top of page

The Tailor-Made Guide to 9 Things to Do in Detroit Michigan

9 Things to do in Detroit Michigan

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Regardless of this, please be advised that all opinions expressed in this blog post are genuine and authentically my own. 

Author: Barry Pickard

Three classic cars on display in a museum setting, with a visit being one of the essential things to do in Detroit Michigan
Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation

Contents

Hotels in Detroit

 


Famously known as the Motor City, Detroit has undergone a remarkable transformation, emerging as a hub of creativity, innovation, and urban renewal. Its rich history, vibrant culture, and recent revitalization make it an enticing destination for independent travellers seeking an authentic experience. 


Large skyscrapers in the background with a plaza area in the foreground, with a visit being one of the essential things to do in Detroit Michigan
Hart Plaza, Downtown Detroit

Founded in 1701 by French explorer Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac as a fur trading post, Detroit evolved into a prominent hub of the automotive industry. Over the centuries, it weathered economic challenges, racial tensions, and urban decay. But today, Detroit stands tall, celebrating its past while embracing a brighter future. 


A large Art Deco styled hallway in a large building, with a painted ceiling and ornate glass lights, with a visit being one of the essential things to do in Detroit Michigan
Fisher Building

The city centre has undergone a major renaissance in the last decade. While sketchy areas still exist, downtown Detroit now boasts a thriving scene. The once-industrial riverfront has transformed into a hub of entertainment, leisure, and community gathering. Imagine strolling along the Detroit Riverwalk, taking in views of Canada across the water. The iconic sculptures – the Spirit of Detroit and the Monument to Joe Louis – stand as symbols of progress and resilience. While the many museums of the Cultural District easily equal those of other major cities in the US. How many, for example, can boast of huge Diego Rivera murals like those in the Detroit Institute of Arts.


A large hall with a glass ceiling and colourful murals painted on the walls, with a visit being one of the essential things to do in Detroit Michigan
Detroit Institute of Arts

Our family’s journey to these Detroit tourist attractions was part of an epic road trip that began in the windy city of Chicago and meandered through the Midwest to Cadiz, Ohio, the birthplace of Hollywood legend Clark Gable. This adventure was not just about the destinations but the stories and memories we created along the way. The travel party consisted of myself, my spirited five-year-old son, and my parents, both young at heart at 79 years old. From the skyscrapers of Chicago to the Motor City, and finally to the historical charm of Cadiz, each stop was a chapter in our family’s summer saga, filled with discovery, laughter, and the simple joy of being on the open road together.



Planning an independent trip to Detroit?

 

All information in this post is based on my own experience travelling through Detroit, backed by extensive research to bring you everything you need to know to have your own amazing experience.


9 things to do in Detroit Michigan

 

Don’t forget that Tailor-Made Itineraries delights in creating bespoke self-guided tours. So, if these exciting things to do in Detroit Michigan appeal to you, reach out to me by email. I would be more than happy to design a self-guided tour around your requirements incorporating the attractions you should visit in Detroit, or indeed, a general tour of the Midwest.

 


Why Visit Detroit?

 

Detroit is a city free from mass tourism, making it an ideal playground for intrepid adventurers. Unlike coastal cities, it remains off the beaten path, waiting to reveal its hidden treasures. From museums to music, Detroit pulses with unique energy. And guess what? It won’t break the bank! Compared to Chicago or NYC, Detroit is a budget traveller's dream.

 



Things to Do in Detroit Michigan


9.  Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation


The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation can be found in the suburb of Dearborn and is arguably the best of the Detroit family attractions. The museum is a vibrant exploration of genius in all its forms. It allows you to experience the strides of America’s greatest minds while fully immersing yourself in their stories. It houses an extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits, chronicling the evolution of technology and transportation.


Vintage steam train in a large museum hallwith a visit being one of the essential things to do in Detroit Michigan
Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation

Highlights of the museum include the opportunity to step inside the bus where Rosa Parks took a stand, by taking a seat in a segregated bus. There are also a number of Presidential limousines on show, including the one which John F. Kennedy was shot in.


Long black 1961 Lincoln car with two flags on mounted on the frontwith a visit being one of the essential things to do in Detroit Michigan
Kennedy Car, 1961 Lincoln

The exhibits appeal to all ages, and Ythan was particularly taken with the paper airplane test bay!



As befits a Henry Ford established museum, there are many examples of wonderful classic cars.




Tailor-Made Top Tips:

The museum is very popular, so it is best to book tickets online. As a bonus, the tickets are cheaper when booked online than onsite.



The Greenfield Village open-air history museum is also attached to the main museum. Unfortunately, it was still closed for winter when we visited, so we weren’t able to experience the working farm, Thomas Edison’s lab or hitch a ride on their steam locomotive.


Plan to spend at least three hours there at the main museum and another two hours at the Greenfield Village. If you are going with youngsters, you will probably find that there is enough for them to see and do to make it a full day excursion.




