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25 Best Things to Do in Detroit (Michigan)

The city of Detroit may not be on top of everyone’s “to see” lists in the United States, in fact many citizens of the States will think you crazy if you confide in them your plans to visit the city. Detroit is certainly going through a tough time, with a high number of abandoned homes and an equally high crime rate.

However if it is a lively city with energy that you crave, Detroit is the place to go. The city is on the mend thanks to young entrepreneurs and artists determined to turn the abandoned buildings into cafes, museums and other exciting ventures.

The people that made Detroit great in the first place also deserve credit, there are still a large number of museums, art galleries and parks that have been around for years and are just as good as ever. Don’t let skeptics put you off visiting Detroit, it may not be Disneyland, but not everyone wants to visit Disneyland, do they? If you are still in doubt of whether to visit the city, here is our list of the best things to do in Detroit to whet your appetite:

1. Visit the Belle Isle Island

Situated in the Detroit River, Belle Isle is a relatively small island measuring about 3 miles in length and only a mile wide, there is however plenty to keep visitors to the island entertained. The parkland on the island is stunning and is a great pace for hikers to enjoy a long walk, the island also has facilities for a number of other sports.

After enjoying the terrain and the scenery, why not visit the island aquarium or the Great Lakes Museum which features models and other artifacts to explore the history of commercial shipping on the Great Lakes.

Included in this tour: Detroit: Undiscovered Beauty & Architecture Gems in Detroit

2. See the Detroit Temple

The Detroit Masonic Temple is visually impressive. It is the largest of its kind in the world and is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the United States.

The temple, which is located on Temple Avenue and built from fine Indiana limestone, has three main areas to explore: the ritualistic tower, the so-called Shrine Club and the auditorium.

The temple is presently used for hosting concerts and other events.

3. Be a bookworm in the Detroit Public Library

When the Detroit Public Library first opened its doors in 1865 its collection consisted of 5,000 books, all of which were contained in a room within the old Capital High School building.

The library has now moved and did so almost a century ago in 1921. Since then it has been the one of the prides of Detroit and a popular tourist attraction.

The Library is home to a staggering number of books but the main reason to visit is the building itself, which is as impressive inside at is it imposing outside. Detroit Public Library is rightfully listed on the United States National Register of Historic Places.

4. Immerse yourself in the history of Fort Wayne

Fort Wayne can be found in West Jefferson and, dating back to 1840, is rightfully named Historic Fort Wayne.

A tour of the site includes exploring the old military barracks, dry moat and tunnel as well as the impressive parade ground and the long stone building which was once the Commanding Officer’s House.

Throughout the year a number of events are held at the fort, particularly in the summer months.

5. Get clued up on the city of Detroit

Detroit has had an eventful history and played an important part in the industrial age in the United States.

The perfect place to learn about this history, and other defining events within the city, is the Detroit Historical Museum.

The Museum is situated on Woodward Avenue opposite the Detroit Institute of Arts and features accurate models of old Detroit railways and streets as well as different exhibitions from various periods throughout the city’s history.

6. Witness the rise of technology in the Henry Ford Museum

The Henry Ford Museum, although not entirely focused on Ford himself is still very aptly named as it focuses on the technological and industrial inventions and achievements of the United States throughout history.

Some of the most notable exhibits within the museum are the very first steam locomotive, built in 1829 by George Stephenson, the car in which John F Kennedy was assassinated and of course the first ever Ford car.

7. Step back in time to visit Greenfield Village

Technically part of the Henry Ford museum but deserving of its own mention, the Greenfield Village in Detroit is a unique experience and certainly a must-visit attraction when visiting the city of Detroit.

Located near the Henry Ford Museum on Oakwood Boulevard, the museum houses almost 100 historic buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries in an open air museum environment.

The buildings within the museum are from various places throughout the United States and have been rebuilt in Greenfield.

The most notable buildings include the building in which Henry Ford was born and the bicycle factory of the pioneering Wright brothers

8. Learn about African Americans within the city of Detroit

The Charles H. Wright Museum of African-American History tells the story of blacks within the city of Detroit and the state of Michigan.

The museum has a wide range of exhibits from various periods throughout history. One of the most memorable exhibits is the underground railway that gave slaves a means of escape from Michigan to Canada.

9. Get arty at Pewabic Pottery

Founded in 1903 by Mary CP Stratton and Horace Caulkins, Pewabic Pottery ran successfully for almost 60 years until the death of Stratton in 1961.

Today Pewabic Pottery is a great place to learn about the history of ceramics in Detroit and the United States as well as viewing the impressive gallery workshop and maybe even trying your hand at making your own piece.

10. Get funky at the Motown Museum

This small museum on West Grand Boulevard packs in a lot of history. Between the years of 1957 and 1972 Motown records were produced here and the studio was home to many a legend including Marvin Gaye who recorded a number of hits here.

The museum itself pays homage to the founder of the studio as well as telling the story of the Motown genre and the artists that made it so popular.

11. Be awestruck by the Renaissance Centre

Although there are many impressive and large skyscrapers lining the river in Detroit, the Renaissance Centre is without a doubt the skyscraper epicenter of the city.

At the Renaissance Centre, you can simply stand and marvel at the staggering 7 towers, one of which is the 73 storey Marriott Hotel, or visit one of the many theaters, restaurants or shops which occupy real estate at this iconic location.

12. Pop in to Henry and Clara Ford’s former home

The Ford’s settled into their Fair Lane home, in Dearborn, in around 1915 and lived together here until their deaths in 1947 and 1950.

A tour of the estate is a great way to spend a few hours whilst in Detroit and offers a chance to see the man-made lake, pony house, five hundred birdhouses and the impressive hydropower station which allowed the estate to create and use its own power. The property itself is currently undergoing restoration work.

13. Enter a Tiger’s Lair

A Detroit Tiger that is. The Detroit Tigers baseball team play in Comerica Park but aside from watching a game of baseball, there are plenty of other reasons to visit Comerica Park whilst in Detroit.

The park has a museum of baseball history which is a must see for any fans of the sport, there is also a carousel and ferris wheel situated here to entice anybody who is not a fan of baseball.

14. Appreciate a varied collection of art in the Detroit Institute of Arts

The Detroit Institute of Arts, located on Woodward Boulevard has an extensive and varied collection of art which spans the earliest human cultures to present day works.

The permanent collections here explore many different countries and continents including works from Africa, the Americas and Oceania.

There are also a number of European masterpieces housed within the Institute including works by Van Gogh and Picasso. Whether you are an art aficionado or not, this museum is highly recommended.

15. Go Antique Shopping

Detroit is a paradise for antique lovers. Whether you are a serious dealer or just a part time bargain hunter, Detroit has a number of places to shop for collectibles and memorabilia.

The Detroit Antique Mall is widely regarded as the best spot for antique shopping in the city while the Eastern Market is also very popular.

There is something for everyone at each of these locations and the phrase “one man’s junk is another man’s treasure” will never be far from your thoughts.

16. Be a big kid at the Morley Candy Factory

Morley Candy Makers are the people responsible for delicious Sanders Candy and the free factory tour is not only entertaining but obviously great value too.

After a short film about how the company got started, guests move on to the 150-foot long Observation Hallway to view the creation of candy such as Pecan Torties and Coconut Custers.

There is, of course, plenty of free samples to enjoy before the tour concludes in the obligatory gift shop, which has candy and ice cream souvenirs and plenty more samples.

17. Watch a movie in the New Centre Park

The New Centre Park can be found opposite the Fisher Building in Detroit on the corner of West Grand Boulevard and Second Avenue.

Open from around 8am until dusk, the park is a great hangout spot in the summer when free film screenings and live music take place regularly.

The park also has a bar and grill, giving guests the opportunity to refuel without leaving the serene park setting.

18. Learn about beads and more

The MBAD African Bead Museum is situated on Grand River Avenue in Detroit and houses a large and intriguing collection of African Artifacts ranging from sculptures and pottery to textiles and beads.

The various pieces date back hundreds of years and are from many different fascinating cultures.

A guided tour of this museum is highly recommended in order to fully understand and appreciate the art and cultures housed here.

19. Discover the story of Arab Americans

Located in Dearborn, about 8 miles from Downtown Detroit, is the Arab American National Museum, which endeavors to tell the story of Arab Americans as well as highlighting their contributions to society during the history of the United States.

The museum is the only one of its kind in the country and contains wonderful multi-media exhibits that ensure visitors are fully immersed and enthralled by the Arab-American story.

The museum is open Wednesday through to Sunday and closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

20. Tour the Automotive Hall of Fame

There is no doubt that the city of Detroit has played an important role in the development of the automobile but this is just one of the reasons to visit the Automotive Hall of Fame in Dearborn.

The museum tells the story of the development of the motor vehicle through history as well as the pioneers who made it happen.

The many exhibits in the Hall of Fame include interactive visual displays as well as artifacts from automotive history.

21. Attempt to visit the Belle Isle Aquarium

At the time of writing the Belle Isle aquarium is closed due to budget cut however, if the aquarium re-opens, it is a must-see on any visit to Detroit.

Located in the heart of Downtown Detroit, the aquarium used to be open all year round and housed an impressive collection including stunning coral reef fish and electric eels.

If the aquarium does not re-open, the building itself is well worth a look and makes for a nice photograph.

22. See the animals of the world in one place

Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak has not been closed down and, as well as being the temporary home for the sea creatures from Belle Isle Aquarium, it is a great day out in the city of Detroit.

The 125 acres of city zoo imitates various animal habitats from around the globe and includes enclosures such as the Arctic Ring of Life and Great Apes of Harambee.

Take some spare cash along as walking around the vat zoo is hungry work and there are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat.

23. Cruise with Diamond Jack

Head to Downtown Detroit for an affordable and entertaining river cruise courtesy of Diamond Jack.

The sightseeing tours last around two hours and are narrated by knowledgeable and interesting staff. Large groups can be accommodated and even weddings are possible on the cruise.

This is a great way to relax but see many of Detroit’s landmarks and iconic buildings.

24. Eat a Coney Dog

This iconic Detroit food is an absolute must when visiting the city. Although you have most likely eaten a hot dog previously in your life, Coney Island is the birthplace of this famous food and arguably has the best Dogs going.

Either Lafayette or American Coney Island are seen as the best places to get a Coney Dog. If authenticity is key however, American Coney Island is known to be the first place in the city to serve the mighty Coney Dog.

25. Eat Greek

The food in Detroit keeps getting better and better and on your visit to the city you will not be short of places to eat. However, Greektown deserves a special mention.

Due to the high number of Greek immigrants that moved to Detroit in the 20th Century, the amount of quality Greek restaurants is staggering. All of the restaurants offer traditional Greek fare in a lively, authentic atmosphere which could easily be mistaken for Greece itself.

Greektown is not just a good place to eat but a great experience and night out. For an authentic (and tasty) Greek bakery experience try the renowned Astoria.

25 Best Things to Do in Detroit (Michigan):

• Visit the Belle Isle Island
• See the Detroit Temple
• Be a bookworm in the Detroit Public Library
• Immerse yourself in the history of Fort Wayne
• Get clued up on the city of Detroit
• Witness the rise of technology in the Henry Ford Museum
• Step back in time to visit Greenfield Village
• Learn about African Americans within the city of Detroit
• Get arty at Pewabic Pottery
• Get funky at the Motown Museum
• Be awestruck by the Renaissance Centre
• Pop in to Henry and Clara Ford's former home
• Enter a Tiger's Lair
• Appreciate a varied collection of art in the Detroit Institute of Arts
• Go Antique Shopping
• Be a big kid at the Morley Candy Factory
• Watch a movie in the New Centre Park
• Learn about beads and more
• Discover the story of Arab Americans
• Tour the Automotive Hall of Fame
• Attempt to visit the Belle Isle Aquarium
• See the animals of the world in one place
• Cruise with Diamond Jack
• Eat a Coney Dog

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19 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Detroit

Written by Lura Seavey and Lana Law Updated Dec 27, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Detroit, the largest city in the state of Michigan, lies on the northwest bank of the Detroit River and on Lake St. Clair, between Lakes Huron and Erie. Downtown Detroit sits at the water's edge and is packed with things to do, as well as restaurants, shops, and interesting neighborhoods like Greektown.

The Dearborn Neighborhood is a top place to visit for sightseeing and is best known for its association with automotive legend Henry Ford, and it is also home to several ethnic neighborhoods, including an Arab-American area that has excellent Middle Eastern dining options.

The suburban Oakland district is home to the Detroit Zoo and also known for its upscale cafés and shops. Outlying neighborhoods include Detroit's "East side" of Macomb, known for its marinas, and the trendy Greater Noni neighborhood, with its golf courses and recreational facilities.

Plan your next trip to Motor City with our list of the best tourist attractions in Detroit.

1. Visit the Detroit Institute of Arts

2. see where it all began at the motown museum, 3. tour the ford piquette avenue plant, 4. visit the detroit zoo, 5. explore historic fort wayne, 6. spend a day on belle isle, 7. tour the henry ford museum & greenfield village, 8. catch a ballgame at comerica park, 9. masonic temple of detroit, 10. go shopping at eastern market, 11. explore the past at the charles h. wright museum of african-american history, 12. michigan science center, 13. stroll the detroit riverwalk, 14. take a cruise on the detroit princess riverboat, 15. detroit historical museum, 16. detroit public library, 17. pewabic pottery, 18. gm renaissance center, 19. explore fair lane, the henry ford estate, where to stay in detroit for sightseeing, map of attractions & things to do in detroit, detroit, mi - climate chart.

The Detroit Institute of Arts displays a representative cross-section of man's artistic creation from the earliest cultures to the present day. Its permanent collection includes more than 65,000 works of art within more than 100 galleries. This includes pieces from Africa, Oceania, and the Indigenous Americas; art of the Near East and classical antiquity; collections from medieval Europe; and American art and culture.

Among the museum's most popular are masterpieces of European painting, including works by Rembrandt, Van Gogh (self-portrait), Matisse, and Picasso. There is also an extensive collection of Islamic art with pottery, bronze, stone, and other works that span from ancient to modern and a gallery dedicated to African American art, which includes a variety of media.

In addition to traditional art forms, the museum is home to a performing arts collection that includes film and theater memorabilia, as well as the Paul McPharlin Puppetry Collection .

Address: 5200 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, Michigan

Official site: http://www.dia.org/

Also referred to as "Hitsville USA" for its iconic sign, the Motown Museum is a small shingle-clad building that was occupied from 1957 to 1972 by the studio where records of the "Motown sound" were produced. Visitors can see the actual recording studio where Marvin Gaye and others produced hit songs and the apartment where Motown founder Berry Gordy Jr. lived with his family.

The museum chronicles the history of the recording studio and the historic days of Detroit's rise to fame as the birthplace of some of the biggest hits of all time. Be sure to call ahead to reserve your tour - admission sells out quickly.

Address: 2648 West Grand Boulevard, Detroit, Michigan

Official site: http://www.motownmuseum.org/

The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant is where the Model T was born, revolutionizing the automotive industry and shaping the way for the future of personal transportation. The building is a National Historic Landmark, formerly the center of manufacturing for what was once the world's most popular car.

Visitors can walk through the plant on the original worn floorboards and admire dozens of beautifully maintained early model vehicles, including Ford's cars and his competitors. You can also see the "experimental room" just as it was when Ford and his team worked on developing and testing new ideas, including a drafting table, tools, and even his mother's rocking chair.

Address: 461 Piquette Street, Detroit, Michigan

Official site: https://www.fordpiquetteplant.org/

The Detroit Zoo occupies 125 acres just outside downtown Detroit, home to an astounding number of animals from around the world. The zoo is separated by habitat type, one of the most popular being the African habitats, which are home to exotic favorites like rhinos, lions, zebras, giraffes, as well as a South American favorite, the sloth. Located within this section is the four-acre ape habitat, which houses a dozen chimpanzees and three silverback gorillas.

The Asian Forest habitat is home to camels, tigers, lemurs, and red pandas, and there is an Australian Outback habitat, which has kangaroos and wallabies. There are also areas devoted to North American wildlife, and an Arctic region, which has polar bears, Arctic foxes, and several types of penguins. Visitors can also enjoy a peaceful visit to the indoor butterfly garden; a free-flight aviary; and the reptile conservation center, home to many types of snakes, frogs, and turtles.

A variety of animal encounters are available to visitors, including giraffe-feeding and penguin meet and greets. The park also has several playgrounds, a train ride, and a 4-D theater, as well as several picnic areas and a low-sensory zone for overstimulated kiddos.

Address: 8450 W 10 Mile Road, Royal Oak, Michigan

Official site: https://detroitzoo.org/

The grounds of Fort Wayne feature a five-pointed bastion fortress built in the 1840s, which tourists enter through the Sally Port, a fortified wooden door made with three layers of wood. Inside the fort stands the large limestone barracks building, which was constructed in 1848. Visitors can tour the first floor to get a peek at what life was like for a soldier in the 1860s.

The fort's interior also includes its oldest building, the powder magazine, and the large open parade grounds. Other features include a restored officer's quarters; the Demilune, which once held the water-facing cannons; and a dry moat. The fort hosts a number of events throughout the summer, as well as several special tours, including nighttime ghost tours that explore the spookier side of the fort.

Address: 6325 West Jefferson, Detroit, Michigan

Official site: www.historicfortwaynecoalition.com

Belle Isle is an island in the Detroit River, approximately three miles long and up to one mile wide, laid out with beautiful parkland, hiking trails, and sports facilities. One of the primary features is the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, which opened in 1904 and includes palms, cacti and desert plants, tropical plants, and a lily pond.

The island is also home to the Dossin Great Lakes Museum , which has numerous ship models and other exhibits illustrating the history of shipping on the Great Lakes, as well as reminders of the days of grand Great Lakes cruises, like the restored Gothic Room from the S.S. City of Detroit III.

Other attractions include the Belle Isle Nature Zoo , where visitors can feed deer, and the recently remodeled Belle Isle Aquarium . There are plenty of recreational opportunities on the island, including a driving range, bicycle and boat rentals, a giant slide, and plenty of swimming holes and hiking trails in and around the park's three lakes.

Official site: https://www.michigan.org/property/belle-isle-park

About 11 miles west of the city center is the suburb of Dearborn, where the automobile manufacturer Henry Ford was born. In 1929, he established two exhibition complexes as memorials to himself: the 12-acre Henry Ford Museum and an open-air museum called Greenfield Village.

The Henry Ford Museum offers a general survey of the development of American life and technological advances from pioneering days to the present time. Among the most notable exhibits are George Stephenson's first steam locomotive (1829); some 200 automobiles, including the first Ford and the car in which John F. Kennedy was assassinated; and the Fokker in which Admiral Byrd made the first flight over the North Pole in 1926.

Just north of the Henry Ford Museum is the entrance to Greenfield Village, an open-air museum with some 100 historic buildings of the 18th and 19th centuries from all over the United States. Among them are a school, railroad station, and other public buildings, the house in which Henry Ford was born, Edison's laboratory, and the Wright brothers' bicycle factory. The numerous shops in the Village Craft Center sell the products of the various workshops in the village.

