Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1468083
The Milwaukee RiverWalk winds through the heart of the city, tying together three distinct riverfront neighborhoods — the Historic Third Ward, Downtown, and Beerline B. Just three blocks south of downtown, the Historic Third Ward is now known as "Milwaukee's Arts and Fashion District" and offers the city's most dynamic array of restaurants, spas, theaters, galleries and unique shopping, all in a historic warehouse setting. More than 20 blocks from its northernmost to southernmost points, the RiverWalk is unified by permanent and changing art exhibitions that create a unique, urban, outdoor gallery. A leisurely stroll provides plenty of opportunities to discover Milwaukee. Why? Milwaukee's RiverWalk is home to an outdoor art gallery called RiverSculpture! that includes both permanent pieces and temporary installations that change periodically. As you stroll along the RiverWalk you'll enjoy making new discoveries, from small, whimsical sculptures such as Gertie, the world's most celebrated duck, to sizeable and striking abstract works. There are currently 20 sculptures on display representing national, regional and local artists. Also located in the heart of downtown Milwaukee is the Wisconsin Center, one of the world's most architecturally exhilarating and techno- logically robust convention facilities. The facility offers 188,695 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit space, a 37,506-sq. ft. Grand Ballroom, an additional 39,640 sq. ft. of meeting space that can be divided into as many as 28 meeting and breakout rooms, and $1.2 million in public art. The center is connected by skywalk to more than 1,300 hotel room at the Hilton Milwaukee, Hyatt Regency Milwaukee, and SpringHill Suites Milwaukee Downtown Marriott. Fortunately, the area's popularity has not gone unnoticed. Several years ago, Milwaukee's RiverWalk was designated one of America's Ten Great Public Spaces by the American Planning Association (APA). Milwaukee is nicknamed the "City of Festivals," and it only takes a glance at the calendar to know why! Most of the city's great street festivals and year round special events, plus near-weekly ethnic festivals and huge events like Summerfest are easily accessible on foot. For more information contact Visit Milwaukee at (800) 5544-1448. B M & T ••• May/June 2022 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 41 INTERNATIONAL RIVERFRONT, DETROIT, MI W hile Detroit may be best known for its automobile industry and for the iconic Motown sound, no story about cities with riverwalks would be complete with showcasing Detroit's pedestrian friendly International Riverfront. This popular tourist attraction extends from the Ambassador Bridge in the west to Belle Isle in the east, for a total of 5½ miles. The International Riverfront encompasses a cruise ship passenger terminal and dock, a marina, a multitude of parks, restaurants, retail shops, skyscrapers, and high-rise residential areas along with Cobo Convention/Exhibition Center and Joe Louis Arena. Visitors to the area will have no trouble finding plenty of things to do and see to in this Detroit hotspot. Also located on the International Riverfront, the Huntington Center, formerly known as the TFC Center, and before that as Cobo Center, features 22.4 million sq. ft. of usable space, a 40,000-sq. ft. Grand Ballroom, which can accommodate 3,500 theater-style and 2,250 for banquets. With 723,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, Huntington Place boasts one of the largest con- tiguous exhibit floor spaces in North America and is the 19th largest convention center in the country. Elegant banquet rooms and more than 80 meeting rooms comprise 180,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. With so many convention facilities, accommodations, attrac- tions and recreational options clustered around the Detroit International Riverfront for easy access, it's no wonder planners and their delegates are placing Detroit high on their wish list of meeting destinations. Private companies and foundations together with the city, state, and federal government have contributed several hundred million dollars toward the riverfront development. Key public spaces in the International Riverfront, such as the RiverWalk, Dequindre Cut Greenway and Trail, William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor, and a cruise ship passenger terminal and dock at Hart Plaza encourage and accommodate foot traffic. This makes sense, since the area provides an ideal venue for a variety of annual events and festivals including the Detroit Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Free Press International Marathon, the Detroit International Jazz Festival, Motor City Pride, the North American International Auto Show, and River Days. Renaissance Center with International Riverfront in foreground Milwaukee Riverwalk