Motor City Memories: 15 Things to Do in Detroit

Belle Isle is a 982-acre island park located in the Detroit River between the United States and Canada. It is the largest city-owned island park in the United States and is a popular destination for Detroiters and visitors alike.

The island is home to a variety of attractions, including the Belle Isle Aquarium, the Belle Isle Conservatory, the Belle Isle Nature Center, the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, the James Scott Memorial Fountain, and the Belle Isle Casino. The island also features a variety of recreational activities, such as biking, fishing, and yes, picnicking!

The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant is a former factory in Detroit, Michigan, that was the birthplace of the Ford Model T. It was the first factory owned and operated by the Ford Motor Company, and was in operation from 1904 to 1910.

The plant was located at the corner of Piquette Avenue and Beaubien Street in Detroit’s Milwaukee Junction area. The building is now a National Historic Landmark and houses the world’s oldest surviving Model T, as well as other artifacts from the early days of the Ford Motor Company. The building is open to the public for tours and educational programs.

A recent visitor was smitten saying “Amazing journey to the past, I personally have an affinity for older structures that carry significant history. This was the site of the first Model T and there are many horseless carriages in this museum to get your fill, especially if you are a car enthusiast…we did the guided tour which takes approximately 2 hours, but it’s very insightful…enjoy!!”

Comerica Park is a baseball stadium located in downtown Detroit, Michigan. It is the home of the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball. The stadium opened in 2000 and has a capacity of 41,083.

It features a natural grass playing surface and a unique design that includes a Ferris wheel, a carousel, and a giant tiger head. The stadium also features a variety of restaurants, bars, and concession stands. Comerica Park is a popular destination for baseball fans and is known for its lively atmosphere!

John K. King Used & Rare Books is a used and rare bookstore located in Detroit, Michigan. It is one of the largest used and rare bookstores in the United States, with over one million books in stock. The store was founded in 1965 by John K. King and has been in the same location since then.

The store specializes in rare and out-of-print books and also carries a wide selection of new books. The store also offers a variety of services, including book appraisals, bookbinding, and book repair. John K. King Books is a popular destination for book lovers and is a must-see for anyone visiting Detroit.

The Fox Theatre is a historic theater located in Detroit, Michigan. It was built in 1928 and is one of the most iconic theaters in the city. The theater is known for its ornate interior design, which includes a grand lobby, a large auditorium, and a balcony.

The theater has hosted a variety of events, including concerts, plays, and movies. It is also home to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. The Fox Theatre is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, and it is a great place to experience the culture and history of Detroit.

The Detroit Historical Museum is a museum located in Detroit, Michigan. It was founded in 1928 and is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history of Detroit and the surrounding region. The museum houses a variety of permanent and temporary exhibits, including the Detroit Historical Society’s collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents.

The museum also offers educational programs, lectures, and other events. The museum is located in the city’s Cultural Center Historic District and is open to the public.

A recent visitor to the newest exhibit said, “As longtime members of this museum, we had to visit to see their latest exhibits: Boom Town: Detroit in the 1920s and Detroit’s Brewing Heritage. We were not disappointed!! […] Love the old TV commercials with those familiar jingles!!”

The Guardian Building is a historic skyscraper located in downtown Detroit, Michigan. It was designed by Wirt C. Rowland of the firm Smith, Hinchman & Grylls in 1928 and completed in 1929. The building is a prime example of Art Deco architecture and is considered one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. It stands at a height of 47 stories and is clad in terracotta and brick.

This building is home to various businesses, including banks, law firms, and other professional services. It is also a popular tourist destination, offering guided tours and a variety of events throughout the year!

Greenfield Village and The Henry Ford is a museum complex in Dearborn, Michigan, just outside of Detroit. It was founded by automobile pioneer Henry Ford in 1929 and is dedicated to preserving and interpreting American history and innovation. The complex includes a village of historic buildings, a working farm, a steam locomotive, and a variety of interactive exhibits.

The village includes buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries, including Thomas Edison’s Menlo Park laboratory, the Wright Brothers’ bicycle shop, and the home of Henry Ford’s grandparents. The complex also includes the Henry Ford Museum, which houses artifacts from the Industrial Revolution, including the bus Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on. The complex also includes the Ford Rouge Factory Tour, which offers visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the production of Ford vehicles. Each of the 4 venues has an admission fee. All are great visits, but we single out Greenfield Village if you want to save money.

