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44 Best Things to Do in Detroit (By a Local)
👉 Jump to: Best Things to Do in Detroit | Museums & Theatres | Food & Drink | Landmarks | Nightlife | Unique Things to Do | Sports | Outside of Detroit
As a lifelong Metro Detroit resident, I have enjoyed showing off Detroit to visitors for most of my adult life. I’m delighted to share some of the best things to do in Detroit with you.
Detroit has been going through a steady and healthy revitalization for the last 30 years or so, and this list covers a variety of things I think visitors and new arrivals will love. I’ll walk you through the best museums and theaters, iconic landmarks, and the best spots for nightlife. I’ll also let you in on the best places to eat and drink, unique things to do, and places just outside of Detroit that are also worth your time.
This list and my guide to where to stay in Detroit will help you plan the best trip possible. Welcome to Detroit!
44 Best Things to Do in Detroit
Hart Plaza
Hart Plaza is the heart of Detroit festivals and events.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (313) 877-8057 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: Free
Hart Plaza is located on the Detroit River at the edge of Downtown. It plays host to events year-round, from the Techno Festival and the Grand Prix to the Motor City Pride Festival. During the week, it’s a lovely place to begin a stroll down to the river. Or you can simply stay here to play in the fountain on a hot day. This is also the premier place to watch the Ford Fireworks.
Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA)
The DIA is a world-class art museum, showcasing masterpieces from artists like Van Gogh, Rivera, and many others.
📍Google Maps | Phone: (313) 833-7900 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 4 pm Tues – Thurs, 9 am – 9 pm Friday, 10 am – 5 pm Sat – Sun | Entrance: $20 Adults, $10 Students with ID, $8 Youth (6-17), Free Children 5 & Under, Free for Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb County residents
The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) is a world-class art museum and a Detroit icon. Explore its diverse permanent and temporary collections, which include works from all over the world.
The collection includes art from ancient times through modern art movements. Make sure to say hi to the mummy in the Egyptian section. Enjoy a stop in the cafe for a bite to eat before exploring the rest of this vast museum. Bonus: the museum is open late Friday evenings.
Fisher Theatre
Head over to the New Center area for a unique experience.
📍Google Maps | Phone: (313) 872-1000 | Website | Hours: Vary depending on the performance | Entrance: Ticket prices vary depending on the performance.
Designed by Albert Kahn in 1929, the Fisher Building is one of the most recognized buildings in Detroit. Get tickets for a Broadway in Detroit show, or stop in to shop in one of many boutiques.
Make an appointment to get your hair done at the salon or grab a coffee and something light at the cafe. While here, make sure to admire all of the stunning Art Deco architecture and style. The mosaics inside are worth the visit!
Riverwalk
Walk, run, or bike the trail.
📍Google Maps | Phone: (313) 566-8200 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 10 pm Daily
Detroit’s Riverwalk spans 5 miles along the Detroit River, from Gabriel Richard Park near the Belle Isle Bridge, to Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park.
Come here for a relaxing walk with plenty of great people-watching opportunities. Visit parks and fishing spots on your stroll, as well as some stunning scenery along the way. There’s even a free carousel at the Detroit Riverwalk Park along the way!
Belle Isle
Visit this small island to enjoy a variety of excellent attractions.
📍Google Maps | Phone: (313) 833-7900 | Website | Hours: 5 am – 10 pm Daily | Entrance: Free, but all vehicles are required to have a Recreation Passport from the DNR
Drive over the Belle Isle Bridge to experience several great Detroit attractions, like the Belle Isle Aquarium, the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, or the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory. Or you can visit just to hang out on the beach and watch the freighters go by on a lazy afternoon.
Visiting the island is free, though the museums have different hours and admissions. You must, however, have a Recreation Pass from the DNR to drive onto Belle Isle.
Campus Martius Park
Surrounded by the buzz of Downtown, Campus Martius is the center of any Detroit celebration.
