Detroit Thanksgiving Parade Travel Guide: Streets Closed, Bus Detours, and Where to Park

As Detroit gears up for the 2025 America's Thanksgiving Parade, residents and visitors should be aware of significant street closures, bus detours, and parking options to ensure a smooth experience.

 

Street Closures

 

Starting at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, November 25, Gratiot Avenue between Farmer Street and Woodward Avenue will close for parade setup.

 

On Wednesday, November 26:

 

• 9 a.m.: Woodward Avenue between West Grand Boulevard and Warren Avenue will close.

 

• 12 p.m.: Woodward Avenue from Warren Avenue to Congress Street will close.

 

• 1:30 p.m.: Atwater Street from Civic Center Drive to the Residence Water's Square Valet will close.

 

• 6 p.m.: Griswold Street between Fort Street and Congress Street will close.

 

On Thursday, November 27:

 

• 5 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Woodward Avenue from West Grand Boulevard to Larned Street will be closed.

 

• 5 a.m. to approximately 10 a.m.: Several streets, including West Jefferson Avenue, Michigan Avenue, Fort Street, Congress Street, Larned Street, Shelby Street, Monroe Street, Lafayette Boulevard, Washington Boulevard, and Atwater Street, will be closed for the Turkey Trot.

 

Additionally, the southbound Lodge Freeway exits at West Jefferson/Cobo and Larned Street (Exits 1A & 1B), and the northbound Lodge exit at West Jefferson (Exit 1A) will be closed starting at 7 a.m. during the Turkey Trot. The Larned exit will reopen after the event concludes.

 

Bus Detours

 

The Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) advises passengers to expect delays beginning at 6 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day due to street closures.

 

From 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., the following bus routes will be affected by the parade:

 

• 3 Grand River

 

• 4 Woodward

 

• 5 Van Dyke/Lafayette

 

• 6 Gratiot

 

• 8 Warren

 

• 9 Jefferson

 

• 16 Dexter

 

• 23 Hamilton

 

• 31 Mack

 

• 42 Mid-City Loop

 

• 52 Chene

 

• 67 Cadillac/Harper

 

For the Turkey Trot, from 7 a.m. to approximately 10 a.m., these routes will be impacted:

 

• 1 Vernor

 

• 3 Grand River (detour continues until about 5 p.m.)

 

• 19 Fort

 

• 27 Joy

 

• 29 Linwood

 

DDOT will operate on a Sunday schedule on Thanksgiving Day for all regular routes at standard fares. For more information, contact DDOT’s Customer Service Office at (313) 933-1300.

 

Parking Options

 

The Detroit Municipal Parking Department recommends the following facilities:

 

• Ford Underground Garage (30 E. Jefferson Avenue):

 

- November 26: 6 a.m. - 11 p.m. ($5 for the first two hours, $10 for two to four hours, $15 for more than four hours)

 

- November 27: 5 a.m. - 7 p.m. ($10 flat rate)

 

• Eastern Market Garage (2727 Riopelle Street):

 

- November 26: 6 a.m. - 11 p.m. ($5 flat rate)

 

- November 27: 5 a.m. - 7 p.m. ($10 flat rate)

 

Metered street parking will be free on November 27 and 28. However, vehicles blocking driveways, crosswalks, fire hydrants, or other critical access points will be ticketed and possibly towed.

 

Detroit People Mover

 

The Detroit People Mover will operate from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. The Grand Circus Park Station will offer free hot chocolate and hand warmers from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. during the parade. The station is located at 1 Park Street between Woodward and Washington, next to the Autograph David Whitney Hotel.

 

Lost Children

 

If a child becomes lost during the event, parents can locate them at the Detroit Police Department Downtown Services, 20 Atwater Street, or call (313) 237-2850.

 

By planning ahead and staying informed about these closures and detours, attendees can fully enjoy Detroit's Thanksgiving festivities without unnecessary disruptions.