Address: 20900 Oakwood Boulevard, Dearborn, Michigan

Official site: www.thehenryford.org

Comerica Park is a combination ballpark, theme park, and baseball museum. The park is most famous as the home of the Detroit Tigers baseball team whose history is celebrated along the main concourse in a series of exhibits that highlight the team's accomplishments and milestones, as well as a "Walk of Fame," which celebrates its most famous players.

Behind first base, families can enjoy a nice ride on the carousel, while in the third-base section there is a 50-foot Ferris wheel with seats that look like giant baseballs. If you have the chance to attend a game or event at the park, you will see the famous "liquid fireworks" in action on the center-field wall, where a colorfully lit fountain punctuates home runs and wows the crowd.

Address: 2100 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, Michigan

Official site: http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/det/ballpark/

The Masonic Temple of Detroit is classical Gothic architecture built with Indiana limestone. The temple was dedicated in 1926 and is the largest temple of its kind in the world. The building has three major divisions: the ritualistic tower, the auditorium, and the Shrine Club. The facility hosts concerts and other events. Visitors who would like a tour of this impressive building need to call ahead for a reservation.

Address: 500 Temple Avenue, Detroit, Michigan

Official site: http://themasonic.com/

The 4.5-acre Eastern Market has been operating since 1891, gradually growing to occupy several city blocks close to downtown Detroit. The market is open all year on Saturdays with vendors offering fresh local produce and animal products, preserves, baked goods, and other farmers market fare. Shoppers will also find plenty of handcrafted items, and artists that sell jewelry, clothing, and other unique items.

June through September, the market is also open on Tuesdays and Sundays, with Sundays designated for local craftspeople and artisans. The market shops are housed in several buildings designated as numbered "Sheds" which sit along Russell Street between Wilkins and Winder Streets. Visitors should start at the Welcome Center in Shed 3 on Adelaide Street to pick up a map and hit the ATM before making the rounds.

In addition to the 200-plus vendors located in the sheds, tourists can find dozens of excellent local shops, restaurants, and cafés on the streets surrounding the market. The Market area is also well-known for its public art, especially the murals that adorn several of the buildings in the district; tourists can see the majority of them along Orleans and Erskine Street near Shed 6.

Official site: www.easternmarket.org

The Museum of African-American History illustrates the historical role of blacks in the United States and their position in the city of Detroit. Exhibits deal with a variety of topics, including a look at prominent African American scientists and technological leaders and Detroit's Underground Railroad that enabled slaves to flee from Michigan into Canada.

In addition to permanent and changing exhibits, the museum hosts a wide variety of events, including lectures, discussions, and films that touch upon social, political, and other issues.

Address: 315 East Warren Avenue, Detroit, Michigan

Official site: http://thewright.org/

Located in Detroit's Cultural District, the Michigan Science Center offers a wide variety of exhibits, shows, and activities that engage and entertain all ages. Some of the top attractions within the center include an IMAX dome theater, a planetarium, and an immersive 4-D theater. There are also live stage shows, as well as more than 220 interactive exhibits within its selection of galleries.

Among the most popular galleries are the ones where kids get to be fully hands-on, like STEM Playground and the Smithsonian Spark!Lab. Others include topics of weather, math, health, space exploration, and even an exhibit on steel manufacturing and automation. Although there is no restaurant on-site, visitors are welcome to bring food and "picnic" in designated spaces.

Address: 5020 John R. Street, Detroit, Michigan

Official site: www.mi-sci.org

Detroit's Riverfront area is emerging as a popular place to stroll and enjoy activities year-round. It stretches over three miles from Belle Isle to Rosa Parks Boulevard, with plans to expand west another two miles along the waterfront. Various sites along the Riverwalk host special events, including free concerts and seasonal celebrations.

The Riverwalk begins at Mt. Elliot Park , a recently revitalized green space that offers fully accessible amenities, including water-play stations for kids, a café, and restrooms, as well as a fishing pier. After passing Harbortown Marina , the wide path proceeds west along the water's edge, offering plenty of tree-shaded benches along the way.

Families will appreciate the playground at Robert C. Valade Park , and jazz lovers will want to catch a show at the Aretha Franklin Amphitheater . Farther west, the Riverwalk passes through the William G. Milliken State Park , a lovely area that features a lighthouse, covered picnic pavilions, and several public art installations. Just beyond here, tourists can branch onto alternate paths to walk through a wetland area, beyond which is the Cullen Family Carousel and the Riverfront Community Playground .

Beyond the GM Renaissance Center , tourists will find the International Memorial to the Underground Railroad , behind which sits a large, attractive public space that hosts many of the Riverwalk's big events. The Detroit Princess Riverboat dock sits nearby, and the walk proceeds west past Huntington Place to the Concrete Pyramid .

Part of the park's planned expansion to the west includes connecting the promenade to Ralph C. Wilson Centennial Park (West Riverfront Park), which currently provides a large green space where events are held.

Official site: https://detroitriverfront.org

The Detroit Princess is a five-story 1500-passenger vessel that is docked at Hart Plaza on the Detroit Riverwalk near the GM Renaissance Center. Passengers get a different perspective of the city on two- to three-hour sightseeing cruises, providing opportunities for excellent photos. Tickets include either lunch or dinner, and there are sunset dinner cruises available several nights per week during the summer.

The Princess also offers themed events like Motown Memories and big band nights, as well as New Year's Eve celebrations and other holiday-themed events. The riverboat can also be chartered for private events, and offers rental of portions of the boat for smaller events.

Address: 1 Civic Center Drive, Detroit, Michigan

The Detroit Historical Museum is dedicated to celebrating the motor city's fascinating past, including how the city got the nickname - and the reputation - as the center of the automotive industry. Exhibits include reconstructions of old Detroit streets, model railways, and dioramas that provide a general overview of the city and the events that shaped it.

Additional exhibits include details about the vital role that the city's factories and people played during World War II, Detroit's part in the Underground Railroad, and other defining features of the city. The Detroit Historical Society also operates the Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle, which explores the city's maritime history.

Address: 5401 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, Michigan

Official site: http://detroithistorical.org/

The Detroit Public Library formally opened to the public on March 25, 1865. The initial collection included 5,000 books and was located in a room in the old Capitol High School. The library moved to its present location on March 21, 1921. There are currently 10 departments within the main library and 23 branches.

The building itself is the main attraction and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can take a free, one-hour, docent-led tour of the building, which explores the library's architecture, art, and history.

Address: 5201 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, Michigan

Official site: https://detroitpubliclibrary.org/

Pewabic Pottery was founded in 1903 by Mary Chase Perry Stratton and her partner, Horace Caulkins. The studio, operated by Stratton, continued until her death in 1961 and a few more years after that by her assistant. Today, Pewabic Pottery operates the ceramics museum, gallery workshop, and studio. The studio is a National Historic Landmark and houses an extensive collection of American ceramics in its museum.

There is also a gift shop, where tourists can purchase genuine Pewabic Pottery, from large pieces to a wide variety of Michigan and Detroit souvenir pieces. The museum is free and open to the public daily.

Address: 10125 East Jefferson Avenue, Detroit, Michigan

Official site: http://www.pewabic.org/

Along the Detroit River are huge skyscraper complexes, and dominating them all is the Renaissance Center, which poses as a central feature on the Detroit skyline. This seven-tower complex is a top sightseeing destination, housing the Detroit Marriott , offices, restaurants, and shops that are connected by a dizzying network of escalators and walkways.

There is an observation deck on the 72nd floor, which offers excellent views over the city. The center's most popular attraction is the massive GM showroom, which displays the company's vehicles, including mint-condition early cars and trucks through the newest models.

Address: 100 Renaissance Center, Detroit, Michigan

Official site: http://gmrencen.com/

Located in the Detroit suburb of Dearborn, Fair Lane is the former home of automaker Henry Ford and his wife Clara. The Fords settled into their new home in 1915 and lived there until their deaths in 1947 and 1950. The grounds of Fair Lane include a powerhouse hydropower plant, which gave the estate the independence to produce its own power, heat, and light.

The estate also included a summer house, man-made lake, staff cottages, gatehouse, pony barn, skating house, greenhouse, root cellar, vegetable garden, peony gardens, a "Santa's workshop," and five hundred birdhouses. Although the property is in the process of restoration, the grounds are accessible to visitors.

Address: 1 Fair Lane Drive, Dearborn, Michigan

Official site: www.henryfordfairlane.org

Most visitors to Detroit will want to stay downtown, near many of the key attractions and entertainment venues. The Detroit People Mover, operating in a 2.9-mile circuit, is an inexpensive and convenient way to get around the city center and explore the sights. Below is a list of highly-rated hotels in convenient locations:

Luxury Hotels:

• Right downtown and near a People Mover stop, the Aloft Detroit at The David Whitney is housed in a fully restored 1915 Neo-Renaissance-style building with a spectacular four-story gold leaf atrium.
• The MGM Grand Detroit is a huge complex, with large rooms, great views of the city skyline, and a variety of on-site entertainment options.
• If you are in Detroit for a sporting event, the Westin Book Cadillac is in an ideal location, with all of the major stadiums less than a 15-minute walk from this hotel.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• For something a little different, The Inn on Ferry Street is a beautifully restored, small hotel consisting of four Victorian homes and two carriage houses. Although it is a little outside the city center, it is close to the Detroit Institute of Art.
• The Fort Pontchartrain Detroit, a Wyndham Hotel is a tall, sleek, modern hotel near the Riverwalk area and just minutes from the People Mover.
• For families, the Doubletree Detroit Downtown - Fort Shelby is a good choice, with a variety of options, including large two-room suites.

Budget Hotels:

• The Hotel Indigo Detroit Downtown is an upper-end budget hotel in the downtown area, with a pool on the top floor, and a complimentary breakfast.
• To find better value budget options it's best to head outside of the city center. The Red Roof Inn Detroit Dearborn/Greenfield Village is 12 miles from downtown but only two miles from the Henry Ford Museum.
• The Comfort Inn Near Greenfield Village is in the same area and features an indoor pool and a free shuttle to anywhere within five miles of the hotel.

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Detroit   Travel Guide

8 Best Things To Do in Detroit

Updated Feb. 11, 2021

Whether you're a sports fan, a foodie, an amateur historian or an architecture buff, you'll find something to capture your attention in The D. A stop at the Detroit Institute of Arts should be at the top of your list if you're a culture hound, and so

• All Things To Do

Detroit Institute of the Arts Detroit Institute of the Arts

Arguably one of the city's foremost cultural destinations, t he Detroit Institute of Arts dates back to 1885, but the beaux-arts building ( referred to as the "temple of art")   that it now resides in opened in 1927. The institute is huge, comprising more than 100 galleries, a 1,150-seat auditorium and a 380-seat lecture hall. And its permanent collection is extensive: On its walls are Diego Rivera's "Detroit Industry" fresco and Vincent Van Gogh's "Self Portrait" painting, among other works. The institute also hosts events like Friday Night Live! concerts and Art + Authors book discussions.

For many visitors, a visit to the DIA was a highlight of their Detroit trip, with some calling it a "national gem." Though many were initially drawn because of the museum's Diego Rivera collection, reviewers said they were satisfied with every part of the DIA, especially the temporary exhibits. Visitors also praised the staff, which they said were friendly and helpful.

Motown Museum Motown Museum

An entire genre –  or at least sound –  was born in the space of this small Detroit home. A blue and white sign, reading "Hitsville U.S.A," hangs above the similarly painted building. And with gold records by the Supremes, the Temptations and the Jackson 5, this former Motown recording studio became a hit-making machine from 1959 to 1972. The interior has been left much the same from those magic music-making days, but there are also instruments, costumes and more on display.

Although the museum looks small and admittedly unimpressive from the outside, many visitors say the wealth of experience and information that you receive once inside is worth every minute of your time and every penny of your money. Reviewers particularly praised the tour guides, which they said helped to transport museumgoers back in time to the age of Motown.

Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History

This large museum, named for its founder Charles Wright, tells the story of the African American experience from the beginning of time to the presidency of Barack Obama. Opened in 1965, the museum welcomes guests to it 125,000 square feet of both permanent and rotating exhibits, as well as a library and theater.

Recent visitors said a trip to this museum is a moving experience, with many suggesting you budget a few hours to make your way through its permanent and temporary exhibits. Many reviewers said this museum belongs on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. , because of its superior caliber. Travelers were especially impressed with the "And Still We Rise: Our Journey Through African American History and Culture" permanent exhibit, which spans 20 galleries. Though most said this museum is a must-see for families, some visitors cautioned that parts of the museum can be hard for children to see due to the graphic nature of some exhibits.

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Eastern Market Eastern Market free

Eastern Market draws history geeks and foodies alike. Open since 1891, this 43-acre district (six blocks of which are devoted to the public market) is the largest historic public market district in the United States. Still not impressed? In 1978, the Eastern Market Historic District was added to the National Registry of Historic Places.

Aside from its far-reaching history, Eastern Market showcases local area farmers and merchants. Plan to stop by during the Saturday market – open year-round – to peruse local produce and crafts before grabbing a bite to eat at one of the food trucks stationed nearby.

Detroit's Fox Theatre Detroit's Fox Theatre

If you're in town for any amount of time, catching a performance at this National Historic Landmark is almost required. Events range from Broadway musicals to performances by big name recording artists like Tony Bennett and Ringo Starr, but what truly makes this venue special is its jaw-dropping interior. The walls are plastered in gold leaf and colorful paintings of animals, people, flowers and more; the seats are upholstered in plush red velvet and there's even a giant elephant head sculpture. If the description seems gaudy, rest assured that it's not: spectators agree that the Fox Theatre drips with a classic decadence.

Aside from its stunning architecture and impressively preserved fixtures, the theater also received praise from recent visitors for its quality acoustics and sightlines seen from around the theater.

Comerica Park Comerica Park

If you're not much of a baseball fan, this ballpark – home field for the Detroit Tigers – is for you. While diehard fans are glued to their seats in hopes of catching a fly ball, casual onlookers can enjoy some of the park's more unusual attractions, including a carousel, a 50-foot Ferris wheel, a beer hall, a food court, plus a center field water feature that's synchronized to music. Perhaps it's these unique diversions that earned Detroit a spot on the list of  10 Best Cities for Baseball Fans to Visit .

Recent visitors (especially devoted baseball fans) said this is a beautiful park; some even described it as a bucket-list stadium thanks to its easy-to-navigate layout and skyline views. Plus, travelers reported good sightlines throughout the park, even the bleachers.

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Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1989, the art deco Guardian Building is a must-see for architecture buffs. Known as Detroit's Cathedral of Finance, the Guardian Building was completed in 1929 for the Union Trust Co. The exterior of this 40-story steel-framed building may not look like much, but once you pass through its interior, you'll understand why the building remains one of Detroit's most palatial skyscrapers.

Among the interior's standout features: a 150-foot-long main lobby with a three-story vaulted ceiling, giant columns composed of Travertine marble imported from Italy, a Tiffany & Co. glass clock and an Ezra Winter mural. 

Detroit Zoo Detroit Zoo

Many recent travelers called the Detroit Zoo one of the city's best family attractions. Spread out across 125 acres and boasting more than 2,400 animals, the zoo has a longstanding history in Detroit (it's been open since 1928). Of the zoo's 12 habitats, perhaps the most popular among recent visitors is the Polk Penguin Conservation Center, which debuted in 2016. This 326,000-gallon, 25-foot-deep aquatic area allows zoo visitors to observe more than 80 penguins of four different species explore their habitat. Plus, thanks to an underwater gallery with two tunnels, visitors can see the birds above, around and below.

Along with the animals, the zoo also boasts a carousel (a hit with families), a 4-D theater, scientific displays and a playground, along with more kid-friendly distractions. Reviewers praised the zoo's easy-to-navigate layout and the well-cared for animals, but were disappointed with the dining selections. If you plan to eat at the zoo, bring your own food for a picnic.

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The 20 best things to do in Detroit

From new attractions to legendary history, these are the best things to do in Detroit, Michigan

The list of the best things to do in Detroit is exhaustive, in all the best ways. Not only does the Motor City ooze history (hello, Motown Record Corporation and Ford Motor Company), but artists, creatives, chefs and the like are busy opening some of the country’s best coffee shops, bars, restaurants and bohemian stores. Detroit is also home to fab art museums, trendy markets, some of the best pizza in America and heaps more cool stuff. Check out our list below of the 20 best things to do in Detroit and start planning your next trip to Michigan's largest city. 

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Best things to do in Detroit

1.  Motown Historical Museum

• NW Goldberg

What is it? Music legends were made in this modest Detroit house.

Why go? At 2648 West Grand Blvd you'll find Hitsville USA. In other words, the home of Motown Records, which was founded by Berry Gordy in 1959 in this very house. Many greats recorded here, including Marvin Gaye, The Supremes and Stevie Wonder, while other legends have contributed to the museum. Paul McCartney helped fund the restoration of Motown's 1877 Steinway & Sons grand piano, which you can see in all its glory, and Michael Jackson donated a hat, glove and thousands of dollars. Whether you're a music nut or not, the Motown Museum is a must-see.

2.  Corktown

What is it? One of the hippest neighborhoods in Michigan.

Why go? Here, artists’ collectives and vintage stores cozy up next to cool coffee shops like Astro and cocktail bars like the Sugar House , home to some of the finest mixologists in town. But the most famous Corktown venue of them all is the legendary Slows BBQ , a Detroit staple justifiably renowned for its exquisite brisket and baby back ribs.

3.  Cliff Bell’s

• Theater District

What is it? A sultry art deco jazz club that first opened its doors in 1935.

Why go? Entering Cliff Bell’s is like walking onto the set of a Fred Astaire movie. After extensive renovations in 2005, much of its ’30s glamor was restored and it's now one of the places to see and be seen in Detroit again. Grab a happy hour cocktail at the gorgeous mahogany bar, or make a dinner reservation and enjoy the evening’s live jazz ensemble as you peruse the excellent menu (the bison short ribs with polenta cake is our hot tip).

4.  The RiverWalk

• Attractions
• Parks and gardens

What is it? A 5.5-mile promenade unfurling alongside the city’s spectacular waterfront.

Why go? The RiverWalk boasts outstanding views of the Detroit River beyond. During the summer months it offers a cooler place to exercise than the heat of the city, with locals flocking in their thousands to run, walk or cycle its picturesque course. There are plenty of way stations en route too: for eating, drinking and bike/kayak renting. For those visiting for the first time, there are also free RiverWalk tours given by the excellent Detroit Experience Factory .

5.  The Heidelberg Project

• McDougall-Hunt

What is it? A huge—and hugely surreal—art project.

Why go? Pioneering local artist  Tyree Guyton  has been adorning houses on Heidelberg Street with found objects since 1986. His hope was to renovate the decaying neighbourhood where he grew up into something colourful, creative and inviting, and over the decades transformed numerous houses. The most renowned, Dotty Wotty House, has been turned into a museum accessible by tour only, which must be booked at least two weeks in advance.

