Plan Ahead for Smooth Travel During Detroit’s Holiday Events

Thanksgiving Day in Detroit is a festive time, with the city coming alive through a series of beloved events. Whether you’re heading out for the Thanksgiving Parade, participating in the Turkey Trot, or attending the traditional Lions football game, it’s crucial to plan your journey carefully. The combination of road closures, limited parking, and rerouted bus routes can be overwhelming if you’re not prepared.

Here’s your comprehensive guide to navigating Detroit’s Thanksgiving Day traffic, parking, and transit options.

Road Closures for Major Events

The Thanksgiving events in Detroit bring about significant road closures, especially around the downtown area. Here’s a breakdown of the streets affected leading up to the big day.

Tuesday: Early Preparations

• Griswold will close between Farmer and Woodward.

Wednesday: More Streets Close for Parade Setup

• Woodward will close from W. Grand Blvd to Warren starting at 9 a.m., then from Warren to Congress at noon.
• Atwater will close between Civic Center Drive and 3rd at 3 p.m.
• Griswold will close between Fort and Congress starting at 6 p.m.

Thursday: Parade and Turkey Trot Road Closures

The Thanksgiving Parade kicks off at 8:45 a.m. on Kirby and Woodward, bringing road closures from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Woodward from W. Grand Blvd to Larned. Other significant closures for the parade and Turkey Trot will include:

• W. Jefferson from Lodge Freeway to Cabacier
• Michigan at Cass
• Fort Street from Trumbull to Woodward
• Monroe from Woodward to Randolph
• Washington Blvd from Adams to Congress
• And many more, with all closures starting at 5 a.m. and reopening by 10 a.m., once the Turkey Trot finishes.

Additionally, expect closures on the Lodge exits at W. Jefferson/Cobo and Larned Street starting at 7 a.m. for the Turkey Trot, with the Larned exit reopening after the event finishes around 10 a.m.

Parking and Transit Options for Downtown

Parking in downtown Detroit can be tricky during the Thanksgiving festivities, but with a little advance planning, you can avoid unnecessary stress.

Parking Options

The Detroit Municipal Parking Department recommends two convenient parking garages:

• Ford Underground Garage at 30 E. Jefferson Avenue
• Eastern Market Garage at 2727 Riopelle Street

If you’re coming in on Thanksgiving Day, remember that metered parking will be free, with parking enforcement suspended on Thursday and Friday. However, be mindful of where you park to avoid fines. Always ensure you don’t block driveways, crosswalks, or fire hydrants. Violators can be ticketed or towed.

People Mover: Your Stress-Free Option

The Detroit People Mover will operate continuously for 36 hours, from 6:30 a.m. Wednesday to 7 p.m. Thursday. This is the most convenient option for getting around downtown, with all 13 stations open. For parade-goers, the nearest stations to parade viewing spots on Woodward are Broadway and Grand Circus Park, while the closest to the grandstands near Campus Martius is Cadillac Center Station.

DDOT Bus Service and Detours

The Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) will be offering limited bus services with detours on Thanksgiving Day due to the parade and Turkey Trot. Here’s what to expect:

Affected Bus Routes During Parade (7 a.m. to 5 p.m.):

• 3 Grand River

• 4 Woodward

• 5 Van Dyke/Lafayette

• 6 Gratiot

• 8 Warren

• 9 Jefferson

• 16 Dexter

• 23 Hamilton

• 31 Mack

• 42 Mid-City Loop

• 52 Chene

• 67 Cadillac/Harper

Additional Turkey Trot Detours (7 a.m. to 10 a.m.):

• 1 Vernor
• 3 Grand River
• 19 Fort
• 27 Joy
• 29 Linwood

For those traveling on Grand River, be prepared for detours that will continue until around 5 p.m.

DDOT will be running on a Sunday schedule for all regular routes, and fares will remain the same. For more detailed information, you can contact DDOT’s Customer Service at (313) 933-1300 or visit their website, RideDetroitTransit.com.

Final Tips for Smooth Thanksgiving Travel

As Detroit comes alive with festivities this Thanksgiving, navigating the city requires a little extra planning. Road closures, parking constraints, and transit delays can create chaos if you’re not prepared. Here are a few key takeaways:

• Arrive early to secure parking or find transit options.
• Use the People Mover for easy access to parade spots.
• Check DDOT schedules for detours and adjusted routes before heading out.

With a little preparation, you can enjoy all the Thanksgiving fun in Detroit without the stress of transportation troubles. Happy Holidays!