📍Google Maps | Phone: (313) 566-8250 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 9 pm Daily | Entrance: Free, activities may be an extra cost
Campus Martius Park is the place for you if you like festivals, ice skating, and seasonal pop-up shops. Campus Martius was the original center of Detroit in 1802, and it certainly embraces that heritage.
During Detroit’s holiday season, the park has an outdoor ice skating rink all winter long. The Detroit Jazz Festival happens here during Labor Day weekend. Kiddos can make sandcastles on the beach in the summer.
Museums and Theaters in Detroit
Motown Museum (Hitsville USA)
Start your Detroit experience at the birthplace of Motown and learn how the Motown Sound changed the world of music.
📍Google Maps | Phone: (313) 875-2264 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm Wed – Sun | Entrance: $20, Adult, $17, Senior & Youth (5-17)
Get your groove on where the Motown Sound was born at Hitsville USA! Visit the Motown Museum to experience and learn about the beginning of Motown Records. It was here where greats such as Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, and Smokey Robinson launched the sound of Detroit around the globe. Take a tour, and partake in one of the many special events and exhibits throughout the year.
Ford Piquette Plant
Visit the birthplace of the Model T, where an unknown Henry Ford made his name in the auto industry.
📍Google Maps | Phone: (313) 872-8759 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm Wed – Sun | Entrance: $20, Adult, $18, Seniors, $10, Youth (5-17)
The Ford Piquette Plant is Henry Ford’s first Detroit factory, located just minutes from Downtown and Midtown. Here, you can experience automobile history by taking tours throughout the day or coming for one of the events held throughout the year. Feeling romantic? The Piquette Plant is available as a venue for weddings or other party events.
Fox Theatre
Feel like you’re on the red carpet and soak up the old-school glamour of this Detroit theatre.
📍Google Maps | Phone: (313) 471-7000 | Website | Hours: Vary depending on the performance | Entrance: Ticket prices vary depending on the performance
The Fox Theatre on Woodward Avenue opened in 1928 and has seen its share of star performers, actors, comedians, musicians, and public figures. Those who have graced the stage include Elvis Presley, Prince, Aretha Franklin, and Frank Sinatra.
There are shows here for every age. Take the littles to see Dora the Explorer onstage or go with your besties to see Tori Amos. With ample garage parking and restaurants close-by, make an event at the Fox the highlight of your evening.
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
Educate yourself on African American history with stellar exhibits.
📍Google Maps | Phone: (313) 494-5800 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm Tues & Wed & Fri-Sun, 9 am – 7 pm Thurs | Entrance: $15, Adult, $12, Senior & Youth (6-17), Free Children under 5. Extra charges apply for additional experiences
The Wright Museum is a great place to bring the whole family! Spend some time experiencing and celebrating Black history and culture with a variety of insightful permanent and changing exhibits.
Learn about everything from the Tuskegee Airmen and the Civil Rights Movement to the numerous cultural innovations Black Americans have contributed to the US. The museum also hosts a number of performances, demonstrations, and lectures.
Detroit Historical Museum
Explore the city’s rich history.
📍Google Maps | Phone: (313) 833-1805 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Wed – Sat, 1 pm – 5 pm Sun, Closed Mon & Tues | Entrance: $15, Adults, $12, Students, $8 Children (6-12)
Walk the cobblestone streets of Old Detroit, explore the history of the auto and the music industry, or enjoy countless other exhibits at the Detroit Historical Museum. It’s a huge museum, so make sure you take your time exploring the many exhibits here.
As an added perk, the Legends Plaza outside the museum gives you the opportunity to put your hands in the places of Detroit legends like Aretha Franklin, Alice Cooper, Gordie Howe, and Sam Raimi.
Michigan Science Center
Unleash your inner Albert Einstein or Marie Curie and explore the mysteries of the universe in the most fun way possible.
