Downtown Detroit celebrates a three-peat victory in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards
DETROIT – The Downtown Detroit Partnership today announced a major win for the city: Campus Martius Park has once again been crowned the No. 1 Public Square in the country by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards – marking a three-peat victory for Detroit’s iconic gathering place. It’s an unprecedented achievement that places Detroit at the forefront of transformational public spaces.
Nominated by a team of leading experts and voted on by the public, this third consecutive win is a celebration of Detroit’s creativity, resilience and momentum. Campus Martius Park continues to capture the hearts of millions with its unmatched programming, stunning design and role as the cultural and civic centerpiece of Downtown Detroit.
“This win is a reflection of what makes Detroit so special,” said David Cowan, chief public spaces officer at the Downtown Detroit Partnership. “Campus Martius Park isn’t just a square – it’s the soul of the city. From everyday moments to major national events, we’re proud to keep redefining how public spaces can inspire and connect. Thanks to our amazing partners and everyone who brings this place to life year-round.”
To celebrate this win, the Downtown Detroit Partnership team created a short thank-you video highlighting the spirit behind the space and the people who make it thrive. Media are welcome to download and share the video: youtube.com/shorts/U1_sHTY8zO4.
An international destination, Campus Martius Park welcomes more than 4.5 million visitors annually with more than 1,200 free, year-round activities, concerts, festivals and signature events. The park has hosted everything from the NFL Draft – which brought a record-breaking 775,000 people to Downtown Detroit in 2024 – to beloved traditions like the Detroit Tree Lighting presented by the DTE Foundation, Movie Nights in the D, The Rink at Campus Martius Park and summer fun at The Beach.
Since 2000, the Downtown Detroit Partnership, with support from the City of Detroit, has been a national leader in public space innovation, designing, programming and managing a growing portfolio of award-winning parks and public spaces. Today, the nonprofit organization oversees 18 public spaces across the city, including Cadillac Square, Capitol Park, Grand Circus Park, Beacon Park, Paradise Valley Park and Plaza and more. These spaces collectively fuel Detroit’s momentum as a model for urban revitalization and community connection.
Campus Martius Park has earned numerous accolades over the past two decades for excellence in design, operations, placemaking and programming – including the Urban Land Institute Amanda Burton Award, American Planning Association’s Great Places in America Award and International Downtown Association’s Award of Excellence. Built on Detroit’s original point of origin, the park has become a living symbol of the city’s rich history and progressive spirit.
Nominees for 10Best were curated by a panel of subject matter experts and USA TODAY 10Best editors, with final winners determined by public vote. Supporters could cast their vote once per day during the voting period.
To view the full list of winners in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, visit 10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/best-public-square-2025.
To learn more about Campus Martius Park and Downtown Detroit Partnership’s award-winning public spaces, visit downtowndetroit.org.
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About the Downtown Detroit Partnership
Since 1922, the Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) has worked to cultivate social and economic impact in Downtown Detroit. As a member-based nonprofit, the DDP convenes civic, corporate, community and philanthropic partners to create a vibrant and world-class urban core. As a leader in Downtown urban innovation, the organization also provides small business support and manages, programs and stewards 18 parks and public spaces throughout Downtown Detroit. Learn more at DowntownDetroit.org and engage on social media @DowntownDet.