6.  Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation

• Transportation
• West Dearborn

What is it? A look at Detroit's industrial and cultural past.

Why go? They don't call Detroit the Motor City for nothing. Widely considered the centre of America's automotive industry, it's here that Henry Ford birthed the idea of manufacturing affordable cars via an assembly line. Learn about that and more at Henry Ford's sprawling museum. Visitors can see the limousine in which JFK was assassinated, the bus on which Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat and behind-the-scenes at the Rouge Factory, which is still in operation today.

7.  Fowling Warehouse

What is it?  What would happen if football and bowling had a lovechild? Fowling, that's what.

Why go? It's a fun bar game (which involves tossing a football at bowling pins), it’s best practiced with a round of beers at Fowling Warehouse. If you’re more serious about your pins, head straight to the stately Garden Bowl , which opened in 1913 and remains America’s oldest active bowling alley.

8.  Eastern Market

• Markets and fairs
• Eastern Market

What is it? A one-stop, six-block shop of foodie heaven.

Why go? As the largest historic market in the country, Eastern Market covers an enormous 43 acres, selling pretty much every kind of food imaginable—as well as hosting the largest open-air flowerbed market in the US. It can get very busy—some 45,000 people come here every Saturday—so if you need a breather, head to the Russell Street Deli , where a delicious breakfast menu is served all day, including their famous fresh hotcakes with toasted pecans and maple syrup.

9.  Detroit Institute of Arts

• Art and design
• Cultural Center

What is it? A prime art collection, including pieces by Picasso, Matisse and Van Gogh.

Why go? Justifiably renowned worldwide, the Detroit Institute of Arts' coup de grace is ‘Rivera Court’; an entire room of outstanding frescoes painted in situ by Mexican artist Diego Rivera during a visit in 1932 with his wife Frida Kahlo. Visit on a Friday evening, when the museum stays open until 10pm and Rivera Court hosts free concerts. And if that’s not enough for your artistic appetite, there’s also the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit , which you'll find in a former Albert Kahn auto dealership.

10.  The Slow Roll

What is it? Michigan’s largest weekly bike ride.

Why go? The Slow Roll has two outspoken aims: to showcase the beauty of Detroit and to spread positivity. Each Monday evening more than 3,000 riders of all ages, abilities and fitness levels come together at a different meeting point in the city, to cycle a new route through its streets. The slow pace of the posse makes it suitable for everybody, and a safe way to grab a unique perspective on Motor City’s ever-accelerating renaissance.

11.  Detroit Theater District

What is it? The second largest theatre district in America (after Broadway).

Why go? Many of Detroit's theaters can be found in grand, historic buildings. Like the Opera House , an ornate structure that parts of which were designed by Charles Howard Crane and date back to 1906. Crane also designed Fox Theatre 's original flagship 'movie palace', which opened in 1928 and remains today. Also worth a visit is the quirky, cabaret-style Century Theatre (lacted inside Gem Theatre), which is especially good for comedy.

12.  Campus Martius Park

• Greater Detroit

What is it? The 'point of origin' of Detroit’s coordinate system (seven miles north is Seven Mile Rd, another mile then Eight Mile Rd, etc.).

Why go? Campus Martius Park remains one of the city’s most important focal points. It’s also one of the best places to hang out for a chilled afternoon: Relax with a specialty coffee from Roasting Plant (and marvel at their Javabot ), or go for a spin round the seasonal ice rink and enjoy a hot cup of cocoa in the colder months. 

13.  Cass Corridor

What is it? Two miles of intriguing bohemia, including galleries, boutiques and restaurants.

Why go?  Along Cass Corridor you can shop at the famous music store owned by Jack White of the White Stripes, Third Man Records , as well as eclectic homeware boutiques like City Bird and Nest . Not to mention the flagship Shinola store, where the renowned bespoke watches and bicycles are produced and sold.

14.  HopCat

What is it? An incredibly well-stocked bar with a nose for great beer.

Why go? Like many major American cities, Detroit is currently undergoing a craft brewery revolution. And leading the delicious, frothy charge up here in Michigan is HopCat. Swing by for a quick tipple from their 130-strong menu (and that's just the taps) or settle in for a thorough evening of 'research', fuelled by HopCat’s beer-battered French fries.

15.  Rose's Fine Food

• Marina District

What is it? Hearty, traditional grub served up like you were one of the family.

Why go? Ask a patron about Rose’s Fine Food and 'charming' will almost certainly be one of the first words out of his or her mouth. Cousins Lucy Carnaghi and Molly Mitchell named the restaurant after their grandmother’s favorite flower, and the whole place feels wonderfully old-fashioned, from the antique china cups to the comfort food on the menu, which includes an extensive selection of pancakes and pastries.

16.  Detroit Historical Museum

• Wayne State

What is it? Home to bite-size exhibitions showcasing the city’s rich 300-year history.

Why go? The Detroit Historical Museum details vital moments in the making of the Motor City and Old Detroit, but it’s the ever-evolving temporary exhibits that keep people flocking to this quaint Midtown institution. In particular, the displays focusing on the city’s rich artistic heritage, which is often unjustly left for dust by its automotive accomplishments.

17.  John K. King Used & Rare Books

• West Side Industrial

What is it? A Detroit institution that’s home to one of the world's finest literary hoards.

Why go? There’s a certain sense magic about John K King Used & Rare Books. With over a million second-hand volumes in stock at any time, the four-story property is a treasure trove of rare stories, vintage volumes and forgotten tales. Lose yourself for a couple of well-spent hours, which isn’t difficult: the collection remains completely uncomputerized, making for a unique shopping experience as you plot a meandering path through its dusty aisles.

18.  Ford Piquette Avenue Plant

What is it? Henry Ford’s (meticulously restored) first factory, which bore the 'car of the century'.

Why go? In 1908, the Ford Model T revolutionized transportation, swiftly becoming the most popular car on the planet. And it was conceived, developed and built right here in Detroit. Today the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant is a not-to-be-missed museum; it's so full of classic vehicles it looks like a parking lot from 100 years ago. Be sure to visit the 'secret experimental room', where Ford invented the vehicle that made driving popular.

19.  Salt & Cedar

• Classes and workshops

What is it? A letterpress studio in the heart of the Eastern Market.

Why go? Sign up for one of the intriguing group classes at Salt & Cedar. Here, creative events range from farm-to-table dinners at one end of the spectrum to bookbinding workshops at the other with film screenings and talks in between. Plus wonderful blends of the two, when guests can enjoy a feast of locally grown ingredients before hand-sewing a journal.

20.  Belle Isle Aquarium

• Zoo and aquariums

What is it? One of Detroit’s truly historic icons and the oldest public aquarium in the US.

Why go? The Belle Isle Aquarium opened in 1904, and within the ornate building features a single large gallery under an arched, green-tile ceiling, to evoke a spookily-accurate underwater ambience. The aquarium (which also served as a speakeasy during Prohibition) is now run by volunteers and opens every Friday to Sunday, 10am-4pm. If you’re heading over to Belle Isle – a 982-acre island park on the Detroit River – take time to check out the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory too, a beautiful 13-acre botanical garden and greenhouse a short walk from the aquarium.

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• 20 Must Visit Attractions In...

Must-Visit Attractions in Detroit, Michigan

While Detroit may not be the most touristy city in the US , it has many attractions to excite and delight you. From world-class art museums and architecture to historical sites and beautiful public spaces, these are the spots you must visit during a trip to the Motor City.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips , compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips .

Detroit Institute of Arts

The world-famous Detroit Institute of Arts has a collection of more than 65,000 artworks – one of the largest and most significant in the US – spanning the entire length of civilization. Its centerpiece is Mexican artist Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry Murals , which depicts the city’s auto laborers across 27 panels. The creativity on display here will inspire you, leaving you ready to take on your next creative venture and maybe wanting to enroll in an art history class, too.

Motown Museum

Learn the story behind the music and have a good time while you’re at it at Hitsville USA. Within the record label’s first and main building, including the legendary Studio A, passionate guides will show you where the magic happened and tell you how Berry Gordy turned an $800 loan into one of the most famous labels of all time. Diana Ross & the Supremes, Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, Stevie Wonder, the Temptations, Marvin Gaye and Michael Jackson are just a few of the artists who have walked through these doors.

The Heidelberg Project

Constantly changing and evolving, Detroit’s most famous outdoor art project is the work of Tyree Guyton, who created it in response to the ongoing blight and decay in the neighborhood. In 2017, Guyton told Culture Trip about his plans to replace some of the famous installations with a new vision, called Heidelberg 3.0. Of course, there’s really only one way to find out what’s happening on Heidelberg Street: visit it yourself and prepare to be inspired.

Eastern Market

One of the oldest and largest year-round markets in the US, Eastern Market takes place every Saturday (with two smaller markets on Sundays and Tuesdays), offering an eclectic mix of local food, art and music in a friendly community setting. The market is run by a non-profit that does a lot of work to give back to the neighborhood. It operates important programs that increase access to healthy food in the Detroit metro area and helps new food businesses in the city. Stopping by here will not only be delicious but also help a great cause.

Comerica Park

Home to the Detroit Tigers, the oldest continuous one-name, one-city franchise in the American League, Comerica Park is a great place to enjoy America’s favorite pastime in the heart of downtown Detroit. If you’re not a baseball fan, it’s still a perfect place to meet and mingle with the locals. The park is also home to a Ferris wheel and a diverse food court to quell your hunger between innings.

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Guardian Building

A National Historic Landmark and one of the finest art deco skyscrapers in the US, the Guardian Building was completed in 1929 when Detroit was a global hub. Construction involved many design and technology innovations, with the building’s designer, Wirt C Rowland, using Monel metal for all exposed metalwork instead of the usual brass and bronze. Its elevator system marks the first use of technology that automatically stopped the car at floor-level and opened the doors. Be sure to check out the amazingly colorful lobby that has been lovingly preserved.

People Mover

A quick and cheap ride on the city’s monorail, functionally titled the People Mover, is a great way to see the city’s resurgent downtown area. The entire loop is only 3mi (5km) long, with 13 stops, and takes less than 15 minutes to complete. While enjoying the tour, don’t miss checking out the original artworks installed throughout the stations, thanks to the Downtown Detroit People Mover Art Commission (now known as Art in the Stations), which raised $2m to finance the creative project.

Hart Plaza, named for late US senator Philip A Hart, is one of the city’s top riverfront destinations, featuring several historical markers and statues. Artworks on view include a 24ft (7m) sculpture of heavyweight boxing champion Joe Louis’s fist and the Horace E Dodge and Son Memorial Fountain, designed by Isamu Noguchi in 1978. In the summer months, festivals, concerts and special events take place here, attracting residents and travelers alike.

Belle Isle is a leafy 982-acre (397ha) island on the Detroit River between the US and Canada. It’s home to various attractions, including a state park, a free aquarium open on weekends, a conservatory and the Detroit Yacht Club. Walking, biking or jogging the many miles of trails is a great way to get some exercise, see the island and enjoy views of the city and its Canadian counterpart, Windsor. Visiting this island on a warm and sunny day is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Lafayette/American Coney Island

A Detroit culinary staple, the Coney Island hotdog is covered in chili and onions. The two most famous places to get one happen to be next door to each other on West Lafayette Boulevard, and they share a historic rivalry dating back to when each business was owned by a brother in the same family. Detroiters say that Lafayette is the hometown favorite and has a better atmosphere, but many feel American’s hotdogs and chili are superior. The only way to know where your loyalty lies is to try both.

The Henry Ford

You can’t visit Motor City without learning more about the industry that gave it its name. In Dearborn, just outside the city, the Henry Ford is a museum that occupies over 250 acres (101ha) and has over 26m artefacts, including the bus where Rosa Parks took a stand against segregation by taking a seat. It’s among the world’s largest auto museums and is home to Greenfield Village, an outdoor living museum dedicated to the history of the United States.

Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit

This museum is quintessentially Detroit, from the graffiti-covered, repurposed auto dealership that serves as its premises to the adventurous nature of the contemporary visual, literary, music and performing arts inside. Exhibitions regularly change, and exciting events are a weekly occurrence. The museum has a “pay what you can” admission policy, so it’s especially great if you’re on a budget. An innovative addition to Detroit’s vibrant Midtown area, it’s both a hub for exploring emerging ideas in the contemporary art world and a meeting place for the community.

Third Man Records

Detroit’s foremost alternative musical export of the past 15 years may have moved to Nashville, but Jack White’s label, Third Man Records, was founded in Detroit, with a store lying off the Cass Corridor. Alongside the record store, it has a performance space, novelties lounge and a recording booth where you can record and press up to two minutes of audio. Let your inner rocker shine as you explore the history of a label that changed music history and go home with some great music as a souvenir.

GM Renaissance Center

Dominating the downtown skyline are the seven interconnected towers that make up the GM Renaissance Center. Originally built by Ford, it became the world headquarters of GM in 1996. Shops, restaurants and two hotels – the Marriott features high-end dining, elegant venues and beautiful river views – attract visitors year-round. You can also take a complimentary tour of the towers at noon or 2pm on weekdays.

Dequindre Cut

Connecting the riverfront with the Eastern Market area for pedestrians, the Dequindre Cut is a revitalized greenway and recreational path popular with residents and visitors alike. Formerly a railroad, it now features a wide pathway and urban art and graffiti. You can rent bikes from Wheelhouse Detroit and explore the area on two wheels instead of two legs. It’s the perfect activity for a warm day or evening. Make sure to stop along your ride so that you can soak in all the innovative and colorful street art.

Detroit RiverWalk

Adjacent to the GM Renaissance Center is the Detroit RiverWalk , connecting a series of areas to make the most of the city’s east riverfront. The nearly 4mi (6km) stretch from the Joe Louis Arena to Gabriel Richard Park is more than 80 percent complete and offers parks, plazas and pavilions to enjoy. Strolling along the river, you’ll also be able to admire panoramic views of both Detroit and Windsor. Go for dinner nearby, and then enjoy a post-meal walk around these parts for some great photo ops and to feel the vibe of the city.

Charles H Wright Museum of African American History

Part of the Wayne State University campus, the Charles H Wright Museum, founded in 1965, explores and celebrates African-American culture and history. Home to more than 35,000 artefacts, the museum’s core exhibit is the largest display on African-American history in the world. Rotating exhibitions, events and educational resources are all available to enhance your visit, so prepare to spend a few hours here to make the best of it.

Edsel and Eleanor Ford House

Whether you want a look behind the curtain at the home life of one of Detroit’s most famous families or to experience an impressive and authentic piece of period architecture, the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House is a must-visit. The son of Henry Ford and his wife moved into their home on Gaukler Pointe near Grosse Pointe Shores in 1929, and Eleanor gifted it to a trust for the benefit of the public when she died in 1976.

Detroit Historical Museum

The Detroit Historical Society’s free museum has been preserving the city’s history for more than 85 years. With permanent exhibitions featuring cobblestone streets, an auto assembly line and a fur trading post from the 1700s, there’s something to enjoy no matter your interests. A visit here is a great way to dig into the city’s culture and learn some fun facts.

Detroit Zoo

The Detroit Zoo, in Royal Oak and Huntington Woods, is about 2mi (3km) north of the city. Operated by the non-profit Detroit Zoological Society and the Belle Isle Nature Center, it’s one of Michigan’s most popular family attractions, with 125 acres (51ha) of naturalistic habitats housing 2,100 animals from 230 different species. It also boasts a simulator ride, 4D theater, the Tauber Family Railroad and a custom-made carousel.

Cliff Bell’s Jazz Club

After a long day of exploring the city, you’re going to need a drink or two. And what better to accompany that drink than some good old-fashioned live music. Cliff Bell’s is a legendary jazz club dating to the 1930s. Years later, the art deco hangout still carries that old-school roaring vibe with its nightly performances, tasty food menu and classic cocktails. It can also host special events. A night here will have you feeling like you’ve stepped back in time, and you probably won’t want to leave.

Fox Theatre

Designed by theater architect C Howard Crane, this historic performing arts center in downtown Detroit dates back to 1928 when it first opened as a flagship movie palace. It was the largest theater in the city at the time, with more than 5,000 seats. In 1985, it earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places and became a National Historic Landmark in 1989. Visit the building to see its lavish interior and check out a show – it will be well worth your time.

Campus Martius Park

Campus Martius Park (Latin for “field of Mars”) lies in downtown Detroit. In 1805, following the fire that nearly destroyed the city, the park became the focal point for rebuilding the city. It’s a great place to hang out and comprises two performance stages, monumental sculptures, public spaces and a seasonal ice-skating rink.

Michigan Science Center

If you love science, you won’t want to miss the Michigan Science Center. Highlights include a dome theater where you can catch educational shows, a planetarium, live science demonstrations in exhibit laboratories and an awesome children’s gallery for the mini scientists among you. After-dark events are also available for those who want to enjoy the museum in a livelier atmosphere. Who knew science could be so much fun?

Do a bit of gambling at the MGM Grand Detroit, one of three casino resort hotels in the city. This luxury spot opened in 1999 – the first luxury casino resort hotel to open in a major metropolis outside Las Vegas. The casino will offer you an exciting experience, with slots and table games, many food and drink choices, a host of entertainment options, a spa and much more. Interested in exploring more of the US? Check out our eight-day adventure to Colorado and Utah – highlights include hiking in Arches National Park and whitewater rafting down the Colorado River. Alternately, browse our collections of Epic Trips , Mini Trips and Sailing Trips to find your next exciting destination. Additional reporting by Alice Johnston .

Culture Trips launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes places and communities so special.

Our immersive trips , led by Local Insiders, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and an invitation to travel the world with like-minded explorers. Our Travel Experts are on hand to help you make perfect memories. All our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

All our travel guides are curated by the Culture Trip team working in tandem with local experts. From unique experiences to essential tips on how to make the most of your future travels, we’ve got you covered.

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32 Best & Fun Things To Do In Detroit (Michigan)

By: Author Jerric Chong

Posted on Published: February 18, 2020  - Last updated: October 15, 2023

Detroit is a true jewel of the American midwest.

Famous for its music, cars, and people, this Michigan city gives visitors a multitude of experiences that they’ll always cherish.

These are the 32 best things to do in Detroit, Michigan.

Table of Contents

1. Detroit Masonic Temple

Belikova Oksana / Shutterstock

Visiting the Detroit Masonic Temple is one of the top things to do in Detroit, especially if you’re interested in buildings.

Whether you’re greatly interested in Masonic buildings or are completely unfamiliar with them, this can be a great experience.

Each part of its trio of sections can let you see how great of an attraction this is.

These three areas are known as the Shrine Club, ritualistic tower, and auditorium.

Said to. be the biggest masonic temple around the world, the Detroit Masonic Temple has been wowing guests since 1926.

The Detroit Temple is one of the finest things to see in the city.

Today, it’s primarily used as an event space.

However, it’s still available for tours, on the first/third Sunday of any month, at 3 p.m., as well as the first/third Friday of July and August, at 7 p.m.