📍 Google Maps | Phone:(313) 577-8400 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm Tues – Sun, Closed Monday | Entrance: $23 Ages 3 and up, Free Children under 3
Come to the Michigan Science Center to explore entertaining, educational, and interactive STEM exhibits for little ones and adults alike. Explore the many galleries, theaters, and shows inside. Learn about health, waves, and motion. Blast off to the far regions of outer space and make your way up Math Mountain. The Planetarium show is a must-see!
Detroit Opera House
Opera and musical lovers, take notice!
📍Google Maps | Phone: (313) 237-7464 | Website | Hours: Vary depending on the performance | Entrance: Ticket prices vary depending on the performance
The Detroit Opera House features everything from classic operas to the hottest musicals. Not only is it a beautiful facility that showcases amazing performances, but it’s also open for tours. Join a highlights tour or attend one of the sip and stroll tours. Go backstage to see where the magic happens for the many operas and musical performances throughout the year.
Historic Fort Wayne
See in icon of Detroit’s early history.
📍Google Maps | Phone: (313) 628-0796 | Website | Hours: Limited weekend hours June – October | Entrance: $20, Adult, $17, Senior & Youth (5-17)
Fort Wayne was built in 1845 to protect the country from Canada, though for thousands of years prior it was the site of settlement and commerce for the Indigenous people of the area. The site was used to train Union troops during the American Civil War in the 1860s. Today, you can tour this historic area.
Food & Drink in Detroit
The Whitney
Enjoy fine dining with ghosts.
📍Google Maps | Phone: (313) 832-5700 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 2 pm & 5 pm – 9 pm Monday – Friday, 12 pm – 1 pm & 5 pm – 10 pm Saturday, 10 am – 1:30 pm & 4 pm – 8 pm Sunday
Dinner at this beautiful late-Victorian mansion in Midtown is fine dining at its best. The Whitney is known for its elegance, with multiple uniquely decorated dining rooms. But it also plays host to several ghosts, and isn’t shy about embracing their presence.
You can book paranormal tours and dinner experiences here in addition to dining on flavorful beef wellington and lobster bisque. Stop in the Ghostbar before your meal and enjoy some shivers with your aperitif as you listen to their stories!
Coney Dog
Who has the best coney in Detroit? You’ll have to decide between the two contenders yourself.
📍Google Maps (Lafayette), Google Maps (American)
If you’re in Detroit, then trying a coney dog is a must! There are places all over the city with coney dogs, but there are two spots that are renowned for them.
Lafayette Coney Island is a nationally renowned restaurant that is a must-visit for any first-time Detroit visitor. Stop in for a Lafayette Special, then go next door. The just-as-famous natural rival to Lafayette Coney Island is literally right next door!
American Coney Island was here first though, ever since 1917. They offer a Coney Kit that you can have shipped to you, and even Coney Paczki on Fat Tuesday. Which is the better coney place? You’ll have to find that out for yourself.
Dime Store
Don’t miss this well-known secret – a great little place for brunch in the Financial District!
📍Google Maps | Phone: (313) 962-9106 | Website | Hours: 8 am-3 pm Daily
Dime Store is a small breakfast, brunch, and lunch spot tucked away inside the Chrysler House. It’s one of my favorite “open secret” places for a meal. There is often a wait during peak times, but it’s oh-so-worth it for their scratch made goodies! In my experience, the service is fast and friendly. I highly recommend the Classic Benny.
Mario’s Restaurant
A Detroit classic that’s great for date night!
📍Google Maps | Phone: (313) 832-1616 | Website | Hours: 12 pm-10 pm Tues – Thu, 12 pm – 10:30 pm Fri – Sat, 1 pm – 10 pm Sun, Closed Monday
Mario’s is a Detroit tradition going back to 1948. Come here to eat a delicious Italian meal before your show at one of many downtown theatres. Or stay for a little ballroom dancing. White-tuxedoed waiters will take your order, old-school style. Mario’s also supplies shuttles to nearby events.
