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Wheelhouse June Bicycle Tours
June’s public tour calendar is a full roster of what we have to offer. We still have openings for Corktown 6/17, Belle Isle 6/18, and Auto Heritage 6/25. The Corktown tour will feature the brand-new Southwest Greenway!
Our bi-weekly Thursday tour of the Detroit Riverfront and Dequindre Cut kicks off on June 15 and bi-weekly Tuesday Eastern Market tours start up on June 20. Our weekday tours are perfect for a family outing: they’re shorter in both mileage and time than our weekend tours and they are also less expensive. They max out at six riders tops and stay mostly on dedicated biking and walking paths like the Detroit Riverwalk, Dequindre Cut, and Dennis Archer Greenway.
We love working with groups to set up private tours, whether it’s for a group of family and friends, a work outing, or whatever! We have a lot of options and our bookings coordinator, Linda, is able to work with you to secure a date and time. We can include food or drink stops if so desired, we want your ride with Wheelhouse to be amazing!
We hope to ride with you this season. So far, 2023’s season has been off to an awesome start!
Wheelhouse In The News
We were fortunate to get some great press recently:
Many thanks to Robar PR and the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy for connecting us with the media. It’s a huge bonus for a small business, and we truly do appreciate it!
Status Report: Wheelhouse Bicycle Tours
PUBLIC TOURS:
MAY THE 4th SPECIAL! Our monthly tours are Architecture, Auto Heritage, Belle Isle, & Corktown. $10 off TODAY ONLY per rider for the first outing of each of these 4 tours! Use discount code MAYTHE4TH at checkout. The eligible dates are May 7 for Architecture, May 20 for Auto Heritage and Corktown, and June 18 for Belle Isle.
Underground Railroad 5/21 is sold out, and there is just one space open on 5/28. These dates are the only opportunities for this incredible tour this season.
Churches of Poletown on 5/12 is nearly sold out, but there are still 10 spaces open for 5/13. This tour is only offered one weekend each year and always sells out.
Music Heritage and Public Art will be offered just twice this season, and Techno is always a one-and-done. Another one-off is Historic Places of Worship, on May 27.
Haunted will close out the season four times over the last two weekends of October. These always fill up early!
Eastern Market and Detroit Riverfront are both offered bi-weekly from June through September. These tours are shorter in distance and time as well as less expensive than our other tours. Great for families.
Our Google Calendar is HERE and more info and booking is HERE.
PRIVATE TOURS:
Weekends in May are already booked up, but weekdays are still available.
We will not be offering public or private tours June 2 to 5 due to the Grand Prix.
Find out more about private tours HERE, including baseline pricing and route options.
Feel free to reach out to Linda, our bookings coordinator, at bookings@wheelhousedetroit.com to get rolling on your outing. Group rentals are also available; contact Linda for more info! We need at least a week to set up a private tour, but the more time the better to make sure we can do the tour that you want when you want it.
Summer Hours 2023
We’ll be going to 7-Days-A-Week beginning May 15! Our Summer Hours will be Sunday to Thursday 11AM-6PM and Friday & Saturday 10AM-8PM. That’s a glorious 55 hours a week of Wheelhouse.
Until then, we’ll remain open Thursday to Sunday 11AM-7PM.
Please note that we will be CLOSED June 2 to 5 for the Grand Prix. Also be aware that construction road closures for the race have already begun, so please bear with us as we deal with that this month! You can sign up for course build-out updates HERE, but we haven’t seen it in action yet so cannot vouch for its accuracy.
All About Our Rentals
Thinking about renting a bike from Wheelhouse? We do our best to make it super easy. Our staff will help you select the right bike for where and how you want to ride, and we’ll make sure you’re comfy.
We adjust the saddle height and make sure that you’re comfortable with the brakes and gears before you take off. A lock and helmets are provided at no additional charge. (Helmets are optional for adults, but anyone under the age of 18 is required to wear one.)
We offer bikes and accessories for the entire family. For the kiddos, there’s a child seat (which can hold up to 35lb), trailers (which can accomodate 1 or 2 children weighing up to 100lb), and a tag-along, which is great for kids in the 4 to 6 age range still learning to balance on two wheels. We also have an assortment of BMX bikes for kids that are riding on their own.
For adults, we have simple cruisers, appropriate for a chill ride along the Riverfront, and comfort hybrids and deluxe cruisers for more ambitious riders. For those really wanting to put on some miles, we have the option of sport hybrids. We also have an adult trike a a few tandems!
To rent a bike, we require either to hold onto an ID or a credit card deposit as well as a signed waiver for each rider. If you’re planning on bringing out some kids that you aren’t the parent or guardian of, you’ll need to get our waiver filled out and signed in advance of your visit.