Address:  500 Temple St, Detroit, MI 48201, United States

2. Motown Museum

James R. Martin / Shutterstock

Any list of Detroit tourist attractions needs to include the Motown Museum .

Quintessential American artists like The Temptations can trace their origins to Detroit.

At the Motown Museum, you can really appreciate how pivotal Detroit, Michigan is to the greater story of popular music.

The finale of your hour-long tour is seeing the Motown recording studio, where countless classic soul songs were recorded.

You’ll also get to see where Motown Records founder Berry Gordy resided.

When you’re exploring these areas, close your eyes and really feel how amazing the history surrounding you is.

You cannot talk about music in Detroit, Michigan without mentioning Motown.

The Motown Museum gives you an incredibly rich experience.

Days of operation vary based on the season.

Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and youths, and free for children four and under.

Address:  2648 W Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48208, United States

3. Detroit Institute of Arts

EQRoy / Shutterstock

The Detroit Institute of Arts is one of the best art museums in the country today.

So many parts of the human creative experience can be recognized at this museum.

It’s a vast reservoir of culture in one of the most important cities in Michigan.

In the collection at the Detroit Institute of Arts are lots of great pieces from throughout the world, including ones from the Americas, Africa, Europe, and Asia.

You can also delight at the temporary exhibitions, such as “Michigan’s Great Lakes: Photographs by Jeff Gaydash.”

All kinds of different cultural influences make the Detroit Institute of Arts and Detroit as a whole so incredible.

The Detroit Institute of Arts is open from Tuesday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Friday from 9 a.m to 10 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Address:  5200 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202, United States

4. Belle Isle Park

Harold Stiver / Shutterstock

Belle Isle Park is as fun as it is beautiful.

An island surrounded by the Detroit River, it’s got plenty of recreational opportunities.

Some of the best are going to the Belle Isle Aquarium, playing tennis, and going on a picnic.

At nearly 1,000 acres, Belle Isle Park is a great place for getting lost and not having any concerns.

You can spend time out on the water or just enjoying the land.

During the spring and summer, the park can be buzzing with people.

If you’re looking for stunning things to see in Detroit, Michigan, you need to come to Belle Isle Park.

Anyone needing evidence of Detroit being one of the most beautiful places in the USA can go here.

The good times at Belle Isle Park are ones you’ll keep close to your heart.

Address:  99 Pleasure Dr, Detroit, MI 48207, United States

5. Detroit Historical Museum

Michigan State Historic Preservation Office / flickr

The Detroit Historical Museum is what to see if you’re looking to learn more about this great Michigan city.

Located right by the Detroit Institute of Arts, this museum gives visitors so much understanding about how Detroit, Michigan became an industrial powerhouse.

All the exhibitions at the Detroit Historical Museum give you a comprehensive understanding of how this city became so renowned.

Some of our favorite parts of this Michigan museum include “Frontiers to Factories: Detroiters at Work, 1701-1901” and “The Gallery of Innovation.”

Going to this museum will give you so much more appreciation for this city and how it flourished.

It’s open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission costs $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, students, first responders, and military personnel, and $6 for children six and up.

Address:  5401 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202, United States

Visiting other areas of Michigan? Why not check some of the things to do in Traverse City & some of the best things to do in Kalamazoo ?

6. Detroit Riverfront

f11photo / Shutterstock

One of the most fun things to do in Detroit is spending an afternoon on the Detroit Riverfront .

Thanks to the efforts of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, this whole area has become more lovely over time.

On a sunny day, full of smiling faces like yours, the effect becomes far greater.

Over a distance of fewer than six miles, the Riverfront offers treats for people who love being active.

Where else can you try out tai chi, go to a concert, and take one of the most leisurely strolls of your life?

Over time, we can expect even more, thanks to the Riverfront Conservancy.

Address:  588 Jefferson Ct, Detroit, MI 48207, United States

7. Detroit Public Library

Nagel Photography / Shutterstock

When you’re researching how to plan a trip to Detroit, Michigan, you probably didn’t count on going to the public library.

However, this is one of the greatest libraries in all of Michigan.

Its shelves and walls are full of so much historical value.

While you might not have the time to check out and return a book from this library, you can definitely enjoy yourself.

There are lots of cool events at the various branches.

Among the best are talks with authors hosted by the library.

The Detroit Public Library serves as a reminder of the importance of education and understanding.

You might intend to only stop in for a moment but find yourself lost in how amazing it is.

There are more than a dozen branches, and you should try to see at least one of them.

Address (Main Branch):  5201 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202, United States

8. The Henry Ford Experience

Aldo91 / Shutterstock

If you’re scheduling a trip to Detroit this weekend, try to enjoy the Henry Ford Experience .

A name synonymous with the city, Henry Ford made an impact that’s far too big to be measured.

With the Henry Ford Experience, you can begin to understand why this man is so revered.

Getting the complete Henry Ford Experience means learning about Ford’s vision, seeing a functional Ford plant, and exploring the retro world of Greenfield Village.

This includes riding in an actual Model T.

Address:  20900 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn, MI 48124, United States

9. Comerica Park

anderm / Shutterstock

Comerica Park is fun and spellbinding.

This downtown Detroit baseball park hosts the Detroit Tigers.

You can come here for a great baseball game or just come for a tour.

Even non-baseball fans can love coming here, as Comerica Park sometimes hosts concerts.

During tours of Comerica Park, you’ll get to see different parts of the park that are off-limits to most people during games.

These include the dugout, the Party Suite, and the Champions Club.

For an hour-and-a-half, you can really see what makes this park so beloved.

If you’re a baseball fan looking for things to do in downtown Detroit, you should come to Comerica Park.

Tours cost $5 for everyone who’s four and up on Game Days, and $6 on non-Game Days.

On Game Days, tours are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

On non-Game Days, they’re conducted at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Address:  2100 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201, United States

10. Fort Wayne

NCPTT Media / flickr

One of the most historically important Detroit attractions is Fort Wayne .

Historical site seeing tours need to include a visit to Fort Wayne.

Originating in the mid-19th century, Fort Wayne displays Detroit’s military importance.

The first defense in the city to actually be built by American citizens, Fort Wayne has a remarkable story.

It ended up being used for many reasons, including training and lodging, but not combat.

This shows how vital military sites can be, even if they’re not used for actual fighting purposes.

Now, Fort Wayne belongs to the city, and Detroit’s done an incredible job of keeping it in good shape for all generations to adore.

It’s open on Saturdays and Sunday from May to October from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Guided walking tours cost $5 per guest.

Address:  6325 W Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48209, United States

Exploring other parts of Michigan? Why not check out some of the fun things to do in Ann Arbor  & some of the best things to do in Grand Rapids ?

11. Automotive Hall of Fame

Located near Detroit in Dearborn, Michigan is the Automotive Hall of Fame .

If you consider yourself to be any kind of gearhead, you need to come here.

Your knowledge of cars could be as limited as knowing what one is, and you could still have a great time learning here.

Began in 1939, the Automotive Hall of Fame chronicles all kinds of important people and milestones in the world of cars.

You can learn about great individuals such as Harold T. Ames and Mary D. Allen.

Different installations like “Lincoln Highway: America’s First Interstate” really bring the lessons to life.

The Automotive Hall of Fame is definitely one of the most astounding tourist attractions in all of Michigan.

It’s open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., from Friday to Sunday from October through April, and from Wednesday to Sunday, May through October.

Admission is $10 for adults, $6 for seniors and students, and $4 for children, ages five to 12.

Address:  21400 Oakwood, Dearborn, MI 48124, United States

12. Cliff Bell’s

Cliff Bell’s

Going to Cliff Bell’s can be one of your top Detroit experiences.

It’s fun to go to this restaurant, not only for the menu but also for the dining experience.

Bringing to mind the scenes of a classic 1930s club, it can feel like you’ve stepped into a time machine.

On the menu at Cliff Bell’s is delectable steaks, pasta, and more.

A perfect accompaniment to your meal is live music, which includes plenty of jazz.

You can have the time-honored tradition of dinner and a show all at once.

The ambiance of the restaurant also adds an exquisite touch.

Put your phones away and just let yourselves be really swept up by the mood and general positive energy of the place.

Cliff Bell’s is one of the most fun places in Detroit, Michigan.

When you’re looking for a good meal and a good time in the Detroit area, you need to come here.

Cliff Bell’s is open from Tuesday to Thursday from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m., Friday and Sunday from 5 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Address:  2030 Park Ave, Detroit, MI 48226, United States

13. Cornhole

David Prahl / Shutterstock

A simple but incredibly addicting game is cornhole.

Detroit’s Woodward Avenue is a very active part of the city and includes many places to enjoy this recreational activity.

When the weather is right and you’ve got plenty of energy, let yourself unwind by enjoying the Michigan air and just letting a few bags fly.

When you’re getting a beer at a neighborhood bar, don’t be surprised if you see a cornhole setup that’s getting as much love as a darts board or a pool table.

It can definitely seem a little silly, especially if you haven’t played in a while.

But what would life be without some silliness?

There’s always an excuse to cut loose, especially when you’re on vacation.

Grab a corn bag, practice a few tosses, and put your aiming skills to the test.

14. Fisher Building

Rachel Goad / Shutterstock

Among the many Detroit attractions notable for their architecture is the Fisher Building .

With its Art Deco design and close to 100 years of history, it’s a building made for marveling at.

This applies to both inside and outside.

From the outside, you can be in total awe of the Fisher Building’s size.

From the inside, you can be amazed by its corridors and views.

You can even get a chance to check out the lovely Fisher Theater.

Take as many photos as you’re able to.

You might even consider hosting a future special event at this building, such as your wedding.

Weekend tours can help you find out a lot about the Fisher Building.

Take a tour on a Saturday or Sunday at 1 p.m. or 3 p.m.

You’ll see why this attraction is so important.

Address:  3011 W Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48202, United States

15. Show Me Detroit Tours

ehrlif / Shutterstock

If you’re not sure about what to do in Detroit, go on one of the Show Me Detroit Tours .

You can see stunning sights around downtown Detroit and elsewhere.

For two hours, you’ll have your head filled with information, including about things you might’ve otherwise never been aware of.

The fun of these tours comes from seeing how diverse and innovative this city is.

There are places like Greektown, Corktown, and the Stadium and Entertainment District that are ready for you to lay your eyes upon them.

From the comfort of a van, you can be delighted.

Each part of the city possesses a distinct character.

On a tour, you’ll be able to really recognize this.

Don’t just stick with the most touristy spots of the city.

Take a tour, and you’ll feel like you’re a true local.

Address:  8200 E Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48214, United States

16. The Charles H. Wright Museum of African-American History

Michael Bolden / flickr

A trip to the Charles H. Wright Museum of African-American History is what to do if you’re trying to become a more well-rounded person.

America owes so much of its culture and history to African-Americans.

When you’re at this museum, your mind can be stretched in so many ways.

First known as the International Afro-American Museum when it opened in 1966, this museum has become a cornerstone of Detroit’s ties to the black community.

Exhibitions like “And Still We Rise” and “Detroit Performs!” encapsulate how much bravery and determination a people can have.

There are plentiful stories to learn from a wide variety of people.

To keep these stories in our collective consciousness, we must continue to share them, passing them from one generation to the next.

Visiting The Charles H. Wright Museum of African-American History should be at the top of any historically-minded Detroit tourist’s to-do list.

It’s open from Tuesday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays during Black History Month, as well as on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and youths, and free for members and children age three and younger.

Address:  315 E Warren Ave, Detroit, MI 48201, United States

17. The Guardian Building

The Guardian Building has fun throughout its space.

Completed not too long before the Great Depression hit, this is another brilliant showcase of Art Deco in Detroit.

All of the patterns and high-ceilings can be enough to elate anyone with even half-decent vision.

The Guardian Building is definitely one of the coolest places to visit in Detroit.

While it’s nearly a century old, it has a design that still looks fresh and innovative.

Access to the Guardian Building is available 24 hours a day.

It doesn’t cost anything to visit.

You might try booking it for a special occasion, such as a high-end party.

If you’re looking to start a business in the city, The Guardian Building could have the offices of your dreams.

Address:  500 Griswold St #1600, Detroit, MI 48226, United States

18. Michigan Science Center

alisafarov / Shutterstock

Checking out the Michigan Science Center is what to do if you have a naturally curious mind.

If you’re traveling with your family, you need to bring your kids here.

It’s a place that has something for truly everyone.

There are lots of fun exhibitions and activities at the Michigan Science Center.

Many of these put scientific concepts into action.

A budding scientist could be in your midst after it’s time for you and your kids to leave.

In addition to all of the great exhibitions, such as ones on engineering, motion, and health, there’s also a wonderful planetarium,

It’s both fun and mentally invigorating to visit the Michigan Science Center.

It’s open from Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission prices depend on what sort of packages you purchase.

Address:  5020 John R St, Detroit, MI 48202, United States

19. Pewabic Pottery

Heather Kaiser / flickr

Spending time at Pewabic Pottery is a lot of fun.

You can find yourself at the top of your artistic craft.

Additionally, you can get a lot of knowledge about how important ceramics are to this city.

A nonprofit located in the same building for more than 100 years, Pewabic Pottery is a Detroit attraction that everyone with any kind of artistic interest knows about.

There are tours and classes hosted here.

Making a cool thing at Pewabic Pottery is a really good usage of your time during your trip.

You don’t need to be a wizard to make something nice.

All you need is to have the right attitude and a willingness to get your hands a little messy.

Check the website or call for more information about pricing and hours for tours and classes.

Address:  10125 E Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48214, United States

20. Fox Theatre

Check the calendar for the Fox Theatre this weekend and see if there’s an exciting event happening.

There are few venues in Michigan that have as much clout as this one.

At the Fox Theatre, you can be reminded of why you love live music so much.

Lots of revered artists have performed at the Fox Theatre.

In the last few years, this includes Joe Bonamassa, Leon Bridges, and Paramore.

Go back even further, and names like Cab Calloway, Johnny Mathis, and Natalie Cole will pop up.

Since first opening in 1928, the Fox Theatre has gone through different owners and appearances, but, at its core, it’s always been a heavenly performing arts space.

Live entertainment is one of the most fun parts of visiting Detroit.

The Fox Theatre is one of the top venues in Michigan, and it hosts many of the best touring acts.

Should you be looking for awesome things to do in Detroit at night, you definitely should try and visit The Fox Theater.

Address:  2211 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201, United States

Got more time? Why not check out some of the things to do in Frankenmuth ?

21. Joe Muer Seafood

Joe Muer Seafood

Detroit attractions include plenty of great restaurants.

If you’re seeking some of the best seafood in Michigan, come to Joe Muer Seafood .

It’s got an incredible menu, full of incredible flavors.

Trying all the amazing catches at Joe Muer Seafood makes for a very fun Detroit meal.

While we don’t know exactly what sort of seafood you prefer, we promise you can’t go wrong with things like sushi, scallops, and lobster.

There are even great options for vegans and vegetarians.

Joe Muer Seafood shows off how versatile and flavorful seafood can be.

When you try these dishes, you can really give your palate an adventure.

Address:  400 Renaissance Center #1404, Detroit, MI 48243, United States

22. Renaissance Centre

Darlene Munro / Shutterstock

Among the many stunning tourist attractions here is the Renaissance Centre .

If you were coming to Michigan tomorrow, we would definitely urge you to come here.

It’s an attraction that’s hard to miss, as it’s a collection of s seven skyscrapers.

Sitting next to the Detroit River, the Renaissance Centre can truly feel like a place for renewal and inspiration.

If you’re looking for luxury accommodations, you can book a room at the Mariott Hotel, which is 73-level high and stands taller than any other building in Michigan.

Otherwise, the Renaissance Centre is great for shopping and eating.

A major point of pride for its owner, General Motors, the Renaissance Centre captures Detroit’s beauty and determination.

You should definitely come here, especially if you’re looking for something romantic to do.

Witnessing these amazing buildings will leave you speechless.

Address: Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48243, United States

23. Eastern Market

Mike Osinski / Shutterstock

Going to the Eastern Market can be one of the most rewarding activities in Detroit.

If you have a weekend trip planned, you’ll have to come here.

All of the vendors and customers bring out a phenomenal blend of energy.

More than 200 vendors set up shop at the Eastern Market.

You can enjoy all kinds of treats, from amazing produce to robust meats.

Just come prepared with an appetite and a willingness to deal with crowds.

The Eastern Market should be considered one of the finest markets in the country.

You’ll see why so many people flock here on the weekends.

If you live close enough to the city, you might soon become a regular.

Address: 2934 Russell St, Detroit, MI 48207, United States

24. Detroit Princess Riverboat

You can get a great glimpse at Detroit attractions by taking a ride on a Princess Riverboat .

All of the points of interest can really be admired from your vantage point.

If you only get one chance to get on the water, make it this one.

The Detroit sights look even more beautiful when you’re seeing them this way.

This isn’t some cheap, cramped ride.

On the contrary, the Detroit Princess Riverboat has four-tiers and can house up to 1,500 voyagers.

Sightseeing becomes especially magical when you’re on a Detroit Princess Riverboat.

Activities like this let you really see how impressive the Detroit area is.

You can also enjoy an intimate meal or have some drinks while you’re enjoying one of these trips.

Address:  1 Civic Center Dr, Detroit, MI 48226, United States

25. The Detroit Antique Mall

Detroit Antique Mall

If you’re looking for one of the top antiquing experiences today, you should come to the Detroit Antique Mall .

This is one of the best points of interest with some of the best pieces of interest in the city.

When you’re done spending an afternoon at this Michigan attraction, you’ll see what all the fuss about antiquing is.

Coming here isn’t like stopping into a big-box store for something you need for the house.

When you’re inside this space, you should take the time to really appreciate the items and the people selling them.

Think about the journey that these items have taken over the course of their life, from first being constructed decades ago, to eventually making their way into your possession.

The Detroit Antique Mall is one of the most exciting places to visit if you love shopping.

You never know what cool thing you’ll encounter until you actually make the visit.

You’ll need to come prepared with spending money and room inside your home/heart for something that really speaks to you.

This mall is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Address:  828 Fisher Fwy, Detroit, MI 48201, United States

26. Campus Martius Park

Kelleher Photography / Shutterstock

You can have all kinds of fun times at Campus Martius Park .

It’s Detroit at its best, a place for residents and visitors alike to enjoy nature and each other.

This is a park that’s beautiful to visit during the day and at night.

Going to Campus Martius Park can feel like spending a day at the beach while you’re miles away from the ocean.

A section is comprised of sand, and guests love to sunbathe here during the warmer months.

If you’re too full of energy to just sit around, this Michigan park has an ice skating rink, botanical gardens, and food trucks.

Campus Martius Park might not be all that large, but it’s got personality far bigger than its acreage.

Going here, during just about any time of year, lets you see how much community spirit is in Motown.

Do your part by adding to that spirit.

Address:  800 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226, United States

27. The Rattlesnake Club

The Rattlesnake Club

One of the best culinary institutions in the city is The Rattlesnake Club .