Renaissance Center is a group of seven interconnected skyscrapers in downtown Detroit, Michigan. It includes the tallest building in Michigan. The complex is owned by General Motors and serves as its world headquarters. The center was designed by architect John Portman and was completed in 1977.

It is home to the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center, a shopping mall, restaurants, and exhibition space. The complex also includes the Detroit People Mover, a 2.9-mile automated people mover system that connects the Renaissance Center to other downtown Detroit attractions!

A recent visitor commented on Trip Advisor that “The GM Renaissance Center offers free tours around the structure and up to the restaurant at the top. You will have the best views of the Detroit area and into Canada.”

Eastern Market is a historic public market located in Detroit, Michigan. It is the largest historic public market district in the United States. The market was founded in 1891 and is located in the heart of the city. It is a bustling hub of activity, with over 150 vendors selling fresh produce, flowers, meats, seafood, baked goods, and other specialty items.

The market also hosts various events throughout the year, including the popular Flower Day and the Detroit Festival of the Arts. This spot is a great place to explore the city’s culture and history, as well as to explore unique items from local vendors.

The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History is a museum located in Detroit, Michigan. It is the largest museum of African American history and culture in the United States. The museum was founded in 1965 by Dr. Charles H. Wright, a Detroit physician and civil rights activist. The museum houses over 35,000 artifacts, documents, and photographs related to African American history and culture.

It also features interactive exhibits, educational programs, and special events. The museum is dedicated to preserving and celebrating African American history and culture and to inspiring dialogue and understanding among people of all backgrounds.

The Motown Museum is an historic museum located in Detroit, Michigan. It is dedicated to the legacy of Motown Records, the record label founded by Berry Gordy, Jr. in 1959. The museum features interactive exhibits, memorabilia, and artifacts from the Motown era, including costumes, instruments, and other artifacts from the label’s artists.

Visitors can also take a tour of the original Hitsville U.S.A. studio, where many of Motown’s classic hits were recorded. The museum also hosts special events, such as concerts, lectures, and even film screenings!

Carin said, “We visited the Motown museum last week, and we had an amazing time! You can only buy tickets for the guided tour, so that’s what we did. The tour was really interesting, and the tour guides told the story of Motown very well. The duration of the tour was approximately 1 hour. We really recommend you to go to the Motown museum!” after their visit.

Detroit is a great city for live music. The city is home to a variety of venues, from small clubs to large arenas, that host a wide range of musical acts. Detroit is known for its vibrant music scene, with genres ranging from rock, hip-hop, jazz, blues, and more.

The city is also home to a number of music festivals, such as the Detroit Jazz Festival, Movement Electronic Music Festival, and the Detroit Music Awards. Detroit is also home to a number of iconic music venues, such as the Fox Theatre, the Fillmore Detroit, and the Masonic Temple. So check them out while you’re in town!

The Detroit Institute of Arts is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing access to the arts for all Detroiters. Founded in 1888 as the Deroit Museum of Arts, the now-Detroit Institute of Arts works to create a vibrant and diverse arts community in Detroit by providing educational programs, exhibitions, and performances.

This hot spot also works to promote local artists’ works and foster collaboration between the arts and other sectors of the city. The Institute is committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all Detroiters to explore and experience the arts.

A recent visitor said of his visit here, “DIA has been a bucket list art destination for some time, and it didn’t disappoint. The Rivera murals alone are worth a visit. But their overall collection is superb, and all exhibits are thoughtfully presented. Our visit coincided with the Van Gogh in America show which was a bonus. Really informative…”

Downtown Detroit is a vibrant and bustling area of the city. It is home to Campus Martius Park, a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. The park features a large fountain, a carousel, and a variety of restaurants and shops. The Detroit People Mover is a convenient way to get around downtown, with stops at many of the city’s attractions.

The QLine streetcar system runs through downtown, connecting the city’s neighborhoods. Greektown is a popular area of downtown, with many restaurants, bars, and shops. It is a great place to explore and experience the city’s culture.