Campus Martius Voted Best Public Square In America By USA Today
It’s not like we’re spending our days thinking about public squares, but many of us appreciate a trip to one every now and then. This is especially true if you’re into farmers’ markets or places where people gather that are full of culture. USA Today, 10 Best put out their list of the ten best public squares in America. And a popular Michigan spot made their list.
These ten public squares have been nominated by an expert panel and voted by readers as the best in the United States. “Not just for their aesthetic value, but also for their historical significance and communal importance,” they said.
Campus Martius Takes The Top Spot
One of my favorite places to visit, no matter the season, is Campus Martius Park. It stole the show on USA Today’s best public squares list in the number one spot. There’s never a dull moment at Campus Martius. In the winter, it comes to life with the ice rink, holiday lights, and beautifully lit tree, and in the summer, it becomes beachy with music, food trucks, and a mini beach with sand. The outlet highlighted Detroit’s gathering place for its skyline views and the Woodward Fountain.
You can’t really beat the location either. It’s a short walk to Greektown, Hart Plaza, and plenty of entertainment and foodie stops. The one thing you should probably plan ahead for is parking, though. It seems to be hit or miss, depending on what’s happening at the park.
According to the City of Detroit, this park was created in 2003 at the site of Detroit’s point of origin located at 0 miles, where the vision for the city’s plan was originally laid out by Augustus Woodward in 1805.
Oxford, Mississippi made its mark in the number two spot. “The Square in Oxford, Mississippi, features well-preserved architecture, and it hosts diverse boutiques, art galleries, and local shops, including the oldest department store in the South, and is renowned for its dining options from down-home Southern cooking to haute cuisine,” they said.
Wrapping up the top three is Knoxville’s Market Square. When I lived in Knoxville, I stayed just minutes away from here. It was the center of downtown Knoxville and there was always something going on. Whether it be live music, an art show, an ice rink, or a tailgate for UT. It’s within walking distance of many places to dine, stay, and be entertained. Market Square features two water play fountains and hosts its own outdoor events throughout the year. “Bring the whole family (even the pets) to Market Square in Knoxville, which has been a popular spot to live, work, and play since the 1860s,” said the outlet. If you haven’t been, it’s worth adding to your bucket list.
Check out the complete list of the best public squares in America here.