A restaurant with true integrity, The Rattlesnake Club, draws guests in for how it lets them see the river.

Then, it makes them lifetime fans through how indisputably amazing the menu is.

It’s not just that The Rattlesnake Club has things like scallops and filet of beef on them.

It’s also how it sources said ingredients.

Sustainability and freshness are key parts of the design.

You can really taste the difference compared to other restaurants.

Going to The Rattlesnake Club in Detroit is special in ways that can’t be easily replicated.

It’s one of the most spectacular points of interest in Michigan.

Even if you’re entering with only a modest appetite, your mouth will be watering when you first lay eyes on the menu.

Address:  300 River Pl Dr, Detroit, MI 48207, United States

28. Morley Candy Factory

Liza Lagman Sperl / flickr

Among the many fun things to do in Detroit is visiting the Morley Candy Factory .

If you’re a fan of Sanders Candy, you’ll be pleased to know this is where they’re headquartered.

For no cost, you can tour this factory and learn how some of your favorite sweet treats are made.

You’ll get a lot of firsthand knowledge, including seeing how different sorts of candies are made.

There’s also a very informative movie, which tells guests about how the company came about.

It’s really inspiring for anyone interested in starting their own business.

The Morley Candy Factory is one of the most joyful places to see in Michigan.

If you’re looking for things to do in Michigan with your family, you need to come here.

Make sure you don’t spoil your dinner with all the great samples you’ll get.

Address: 23770 Hall Rd, Clinton Township, MI 48036, United States

29. The BELT

wiredforlego / flickr

The BELT is among the top attractions in Detroit.

If you’re looking for stuff to do with your friends, you should come here.

An example of urban renewal at its finest, The BELT is the sort of place that could be a best-kept secret, but which deserves to be shared with the world.

Residing inside an alley, The BELT features incredible artworks that work off the alleys existing designs.

Part of the city’s downtown, it’s a place that might catch your eye while looking for other attractions but ends up being so fun that you spend a lot of time there.

The BELT also hosts some seriously cool bars.

Grabbing a drink at The Skip or The Standby can really let you lose yourself in the wonders of the city.

The BELT shows a city that’s going to find inspiration wherever it can.

We hope that other city’s can come up with their versions of The BELT, in their own alleys.

30. Detroit Zoo

NicoleTaklaPhotography / Shutterstock

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Detroit, come to the Detroit Zoo .

It’s full of entertainment and phenomenal learning.

It’s also very important to the development of zoos in the United States.

Before this one came along, there weren’t any zoos that didn’t use bars for their displays.

You can get great looks at majestic species, including gorillas, kangaroos, and flamingos.

There are thousands of animals across hundreds of species to be seen here.

By the end of the day, you might run out of ways to say “Wow.”

Going to the Detroit Zoo is fun for visitors across all age groups.

You can see some of the best animal exhibitions in the world here.

This zoo is open from Monday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Admission is $19 for adults, $15 for children, ages two and up, military personnel, and seniors.

Address:  8450 W 10 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48067, United States

31. New Centre Park

New Center Park

A day spent at New Centre Park can be one of your most fun experiences.

It’s one of the top parks around.

A day of activities can go by in a beautiful flash at New Centre Park.

It’s located very close to the Fisher Building, and both are top-notch places to visit.

If you love movies and live music, you’ll love coming to New Centre Park.

The park hosts movie screenings and concerts.

You can also grab some food and a drink.

Whether you’re arriving when the sun is barely out or when it’s descending, you can get something special out of going to New Centre Park.

You’ll be surrounded by people looking for good company.

Do all you can to provide that company to your greatest ability.

Address:  2998 W Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48202, United States

32. Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit

Kevin Chang / flickr

So much fun can be had at the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit .

One of the top 10 art museums in the midwest, this attraction really gives you a lot to unlock in terms of Detroit’s artistic scene.

The pieces here might seem a bit unconventional, but they reveal their own blends of beauty, as striking as what you would see in a more traditional art museum.

The Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD) is one of the finest places to go for culture in the city.

It resides inside of what was once a car lot.

Inside this Michigan institution have been fascinating exhibitions like “Crossing Night: Regional Identities x Global Context” and “Robolights Detroit.”

Museums like the MOCAD are so important because art is always evolving and needs to do so in order to stay fresh and relevant.

This museum is open Tuesday and Wednesday and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission is based on a self-chosen donation, but at least $5 is encouraged.

Address:  4454 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201, United States

Start Planning Your Trip To Detroit

Detroit has so much fantastic sightseeing and amazing history to unravel.

Great opportunities are in downtown Detroit, suburbs, and other locations.

For a city that’s full of entertainment and enlightenment, you need to come to Detroit.

Consult your travel guide for more wonderful experiences.

Try to spend a week or longer if you can, as Detroit is one of the most special places to vacation in the U.S.

30 Best Things to Do in Detroit Michigan

Written By: The Planet D

United States

Updated On: February 11, 2024

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.

Table of Contents

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. 

• Dearborn, MI 48120

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

8. Downtown Detroit

There are many things to do in downtown Detroit. The best way to get to know Detroit is with a walking tour. You get a chance to walk among the locals and get a feel for the heartbeat of the city. There are a variety of operators that run walking tours. Regardless of which one you go on, give yourself about two hours to enjoy the full experience.

While you’re on the walk you’ll come across places like the Detroit Opera House, Comerica Park, The Fillmore, and the Fox Theater as well as restaurants, pubs, and museums. Note down the stuff you like and come back later to check it out. Detroit is really well known for its live jazz scene so it might be worth it to give yourself a night on the town to experience it. Give yourself about two hours for the walk to get the most out of the experience.

Detroit Opera House

If you are looking for something unique to do in Detroit, Shen Yun performs annually at the Detroit Opera House. This year it is happens from May 4 – 7.

Shen Yun is a performing arts show that features classical Chinese dance, a live orchestra, stunning costumes, and captivating digital backdrops. It is an interactive multimedia dance show that transports the audience to ancient China filled with myths and legends. Booking tickets to Shen Yun is a chance to immerse oneself in an unforgettable cultural experience and witness the beauty and grace of Chinese dance and music.

9. Tour the Fisher Building

The Fisher Building is a landmark skyscraper located in Detroit, Michigan, USA. It was completed in 1928 and is considered one of the most significant examples of Art Deco architecture in the world. The building is 30 stories tall and stands at 444 feet (135 m) tall. It is known for its ornate facade, which features intricate geometric patterns, sculptures, and other decorative elements.

It was commissioned by the Fisher brothers, who made their fortune in the automobile industry. They wanted to create a building that would reflect their success and be a symbol of the city’s growing prosperity.

The Fisher Building is open to the public during regular business hours, and visitors are welcome to explore the lobby and other public areas of the building. The interior of the building is also ornate with marble floors, frescoes, and intricate details throughout.

There are also guided tours of the Fisher Building available for visitors who want to learn more about its history and architecture. This highly rated tour takes you around the top places in Detroit to see Belle Island, the Fisher Building, the historic Fox Theater, and more.

• 3011 W Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48202

10. Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History

Located in Detroit’s Cultural Center in downtown Detroit, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History holds a special place for many of Detroit’s residents. In fact, the museum is very special because it is the largest permanent African-American exhibition in the world. 

A visit to the institution will take on a trip through African American history with displays dedicated to African American inventors, artists, and more. The original museum was established in the 1960s in a house belonging to Charles H. Wright and was moved into the present 120,000 sq. ft place in the 1990s.

• 315 E Warren Ave, Detroit, MI 48201

11. Detroit Historical Museum 

If you want to know about things to do in Detroit Mi that will take you back in time then visit the Detroit Historical Museum. The museum will answer all of your questions from what the city looked like back then to what everyone was like back then. You can even check out an old map or two to see how the city has changed over the centuries. 

Located in Mid Town Detroit, the Detroit Historical Museum has several exhibits featuring the history and life of Detroit’s past. The Streets of Old Detroit exhibits a recreation of a 19th century street where people can see what life was like at the end of the 1800s.

Legends Plaza features statues of famous people from Detroit including Rosa Parks, Joe Louis, and Ty Cobb. And no museum in Detroit would be complete without showcasing the automotive industry. America’s Motor City exhibit features a Ford Model T. You can also view the Glancy Trains exhibit featuring rail cars and a 1916 steam engine.

• Detroit Historical Museum is located at 5401 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48202

12. Detroit Institute of Arts Museum

It might be surprising to learn that a city known more for its assembly lines and car production is also one of those destinations you should visit for arts and culture. Detroit is home to numerous museums like the Detroit Institute of Arts Museum.

The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) is one of the largest and most significant art museums in the United States. Located in downtown Detroit, it houses a vast collection of more than 60,000 artworks spanning from ancient times to contemporary art. The museum is located in Midtown Detroit and has been open to the public since 1885.

When you arrive at the Detroit Institute of Arts, you will first notice the stunning Beaux-Arts-style building that is a work of art unto itself, with a grand marble staircase leading up to the main entrance.

Some of the most notable works at the museum include Diego Rivera’s famous “Detroit Industry Murals,” which can be found in the Rivera Court, as well as Vincent van Gogh’s “Self-Portrait” and Rembrandt’s “The Visitation.”

The center has a massive collection of pieces from around the world. The Detroit Institute of Arts is made up of 100 galleries that host significant American works as well as those from Europe and Asia. This is not the only art museum, there are several others you can check out like the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit.

• 5200 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48202, United States

13. Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit

The Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD) is another museum in Detroit to visit on a rainy day. The museum features rotating exhibitions of contemporary art from local, national, and international artists. The exhibits cover a wide range of styles and mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, installation, video, and performance art.

The MOCAD building itself is a unique attraction as it is housed in a repurposed auto dealership that was renovated by architect Andrew Zago. The building’s industrial design and urban location create a distinct atmosphere that complements the contemporary art on display.

The MOCAD Art Store offers a selection of contemporary art books and the museum hosts a variety of events including artist talks, film screenings, musical performances, and panel discussions.

• 4454 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201, United States

14. Campus Martius Park

This Park is a green oasis in the middle of busy downtown Detroit. Among the trees, bushes, and flowers are stages for performances as well as public art. If you’re lucky enough to be in Detroit in the winter, you will definitely want to visit the ice skating rink at this Detroit Martius park.

• 800 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48226

15. The Guardian Building

The Guardian Building is a historic skyscraper located in downtown Detroit. It was completed in 1929 and is widely regarded as one of the finest examples of Art Deco architecture in the United States.

Today, the Guardian Building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of the most popular places to visit in Detroit. It is still used as an office building, but visitors are welcome to admire the beautiful architecture and art in the building’s lobby and public spaces. Guided tours are also available for those who want to learn more about the history and design of the building.

The building was designed by the architectural firm of Wirt C. Rowland and was originally built to serve as the headquarters of the Guardian Life Insurance Company of America. The exterior of the building is adorned with beautiful, intricate details and colorful mosaics, while the interior features marble walls, ornate plasterwork, and beautiful murals.

The Guardian Building is sometimes referred to as the Cathedral of Finance due to its grandeur and opulence. The building has 36 floors and stands at a height of 151 meters (496 feet), making it one of the tallest buildings in Detroit.

• 500 Griswold St, Detroit, MI 48226

16. Eastern Market

Detroit has all sorts of options when it comes to its tastes and entertainment. You can use local websites to find out where Detroit residents eat and play but for a beginner’s guide check out our suggestions.

One of the super fun eating options in Detroit is its food trucks near the Eastern Market. You can find falafels and hummus, smoked barbeque, shrimp tacos as well as classic burgers. One of the things people really love about going to Eastern Market is their macaroni and cheese truck. Regardless of what you choose the tastes are amazing as the food is made in small batches and served hot. 

• Eastern Market, Detroit, MI

17. Corktown

Our favorite neighborhood to explore in Detroit is Corktown. This historic district is home to the historic Detroit Central Depot. It was lost in 1988 and was at risk of being torn down, but now this 18-story relic is getting a facelift thanks to Ford rebuilding the iconic central train station. It is a beautiful piece of architecture that deserves to remain intact.

When it comes to activities involving libations, Detroit can definitely pique your interest. Detroit is also known for its old-fashioned dive bars where you can go in for a pint and talk to the locals. Some of the bars play live music and also serve classic bar food. Slows Bar BQ is an award-winning BBQ that serves slow-cooked meats that will melt in your mouth as you dip each bit in your choice of five specialty sauces.

18. Gastropubs of Corktown

If gastropubs and microbrews are more your thing then you can check out places like Motor City Brewing Works. Gastropubs and microbreweries like it are popping up more and more in the downtown with the local scene attracting more young artists and professionals.  

19. Royal Oak Neighborhood

Royal Oak is a lively neighborhood in metro Detroit with shopping, dining, and entertainment options. There are plenty of things to do including a visit to the Royal Oak Farmers Market. This indoor/outdoor market offers fresh produce, artisanal goods, and a variety of events and entertainment.

Royal Oak is filled with boutique shops, restaurants, and cafes making it a great place to spend an afternoon. Catch a show at the Royal Oak Music Theatre which hosts concerts and events and you can check out the Royal Oak Historical Museum.

Royal Oak is also home to the Detroit Zoo. I’m not a fan of zoos as we prefer to see animals in the wild. But some people advocate for animals in captivity to help with conservation. The Detroit Zoo is considered a leader in wildlife conservation, and animal welfare, but we choose not to go there.

20. Fox Theatre

Once all the brewing and food are done, you might want to listen to some live music at one of those classic Detroit attractions. The city is the home of Motown so live music is in its blood.

Once you have enough of touring the factories, museums, and other city attractions, you may be in the mood to be entertained. If so, the Fox Theatre might be one of the things of interest. It is the perfect place to head to for a movie or a show. The Fox Theatre is considered a national historic landmark as it has been in use since the 1920s.

The theatre’s entertainment value is one thing, but it is also worth visiting for the architecture and spectacular interior alone. You’ll find Persian, Italian, and Moor inspiration throughout, making it a spectacular place to visit and soak in the decades of culture.  

I was actually a little giddy when I first laid eyes on the Fox Theatre, it is one of five historic theaters built by movie producer William Fox (the other four being in Brooklyn, Atlanta, St. Louis, and San Francisco). It features live music but also live shows from Sesame Street to Riverdance

• 2211 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201

21. The Filmore

The Fillmore is a legendary music center in Detroit that is popular for live bands. The Fillmore Detroit, also known as the Fillmore Theatre, is a historic music venue located in downtown Detroit. The venue opened in 1925 as a movie theater and was originally called the State Theatre. It was later renamed the Palms-State Theatre in 1949 and then the Fillmore Detroit in 2007.

It is known for its ornate and opulent interior, which features a grand lobby, intricate plasterwork, and a large chandelier. The venue has a capacity of 2,888 people and hosts a wide range of musical acts, from rock and hip-hop to electronic and jazz.

Over the years, Fillmore Detroit has hosted some of the biggest names in music, including The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, and many others. The venue has also been used for other types of events, such as comedy shows, corporate events, and private parties.

• 2115 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201

22. Movement Electronic Music Festival

It is home to Movement Electronic Music Festival. The electronic music festival in Detroit, also known as Movement takes place during Memorial Day weekend (late May) each year and features a lineup of renowned techno and electronic music artists from around the world.

The festival started in 2000 and has since become one of the most important electronic music events in the world, drawing tens of thousands of fans from all over the globe. The festival is held in Hart Plaza, a riverside park in downtown Detroit, and features multiple stages, vendors, art installations, and other activities.

• The Electronic Music Festival takes place Sat, May 27, 2023 – Mon, May 29, 2023, at 1 Hart Plaza, Detroit

23. Detroit Jazz Festival

Detroit Jazz Festival. Listening to the best live music at the jazz bars is one of those activities you’ll find locals and travelers enjoying together. It is held every September and has been running since 1980.

The festival is held in multiple stages spread throughout the downtown area, including the main stage in Hart Plaza and other stages in nearby parks and venues. The festival is free and open to the public, attracting thousands of jazz fans each year.

The Detroit Jazz Festival is known for its diverse and eclectic lineup, which includes both legendary jazz musicians and up-and-coming artists. The festival features a mix of traditional jazz, modern jazz, Latin jazz, and other jazz sub-genres, showcasing the full range of jazz music.

24. Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre

Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre in Chene Park is a hot spot for live music in the summer and with it being located just off the Detroit Riverwalk on the Detroit Riverfront, you can be sure there will be a lot going on.

But music is everywhere and when you walk into a classic venue, it’s like you stepped back in time. You don’t know whether the crooning is from the Detroit of today or the Detroit of old, all you know is you’re relaxed and you love it. You can check out the City of Detroit website to find out more about the entertainment attractions around the city.

• 2600 Atwater St, Detroit, MI 48207

25. Munroe Street Drive-in

Drive-ins seem to have been relegated to the 1960s in most states – but not in Detroit where you’ll find them still in use. If you want to get a feel for what it was like to sit back and relax in your own car and take in a show this is one of those great experiences. 

This drive-in destination is located in the city’s Monroe district (Detroit’s first theater district) and you can catch a flick on most nights of the week, weather permitting. 

• 32 Monroe St, Detroit, MI 48226

26. Dequindre Cut 

Dequindre Cut is something between a public art space and a public green space. This was part of a CN rail line before it was converted into a greenway close to the Eastern Market. These days you’ll see couples, families, and young people walking, running, and biking along Dequindre Cut.

The wonderfully unique thing about this 2-mile-long space is that the work of local graffiti artists is allowed to shine bright. The street art brings a rugged human aspect to the natural green space running from the Detroit River.

• Dequindre Cut Greenway, Detroit, MI 48207

27. Heidelberg Project

A local art scene can really pull a city together and that’s what the Heidelberg Project has done for Detroit. The project was created by local artist Tyree Guyton in the 1980s and still lives today. What was once a small art project has now turned into a movement aimed at revitalizing communities affected by political and racial clashes.

The project includes old houses and other things that have found new life thanks to community artists. the artists have turned what were blights to the community into street art with inspiring installations that are recognized around the globe.  

• 3600 Heidelberg St, Detroit, MI 48207

28. Catch a Detroit Tigers Game at Comerica Park

Growing up, The Toronto Blue Jays had a real rivalry with the Detroit Tigers. So when we visited Detroit, it was pretty exciting to see the home of the baseball team even though the park I grew up with was Tiger Stadium. Comerica Park opened in 2000, and when you are in Detroit in the summer, you should check out America’s favorite pass time.

If you can’t catch a game, tours are offered of Comerica throughout the year.

• 2100 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201

29. Hockey Game at Little Caesar’s Arena

One of the most exciting things to do in Detroit is to see a Detroit Red Wings game. They have a long and storied history in the NHL, and the team has won 11 Stanley Cup championships, making them one of the most successful franchises in NHL history.

Detroit Red Wings fans are some of the most passionate and dedicated fans in the NHL. The Little Caesars Arena replaced the Joe Louis area and is a state-of-the-art arena that provides a great viewing experience for fans. The arena also features plenty of food and drink options, making it a fun and comfortable place to watch a game.

