Campus Martius Park, Detroit

Campus Martius Park is a vibrant public space located in Downtown Detroit. Its history dates back to the aftermath of the Great Fire of 1805 when Judge Augustus Woodward used the area as the focal point for his plans to rebuild the city. The park's name, "Campus Martius," is derived from the Latin term for "Field of Mars," symbolizing a space where Roman heroes once walked. It was also named after the principal square in Marietta, Ohio, the first capital of the Northwest Territory.

Campus Martius was once a large central gathering space in Detroit but was lost in the early 1900s due to downtown reconfiguration for traffic. Although Hart Plaza was created as a replacement, its lack of greenery sparked efforts to restore Campus Martius, which reopened on November 19, 2004.

The revitalized Campus Martius Park covers 1.2 acres and features two performance stages, public spaces, sculptures, and a seasonal ice skating rink inspired by, and larger than, the iconic rink at Rockefeller Center in New York City. Although smaller than the original park, additional green space was created nearby with the opening of Cadillac Square Park in 2007.

The Woodward Fountain, surrounded by seating and beautiful landscaping, is a park highlight. Attractions include the Michigan Soldiers and Sailors Monument and the Point of Origin 1806 marker, which designates Detroit's coordinate system's starting point, aligning with roads like Seven Mile and Eight Mile.

Campus Martius Park has become a hub for year-round activities. It is the site of the annual Motown Winter Blast, attracting over 450,000 visitors to the downtown area, and it hosts Detroit’s official Christmas tree lighting celebration each November, drawing thousands for live music, festive decorations, and the holiday countdown.