Grey Ghost Detroit
Find out the story behind the Grey Ghost and Detroit’s Prohibition days.
📍Google Maps | Phone:+1-313-262-6534 | Website | Hours: 4 pm-11 pm Sun – Thu; 4 pm – 12 am Sat-Sun
During Prohibition, no Detroit rum runner was more famous than the Grey Ghost. Still unidentified today, he managed to smuggle in huge quantities of alcohol right under the noses of federal agents.
Named in his honor, this downtown chophouse aims to please with a large selection of generous entrees and sides. Options range from beef tartare and filet mignon to fried polenta and cottage pie.
The Old Shillelagh
A Greektown staple with Irish flair.
📍Google Maps | Phone: (313) 964-0007 | Website | Hours: 12 pm – 2 am Tuesday-Sunday, 11 am – 2 am Monday
Located in Greektown, The Old Shillelagh promises a good time with three floors of dining, drinks, and entertainment. Stop in for a casual drink or book your special event here. Join them for their famous St. Patrick’s Day celebration! It’s just a quick walk from Downtown and the Riverfront.
The menu is full of delicious comfort food like chicken pot pie, shepherd’s pie, and a variety of sandwiches and burgers. There’s also a plant-based menu, so vegans can indulge here, too.
Detroit Landmarks & Iconic Cultural Spots
Guardian Building
Architecture and history lovers will love this Art Deco beauty in Downtown Detroit.
📍Google Maps | Phone:(313) 757-1283 | Website | Hours: Tours are by appointment only
The distinctive Guardian Building stands tall in Downtown Detroit. It’s a National Historic Landmark and cornerstone of the Detroit Financial District. It mostly leases office space in its many stories. However, there are behind the scenes historical tours available through the City of Detroit.
Detroit Public Library (Main Branch)
This beautifully designed library makes it more than simply a place for books.
📍Google Maps | Phone: (313) 481-1400 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm Mon & Thurs – Sat, 12 pm – 8 pm Tues – Wed, 1 pm – 5 pm Sun | Entrance: Free
Going to the library is always a treat, but it’s even better when it’s in a gorgeous setting. The Detroit Public Library has many branches, but the beautiful Main Branch is a sight to see. Come here to catch a Friday night concert, or browse three floors of books and materials, including the Burton Historical Collection. Make sure to head up to the third floor. It’s stunning!
Second Baptist Church
Second Baptist Church was a site in the struggle for freedom and an important part of the Underground Railroad.
📍Google Maps | Phone: (313) 961-0325 | Website | Hours: Tours are by appointment only
The Second Baptist Church was founded as the first Black-owned church in the Midwest. Regular services are still held in this beautiful Greektown church, which dates back to 1836. It was a stop on the Underground Railroad for many years. You can book a tour of the church on its website through the Detroit Underground Railroad Historical Society.
Detroit Nightlife
Greektown Area
Sample some of Greektown’s many splendid restaurants.
The Greektown neighborhood has got it all! Experience Detroit’s rich Greek culture with one of its many festivals throughout the year, like the Heritage Festival or the Detroit Greek Independence Day Parade.
This neighborhood also has many casual and fine dining restaurants featuring excellent Greek cuisine. I recommend eating at Pegasus Taverna, The Three-Legged Goat, or Golden Fleece. Afterward, visit the Hellenic Museum or shop at one of the several Greek gift shops.
The Fillmore
This beloved spot is more than just a concert venue.
📍Google Maps | Phone: (313) 961-5451 | Website | Hours: Vary, depending on the performance | Entrance: Ticket prices vary depending on the performance
There are no bad seats at The Fillmore! The Fillmore is a unique venue that’s hosted concerts, comedy shows, and public figures, like former Vice President Kamala Harris. Inside, the architecture is dazzling, and the acoustics are great. If you get a chance to see a show here, take it!