Check the Red Wings’ schedule to see if there are any home games during your stay. Tickets can be purchased online or at the arena on game day, but it’s recommended to purchase them in advance to ensure availability.

• Address: 2645 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201

30. Michigan Science Center

If you are looking for things to do in Detroit with kids, a visit to the Michigan Science Center is fun for the whole family. Nearly every city on earth has a science center, and Detroit is no different.

The Michigan Science Center is a great place to explore the wonders of science and technology. It has interactive exhibits featuring space, health and physics. There is a Planetarium where families can learn about space, and astronomy and see the planets and stars. The Dassault Systèmes Planetarium and Science Theater takes visitors on a journey through space in 360 degrees. The Michigan Science Center is also where the IMAX Theater in Detroit is located.

• 5020 John R St, Detroit, MI 48202

How to Get to Detroit, Michigan

Detroit is a major city in the United States and is easily accessible by plane, train, and automobile. Here are some options for getting to Detroit:

By Plane: Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is the major airport serving the Detroit area. It is located about 20 miles southwest of downtown Detroit. The airport is served by many major airlines and offers nonstop flights to destinations throughout the United States and around the world. From the airport, visitors can take a taxi, rideshare service, or rental car to reach their final destination.

By Train: Amtrak offers train service to Detroit via the Wolverine line, which runs between Chicago and Pontiac, Michigan. The station in Detroit is located in the New Center area of the city, about 3 miles north of downtown. From the station, visitors can take a taxi, rideshare service, or public transportation to reach their final destination.

By Automobile: Detroit is located near several major highways, making it easily accessible by car. Interstate 75 and Interstate 94 both run through the city, as does the Lodge Freeway (M-10). Visitors coming from Canada can also reach Detroit via the Ambassador Bridge or the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel.

There are also several bus companies that provide service to Detroit, including Greyhound and Megabus. These services can provide an affordable alternative for travelers.

Get your map of the best things to do in Detroit here.

And these are the best things to do in Detroit Michigan. Have you been to Detroit?

• Photo of Charles H. Wright https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
• Michael Barera , CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
• emperley3, CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
• Mikerussell at en.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ , via Wikimedia Commons
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2 thoughts on “30 Best Things to Do in Detroit Michigan”

Hi Guys. I was confused by the Fillmore. I was thinking “W8! That’s in New York!” But ofc I was thinking of Fillmore East. Duh!

I’m definitely up for visiting the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and the Rouge Factory. And isn’t there the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant museum too? Funnily enough I was chatting to the new head of Comms for Detroit Tourism on Tuesday here in London, so I really need to follow up on that! 🙂

The article provides readers with a range of options for exploring the unique culture and history of Detroit, from visiting iconic landmarks such as the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Motown Museum to enjoying the vibrant music and culinary scenes. The author has done an excellent job of highlighting lesser-known gems and local favorites, giving readers an insider’s perspective on the city. Overall, this article is an excellent resource for anyone planning a trip to Detroit and deserves appreciation for its informative and engaging approach.

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Cassidy Johncox , Senior News Editor

DETROIT – The Motor City is one of the best travel destinations in the whole world, according to TravelLemming.com .

The online travel guide released its annual 50 Best Places to Travel list , and Detroit was named the 10th best global travel destination for 2023. With it’s “thriving cultural scene,” “historic charm,” tons of character and “friendly people,” the city has been deemed a must-stop.

“As one of the country’s best-kept secrets, Detroit isn’t overly touristy, so you get the joy of exploring without crazy crowds. Some of the city’s best elements are its architectural history, Motown music, thriving sports scene, art culture, and excellent selection of restaurants, craft breweries, and cocktail bars,” said Travel Lemming writer Brooke Horrobin. “Canada is just across the beautiful Detroit river, so make the most out of your trip and visit two countries in one go!”

The list highlights Eastern Market, the Detroit Riverfront, numerous museums as things to do when visiting Motown -- alongside trying Detroit-style pizza, of course. Greektown, Park Avenue Historic District, Campus Martius Park and Belle Isle were listed among the top places to visit in the city.

Horrobin says Detroit isn’t recognized globally in the same way that New York City and Los Angeles are, but that it should be.

Detroit is one of only two U.S. cities that made the top 10 on the list of 50 destinations, with a Louisiana city coming in first place.

Here are the top 10 travel destinations for next year, according to Travel Lemming:

• Lafayette, Louisiana
• Utila, Honduras
• Île Sainte-Marie, Madagascar
• Salento, Colombia
• Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia

See Travel Lemming’s entire 50 Best Places to Travel 2023 list here.

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About the Author

Cassidy johncox.

Cassidy Johncox is a senior digital news editor covering stories across the spectrum, with a special focus on politics and community issues.

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Newfound glory

N early 10 years after Detroit filed for bankruptcy, travelers can now play a role in the city’s vibrant economic recovery by simply driving through. Detroit was recently selected as home of the USA’s first electric-vehicle charging road, solidifying its title once again as the Motor City—but for the modern age.

The revitalized city has plans for lots of new offerings, especially for food and drink. Some of the best: Midnight Temple , an Indian gastropub near Eastern Market; Rosemary, chef Maxcel Hardy’s rosemary-filled café and accompanying cigar lounge called Byrd; What’s Crackin’, a seafood-boil restaurant serving up Great Lakes–caught fish; and Basan , a Japanese robata restaurant.

Over 500 new hotel rooms are currently in development for lodging. Cambria Hotel , a 158-room downtown hotel featuring Bluetooth mirrors, golf simulators, and the Detroit Taco Company Bodega, will open in late 2022. ROOST Apartment Hotel is preparing to open early next year in Book Tower—just one of Detroit’s iconic buildings currently being restored to its former glory. Visitors shouldn’t miss the summer opening of Phase 2 of the historic $55 million Motown Museum expansion, featuring an outdoor plaza and performance space.

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5 Exciting Places to Visit in Detroit

See For Yourself Why These Places Are So Popular

• DOTTY WOTTY HOUSE HEIDELBERG PROJECT ARCHIVES

Detroit is full of history and hidden gems. The Motor City is a place for people to physically move and explore the city in a trailblazing way. The best places to visit in Detroit attract locals and visitors alike to experience unique slices that make up the spirit of Detroit. Whether it’s Motown’s greatest treasures, a trip to the DIA, diving deeper into African American history, or a simple stroll through the incredible mural-lined Eastern Market, Detroit has a cool way of getting people out and into the transformative artistic landscape of the Detroit community. 

Detroitisit rounded up a magnificent list of the best places to visit in Detroit, including attractions and public spaces that are widely appreciated.

DETROIT INDUSTRY MURALS PHOTO MARIA KORNACKI

DETROIT INSTITUTE OF ARTS (DIA)

In February 2023, USA Today 10Best named the Detroit Institute of Arts as the number one best art museum in the nation. If that’s not enough reason to visit, then Diego Rivera’s sprawling fresco series, “ The Detroit Industry Murals (1932–1933)”. Spend a few hours admiring the best of Detroit art from the inside out. The DIA is also one-of-a-kind for its infamous van Gogh “Self-Portrait”.  The DIA is always hosting special events and exhibits. Click HERE for more information. 

Location: 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit 

4OTH ANNUAL AFRICAN WORLD FESTIVAL,

CHARLES H. WRIGHT MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY

A list of the best places to visit in Detroit wouldn’t be complete without enriching culturally rich historical reminders of the community’s roots. After all, it’s one of the world’s largest museums of African American history and culture. Get lost in the several exhibit galleries. Click HERE to view the website and plan your next visit. 

Location: 315 E Warren Ave, Detroit

DOTTY WOTTY HOUSE, PHOTO HEIDELBERG PROJECT ARCHIVES

THE HEIDELBERG PROJECT

The best places to visit in Detroit are unique, to say the least. This next colorful and creative spot is sure to attract the right attention. The Heidelberg Project (HP) is definitely one that you’re better off visiting than only reading about. Get the artistic gears turning with a stroll through  this underprivileged neighborhood that now speaks to the greater impact art has on local low-income communities. Painted houses and yards each have something fun to examine, plus a lot of the homes recycle trash and turn it into art installations. Click HERE to learn more. 

Location: 3680 Heidelberg St., Detroit

PHOTO @THEWRIGHTMUSEUM ON INSTAGRAM

EASTERN MARKET

Antique finds, beautiful flowers, and fresh produce are just some of the many offerings at Eastern Market. Enjoy a day of shopping and then grab a bite to eat, and then you can also take a bike ride down the street to see more art. Detroit has a plethora of galleries and iconic museums for those indoor days. For outside art exploration , you could walk the streets. Vibrant murals are not hard to find here in the Motor City. The annual Murals in The Market is the place for public art. There are over 100 murals in Eastern Market alone, and over 200 murals throughout the city of Detroit. Click HERE to view Eastern Market’s website.

Location: 2934 Russell St., Detroit

MURALS IN ISLANDVIEW

The best places in Detroit have been a local favorite, but there’s always room for more! Check out the latest news for viewing Detroit art. The organizers of Detroit’s Murals in the Market festival recently announced Murals in Islandview. This is a new mural festival that kicks off on Tuesday, Sept. 26 with a happy hour at the Spot Lite gallery. This event is located in and around producer 1XRUN’s new home. 

As always, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for regular updates on all things Detroit and more.

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Is Detroit, MI a Good Place to Live? 10 Pros and Cons of Living in Detroit

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Detroit, MI, once the powerhouse of the American automotive industry, has undergone significant transformation in recent years. Today, it stands as a city on the brink of renewal, with a growing arts scene, historic architecture, and a resilient spirit that defines its identity. But is Detroit a good place to live? While the city provides an energetic urban lifestyle, it also presents its own set of challenges. In this Redfin article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of living in Detroit to help you decide if it’s the right place for you.

Interested in moving to Detroit? Check out: Homes for sale in Detroit, MI   | Apartments for rent in Detroit, MI | Houses for rent in Detroit, MI

Quick Facts about Detroit

1. pro: rich history.

From its pivotal role in the automotive industry, shaping the course of American history, to its contributions to music, art, and civil rights, Detroit’s past is infused with a blend of innovation, resilience, and creativity. Exploring the city’s historic sites, from the Henry Ford Museum to the iconic Michigan Central Station, offers a window into the remarkable journey of a city that has faced.

Deciding between renting or buying your next home?

Detroit faces a shortage of large grocery store chains, leaving many neighborhoods underserved by major retailers. This lack of accessible supermarket options not only inconveniences residents but also contributes to food deserts in certain areas, exacerbating issues of food insecurity and limited access to fresh produce.

3. Pro: Affordable cost of living

One of the major advantages of living in Detroit is its affordable cost of living, with a median home sale price of $85,000. Housing prices are significantly lower compared to other major cities, making it an attractive option for first-time homebuyers . The lower cost of living extends to other expenses as well, such as groceries and utilities, allowing residents to enjoy a higher quality of life without breaking the bank.

4. Con: Population density

One of the challenges of living in Detroit is its relatively high population density, which can lead to congestion and limited space in certain neighborhoods. The dense urban environment may result in increased noise levels and reduced privacy for residents.

5. Pro: Music and art

From the soulful rhythms of Motown to the cutting-edge sounds of the underground music scene, Detroit offers a diverse array of musical experiences. Art lovers can explore renowned institutions like the Detroit Institute of Arts, home to masterpieces by world-class artists. Alternatively, they can immerse themselves in the city’s thriving street art scene, where colorful murals adorn building facades throughout the city.

6. Con: Public transportation

Public transportation in Detroit is limited and can be unreliable, with a transit score of 36 indicating minimal options available. The city’s bus system, while extensive, often suffers from delays and infrequent service, making commuting without a car challenging, especially for those living in neighborhoods far from the city center.

7. Pro: Sports and entertainment

Detroit is a sport lover’s paradise, boasting a rich tradition of athletic prowess. From the roar of the crowd at Ford Field, home to the Detroit Lions football team, to the electrifying atmosphere of Little Caesars Arena, where fans cheer on the Detroit Red Wings hockey team and the Detroit Pistons basketball team, The city offers thrilling sporting experiences year-round, making Detroit a good place to live.

8. Con: Harsh winters

Detroit’s winters can be harsh, with heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures. The cold weather can make daily activities more challenging and can be particularly tough on those unaccustomed to such conditions. Snow removal can also be an issue in some neighborhoods, leading to difficult driving and walking conditions.

9. Pro: Strong community spirit

Despite its challenges, Detroit boasts a strong sense of community spirit. Residents are known for their resilience and pride in their city, often coming together to support local initiatives and events such as the annual Detroit Jazz Festival or the Motor City Pride Parade. Neighborhood associations like the Southwest Detroit Environmental Vision empower residents to take ownership of their communities and advocate for positive change.

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10. con: limited retail options.

While Detroit is making strides in revitalizing its commercial areas, there are still limited retail options in some parts of the city. Many residents find themselves traveling to the suburbs for shopping, which can be inconvenient. The lack of major retail stores and shopping centers within the city limits can be a drawback for those who prefer having a variety of options close to home.

Methodology:   The median home sale price and average monthly rental data is from the  Redfin Data Center . The Walk Score, Transit Score and Bike Score data is from  Walk Score .

Ana is a Marketing Specialist on the Content Marketing team at Redfin, where she has spent the past two years writing about real estate, home improvement, and localized content. Living in the Greater Seattle area, she enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors. Her ideal home is a charming cottage-style residence in the countryside.

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Plan Your Visit

If you're headed to Detroit for the first time or haven't been to the city in a while, here's the best set of Detroit-centric travel-planning tools living on the web. These resources can guide you to the best attractions, accommodations, and dining experiences that Detroit has to offer.

Getting Around Detroit

Getting around Detroit and exploring the city should be an easy and fun experience. Whether you're looking for public transportation options, the best routes for driving, or tips on navigating the airport, check out these resources on the most efficient and convenient ways to move around Detroit.

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is often ranked among the best airports in North…

Transportation & Maps

As home to the world's second largest Delta Hub, flying to Detroit is easy. Once…

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Book Your Hotel

Finding the right place to stay is essential. From luxurious downtown hotels to cozy boutique in charming neighborhoods, Detroit offers a variety of accommodations to suit every taste and budget.

Where to Stay

Stay Close and Check Out these Hotel Bars in Detroit

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Things to do in Detroit

Detroit is brimming with culture, history, and innovation, with countless activities to fill your time. Whether you're interested in exploring world-class museums, enjoying live music, or indulging in the local food scene, you'll find Detroit will defy your expectations.

When you're here, you're guaranteed to feel Detroit’s rhythm, shaped by the creators of techno and the inventors of swag. So when you're ready to show up, Detroit is ready to show out. Just bring an open heart and mind, and we'll fill them up.

Family-Friendly Travel

Detroit is a fantastic destination for families, packed with activities and attractions that cater to both kids and adults alike. From interactive museums like the Michigan Science Center to family-friendly parks such as the Detroit Riverwalk , there's no shortage of things to do that will entertain and educate. The city also hosts numerous family-oriented events throughout the year, ensuring that there’s always something new to discover.

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Digital Passport Savings

Visit Detroit's digital passes provide an exciting way to explore the city while enjoying savings and exclusive perks. These programs offer discounts on attractions, dining, and local microbreweries, plus the chance to earn prizes as you check in at various locations. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned local, sign up today and start earning points!

Dive into Detroit’s Food Scene with the ​ ‘ Dining in the D’ Pass

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For a guide to all that Detroit has to offer, our blog is your go-to spot. There you can get a deep dive into our events calendar and regular updates on the latest happenings around the city. Whether you're planning your itinerary or looking for spontaneous adventures, explore our posts to stay informed and inspired as you discover the distinct rhythm and beat of Detroit.

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Detroit boasts some exceptional outdoor spaces, and among them, Belle Isle and the Dequindre Cut stand out as must-visit destinations. Belle Isle , a stunning island park in the Detroit River , offers a serene retreat with its scenic driving routes and historic monuments. The Dequindre Cut provides a unique greenway that's popular for running, biking, and walking, featuring street art and direct access to Eastern Market .

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For those looking to unwind and indulge in some relaxation, Detroit offers a variety of spas and wellness centers that provide a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. From luxurious full-service spas offering massages, facials, and body treatments to cozy day spas where you can rejuvenate with a quick massage or a pampering session, there's something to suit every preference.

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Resilience defines Detroit—a city that's triumphed over historical struggles over the past century. Its distinct…

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Anywhere you travel has a language of its own. Even here in Detroit.

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Detroit Is Alive With New Possibilities—but Don’t Call It a Comeback

As the city forges a new identity, three tastemakers explain what a revitalized detroit means to them—and what it can offer visitors..

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Historic buildings and vacant lots alike have found new life in Detroit.

Photo by Alex Brisbey/Unsplash

Detroit is usually thought of these days in terms of rebirth, revival, and comeback—a far cry from just over 10 years ago when the city filed for bankruptcy and was associated more with words like dilapidated and decayed. But that straightforward trajectory—from lost cause to creative hub—is a reductionist way to view the home of both the motor vehicle and Motown.

Most Detroiters will tell you not to call it a “comeback” because the city isn’t going back to how it was. Instead, locals hope that its ongoing redevelopment leads to a city with less racial segregation and more equal opportunities, all without forgetting its roots. This progress is visible everywhere from Michigan Central —a Beaux-Arts abandoned train station remade into a 30-acre “innovation district” by Ford Motor Company—to the vacant lots that residents have transformed into urban gardens and community art projects .

We spoke with three Detroit-based creatives and entrepreneurs about how the city has influenced them and what travelers can expect: Sydney G. James, a Detroit-raised muralist; James Sumpter, executive chef at the new Cambria Hotel; and W.E. Da’Cruz, a founder fellow at Michigan Central’s Newlab. They explain some of the many ways Detroit will surprise visitors. Then read on for our insider recommendations for where to shop, eat, play, and stay in Detroit.

Sydney G. James’s mural Girl With a D Earring is painted on the Chroma building, a coworking and event venue.

Photos by Lamar Landers

Sydney G. James

Visual Artist and Muralist

Sydney G. James is a Detroit-bred artist whose striking and realistic murals depicting Black Detroiters have become synonymous with the city itself. She is a recipient of a 2017 Kresge Arts in Detroit Fellowship, and her artwork has been displayed on six continents, including exhibitions at Detroit’s Charles H. Wright Muesum and Museum of Contemporary Art and Design (MOCAD). She is also the cofounder of BLKOUT Walls, a Detroit-based street mural festival that brings together Black artists.

“I’m a born-and-raised second-generation Detroiter. My grandparents came up via the Great Migration. I grew up in Conant Gardens, which is the first neighborhood in Detroit where Black people were allowed to build and own their homes. Growing up, we lived in a house that my dad helped my grandfather build when he was 12. J. Dilla was literally our neighbor. I still live here now, in a home I purchased near my mom. It’s an area in Detroit that’s culturally rich in Black love and family.

