Quick Fact
The Detroit River stretches 28 miles (44 km) from Lake St. Clair to Lake Erie, forming a vital strait in the Great Lakes system. As of 2026, it flows through one of North America’s largest metropolitan areas, connecting the U.S. and Canada at coordinates 42.3314° N, 83.0458° W.
What river runs through Detroit?
The Detroit River runs through Detroit, Michigan.
Where exactly is the Detroit River located?
The Detroit River sits between Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario. It links Lake St. Clair to Lake Erie, acting as a natural border between the U.S. and Canada.
How long is the Detroit River?
28 miles (or 44 kilometers) long. That’s about 24 nautical miles when you count it as a strait.
How wide is the Detroit River?
Between 0.5 and 2.6 miles wide (0.8 to 4.2 km). It narrows down near Zug Island, making that spot particularly tight.
How deep is the Detroit River?
Up to 30 feet deep in some sections. The deepest parts line up with the main shipping lanes.
What’s the water flow like in the Detroit River?
150,000 to 200,000 cubic feet per second, flowing toward Lake Erie. That’s a serious amount of water moving through there.
What species live in the Detroit River?
Over 100 fish species call this river home. You’ll find lake sturgeon (the big ones), walleye, bass, steelhead, perch, and bluegill swimming around.
Is it safe to eat fish from the Detroit River?
Not all of them—some are safer than others. Walleye and a few other species are okay in moderation, but carp and catfish often have high contaminant levels. Always check the latest Michigan Department of Health and Human Services guidelines before eating locally caught fish.
What’s the history behind the Detroit River?
Centuries of change. Indigenous communities like the Anishinaabe relied on it for food and travel. Later, it powered Detroit’s industrial rise—and its pollution problems. Cleanup efforts, like the $1.2 billion Detroit River Remedial Action Plan, have helped restore parts of it in recent decades.
Did the Detroit River play a role in the Cold War?
Yes, it did. The Windsor-Detroit border crossing at the river’s mouth hosted radar installations that monitored North American airspace during the 1950s and 60s.
Where can I access the Detroit River?
All over. You’ve got parks, boat launches, and fishing piers on both sides of the border. Hit up the Detroit RiverWalk for skyline views, Ojibway Park for wildlife, or Belle Isle Park for shoreline access.
What’s the best spot for fishing on the Detroit River?
Trenton Channel. It’s a hotspot for walleye, especially in spring and fall. Just make sure you’ve got the right license and follow size limits.
Do I need a fishing license for the Detroit River?
Yes, if you’re 17 or older. Michigan charges $26 for a resident annual license (as of 2025), while Ontario offers a one-day license for $15 CAD. Always check local rules before casting a line.
Can you boat on the Detroit River year-round?
Technically, yes—but winter’s tricky. The river rarely freezes completely, so it stays open for boating. Still, ice can limit access in colder months.
What wildlife can I see along the Detroit River?
Over 300 species. Keep an eye out for bald eagles, herons, and all kinds of birds. The Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge offers guided kayak tours and birdwatching spots.
How has the Detroit River been cleaned up?
Through major restoration efforts. The $1.2 billion Detroit River Remedial Action Plan (as of 2024) tackled pollution, restored wetlands, and improved fish habitats. It’s one of the most ambitious cleanup projects in the Great Lakes region.
What’s the economic importance of the Detroit River?
Huge. It’s a critical shipping channel, moving goods between the Great Lakes and beyond. Factories along its banks helped build Detroit’s auto industry, and today it supports recreation, tourism, and even real estate along its shores.