Cliff Bell’s
Ya like jazz? Come here for live music every night.
📍Google Maps | Phone: (313) 961-2543 | Website | Hours: 5 pm – 11 pm Wed & Thurs, 5 pm – 12 am Fri & Sat, 4 pm – 9 pm Sun
Cliff Bell’s is a Detroit mainstay. It’s grown from a speakeasy (raided by the police!) in the 1920s to a thriving jazz club today. Stop by any night of the week for dinner, drinks, and some of Detroit’s finest live jazz. The filet is especially good and reservations are recommended. This place doesn’t cater to kiddos, so it’s best for an adults-only evening.
Detroit Symphony Orchestra at Orchestra Hall
A Detroit cornerstone, the DSO offers the highest quality of classical music and more.
📍Google Maps | Phone: (313) 471-7000 | Website | Hours: Varies, depending on events | Entrance: Varies, depending on events
Enjoy a night of beautiful music at Detroit’s elegant Orchestra Hall. Its programming includes symphonies, operas, and special events. Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) is an honored institution that also hosts many visiting conductors and musicians.
DSO also offers several programs throughout the year. In particular, I love their youth program, which is affiliated with area school districts to encourage young musicians, like my son.
Hollywood Greektown Casino
Are you feeling lucky? Games, fine dining, and shows all await you inside this gem.
📍Google Maps | Phone:(313) 223-2999 | Website | Hours: 24/7 | Entrance: Free to enter
The Hollywood Greek Casino, located in Greektown, is sure to be a fun time. Play some slots, take in a card game, and enjoy some fine dining while you’re there.
There are plenty of big-name entertainment options as well, such as Melissa Etheridge and Ms. Pat from BET. Don’t want the night to end? Book a room at the Hollywood Casino and get some rest in the hotel’s luxurious rooms.
Unique Things to Do in Detroit
Michigan Central
A restored Detroit landmark takes on new life.
📍Google Maps | Phone: (313) 539-7377 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 5 pm Daily | Entrance: $20/tour
Trains may not stop here anymore, but Corktown’s Michigan Central is busier than ever. It was originally intended as a sister station to NYC’s Grand Central in 1913, but this grand giant closed its doors in 1988.
After a massive renovation, it reopened in 2025 as a creative space. No expense was spared in restoring this landmark to its original splendor. Shop the retail space, or take a 90-minute tour, available to the public or for private groups by reservation only.
Pewabic Pottery
Come see an artistic gem.
📍Google Maps | Phone: (313) 626-2000 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Tues-Thurs & Sat, 10 am – 6:30 pm Fri, 11 am – 4 pm Sun
Just three miles from the city center, Pewabic Pottery is known for its exquisite tiles, which grace the walls and floors of Qline stations, the Detroit Zoo, several churches, and places of reverence around the area.
Join their walking tour around the city to view many of the places that showcase their tiles. Take a tour of the factory, shop for yourself, or even take a class. Adults and kids are welcome!
John K. King Used & Rare Books
A book-lover’s paradise!
📍Google Maps | Phone: (313) 961-0622 | Website | Hours: 9:30 am – 5 pm Tues – Sat, 11 am – 4 pm Mon, Closed on Sunday | Entrance: Free to enter
John K. King Used & Rare Books is yet another open secret of Detroit, and one of my very favorite places. Four floors of used, rare, and antique books await you in this abandoned warehouse turned book-lover’s dream. Just visiting is an experience in itself.
Browse countless subjects, collections, and rare editions more than 100 years old. Or grab a copy of a long-lost childhood favorite. King Books is old, creaky, and has that delicious book smell. Free on-site parking is a welcome bonus!
Wayne State University Campus
More than just for students.
📍Google Maps | Phone: (313) 577-2424 | Website | Entrance: Free to walk the campus
The Wayne State University (WSU) campus is rich with life. Dining, coffee shops, theatre, sport events, and nightlife spots are all active here. If nothing else, just taking in the beautiful architecture around campus makes for an interesting afternoon walk.