“I’ve always been an artist. When I moved to Los Angeles in 2004 to work in television, I knew the move was temporary. Detroit had been on a decline because of government neglect, but I knew it was going to go through a resurgence. I didn’t know what that resurgence was going to look or feel like, but I did know I wanted to be an active part of it, so in 2011, I moved home.

“Around that time, I’d started getting into street art. In Detroit, the vacant lots became a space for community art and reclamation. I was asked to take part in the inaugural Murals in the Market festival in Eastern Market, and a month after that Daily Detroit listed my mural Grind: Live From Detroit City as one of the best 18 murals in Detroit. That led me to getting more commercial jobs, and since then I haven’t looked back. However, I noticed at that festival and others, that I was always the only Black woman painter, or one of very few Black people. I was there to fill a quota. Now, Detroit is a majority Black city so the math was literally not math-ing.

“I started BLKOUT Walls , a biennial street art festival featuring all Black artists—such as Ijania Cortez, Tony Whlgn, and Marka27—in response to those experiences. Our first festival was in 2021 and produced murals in the North End area of Detroit. Last year, in 2023, the murals ran along the Woodward corridor, which was the first modern paved road in the world.

“As an artist, my work is very reactionary. I’m inspired by every interaction I have but specifically by the Black women that I encounter every day. My models are people I know personally. Everything about my art is intentional. For instance, my most well-known wall in Detroit is an 8,000-square-foot mural called the Girl with a D Earring , on the Chroma building in the North End. My model was Halima Cassells. She’s a North End native, community activist, and a real Detroit staple. To me, she represents the essence and power of Detroit. Unlike the original Dutch painting [ Girl with a Pearl Earring ], I wanted everything about mine to be bold, down to her hot pink D earring designed by the late Yolanda Nichelle, because Detroit is bold.

“On her garment, I painted logos and names of businesses that used to be or are still in the North End neighborhood [such as Red’s Jazz Shoe Shine Parlor, Underground Resistance , and the Smile Brand ]. I did that because the biggest danger of this redevelopment movement that’s happening in Detroit is erasure and forgetting our history. Detroit was never dead because there were always people living here. It may have looked dilapidated, but it’s always been full of life.”

James Sumpter is executive chef at the Cambria Hotel, which sits on the site of a former radio station. His restaurant Cibo offers Mediterranean food with a Detroit twist.

Courtesy of Cambria Hotel

James Sumpter

Executive Chef, Cambria Downtown Detroit

Cambria Hotel Downtown Detroit is one of the most recent in Detroit’s string of new hotels transformed from the remains of historic buildings. At 154 rooms, it’s adding much-needed space for visitors downtown as Detroit starts attracting more large-scale conventions and events. As executive chef, James Sumpter—a seasoned chef from Michigan—oversees the multiple food and beverage options. These include Cibo, a Mediterranean restaurant; Detroit Taco, fast-casual Mexican that’s open 24 hours a day; 5 Iron Kitchen, within the hotel’s resident golf simulator space; and the recently opened rooftop bar Cielo.

“I’ve been the executive chef for Cambria Hotel for a little over a year and a half. The journey through construction and opening the hotel was such a, let me say, undertaking. The building was the old WWJ radio station, one of the original radio stations with only three letters as opposed to four. That old building is where our hotel lobby and our food and beverage operations are, but then you take a bridge over to the new building with all the hotel rooms. There’s a real art deco influence that’s been retained.

“I’m from Ann Arbor, Michigan. I had my first head chef role at the age of 20, and have worked all over the state from sushi bars to wine bars. I came to Detroit a couple years ago not for a job specifically, but because I wanted to live in this city— a place with a little more excitement and where I could advance my career in a more aggressive way. There are a lot of people like myself who came to Detroit to do something interesting.

“One thing I’ve noticed is that people in Detroit like exciting new flavors, but they also like soul food at the same time. For example, Cibo is a Mediterranean restaurant, but then I’ve put a twist on that. We have a fried chicken shawarma, but I’ve added a za’atar buttermilk biscuit and merguez sausage gravy on top.

“There’s also a big farm-to-table focus because there are actually a lot of urban farmers in Detroit. The 2008 housing crisis hit Detroit really hard and many properties became vacant for so long that they had to be torn down. People could then buy these lots for dirt cheap and turn them into green spaces. In fact, there’s one only six blocks away from Cibo, called Featherstone Garden . Annie Hakim, the grower there, uses sustainable and organic practices and that’s where I get our heirloom tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers.

“Overall, there is a lot of opportunity here in Detroit. I’m over the stereotypes of angry chefs and the history of misogyny in my profession. In my work, I’m trying to cultivate an environment where people are respected and treated well. The same goes for my personal life. When we first moved here, my wife and I went on a kind of ‘church tour’ to find one we liked. There’s a ridiculous number of beautiful churches in Detroit. We found one near us in Bagley, called Gesu , that has a lot of diversity and a priest with progressive views. In Detroit, we’ve found interesting people who aren’t afraid to rub people the wrong way, in a good way.”

The mushroom burgers at Mushroom Angel Co. were actually inspired by a chickpea meatball dish in Malawi.

Courtesy of W.E. Da’Cruz

W.E. Da’Cruz

Cofounder, Mushroom Angel Company

Before moving to Detroit in 2016, W.E. Da’Cruz had a career in U.S.–Africa international relations, where she spoke to female entrepreneurs in Africa on behalf of both the U.S. Embassy and the United National Economic Commission for Africa. In 2020, while on a Daniel Fast diet with her husband, she created a recipe making meat-like patties out of mushrooms. That led to their launch of Mushroom Angel Company, a plant-based foods company that is quickly growing in the Midwest.

“My husband Dominique and I founded Mushroom Angel Company at our home in Martin Park during the pandemic. We produce food that cuts and bites like meat, but is made from locally sourced mushrooms. The narrative of Detroit being a food desert has been prominent over the years. And with climate change, this created an opportunity for people like myself to create plant-based foods from mushrooms.

“We started selling at Eastern Market, which is an iconic food ecosystem here in Detroit. That’s where we were discovered by Meijer, a Midwestern grocery chain, and we’re now selling in six states after only three years.

“Last year we were blessed to receive a $30,000 grant as part of the first Newlab Founder Fellowship. Newlab is part of Michigan Central, Ford’s transformation of the old train station in Corktown into an innovation campus. As part of the fellowship, we have a dedicated workspace at Newlab, where we’re among some of the top leaders in Michigan. You can imagine the impact of bumping shoulders in the elevators with the leaders that are helping in our business growth.

“In my experience, Detroit has become a buffet of opportunities. Your only requirement is to get to the table and participate. People from all walks of life are now able to tap into resources and create an economic ripple effect across the city—and beyond. For instance, take my friends Nadia Nijimbere and Hamissi Mamba, who own the Baobob Fare restaurant. When I arrived in Detroit, others in the community who knew I was African (my family is from Ghana) told me about Nadia and Mamba. I learned that they were refugees from Burundi who had recently arrived to Detroit. In my first three years in Detroit, I witnessed our friends start as pop-ups, build out their own restaurant in the North End area of Detroit, and introduce Detroit and the Midwest to East African food. Imagine not speaking the language or knowing the terrain, and yet still navigating how to launch and scale a successful food service business all while winning national awards [they are currently nominated as 2024 James Beard Award finalists for outstanding restaurateur]. This is a testament to the Detroit business ecosystem.

“There is a migration that is happening to Detroit, and my family is part of that migration. I have to say, I was hesitant to move to Detroit. I moved here from New York City with my husband and oldest daughter in 2016. Our story in Detroit, truthfully, shows how you can still create your American dream. We came with no family, no friends, and really no connection to it outside of its history of Black culture. I mean, why do you leave the Big Apple, right? There was no reason to leave New York, except to come to Detroit and be part of this renaissance in entrepreneurship. The fact that we are succeeding, even after founding our company during a pandemic, says a lot about what Detroit is doing for its community.

“You don’t have to be born in Detroit to be a part of its fabric. I’m not from Detroit, but my children are. I’m creating a legacy here for them and everyone in our community that our company positively impacts.”

The Summer in Mykonos cocktail at Cibo is a blend of tequila, Turkish raki, and lime.

How to explore Detroit like a local

At 143 square miles, Detroit is a massive city. It’s best explored neighborhood by neighborhood, including those beyond downtown—like museum-filled Midtown, edgy Corktown, foodie Eastern Market, and even Hamtramck and Highland Park (two cities enclosed within Detroit proper). Use this guide to plan your trip to Detroit.

Where to eat

Dining in Detroit starts with Detroit-style pizza. Buddy’s , the inventors of Detroit pizza and now a veritable Michigan empire, is the place to try it. In keeping with the city’s automotive history, the original pizzas were made in steel pans from an automobile factory. More elegant fare is available at restaurants within the city’s crop of new hotels: Cibo inside Cambria Hotel serves soulful Mediterranean cuisine; Hamilton’s inside Godfrey Hotel offers pared-back American food; Hiroki-San inside the remodeled Book Tower features ingredients imported weekly from Japan.

For East African eats, head to Baobob Fare , and order the 24-hour marinated samaki (flash-fried fish with sweet plantains, stewed yellow lentils, and sautéed onions). The restaurant is owned by husband-and-wife duo Nadia Nijimbere and Hamissi Mamba, 2024 James Beard Award finalists who came to Detroit as refugees from Burundi. Sweet tooths can be satisfied at Bon Bon Bon , with a box of dark chocolate bons; Sister Pie , with a cult-favorite rhubarb lavender hand pie; or Huddle Soft Serve , with a nostalgic rainbow sprinkle cone.

The nonprofit behind Detroit’s Eastern Market dates back to 1891.

Photo By Ayman Haykal/Shutterstock

Where to shop

Woodward Avenue and Cass Corridor are the shopping core of Detroit. Stop at City Bird for quirky Michigan-themed gifts (such as local wildflower seeds or a Michigan-shaped cutting board), and Shinola for handcrafted watches. The Avenue of Fashion (along Livernois and 7 Mile) is a recently revitalized area known for its historically Black-owned businesses. Visit Simply Casual for casual luxe fashion, or Three Thirteen for Detroit-branded clothing. Eastern Market , the largest outdoor farmers’ market in the United States, is Detroit’s source of flowers, produce, antiques, and vintage items. In Corktown, swing by John K. King , a maze of over 1 million used and rare books (again, America’s largest bookshop), and Eldorado General Store , a den of locally made trinkets, vintage wares, and apothecary items.

The Motown Museum’s expansion will allow visitors to listen to every track on the label’s catalog.

Photo By Patricia Marks/Shutterstock

Detroit has no shortage of museums: the Detroit Institute of Arts , Michigan Science Center , and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, to name a few. The Henry Ford , a museum and historical village complex, is one for the motor history buffs. The Motown Museum is particularly worth a visit as it nears completion of its $65 million expansion project. Built around the humble house where Motown Records had its headquarters and recording studio, the museum pays homage to Detroit’s music legends. Its expansion, called “Hitsville NEXT,” will feature 50,000 square feet of new exhibits, a recording studio, a theater, and more. Nearby in New Center, the Fisher Building and Cadillac Place are two Albert Kahn–designed landmarks from Detroit’s Roaring Twenties architectural boom. Drop into the Guardian Building , downtown, for another example—and be sure to look at the tiled ceiling.

Spend an afternoon walking the 3.5-mile Detroit International RiverWalk , passing natural parkland and views of Canada, or extend your walk by taking the Dequindre Cut path to Eastern Market‚ part of the planned 27.5-mile Joe Louis Greenway currently under development. For a different perspective, join Antique Touring and ride in a vintage Detroit-made Model A vehicle to Belle Isle , an island park in the Detroit River with the city’s best sunset view.

Where to stay

The Siren Hotel , which opened in 2018, stands out as one of the first in Detroit’s ongoing wave of new boutique hotels. The 106-room hotel is downtown a block off Woodward, in the revived 1923 Wurlitzer Building, which originally sold musical instruments. Now, the hotel is a beacon for other redevelopment projects, with its glamorous interiors that nod to the building’s Italian Renaissance revival design. Guest rooms come in tiers of luxury from “the hideout,” a compact room with bunk beds, to an expansive penthouse loft. Try the whipped cream–topped There She Goes cocktail at Candy Bar, the hotel’s decadent all-pink cocktail lounge, and on the second floor, visit Ash-Bar for its upscale spin on the Detroit coney dog (featuring short rib sauce and a duck fat brioche bun).

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16 Best Places to Visit in Michigan, According to Locals

From blissful natural sights to inspiring culture gems, Michigan is packed with reasons to visit.

The state of Michigan is home to more than 10,000 lakes and millions of acres of forest, making it a fantastic destination for hiking, fishing, boating, and more. Exploring the state's natural gems and small towns is a must, yes, but talk to locals and they're bound to suggest historical and cultural sights to add to your itinerary, too. Art is plentiful in Michigan as well — in Detroit, old buildings have even been turned into public art .

Candice Smith, of Tours Around Michigan , often points visitors to sand dunes along the Lake Michigan coastline in Saugatuck or Silver Lake, as well as the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Meyer May House in Grand Rapids. “With more than 300,000 acres of sand dunes, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views & stunning sunsets along Lake Michigan,” she says. “(Meyer May House’s) located in Heritage Hill, one of the largest historic home districts in the nation, with unique mansions built by lumber barons, furniture company owners and Grand Rapids’ early business leaders.”

“ The Historic Avenue of Fashion is one of the largest Black-business districts in the country,” says City Institute president Jeanette Pierce, about this Detroit neighborhood. “From specialty shops and galleries to one of the oldest jazz clubs in the world, there’s so much great Detroit culture and community in this one neighborhood.”

When guests at Daxton Hotel in the Detroit suburb of Birmingham inquire about what to do during their stay, director of sales and marketing Sherrilyn Cavanaugh suggests Cranbrook Art Museum , especially its artist-designed miniature golf course . “Cranbrook on the Green is back for its second season, and just opened to the public on May 24,” she said. “Visitors can enjoy two new holes created by members of the Cranbrook community.”

The Mitten State, as it’s fondly called, also hosts two wine regions near Traverse City. “Surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of Lake Michigan with spectacular views accompanying every sip, it truly is one of the most scenic wine regions in the country,” says Patrick Brys, an appointed member of the Michigan Travel Commission and president of Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery in Traverse City, which is also home to Sleeping Bear Dunes. “To stand on top of a 450-foot mountain of sand rolling down to the turquoise waters of Lake Michigan is a jaw-dropping moment,” he said.

Including some of the above recommendations from notable locals, here are 16 places to visit in Michigan.

Related: 12 Romantic Getaways in Michigan — From Small Towns to Car-free Islands

Isle Royale National Park, Upper Peninsula

One of America’s least-visited national parks (because it’s so remote, only reachable via ferry or seaplane, and open seasonally) Isle Royale National Park attracts nature enthusiasts to its 571,790 acres of splendor between Memorial Day for backpacking, camping, kayaking , and hiking. There are also two lodging options in the park: Rock Harbor Lodge and Windigo Camper Cabins.

Arab American National Museum, Dearborn

More than 40,000 Arab Americans live in Dearborn, and this 35,000-square-foot museum , which debuted in 2005, celebrates them. It’s the world’s first and largest museum of its kind, paying homage to Arab American history and culture, as well as the Arab American experience.

Graffiti Alley, Ann Arbor

For a vibrant, colorful collection of graffiti and street art in one small space, Graffiti Alley is just that. Find it off East Liberty Street, a block northwest of the University of Michigan campus, in downtown Ann Arbor.

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids

Considered one of the world’s most significant botanical and sculptural experiences, this 158-acre park — founded by the founder of Meijer grocery stores, a company with Michigan headquarters — features a 30-acre sculpture park with 300 pieces of art (including “Iron Tree” by Ai Weiwei), the five-story Lena Meijer Conservatory, a Japanese Garden, and a children’s garden.

Mackinac Island

This island is a classic Americana resort town, with horse-drawn carriages, no vehicles, and stately hotels, including the 95-room Grand Hotel , which boasts the world’s longest porch and has been open in 1887 . Guests arrive by ferry. In recent years, more hotels on the island are open year-round, adding cross-country skiing in nearby parks and hot chocolate by the fire to their entertainment mix.

Meyer May House, Grand Rapids

Owned by Steelcase since 1985, Frank Lloyd Wright designed this Prairie School-style house for a local clothier. Built in 1909, the home is accessible via free guided tours. The house is on the National Register of Historic Places and features a mural designed by George Mann Niedecken and 100 art-glass windows.

Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Dearborn

With must-see relics like Thomas Edison’s last breath (captured in a sealed tube); the Montgomery, Alabama, bus that Rosa Parks was riding when she refused to give up her seat; and the car JFK was riding when he was assassinated in Dallas, this 12-acre campus is the country’s largest indoor-outdoor museum complex.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Marked by 450-foot bluffs, this 35-mile-long lakeshore — plus two islands, North and South Manitou Islands — is a beautiful preserved space and a must-visit if near Traverse City. Visitors can hike, camp (including on the two islands), bicycle, climb the dunes, and kayak or canoe.

Windmill Island Gardens, Holland

Strolling through this 36-acre garden in spring, when it's bursting with tulips, is a joy. The site is home to an authentic working windmill that's now around 250 years old, as well as guides in Dutch costume. While you're here, walk through the quaint downtown area of the city of Holland, where 100 or so locally owned boutiques and restaurants, including Nelis’ Dutch Village , where you'll find wooden shoes and Delft plates, among other items.

Waterfalls in Marquette County

There’s no better place in Michigan to experience the awe of waterfalls . Pick a hike that brings you close to a favorite falls. There are dozens in this Upper Peninsula community, including Warner Creek Falls, Morgan Creek Falls, Cataract Dam Falls, Carp River Falls and Yellow Dog Falls.

Whiting Forest of Dow Gardens, Midland

Visitors can walk 40 feet above ground in this woodsy paradise . The canopy walk here measures 1,400 feet long, and after you've crossed it, there's a playground and apple orchard also onsite for you to explore. When the leaves are popping in September (usually), lots of people make time to visit this destination.

SkyBridge, Boyne Falls

This attraction debuted at Boyne Mountain Resort in late 2022, offering three-hour, ticketed visits that begin with a scenic chairlift ride. At 118 feet tall and spanning 1,200 feet, this is the world’s largest timber-towered suspension bridge .

Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit

This 658,000-square-foot cultural institution is a fantastic art museum, with a 65,000-piece collection and a wide variety of works, including Diego Rivera’s “Detroit Industry” frescos and paintings by French Impressionists Claude Monet and Mary Cassatt. There's a Vincent van Gogh self-portrait, too, and Jan van Eyck's “Saint Jerome in His Study."

Motown Historical Museum, Detroit

Motown music was born in Detroit, thanks to artists like Diana Ross and Marvin Gaye. In 1959, Berry Gordy bought a house on West Grand Boulevard and turned it into a recording studio, record label and administration building dubbed “Hitsville U.S.A.” After relocating the label to L.A. in 1972, the house became a museum , 13 years later. Guided tours are available throughout the week.

