30 Best Things to Do in Detroit Michigan
It might be known for cars and Motown more than as a popular travel destination, but there are a lot of things to do in Detroit, and for that reason alone it should be on your radar. Once you know about all the cool things to do in Detroit, the city is going to end up being on your best places to visit list for next summer guaranteed.
The coolest things to do in Detroit Michigan
Michigan sits in the Great Lakes region between Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. (It is less than three hours from where we live in Canada and has often been a go-to destination for us) Detroit is Michigan’s largest city although it is not the capital of Michigan. (That title goes to Lansing.) Detroit Mi is known as the motor city, and rightly so as it is considered the car capital of the world. That’s thanks to the fact that the four major car founders decided to use Detroit as the hub of their operations in the first part of the 20th century.
While the city’s automobile roots remain strong, these days it is known for many other things. Everyone can enjoy food, art, museums and so much more when you visit the city of Detroit. Up next we’re going to tell you about 15 things to do in Detroit that are going to make you want to pack your bags right now.
1. Ride the People Mover
One of our favourite things to do when visiting Detroit is getting around on the People Mover. The 2.9-mile looped system has 13 stations, with automatic stops at popular downtown Detroit locations. It costs only .75 to ride and it took us to a lot of Detroit’s top attractions including the GM Renaissance Centre, Joe Louis Arena, the former home of the Detroit Red Wings, and Downtown. It’s a great way to get a lay of the land. Renting a bike is another great way to get around Detroit as well.
Where to Stay in Detroit The Marriott at the Renaissance Center is located directly on the People Mover making it a good central location. Located in one of the 7 towers of the Renaissance Centre, this is a great location in Detroit. Doubletree Suites by Hilton — We enjoyed our stay here in Fort Shelby, a historical district at the train station. The Fox Theatre and Detroit Opera House are nearby, and some of the area’s notable landmarks include Masonic Temple and Ambassador Bridge.
2. Motown Museum
Detroit is the birthplace of Motown and if you want to visit the best piece of Motown history, you need to check out the Motown Museum. This is one of the best things to do in Detroit, Michigan. The museum is housed in two houses, one of which belonged to an old resident that opened up the first Motown recording studio in the house.
Located in the original recording studio and headquarters, the two small houses that house the legacy of Motown may look ordinary from the outside. However, when you get inside you can feel the excitement of seeing where the legendary Motown artists like Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5 got their first break.
The Motown Museum, also known as Hitsville U.S.A. is dedicated to preserving the legacy of Motown Records and the artists who made it famous.
Motown Records was founded in Detroit in 1959 by Berry Gordy Jr. and quickly became one of the most successful and influential record labels in history. Motown’s roster of artists included legends like Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross and The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, and The Temptations.
The Motown Museum allows visitors to step inside the original recording studio where many of Motown’s most famous hits were recorded. Step inside the iconic Studio A and stand in the same spot where Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, and The Four Tops recorded their hits.
Address: 2648 Berry Gordy Jr. Boulevard, 2648 W Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48208, United States
3. The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation
You can’t go to Detroit Michigan and not visit the Henry Ford Museum. This is where Detroit resident Henry Ford started the legendary Ford Motor Company and when you visit you’ll get a taste of how Ford made it happen. You also get to see the best artifacts that represent Henry Ford’s vision and life.
There are other vehicles on display, see the bus where Rosa Parks sat and see some other innovations from the Wright Brothers. Or what about the home of the future, Dymaxion House, the most cost-effective, strongest and lightest house imagined.
This is also the place you’ll be able to get your very first glimpse of the Ford Class Model T,. The Model T Ford is the very car that got the whole world to use cars. Outside of the Henry Ford Museum is Greenfield Village and it is one of the things to do in Detroit that you can’t miss.
Greenfield Village is an outdoor museum that is designed to look like a village from when America was first settled. More than 100 historic buildings were brought in from Detroit Mi and from all over the US to make up Greenfield. This is one of those attractions you must not miss.
Address: Greenfield Village, Dearborn, MI 48124
4. Henry Ford Rouge Factory Tour
To complement your Henry Ford Museum visit, take a tour Henry Ford Rouge Factory. The Ford River Rouge Complex is home to attractions courtesy of the Ford Motor Company. It houses the factory and machinery that has kept the giant automaker up and running for decades. As a visitor, you’ll be interested in visiting the Ford Rouge Factory Center where there are six Ford factories.
It has undergone a recent transformation, showcasing how communities and businesses can thrive together while celebrating America’s past and future.
You can tour the assembly-line facilities and get a taste of what it takes to build a Ford. It is something you have to see at least once in your lifetime before factories are taken over by robots and there is nothing to see. This is also one of those kids attractions that children remember visiting for a lifetime, so travelers with kids should definitely put the Ford Rouge Factory tour as one of the attractions on your list.
5. Detroit Riverfront
It has been named the best riverfront walk among all US cities and for good reason. Besides its spectacular views are all of the activities you can take part in. Taking a walk goes without saying, but you can also take a boat ride along the riverfront.
The Detroit Riverfront is a 5.5-mile-long stretch of waterfront from the Ambassador Bridge to Gabriel Richard Park, along the Detroit River that has been completely redeveloped thanks to the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy.
The Detroit Riverfront features several parks, including William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor, Gabriel Richard Park, and Robert C. Valade Park. These parks offer green spaces for walking, jogging, picnicking, and enjoying the waterfront views. There are also several bike and walking paths that run along the riverfront, providing access to the many attractions along the way.
The riverfront is home to several iconic landmarks, including the Renaissance Center, and the Ambassador Bridge, which connects Detroit to Windsor, Ontario, Canada.
Address: 588 E Jefferson, Detroit, MI 48207
6. The Detroit RiverWalk
The riverfront is also home to the Detroit Riverwalk, a scenic pathway that runs along the riverfront and is a great way to spend an afternoon.
We rented some bikes at Wheelhouse and rode out to Belle Isle. The Detroit Riverwalk and the Detroit Riverfront are often used interchangeably, but there is a subtle difference. The Detroit Riverfront refers to the entire 5.5-mile-long stretch of waterfront along the Detroit River While the Detroit RiverWalk is a 3.5-mile pedestrian and bicycle path.
This is one of the best things to do in Detroit rent bicycles or relax and follow the Detroit River as you pass plenty of landmarks including the Renaissance Towers where General Motors has its headquarters. Across the river in Windsor Canada, you’ll be able to spot Caesars Palace Casino, why not get your passport and head over to visit us in the Great White North for an afternoon?
Detroit Riverwalk, Detroit, MI
7. Belle Isle Park
This picturesque island is also the largest park owned by any city in all of the United States. The park is beautiful all year round but is especially nice to visit in the spring and summer when the weather is warm. You can walk the whole island and enjoy a picnic in one of the many green areas. It is one of the more popular attractions in the city.
Alternatively, if you’re up for some adventure, this is the place to have it. You can check out the Belle Isle Conservatory as well as the island’s aquarium, fountain, museum, and nature center. You can also golf on the island, as well as get a tan on the beach in the summer. Essentially, Belle Isle is your one-stop shop for all kinds of experiences and attractions on the map. If you’re looking for things to do in Detroit, you can come to Belle Isle Park and do all of them in one place.
99 Pleasure Dr, Detroit, MI 48207
