Located on the Canadian border, Detroit is a great city to visit if you’re driving through the northern states or visiting some of the best locations around Lake Erie. Let’s be honest, Detroit is sometimes ignored because it’s not as accessible as Chicago, but the best things to do in Detroit are scattered throughout the city.
So, to help you make the most of your time visiting Detroit, we wanted to share some important places to visit and some experiences to have while exploring the city. After all, this is Michigan’s biggest tourist city.
Check out our top things to do in Detroit below. Have fun exploring!
1.) Detroit History Museum
If you are interested in your history, Detroit History Museum A must visit if you’re in Detroit. Not only that, but it’s a great place to visit when you want a break from wandering the streets, which can get cold in the winter.
Inside the museum, you’ll find dozens of exhibits and thousands of artifacts, including the city’s founding, the automobile industry, and the Motown era that made Detroit the city it is today.
There is a small admission fee but it is well worth seeing all the exhibits. You will learn a lot about the French migration to Detroit and learn more about the underground railroad which is very enlightening.
After that, if you have time, get in the car and Ford Pickett Avenue Plant. This is a museum that tells the history of the Ford Motor Company and its presence in Detroit. Historically, this factory was where the first Ford Model T was built and is now a museum. He is one of the best activities to do in Detroit if you want to explore the city’s automotive history.
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2.) Eastern Market
Perhaps one of Michigan’s most famous markets, eastern market This town has been around since the 18th century and is filled with food stalls. He loves the Saturday Market, now home to hundreds of local merchants that make Detroit great. Be sure to arrive hungry, as you’ll be stopping to buy plenty of delicious treats during your stay.
That said, if you’re looking for arts and crafts, head to the Sunday Market. Local jewelry stores, artists, musicians, and more. The market gets crowded on weekends, so be prepared for crowds.
3.) Detroit Institute of Arts
of Detroit Institute of Arts is one of the largest museums in the United States. With over 65,000 pieces of art, this visit is definitely one of the best things to do once you arrive in Detroit.
As you know, the museum’s collection includes paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, photographs, and artwork. It can take hours to see everything you want to see, so plan your time well.
Once inside, I loved the Diego Rivera mural, the European gallery, and the Japanese garden. Honestly, it’s amazing.
If art isn’t your thing, head to historic Fort Wayne, built in the 18th century. Today, the fort is a museum with tours and exhibits about the history of the fort and the city of Detroit. Furthermore, if you time your visit right, you can also watch the reenactment footage.
4.) Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History (or Wright Museum) is a must-do when in Detroit. Not only is it the world’s largest museum dedicated to African American history and culture, it is also a museum that presents an honest account of African American history.
Once you arrive here, you’ll find plenty of seasonal and permanent exhibits, including: Slavery, racism, and the civil rights movement. Please avoid visiting on Mondays as it is closed on Mondays.
Then, visit the Detroit Public Library, one of the largest in the United States. The library has over 2 million books and other artifacts and offers a variety of services, including computer access, reading aloud for children, and English classes for adults.
But what really stands out to me is the building. It’s beautiful just to look at it.
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5.) Motown Museum
The Motown Museum, or Hitsville USA, is a museum dedicated to the history of Motown Records located in Detroit itself.
As you know, the record label that launched the careers of many famous musicians, including the Supremes, the Temptations, and Marvin Gaye, began in Detroit.
Inside the museum, you’ll find interactive exhibits, artifacts, artist memorabilia, and more.
surely Book your Motown Museum tickets in advance. If you want to cheer up and enter, you may have to wait quite a while.
6.) Belle Island
Just off the coast of Detroit, Belle Island is a vast park with walking trails, trails, and a trove of history to explore.
Once cut off from the mainland, the MacArthur Bridge now connects the island to Detroit itself. All of this makes visiting extremely easy and a great way to spend your day in Detroit in a more relaxing way.
After visiting Bell Island, be sure to take the Blue Heron Lagoon Trail and visit the Livingston Memorial Lighthouse, one of the best things to do in Detroit if you’re interested in the island’s history.
If you visit in the summer, please try it Belle Isle Beach This is a great place to walk or kayak in the area.
Oh, don’t forget! Want to learn more about the Great Lakes and Lake Erie? Dossin Great Lakes Museum On Bell Island itself. It’s a lovely hour-long visit and well worth a visit if you’re a natural history buff.
Finally, for a spectacular sunset, head to the aptly named .Sunset Point”. It’s a wonderful view on a clear day.
Read more: Things to do near Lake Erie
7.) Fox Theater
If you’re familiar with Detroit, the Fox Theater needs little introduction. It’s huge and the theater itself is just amazing to see.
At nearly 100 years old, the Fox Theater is steeped in history and worth a visit to see its regular shows.
As you know, the Fox Theater hosts a variety of concerts and performances throughout the year, including Broadway shows, pop concerts, and classical music performances.
Read more: Things to do in Lake Erie
8.) Detroit Princess Riverboat
Want to head to Lake Erie? Next, hop aboard the Detroit Princess Riverboat. This is one of the best activities in Detroit and definitely a lot of fun.surely book a cruise Find what’s right for you. We have everything from sunset tours to Motown shows and even murder mysteries.
after that, Book this small group walking tour of Detroit. If you’re short on time, it’s a great way to learn about the city’s history and discover hidden gems. It was very helpful to save time and the tour guide was very enthusiastic. we loved it.
9.) Most Holy Savior Church
Want to see more of Detroit’s old buildings? Then head to Most Holy Savior Church. If you’re interested in Detroit’s religious history, he’s one of the best things to do in Detroit.
Founded in the 1800s, it is particularly impressive with its beautiful Roman basilica-style architecture.
Afterwards, head to an unpretentious, casual restaurant. Dury’s Place Coney Island For a bite. He’s an old-fashioned diner that serves one of the best chili dogs in all of Michigan. Do not miss it.
10.) Campus Martius Park
Perhaps best thought of as Detroit’s town square, Campus Martius Park is worth a stroll, especially in winter and summer.
As you know, many events occur frequently. Beach days, ice skating, etc. Additionally, there are many restaurants in this area.
That being said, if nothing happens during your visit, you’ll probably want to miss this spot. It’s fun to see from a visitor’s perspective, but only if there’s an actual event going on.
Read more: Things to do in Lake Erie
11.) Heart Plaza
Just before the Detroit Windsor Tunnel. heart plaza You can easily visit it while strolling along the coastline near the financial district.
Once here, you can board the Detroit Riverboat Princess and also see the Horace E. Dodge Fountain and sculptures of Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King. Also keep an eye out for the annual jazz festival. That’s dangerous!
If that’s not your thing, go and watch one of Detroit’s famous sports teams play. Detroit is home to several professional sports teams, including the Detroit Tigers (baseball), Detroit Red Wings (hockey), and Detroit Lions (football).
It’s a great way to experience sports culture…but I still have a hard time understanding baseball.
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