You can reserve online to streamline your process. Well not required — we always have some bikes on hand — we do recommend it if you want a child accessory (seat, trailer, tagalong) or trike or tandem, especially on a summer weekend.
Locals Special! Weekdays (Monday through Thursday), 2-hour cruiser rentals are 25% off. Valid ID required. Residents of Detroit, Hamtramck, and Highland Park are eligible.
More questions? Check out our FAQ!
Open for Season #16!
Our doors are open for the season! Our current hours are Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 11AM to 7PM.
Come by to rent a bike, drop off your bike for service, or shop.
2023 Tour Season Takes Shape
We’re busy calendar-ing our 2023 tour season and have more than a handful of public tours ready for booking. We’re excited to once again share with you some Detroit stories while enjoying a nice ride! Here’s an overview of 10 that are ready to roll.
Auto Heritage: One of our most-popular and highly regarded tours. Offered in partnership with Motorcities National Heritage Area and including a tour of the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant. Held monthly.
Underground Railroad: This unique and informative tour takes you to the sites and introduces you to the people integral to Detroit’s role in the Underground Railroad. Offered just twice in May.
Historic Places of Worship: Visit churches and synagogues that reveal stories of Detroit’s early history. Offered just once in May.
Techno: Enjoy a tour of the city with a focus on techno, a perfect day-time adventure during Movement Weekend. This tour is held just once a year!
Churches of Poletown: Learn some neighborhood history and enjoy some Polish food and music at the Sweetest Heart of Mary Pierogi Festival. This tour is held twice on the same weekend in August as the Pierogi Fest.
Haunted: This is a fun ride that blends some history with some myths and legends. This tour is offered four times in October.
Eastern Market and Riverwalk & Dequindre Cut: These two tours are offered on weekdays. They are shorter (and less expensive!) than our weekend tours and are also very family-friendly. Each is offered bi-weekly June through September.
Early season dates for Architecture and Corktown have been set, but both of these monthly tours will have more dates added soon.
We will still be adding Belle Isle, Southwest Detroit, Public Art, Music Heritage, and Sports Heritage to the roster so stay tuned!
And of course, we are available for private bookings as well. Find out more HERE.
Early Season Service Pick-up & Delivery Special
Spring is here and we know how antsy you are to get riding again! Now is the perfect time to get your annual tuneup. Your bike’s probably been sitting around since the fall and it needs some love. Last season, we did a blog post called, “Why Tuneup?”
Your poor bike has been accumulating rust and dust, the enemies of smooth shifting and safe braking. Let us get her back into dependable riding shape.
Standard tune-ups cost $75; we adjust brakes, gears + derailleur; perform a minor (on-bike) wheel true; lube and check chain; check and tighten crank & headset; and wipe down the frame and wheels. If your bike needs more or less love than that, we are very honest and transparent about what needs to be done.
Is getting your bike to the shop a royal pain in the keister? We got you! Through April 14, we are running a special where we will come pick up your bike and deliver it after service for no additional charge. (NB: This discount applies to Detroit, Highland Park, and Hamtramck addresses. Regular delivery fees can be found HERE.)
To get scheduled, fill out the form HERE or send an email to kelli@wheelhousedetroit.com.
2023 Opening Day + Service Special
Wheelhouse will open our doors for Season #16 on March 25, 2023. We’ll be open the 25th and 26th from 11am to 7pm then roll into four days a week for Spring.
We will be offering complimentary service pick-ups and deliveries for tune-ups from April 1 to 14 within the city limits (Detroit, Highland Park, and Hamtramck). More info HERE. Please email kelli@wheelhousedetroit.com to schedule.
Wheelhouse Detroit Private Bicycle Tour Options (2023)
Near East Side — 8 to 16 miles, 2 to 3 hours: This tour showcases several of Detroit’s unique attractions. Depending on group choice, weather, and/or day of the week, stops may include the Dequindre Cut, Heidelberg Project, Earthworks Urban Farm, Eastern Market, Lafayette Park, Elmwood Cemetery, the Detroit Riverwalk, Belle Isle, and West/Indian Village. A beverage stop can be included upon request. This tour is highly customizable to the length of ride-slash-number of stops the group desires.
Near West Side — 8 to 16 miles, 2 to 3 hours: Explore the Riverwalk, Downtown, Corktown, and Mexicantown on this tour. Depending on group choice, weather, and/or day of the week, stops may include the Underground Railroad Monument, Campus Martius, Capitol Park, Most Holy Trinity, the site of Tiger Stadium, Michigan Central Station, Ste. Anne’s Church, and Clark Park. A beverage stop can be included upon request.