Check out the Hilberry Theatre, the Gretchen C. Valade Jazz Center, or buy some university merch at the WSU Bookstore.
Eastern Market
Shop small and local.
📍Google Maps | Phone: (313) 833-9300 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 4 pm Sat, Closed Sun-Fri
Eastern Market has grown from its humble beginnings in the 1880s into a multi-blocks-long farmers and shopping market focusing on small business owners. Come here to find everything from local produce and meat to handcrafted jewelry and clothing.
Prepare to spend some quality time here, especially if you visit during the wildly popular Flower Day in May or during the holidays. It’s a great spot for some unique souvenirs!
Ambassador Bridge & Detroit-Windsor Tunnel
A whole other country is only a few minutes away.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (519) 977-0700 | Website | Hours: 24/7 | Entrance: $10/Autos, buses, and motorcycles; $20/Autos, buses, and motorcycles with trailers
Got your Real ID or passport handy? Enjoy the views while crossing the Ambassador Bridge or travel underwater through the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel for an experience in another country. That’s right, Windsor, the gateway to Canada, is mere minutes away from the Detroit metropolitan area.
Our Canadian neighbors in Windsor have a lot to offer with restaurants, the Caesars Windsor Casino, and vibrant nightlife. Eat lunch in a riverside park to enjoy a beautiful view of the Detroit skyline.
The Windsor International Airport is close by, and Toronto is about a 4-hour drive if you’d like to venture further in. The Gordie Howe Bridge, opening in June 2026, will soon be an additional link to Canada.
The GM Renaissance Center
The brightest beacon on the Detroit skyline.
📍 Google Maps | Phone:(313) 567-3126 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 10 pm Daily | Entrance: Free to enter
Call the The GM Renaissance Center the RenCen to sound like a local! It’s currently the headquarters of General Motors, but it’s so much more than that. You can stay at the Detroit Renaissance Marriott Hotel inside the towers or have dinner in one of the several fine restaurants inside. Want a beautiful city view? Have a drink or dinner at the top of the tower in the revolving restaurant!
Detroit Sports
Comerica Park
Root for Detroit’s MLB team, and watch these Tigers roar!
📍Google Maps | Phone: (313) 962-4000 | Website
Comerica Park is the home of the Detroit Tigers. This world-class stadium is located right in the heart of Downtown Detroit.
Catch a home game from April to September, or come after baseball season and see a spectacular concert. There are plenty of restaurants and watering holes within walking distance for a pre or post-game dinner. Comerica Park is a great way to soak up some true Detroit vibes.
Ford Field
Are you ready for some football?
📍Google Maps | Phone: (313) 262-2000 | Website
Ford Field is the home of the mighty Detroit Lions, and it’s nestled right next to Comerica Park. It’s been in operation since 2002, and you can come and watch the Lions play from August to December. If you’re not into football, though, you can attend one of the many events and concerts held here. The stadium is covered, making it a favorite destination year-round.
Little Caesar’s Arena (LCA)
Home to two of Detroit’s major sports teams and more!
📍Google Maps | Phone: (313) 471-7000 | Website
Little Caesar’s Arena (LCA) isn’t just the home of the Detroit Pistons and the Detroit Red Wings. The arena also hosts countless big-name concerts and events throughout the year. Past performers include Aerosmith, Pink, Stevie Nicks, and Elton John.
Hungry before your visit? Head over to Eminem’s walk-up eatery, Mom’s Spaghetti. It’s a favorite nearby stop before a game.
Things to Do Just Outside of Detroit
Detroit Zoo
One of the jewels of the Detroit area, this 125-acre zoo is home to a huge variety of species.
