Dequindre Cut

Located at: 42° 19' 59.7252" N, 83° 1' 35.7168" W

The Dequindre Cut Greenway is an urban recreational path that opened to the public in May of 2009. The two-mile greenway was developed through a public, nonprofit and private partnership—comprising the federal government, City of Detroit, the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan and the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation—and offers a pedestrian link between the East Riverfront, Eastern Market and several residential neighborhoods in between.

Formerly a Grand Trunk Railroad line, the Dequindre Cut is a predominately below-street level greenway that runs parallel to St. Aubin Street, between Mack Avenue and Atwater Street, just north of the riverfront. Well-known for its examples of urban artwork and graffiti, the greenway features a 20-foot-wide paved pathway, which includes separate lanes for pedestrian and bicycle traffic.

A half-mile extension of the Dequindre Cut officially opened in April 2016.  It runs from Gratiot Avenue to Mack Avenue and takes pedestrians into the heart of Eastern Market.  Buildings on each side of the Cut along this stretch provide users with a glimpse of what the railway looked like when it was a busy hub of activity bringing people and products to Eastern Market and to the Detroit Riverfront. 

Also along this stretch, the Wilkins Street Plaza with its soaring canopy, bike racks and a variety of seating options, provides a place for pedestrians to take a break while visiting the Dequindre Cut.

Entrance ramps to the Cut are located at Atwater Street, Franklin Street, Woodbridge Street, Lafayette Street, Gratiot Avenue, Wilkins Street and Mack Avenue. 

The Dequindre Cut Freight Yard, an outdoor bar along the Cut, is located near the Wilkins Street entrance of the Cut. 
The C. David Campbell Terrace, an outdoor stage, is located near the Lafayette entrance of the Cut
The BCBSM Fit Park, an outdoor exercise area, is located near the Woodbridge entrance of the Cut.

Need to rent a bike?  Visit wheelhousedetroit.com for bike rental information.

For a map of the Dequindre Cut, click here.

For a map of the Dequindre Cut Art Walk, click here.

Events at Dequindre Cut

  • Saturday, Apr 20, 2024 - 11:00am to 1:00pm

    Join the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy for our annual Dequindre Cut Spring Cleanup! Celebrate Earth Day by helping remove litter from the Dequindre Cut Greenway and its surrounding streets. Volunteers of all ages and abilities are encouraged to participate.

Photo Gallery