Top 20 Attractions To Visit In Detroit
Detroit is one of those cities you either love or hate. It’s a city of many attractions that draw visitors from all over the world. From world-class art museums and architecture to historical sites and beautiful public spaces, Detroit is filled with places that excite and delight you.
1. Detroit Institute of Arts
The world-famous Detroit Institute of Arts boasts a collection of over 65,000 artworks covering the entire history of civilization, making it one of the largest and most important in the United States. Its centerpiece is Mexican artist Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry Murals, which spans 27 panels and depicts the city’s autoworkers. The inventiveness on exhibit here will invigorate you, making you eager to embark on your next creative project and possibly entice you to attend an art history lesson as well.
2. The Heidelberg Project
Tyree Guyton’s most famous public art exhibition, which is always changing and evolving, was developed in reaction to the neighborhood’s continuing blight and ruin. Guyton informed Culture Trip in 2017 that he planned to replace some of the famous installations with a new vision known as Heidelberg 3.0. Of course, the best way to learn about what’s going on on Heidelberg Street is to go there yourself and be impressed.
3. People Mover
A quick and cheap ride monorail on the People Mover is a great way to see the city. The entire loop takes less than 15 minutes to complete, with 13 stops. There are original artworks installed throughout the stations thanks to the Downtown Detroit People Mover Art Commission, which raised $2 million to finance the creative project.
4. Lafayette/American Coney Island
The Coney Island hotdog is a classic Detroit dish. There is a rivalry going back to when each business was owned by a brother in the same family, and it is one of the reasons why the two most famous places to get one are next door to each other. Detroiters say that Lafayette is the hometown favorite, but many think American hotdogs and chili are better. Try both to find out where your loyalty lies.
5. Detroit RiverWalk
The Detroit RiverWalk is located close to the GM Renaissance Center and connects a number of areas to make the most of the city’s east riverbank. The stretch from the Joe Louis Arena to Gabriel Richard Park is more than 80 percent complete and includes parks, plazas and pavilions to enjoy. You will be able to see panoramic views of both Detroit and Windsor while strolling along the river. You can go for dinner nearby and then take a post- meal walk around these parts to get a feel for the vibe of the city.
6. Motown Museum
You can learn about the music and have fun at Hitsville USA. Berry Gordy turned an $800 loan into one of the most famous labels of all time, and passionate guides can show you where the magic happened and how. Some of the artists who have walked through these doors include Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, the Temptations, Marvin Gaye and Michael Jackson. Read more about Motown Museum here!
7. Eastern Market
One of the oldest and largest year-round markets in the US, Eastern Market offers an eclectic mix of local food, art and music in a friendly community setting. A non-profit runs the market that gives back to the neighborhood. It helps new food businesses in the city and increases access to healthy food in the metro area. It will be great to stop by and help a cause.
8. Comerica Park
Comerica Park, home of the Detroit Tigers, the American League’s oldest continuous one-name, one-city team, is a terrific venue to enjoy America’s favorite pastime in the heart of downtown Detroit. It’s still a great spot to meet and connect with the locals even if you’re not a baseball fan. A Ferris wheel and a diversified food court are also available to keep you occupied between games.
9. Guardian Building
The Guardian Building, a National Historic Landmark and one of the best art deco skyscrapers in the United States, was built in 1929, when Detroit was a global crossroads. The building’s designer, Wirt C Rowland, used Monel metal for all exposed metalwork instead of the traditional brass and bronze, resulting in many design and technology advances. Its elevator system was the first to use technology to stop the car at floor level and open the doors automatically. Check out the beautifully colorful lobby, which has been properly maintained.
10. Hart Plaza
One of the city’s top riverside destinations is Hart Plaza, named after the late US senator Philip A Hart. There is a sculpture of Joe Louis’s fist and a fountain designed by Isamu Noguchi on view. Festivals, concerts, and special events take place in the summer months, attracting residents and travelers alike.
11. Belle Isle
There is a 982-acre island on the Detroit River between the US and Canada. There are several attractions in the area, including a state park, a free aquarium, 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 the views of the city and its Canadian counterpart. Belle isle is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city on a warm and sunny day.
12. MGM Grand
The MGM Grand Detroit is a casino resort hotel in the city. This is the first luxury casino resort hotel to open outside of Las Vegas. The casino has slots and table games, many food and drink choices, a spa and much more.
13. The Henry Ford
You have to learn more about the industry that gave Motor City its name if you want to visit it. The Henry Ford is a museum that occupies over 250 acres and has over 26m artifacts, including the bus whereRosa Parks took a stand against segregation It is home to an outdoor living museum dedicated to the history of the United States and is ranked among the world’s largest auto museums.
14. Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit
From the graffiti-covered auto dealership that serves as its premises to the adventurous nature of the contemporary visual, literary, music and performing arts inside, this museum is quintessentially Detroit. Exhibitions change frequently and exciting events are on a weekly basis. If you’re on a budget, the museum’s pay what you can admission policy is great. 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.
15. GM Renaissance Center
The seven towers that make up the GM Renaissance Center are the center of the downtown skyline. It was originally built by Ford and became the world headquarters of GM. The Marriott features high-end dining, elegant venues, and beautiful river views, which make it an attractive place to visit year-round. On weekdays, you can take a complimentary tour of the towers at noon or 2pm.
16. Dequindre Cut
The Dequindre Cut is a revitalizing greenway and recreational path that is popular with residents and visitors alike. It used to be a railroad and now has graffiti, art and a wide pathway. Renting bikes from Wheelhouse Detroit will allow you to explore the area on two wheels instead of two legs. It is a great activity to do on a warm day or evening. If you stop along your ride, you will be able to see all of the innovative and colorful street art.
17. Campus Martius Park
Downtown Detroit has a park called Campus Martius Park. The park became the focal point for rebuilding the city after it was nearly destroyed by fire in 1805. There are two performance stages, monumental sculptures, public spaces and a seasonal ice-skating rink at this place.
18. Edsel and Eleanor Ford House
The Edsel and Eleanor Ford House is a must-visit for anyone who wants to see the home life of one of Detroit’s most famous families or to experience an impressive and authentic piece of period architecture. Eleanor Ford left her home on Gaukler Pointe near Grosse Pointe Shores to a trust for the benefit of the public after her death in 1976.
19. Detroit Historical Museum
The Detroit Historical Museum has been preserving the city’s history for 85 years. There are permanent exhibitions with cobblestone streets, an auto assembly line and a fur trading post. A visit here is a great way to learn about the city.
20. Detroit Zoo
The Detroit Zoo is located in Royal Oak and Huntington Woods, north of the city. One of Michigan’s most popular family attractions is the Detroit Zoological Society and the Belle Isle Nature Center, which has 125 acres of naturalistic habitats with over 200 different species of animals. It has a custom-made carousel, a 4D theater, and a simulator ride.