University of Michigan LSA Museum of Natural History, Ann Arbor

Tucked into the Biological Sciences Building of the University of Michigan , this museum is highly interactive and does not charge admission. Guests have the opportunity to watch researchers at work, and in the Planetarium & Dome Theater, you can view constellations and the Northern Lights as if they’re directly overhead. One of the featured exhibits is the only place in the world where you can see a male and female mastodon skeleton side by side.

Kitch-iti-Kipi, Manistique

When translated from the Ojibwe language, Kitch-iti-Kipi means “the big spring.” This is the largest freshwater spring in in the state, and you'll find it in the 388-acre Palms Book State Park. The crystal-clear lake is 40 feet deep, and though swimming is prohibited, you can experience it via an observation raft.

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How to Get the Best Car Insurance

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For a lot of people, buying car insurance is like buying sliced bread. It’s not the most exciting purchase, and the options all seem similar. So thrifty shoppers might simply reach for the cheapest thing on the shelf. But like cheap bread, cheap car insurance may leave you wishing you spent a little more on quality.

“The cheapest is not always the best,” warns Jessica McNally, an agency owner with Goosehead Insurance in Dallas. That’s because there are lots of factors that make up a car insurance company. And while price is one of them, it’s best to look at the bigger picture.

Here’s what to look for when picking the best car insurance company.

1. Choose a financially stable company

The best car insurance companies have plenty of money on hand to pay for customers’ claims. It’s important to check an insurer’s financial stability before buying a policy, especially if it’s a smaller insurer you’ve never heard of.

There are several independent agencies that evaluate the financial strength of insurance companies. One example is A.M. Best. You can use its online search tool to find an insurer’s financial strength rating. Companies with a rating of A or higher are considered to have an excellent ability to pay out customer claims.

2. Check customer satisfaction ratings and reviews

Not every insurer is customer-first. That’s why it’s important to research the customer satisfaction of insurers you’re considering.

You can turn to surveys from companies like J.D. Power to find insurers with the best customer satisfaction scores [0] J.D. Power . Auto Insurance Customer Satisfaction Plummets as Rates Continue to Surge, J.D. Power Finds . Accessed May 21, 2024. View all sources . Or, if you don’t mind doing a little detective work, you can compare customer complaints against insurers by using the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ website . But take other people’s emotionally charged comments about companies or agents you might read online with a grain of salt, McNally advises.

3. Look for convenience

A great auto insurer should offer multiple ways to manage a policy. For example, some insurers allow customers to use a mobile app to file and track claims. But it’s hard to tell how simple it’ll be to file a claim or perform other essential tasks, like paying your premium, before becoming a customer.

Some telltale signs that an insurer will be easy to work with are high mobile app ratings, flexible customer service hours and an easy-to-use website with helpful content. Consider asking a company representative to walk you through the claims process to learn what you’ll need to do if you have to file a claim. And pay attention to how the company communicates with you. "If they don't properly communicate, well, that's a warning sign," says Michael DeLong, a research and advocacy associate for the nonprofit Consumer Federation of America.

4. Pick an affordable company

Car insurance premiums are stretching to record-breaking heights [0] U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS . Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) . Accessed May 21, 2024. View all sources , and almost half of U.S. consumers shopped for a new car insurance policy in the past year, according to an April 2024 report by J.D. Power [0] J.D. Power . Half of Auto Insurance Customers Currently Shopping for New Policies, J.D. Power Finds . Accessed May 21, 2024. View all sources . The best car insurance companies offer competitive rates and a variety of potential discounts.

It’s not hard to get car insurance quotes online from many companies. Make sure you compare the same coverage options throughout the quote-gathering process. And don’t forget to look for car insurance discounts, like breaks for being a good driver, paying your premium in full or driving a new car.

More tips to find the best car insurance

When shopping for the best car insurance, keep the following tips in mind.

Assess your needs. Before buying car insurance, take a moment to reflect on what’s important to you and your family. For example, maybe you prioritize affordability and a well-polished mobile app, but don’t need accident forgiveness .  

Consider small insurers. There are lots of small insurance companies you’ve probably never heard of. These regional insurers may provide lower rates and better customer service than the big companies you see advertised on TV.

Work with an independent agent. While it may be easy to get quotes yourself, independent car insurance agents and brokers can streamline the process. These experts vet companies and compile quotes from small and large insurers on your behalf. Independent agents and brokers can especially come in handy if you have a less-than-perfect driving record and can’t find insurance on your own.

Do your research. Search online for recent mentions of a company in the news before buying a policy, recommends DeLong. If you find a company has lots of recent lawsuits against it, you may want to think twice about signing on the dotted line. “And if they've had to pay out settlements, that's an even bigger red flag,” DeLong says.

Shop around once a year. Make a practice of shopping for car insurance every year — especially if price is important to you. Insurers adjust car insurance rates regularly, so what might have been the most affordable option last year may no longer be a bargain.

On a similar note...

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How Michigan became ground zero for H5 avian influenza in the US

Michigan has become ground zero for the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus that's sweeping the nation, killing turkeys, chickens and wild birds, infecting cows and other mammals — and now has sickened a third U.S. farmworker .

The Great Lakes state has more dairy cattle herds known to be infected with avian influenza than any other state in the U.S. , with 24 outbreaks in 10 counties as of Friday, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It now also has two farmworkers with confirmed bird flu infections — transmitted to them by close contact with sick cows.

Texas is the only other state where a person is known to have contracted the H5N1 virus from a cow, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That state has reported 15 cattle herd infections since March. Seven other states — Idaho, South Dakota, Colorado, New Mexico, Kansas, Ohio and North Carolina — also have cow herds with known infections, the USDA reported.

The reason Michigan's tally of livestock outbreaks and farmworkers with avian influenza is higher than other states is not because Michigan is especially ripe for viral activity or because there's something different about the state's cows or workers, said Dr. Arnold Monto, emeritus professor of epidemiology and global public health at the University of Michigan and co-director of the Michigan Center for Respiratory Virus Research and Response.

"The main reason we're detecting more infection is because we're doing very good surveillance," Monto said. "Other states need to do the same. ... It's being missed."

The CDC reported May 22 that 40 people had been tested for highly pathogenic avian influenza nationally. The same day, Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan's chief medical officer, told the Free Press that 35 Michigan farmworkers had undergone testing.

That means only five people who had been tested as of May 22 were from states other than Michigan. It also means the reach of the virus "is certainly more widespread" nationally than anyone currently knows, Monto said.

"The conclusions are pretty obvious when you hear things like that," said Monto. "If you don't look, you're not going to find it. What we need is to get serious about it in terms of how we handle surveillance because if you don't know it's there and don't have regulations in place ... it's going to spread even more."

The CDC updated its testing and monitoring data Friday, saying 44 people have now been tested nationally for the highly pathogenic H5N1 virus, and more than 390 people have been monitored as a result of their exposure to infected or potentially infected animals.

The agency said it also is stepping up national surveillance/testing by:

• Asking local labs to send more samples for subtyping to the CDC and state public health labs to test for the H5N1 virus.   
• Extending reporting of flu-related hospitalizations through the Influenza Hospitalization Surveillance Network. The CDC typically stops reporting influenza hospitalizations from May-September because it’s ordinarily such a seasonal virus. So far, the CDC said its surveillance systems show no indication of unusual flu activity in people.
• Increasing outreach through state and local health departments to health care providers and clinics about H5N1 symptoms so avian influenza is considered when patients with conjunctivitis or respiratory illness and a history of exposure to animals seek medical care.

How the virus came to Michigan cow herds

The outbreak of H5N1 virus in dairy cattle — with spillover to humans — began in Texas just a few months ago. It came to Michigan in late March, when infected cows crossed state lines, said Tim Boring, the director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

"We know that a farm in Montcalm County initially (had an outbreak) as a result of cattle movement," Boring said, "and we've seen an expansion of our cases out of that general area since then."

Calling the H5N1 outbreak among poultry and cattle in Michigan an "extraordinary emergency," Boring issued an order May 1 that required all dairy and commercial poultry farms in Michigan to adopt biosecurity practices to slow the spread of the virus.

Among the requirements: Farms must secure animal areas, establish a perimeter and limit access. They must name a biosecurity manager and train employees, establish cleaning and disinfection practices for all with contact within the perimeter, including delivery drivers. They must keep log books tracking all who enter and leave.

More: Avian flu has spread to cows, milk — and experts worry human outbreak could be next

The order also prohibited all lactating dairy cattle, and those in the last two months of pregnancy, from being exhibited at fairs and festivals until there are no new cases of the virus statewide in dairy cattle for at least 60 consecutive days. Similarly, poultry also cannot be taken to exhibitions, fairs or festivals until no new cases of the virus have been detected in domestic poultry for at least 30 consecutive days.

The state agriculture department also teamed up closely with state and local health departments to ensure people would be protected, Boring said.

"In Michigan, we're testing in animals and we're testing in people and we've seen really strong coordination between animal and human health components within the state level, the federal level and on the local level," he told the Free Press on Friday. "Part of the reason that we've seen good responses on testing is because of the involvement of local health departments. Those are trusted community partners. They are neighbors, not folks coming in from out of town. We're taking this really seriously. It's a proactive approach. This is both an animal and a public health concern, and we're managing it as such."

Still, Boring said, there are many unanswered questions about this virus, including how it spreads.

"We likely have a multifactorial transmission matrix going on of how the virus spreads from dairy farm to dairy farm. ... We're getting a better handle on it every day, and we're continuing to lead across the country of what the response looks like."

Human cases so far have been mild

All three people known to be infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza in the U.S. this year have had mild symptoms.

The Texas farmworker and the first person in Michigan to get ill from exposure to infected cattle reported only conjunctivitis, or pink eye. In the second Michigan case, which was announced Thursday , a farmworker had upper respiratory tract symptoms, including cough without fever, and eye discomfort with watery discharge, the CDC reported.

There is concern among scientists that the impact on people could change, as more animals get infected.

The more the virus spreads in animals, the greater the likelihood of human exposures and transmission, Monto said, which also increases the odds that the virus could mutate in a way that would allow H5N1 to spread from person to person or to cause more severe disease.

"That's why we really need to control it — not because we're sure that is going to happen, but because if that does happen, there's a chance it's going to be pretty bad," Monto said.

The CDC is conducting genetic sequencing on the most recent human case in Michigan to determine what, if any changes, there might be.

All three known human cases so far involved the 2.3.4.4b lineage of the virus that is nearly identical to the H5N1 viruses circulating in U.S. dairy cows, the CDC reported.

In samples taken from the infected eye of the first Michigan farmworker, whose case was announced May 22 , the CDC identified  a mutation that allows mammals to be infected more easily. However, it did not contain changes that would likely make it easier for the virus to spread from human to human.

And that's key, Monto said.

"We're lucky that there are receptor-binding issues that are preventing it from getting into humans easily," Monto said, "because if it were easy to transmit, with all of the workers that are on these farms handling the equipment, which is heavily contaminated, we would see more cases."

The virus affects animals, people differently

The impact of the virus on animals so far has been extremely variable, said  Timothy Cernak , an assistant professor of chemistry and medicinal chemistry at the University of Michigan.

"The virus behaves different in each species," said Cernak, whose work centers on developing new antiviral drugs that could be added to the arsenal of current antivirals to help stop a potential avian flu outbreak. "There are species that it gets into and they just don't seem to notice," while others get very sick and others see mass die-offs.

The current H5N1 strain in the U.S. is extremely deadly in birds and cats, sea lions, raccoons and skunks.

Dairy cows get sick from the virus, but don't typically die. A report from Michigan State University suggests cows on one Michigan farm with an H5N1 outbreak had high fevers and dehydration. There was a drop in rumination as well, which turns the grass they eat into energy and milk. Milk production dropped dramatically, and some pregnant cows miscarried.

Last week, the USDA reported that alpacas in Idaho also have contracted the virus. And mice became sick within a day of drinking raw milk from an infected cow. The New England Journal of Medicine published a letter from researchers at the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory that showed the mice had high levels of virus in their organs. Levels also were high in the mammary glands of two mice — even though the mice were not lactating.

"In elephant seals it killed 96% of the pups from last year," Cernak said, adding that the virus also devastated the bald eagle population and affected horned owls. "It's entirely possible in wild populations, there are significant risks of extinction-level events happening."

More: Michigan farmworker is second US case of H5N1bird flu likely transmitted from cow to human

For humans, he said a different subtype of H5N1 avian influenza that spread in Cambodia from 2003-23 caused severe illness and deaths.

"In Cambodia, the fatality rate in humans was really high, and that's the concerning thing," Cernak said. Of 64 people who contracted the other subtype of the virus, 41 died, according to the  World Health Organization .

Could respiratory symptoms signal easier human-to-human spread?

For now, as the bird flu circulating in the U.S. has remained mild in the few human cases, Cernak said he is concerned about the potential for respiratory transmission to give this virus a boost.

"The biggest risk that we have is that it mutates toward respiratory transmission," he told the Free Press last week — before the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced that the state does now, in fact, have a farmworker with H5 infection and respiratory symptoms.

It's unclear, however, whether having those symptoms will make it easier to spread the virus from person to person.

Joe Coyle, deputy state epidemiologist and director of the MDHHS Bureau of Infectious Disease, said it's the first time respiratory symptoms have been associated with a human H5N1 influenza case following contact with sick cows.

"Generally speaking, with something like influenza and respiratory viruses, when you have respiratory symptoms, you're more likely to spread the virus than if it was just conjunctivitis like the previous case we had in Michigan and the one in Texas," Coyle said.

"It is a new presentation, and it's something that we'll definitely be looking at ... to see if this represents a different mutation of the virus that's causing these types of symptoms, or is it really the same virus but just a different route of transmission with respect to the human exposure."

The CDC reported that the farmworker with respiratory symptoms was treated with the antiviral drug oseltamivir, better known as Tamiflu, and is isolating at home. None of the person's contacts have developed symptoms and all are being monitored and offered antiviral medication.

More outreach to farms needed

Dr. Adam Lauring, an associate professor of infectious diseases and microbiology at U-M, said there are still a lot of unknowns when it comes to the current U.S. H5N1 avian influenza outbreak.

"Often in the health field, we are maybe appropriately focused on the humans, but the wider the outbreak is in animals, the more risk there is of humans being infected because there are more potential contacts," he said.

"I think everyone's trying to understand different ways that it could be spreading among dairy cattle within a herd and also between herds or between farms, and I think that's an important thing that we need to really get a better understanding of.

"In terms of how far it has spread in humans, that is dependent on really being able to do good surveillance, which is challenging in this situation in that it depends on people coming to attention, reporting their symptoms, getting tested."

Many farmworkers are undocumented migrant workers for whom English might not be a first language and who might be concerned about being deported if they say they are sick or seek medical care.

"A lot of these populations are hard to reach," Lauring said. "I know MDHHS has been doing outreach to try to do as best they can with surveillance for symptoms in people to try to catch anyone who could be infected, and also then to offer testing. That's how, for example, this (first) case in Michigan was identified was through this program."

Michigan, he said, appears to have done a better job than many other states. It has created a daily text-message surveillance system, available in English and in Spanish, that asks workers to detail whether they have symptoms. Anyone who answers yes is then offered testing by local public health workers.

Testing is encouraged, but not required, and the federal government now is reimbursing farms for the some of the losses they have incurred from H5N1 outbreaks and testing.

"This is an ongoing, evolving situation and it's important to pay attention to that," Lauring said. "Fortunately, the risk to the general population is low, but we need to pay attention and reach out to farms and people working with the farms and work together to control the outbreak."

'We're flying blind'

Katelyn Jetelina, an epidemiologist and consultant for several health organizations including the CDC, wrote on a post on her substack,  "Your Local Epidemiologist,"  that the H5N1 situation in the U.S. is far from controlled.

"We are flying blind," she said. "We don’t know how this virus is spreading, where it is spreading, and if it’s becoming better at infecting humans."

Lack of trust in public health in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, farmworkers' fears of deportation and language barriers, along with farmers' concerns about the financial impact the H5N1 outbreaks all are affecting surveillance efforts.

"It shouldn’t be shocking that few are volunteering to test for H5N1," she wrote.

Animal testing for avian influenza viruses in Michigan is done through MSU's Veterinary Diagnostic Lab. Positive results are sent to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for confirmatory testing, Boring said.

If an animal's test result is positive, "we work closely with local and state health officials to make sure that local health is on farms, working with farmworkers, apprising them of everything they need to know about what this virus means and maintaining and tracking some human safety aspects there," he said.

That includes ensuring personal protective gear — such as face shields or goggles, respirator masks, rubber coveralls and boots — are available to workers on farms with infected animals. Although wearing PPE is recommended, it isn't mandatory.

"We're doing everything we can to assist those human health partners to be getting equipment out to not only just farms, but within those CDC guidelines around processing plants as well.

"We've had a few farms take us up on that, but the base PPE that makes so much of a difference in these cases — eye protection, gloves — that is equipment a lot of farms have on hand already."

Neither of the Michigan farmworkers who were infected by cows wore fully protective equipment, said Bagdasarian, the state's chief medical executive, in a statement issued Thursday. One was splashed in the eye with milk from an infected cow and the other had "direct exposure to an infected cow."

"This tells us that direct exposure to infected livestock poses a risk to humans, and that PPE is an important tool in preventing spread among individuals who work on dairy and poultry farms," she said.

For protection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service recommends that anyone who is within 6 feet of an infected cow should wear:

• Safety goggles or a face shield
• Disposable gloves
• Boots or boot covers
• A respirator, such as an N95 mask
• Fluid-resistant coveralls
• Head covering

Many questions about avian influenza remain unanswered

There remain many questions with wide implications, Monto said, when it comes to how this virus is behaving.

Among them, he said: For how long is a cow infectious? Will infections be sustained on farms or will they be able to be rid of the virus over time? Why are lactating cows so susceptible and why are virus particles so concentrated in their milk?

"What is going on in the mixed dairy-beef cattle farms? A cow is a cow," said Monto.

He noted that in one out of 109 samples of beef tested in late May by the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service , H5N1 viral particles were detected in muscle tissue. In ground beef that was inoculated with high levels of virus, cooking it to at least 145 degrees (medium) or 160 degrees (well done) killed the H5N1 virus.

"Even cooking burgers to 120 (rare) degrees, which is well below the recommended temperature, substantially inactivated the virus," the USDA reported.

And though similar testing of commercial milk found H5N1 viral fragments , those particles were inactivated by pasteurization and were unable to cause infection. Raw milk from infected cows, however, has been shown to be a risk for infection.

"We do know that raw milk is full of the virus," Monto said. "We know that we shouldn't be drinking unpasteurized milk and some people are (obsessed with) drinking unpasteurized milk."

Monto said scientists still don't know whether the milk of other animals — or humans — is infectious when they contract avian influenza.

"This virus is now spreading wherever they shipped dairy cows. It's come all the way from Texas to Michigan. And it's come to a variety of other states," Monto said.

"We need to control the infection in cattle, and that will lower the probability of humans becoming infected."

Contact Kristen Shamus: [email protected]. Subscribe to the Free Press.