leave and enjoy the quiet view.
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Gannon
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Username: Gannon

Post Number: 6137
Registered: 12-2003
Posted From: 69.47.53.101
Posted on Sunday, July 09, 2006 - 4:56 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The western portion of Belle Isle just sucks. Anyone who hasn't gone there should just avoid it, as there is NO inspiration available any longer.

Heh.

Hey, SOMEONE'S got to stop the tide of wanderer's who will just clog up our utopian view of this wonderful city skyline.

Especially stay away from that little parking lot on the right just after you cross the bridge...after that entrance to the construction area. It's toxic there, you'll just die from exposure. Really.



Best inspiration point is the I-75 overpass of the Rouge River heading into the city during a good sunset. You can JUST see the reflection in the buildings. That is as good as it gets, honest.

Just pull WAY over to the side of the road, and try to ignore all that pesky freeway traffic speeding by at 65 m.p.h.!!
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Gannon
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Username: Gannon

Post Number: 6139
Registered: 12-2003
Posted From: 69.47.53.101
Posted on Sunday, July 09, 2006 - 5:00 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

One cool inspiration point is the top floor of the Motor City casino parking structure...deep into the evening when the seagulls are chasing their moth smorgasborg late-night dinner.

It is eerily cool to watch them swoop and dive around the lights.

Of course, you have to explain yourself to the parade of security people...so keep your clothes on...
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Inquisitor
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Username: Inquisitor

Post Number: 11
Registered: 01-2006
Posted From: 205.56.129.195
Posted on Sunday, July 09, 2006 - 5:46 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Thank you to all
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River_rat
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Username: River_rat

Post Number: 188
Registered: 02-2006
Posted From: 71.126.176.175
Posted on Sunday, July 09, 2006 - 8:05 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

You can get a far off view of downtown and the Ambassador bridge from the high point on Haggarty Road between 7 mile and 9 mile. I can't remember if it betwen 7 & 8 or 8 & 9 but it is a great view on a clear night.

river rat
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Iddude313
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Username: Iddude313

Post Number: 31
Registered: 07-2005
Posted From: 69.212.42.116
Posted on Sunday, July 09, 2006 - 8:16 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

top of the RenCen is very nice.
was better when the floor spun.
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Detroitej72
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Username: Detroitej72

Post Number: 28
Registered: 05-2006
Posted From: 66.184.3.44
Posted on Sunday, July 09, 2006 - 8:31 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Best inspiration point is the I-75 overpass of the Rouge River heading into the city during a good sunset. You can JUST see the reflection in the buildings. That is as good as it gets, honest

Yeh Gannon, you bring back memories of every time I come back home from some other city that I had to travel to (by car of coarse) for work. Whenever I saw the veiw from the Rouge Bridge, all of downown, I knew that I was home. I may be somewhat of a romantic, but I dare say it was a comforting sight. Coming home on a Friday Evening for the first time since Monday morning, I would say to myself "Good Evening Detroooooit!!"
Only a native son could see such beauty......
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Ghetto_butterfly
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Username: Ghetto_butterfly

Post Number: 622
Registered: 09-2004
Posted From: 68.60.139.186
Posted on Sunday, July 09, 2006 - 8:33 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

In the middle of the Ambassador bridge, minus the traffic.
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Ray1936
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Username: Ray1936

Post Number: 693
Registered: 01-2005
Posted From: 207.200.116.139
Posted on Sunday, July 09, 2006 - 9:32 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Reminds me of a line I saw in an old book about Detroit, the title of which has escaped me. It states, "Detroit is distressingly flat....".
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Gannon
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Username: Gannon

Post Number: 6140
Registered: 12-2003
Posted From: 69.47.53.101
Posted on Sunday, July 09, 2006 - 10:22 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

After running the San Francisco marathon, I can attest to flat being the opposite of distressing!!


LOL, to each their own. I loved the mountains when I lived in LA...and look forward to every cross-country drive that I can muster, but I am a flat-lander to my soul.


It IS good to be six hundred feet above sea level, though. (for when the poles melt, of course)


I'll take the skyline view from my roof any day over some sharply elevated desert...
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Gannon
Member
Username: Gannon

Post Number: 6141
Registered: 12-2003
Posted From: 69.47.53.101
Posted on Sunday, July 09, 2006 - 10:25 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Detroitej72,


Me, too. Funny how that skyline instills such comfort, huh?!


Welcome, btw.


Cheers!
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Mackinaw
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Username: Mackinaw

Post Number: 1870
Registered: 02-2005
Posted From: 69.221.78.10
Posted on Monday, July 10, 2006 - 12:09 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Any elevated position in Brush Park is awesome too. You have the stadia, Foxtown, the necklaces of old buildings around the CBD, and the newer skyscrapers behind all of this as a pinnacle. I would love to own an apartment in BP someday.

Having a boat (which I certainly don't have) can give you some unique chances to see Detroit differently, and find some solitude at the same time. Whether you're right out in front of downtown on the strait, or out in Lake St. Claire looking at the skyline in context to the surrounding land and water, it's pretty cool if you can get out there.

Maybe Lowell could recommend some inspiration points in Canada. I've noticed that there are some cool skyline views around Windsor i.e. if you look along railroad grades which lead the eye right towards the center of downtown.

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