Detroit RiverWalk/Dequindre Cut — 5 to 8 miles, 2 hours (This tour is $200 on weekdays for up to 6 riders, $250 on weekends.): Ideal for families, this tour is almost entirely on greenways, separated from auto traffic. Short and sweet, it focuses on the beautifully renewed RiverWalk and the Dequindre Cut rail-to-trail.
Booze* & Bikes — Approx. 10 miles, 3 hours: Detroit has an amazing craft beer, cocktail, and wine culture. Stops will vary depending on interest, time, and date. Options include Atwater Brewery, Motor City Brewing Works, Batch Brewery, Motor City Wine, Two James Distillery, Detroit Distillery, Brix Wine, and more. *If booze ain’t your thing, we can take you to cafes or shops instead!
Corktown — Approx. 8 miles, 3 hours: Get inside info on Detroit's oldest neighborhood, including charming Victorian homes, historic churches and buildings, and vibrant and dynamic businesses. Stops include Most Holy Trinity Church, Michigan Central Station, North Corktown, and the site of Tiger Stadium. A beverage stop can be included upon request.
Eastern Market — Approx. 5 miles, 2 to 3 hours: This tour takes in the Dequindre Cut, Lafayette Park, and the historic market, with an emphasis on history, current development, shopping opportunities, and vibrant murals.
Belle Isle — Approx. 15 miles, 3 hours: Explore the architecture and ecology of Detroit's island gem, including the Flynn Pavilion, Aquarium and Conservatory, Oudolf Garden, the Iron Belle Trail, the Boat and Yacht Clubs, the Casino, Dossin Great Lakes Museum, and Livingstone Lighthouse. Depending on the day of the week, the tour can include stops at one or more of the listed attractions.
Music Heritage — Approx. 12 miles, 3 hours: Music originating from Detroit has been innovative and impactful, spanning many genres that include techno, rock, gospel, hip hop, soul, punk, and, of course, Motown. This tour will take in many relevant sites, including the Masonic Temple, Michigan Theater, St. Andrews Hall, Detroit Opera House, Music Hall, Chin Tiki, the site of the Gold Dollar, United Sound Systems Recording Studio, and the Motown Museum. A stop at the Old Miami, Motor City Brewing Works, or Third Man Records can be included.
Urban Agriculture — Approx. 15 Miles, 3 hours: Detroit has a deep history of urban agriculture; presently there are more than 1,400 farms and community gardens across the city. On this tour, learn the impetus of this movement and how it is impacting the lives of Detroiters. The tour will visit a variety of different farms and market gardens and discuss the movement's history as well as its challenges and opportunities. Throughout, Detroit's unique food system will be explored from all angles. Neighborhoods visited include North Corktown, Core City, North End, Eastern Market, and Poletown.
Books & Bikes – Approx. 13 Miles, 3 hours: Check out some of Detroit’s independent book shops. Stops can include John K. King Books, Detroit Specials, 27th Letter Books, Source Booksellers, Vault of Midnight, and the main branch of the Detroit Public Library. A beverage stop can be included upon request.
Haunted Detroit — Approx. 13 miles, 3 hours: This tour combines some ghostly anecdotes with factual historic info about Harry Houdini, Elmwood Cemetery, Capitol Park, and the St. Aubin Street Massacre. We also visit a few spots rumored to be haunted, including the Fort-Shelby and Leland Hotels, The Whitney, and the Masonic Temple and talk about the legendary Nain Rouge. The route includes Rivertown, Elmwood Park, Poletown, Midtown/Cass Corridor, and Downtown. A beverage stop is included.
The 11 tours described above all have at least one guide with flexible availability. We also have a couple of tours with guides that have more limited availability. If one of them is your preference, we are happy to reach out, we just want you to be aware that it’s not always possible.
Auto Heritage — Approx. 12 miles, 3 hours: Discover how Detroit became the center of the automotive industry with stops at the Globe Building, Dequindre Cut, Packard Plant, the GM Detroit-Hamtramck (Poletown) Assembly Plant, Fisher Body 21, New Center (former GM Headquarters and Fisher Building), TechTown, and the site of Ford’s Bagley Garage. Midway, we will enjoy an extended stop at and brief tour of the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant (dependent on date/time). This tour is conducted in partnership with the Motorcities National Heritage Area. A beverage stop can be included upon request.
Architecture — Approx. 15 miles, 3 hours: This informative overview of significant architecture in and around Downtown Detroit is one of our most popular tours. Led by architect Chris Gongora, the discussion centers on architecture in relation to urban planning, past and future developments, and the social implications of architectural design, good and bad, in Detroit. Sites include Hart Plaza, the Financial District, Cass Corridor, Brush Park, Eastern Market, and the Dequindre Cut. As a private tour, Architecture is only available on weekdays. For an additional fee, Chris can customize a tour for your group that focuses on a specific neighborhood, era, or building type.
Last edited 08/03/23