Boatnerd Discussion Forum

I know its different city but I've heard you don't go looking at ships in south Chicago along the river could be dangerous.

Can't say I've ever seen River Rouge police at Belanger let alone been harassed by them, but I haven't gone to the park as much in the past year. I still like it for its views of most of the commercial docks and the fact it's free during winter, and you're probably less likely to see police then anyway.

Personally, I don't like Bishop Park because the ships pass there at quite a distance, which is the same reason that I don't usually go to Milliken State Park along the riverwalk. Of course, the riverwalk is a great place to visit and hang out downtown, just not the best for watching ships.

Other Boatnerds have reported being harassed by the River Rouge Police for taking pictures at Belanger Park because they think you are taking pictures of the Steel Company. They have no legal right but have gotten pretty nasty with photographers.

[quote="tugboathunter"]Go ahead and look up Belanger Park, Delray Park, Riverside Park, and Belle Isle. All safe, but Riverside is one to be more wary of. But the city is working on bringing it back. Both the Dix and Jefferson Ave bridges are excellent for the Rouge River. Lighting is pretty awful in the morning and around noon, and is best from 4 PM onwards.

Delray is closed from October to April, and Belanger charges $5 admission but usually there's nobody collecting during the winter and late fall. Belle Isle is a state park now so that also may cost you- not sure how much.[/quote]
belanger park is River rouge city park, they stop charging Labor day or shortly afterwards to late spring, when the anglers start using the boat ramps.

Belle isle is 11.00 a year, or get a daily pass, if they catch you on the Isle, w/o a passport, you get a ticket, plus you still have to get a passport. ( if you have a public library near by, you can get a a pass, from your desk top)
Riverside, is part of the agreement with Marty M, to fix up the train station and other blight., the park is pretty much keep to your self, fishing etc.

belle isle is a good spot... go to the east side over around the dossin museum... close up unobstructed views... also, bishop park in Wyandotte is ok as well as the public park in ecorse. both are located along Jefferson ave. east side of grosse isle has some turn outs where you can park and have clear close views... better yet.. take one of the boat watching tours next summer.

Go ahead and look up Belanger Park, Delray Park, Riverside Park, and Belle Isle. All safe, but Riverside is one to be more wary of. But the city is working on bringing it back. Both the Dix and Jefferson Ave bridges are excellent for the Rouge River. Lighting is pretty awful in the morning and around noon, and is best from 4 PM onwards.

Delray is closed from October to April, and Belanger charges $5 admission but usually there's nobody collecting during the winter and late fall. Belle Isle is a state park now so that also may cost you- not sure how much.

Are those places safe?

Riverside park, under the Ambassador bridge is another spot. and the park is in the middle of an expansion, bringing it right up to the fence at Nicholson Terminal

Dix street bridge on the rouge heading into AK steel is my personal favorite. Freighters so close you can talk to the crew sometimes and almost touch them. Belle Isle is another good spot.

I recently moved to the Detroit area and want to find a good place to watch ships. I would welcome any and all suggestions.
Thanks!