📍Google Maps | Phone: (248) 541-5717 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm Daily | Entrance: $24, Adults (13-64), $21, Seniors & Children (2-12), Free Children 2 and under, $8 Car Parking Fee
Feed a giraffe, jump like a kangaroo, and walk among the butterflies! The Detroit Zoo’s mission is conservation and education, preserving endangered species and teaching awareness to the public. There are many events and activities through the year, including the popular Zoo Boo through October and Wild Lights during the holidays.
The Henry Ford
A visit to The Henry Ford could easily fill several days.
📍Google Maps | Phone: (313) 982-6001 | Website | Hours: 9:30 am – 5 pm Daily | Entrance: $10 – $96.50 (Admission varies by attraction and ticket bundle)
This place has my heart forever. The Henry Ford consists of the Henry Ford Museum, Greenfield Village, The Ford Rouge Factory Tour, and the Giant Screen Experience. This world-famous institution of American history lets you experience it all, from actual horse-drawn carriages to the chair Lincoln was shot in, to the latest traveling exhibit.
Head to the Ford Rouge Factory to watch the Ford F-150 being made. You can even ride an authentic steam locomotive! There’s something for everyone in the family at The Henry Ford. Be sure to visit one of their many special events throughout the year.
Edsel and Eleanor Ford House
Visit the home of Eleanor and Edsel Ford on the banks of Lake St. Clair.
📍Google Maps | Phone: (313) 884-4222 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm Sun, Tues, Wed, 10 am – 8 pm, Fri-Sat | Entrance: $15, Adults, $7.50, Children (3-17)
The Edsel and Eleanor Ford House is an opulent Tudor Revival mansion that boasts artwork by Van Gogh and Diego Rivera. It was designed by renowned architect Alfred Khan.
Edsel Ford (son of Henry Ford), and his wife, Eleanor, had this house built in 1928 where they raised their four children. There are tours of the house and grounds daily, as well as dining options and events.
Arab American Museum
Learn about Detroit’s vibrant Arab community at a museum that represents many cultures and experiences from the Middle East.
📍Google Maps | Phone: (313) 429-2535 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Wednesday, 12 pm – 8 pm Thurs – Fri, 10 am – 5 pm Sat – Sun; Special hours apply during Ramadan | Entrance: $10, Adults, $5 Seniors, Students with ID, & Educators
Metro Detroit has one of the highest percentages of people of Arab descent outside of the Middle East. Come learn about and celebrate this rich heritage!
The Arab American Museum is dedicated to education and telling the stories of the earliest Arab immigrants to arrive in the area in the 1800s through present day. Come see the art, take a class, or attend a discussion. There’s something here for all ages.
Automotive Hall of Fame
Really love cars? This is the place for you!
📍Google Maps | Phone: (313) 240-4000 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm Tues – Sat | Entrance: $10, Adults, $6, Seniors & Veterans
Established in 1939, the Automotive Hall of Fame opened its doors to the public in 1997. It pays tribute to the history of the automobile, from the very beginnings up through present-day. The changing exhibits throughout the year give patrons an in-depth look into the lives and minds of the most innovative people in the industry.
Lake St. Clair Metropark
Looking for a nature getaway to escape the hustle and bustle of the city? Head here.
📍Google Maps | Phone: (586) 463-4581 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 10 pm Mon – Fri, 6 am – 11 pm Sat – Sun | Entrance: $10 per car
Take a short 20-minute drive up I-94 to Lake St. Clair Metropark and bury your toes in the sand. Lake St. Clair is located in between two of the Great Lakes: Huron and Erie.
Jump in the lake or go for the swimming pool, if that’s more your style. Walk the dozens of trails in the park and stop to play on the playground with the kids. Play a round of golf, or rent a bike to explore the area. This is a great place to spend a day outside.
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Detroit is chock full of things to do for every walk of life: families, adventure-seekers, and those in pursuit of culture and beauty. I hope I’ve helped you decide exactly what to put on your itinerary. Have any questions? Let me know in a comment and I’ll help you out as best as I can.