8.  Ford Rouge Factory Tour


The Ford Rouge Factory Tour in Detroit is a unique experience that immerses you in the history and future of American manufacturing.

 

After watching a short film with remarkable archival footage telling the story of the Rouge factory, there is then a multisensory film about the production of the award-winning Ford F-150 truck.


Large entrance to a building advertising the Ford Rouge Factory Tour,   being one of the essential things to do in Detroit Michigan
Ford Rouge Factory Tour

The tour proper then starts, taking you to the observation deck, where you get the chance to really appreciate the sheer size of the Ford Rouge Center complex. You will also get to see one of the world’s largest living roofs.



The tour then continues into the Assembly Plant, and you walk along an elevated walkway, seeing the final assembly of the Ford F-150s below you. Unfortunately, the use of cameras is not allowed at this point, but believe me, it is fascinating watching a vehicle being put together.


A display promoting the F-150 pickup truck,  being one of the essential things to do in Detroit Michigan
Ford Rouge Factory Tour


Tailor-Made Top Tip:

Book your tickets online and the courtesy bus leaves from the museum.



If you are enjoying this list, remember and subscribe to my mailing list to receive my latest blog posts. 



7.  Fair Lane, Home of Clara and Henry Ford


Only a few minutes' drive from the museum is Fair Lane, the beloved home of Clara and Henry Ford from 1915 until their deaths in 1950 and 1947, respectively. The 56-room mansion is built on 1,300 acres of farmland, just a few miles from Clara and Henry’s birthplaces, with most of the estate’s original structures still standing today. 


Large stone brick mansion,  being one of the essential things to do in Detroit Michigan
Fair Lane, Home of Clara and Henry Ford

Tailor-Made Top Tip:

Although the house is currently closed for restoration, the gardens and grounds are open to the public daily. 



Read on to find out about an Art Deco masterpiece, an amazing art gallery, and the largest African American museum.



6.  Fisher Building


Sometimes described as “Detroit’s Largest Art Object”, the Fisher Building is a landmark skyscraper located at 3011 West Grand Boulevard in the heart of the New Center area of Detroit. This ornate 30-story Art Deco style building was designed by Albert Kahn and completed in 1928. The building houses office and retail space and also contains the elaborate 2,089-seat Fisher Theatre.


Large hallway in an art deco building with an ornately decorated ceiling and large light fitting,  being one of the essential things to do in Detroit Michigan
Fisher Building

Designated a National Historic Landmark on June 29, 1989, the star of the show is most definitely the stunning lobby area. The public is free to enter this area and take time to study all the intricate details of this masterpiece of design. When we visited during Easter weekend, the retail stores were closed, but this just meant that we had the lobby to ourselves. What a bonus!


Large hallway in an art deco building with an ornately decorated ceiling and large light fitting,  being one of the essential things to do in Detroit Michigan
Fisher Building



5.  Detroit Institute of Arts

 

The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) is located in the Cultural Center area along with a number of other interesting museums. DIA is one of the largest and most significant art collections in the United States and was established in 1885. 



It is housed in a remarkable building and features over 100 galleries and houses over 65,000 objects.


Colourful and intricately painted ceiling, being one of the essential things to do in Detroit Michigan
Detroit Institute of Arts

The museum covers an area of 61,100 square meters (658,000 square feet). As befits such a distinguished gallery, there are many masterpieces to catch the eye. In particular, DIA can boast a significant collection of historic African American artists like Robert Scott Duncanson and Henry Ossawa Tanner.


Painting of a black woman holding two children, being one of the essential things to do in Detroit Michigan
Detroit Institute of Arts

The highlight of DIA for me, however, is Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry Murals. This series of frescoes by the Mexican artist consist of twenty-seven panels. Painted between 1932 and 1933, these murals depict industry at the Ford Motor Company and in Detroit.


Colourful wall mural depicting an industrial scene, being one of the essential things to do in Detroit Michigan
Detroit Institute of Arts


Tailor-Made Top Tips:

Plan to spend at least two hours in this large museum. However, if you are an art aficionado, you could easily double that amount of time.



The gallery boasts two excellent eateries which ensure that you could comfortably spend most of the day here. Cafe Dia is a large canteen-style establishment, serving hot dishes and salads, and also has a grab-and-go bar. The Kresge Court, meanwhile, is a relaxed and stylish area, where you can enjoy a social drink with a soup and sandwich.


Large cafe with comfy seating, being one of the essential things to do in Detroit Michigan
Kresge Court, Detroit Institute of Arts

If you are enjoying this list, remember and subscribe to my mailing list to receive my latest blog posts.



4.  Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History


Just a two-minute walk from the DIA, The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History is an impressive building housing the world’s largest permanent collection of African American culture. Founded in 1965, the museum offers dynamic permanent and visiting exhibitions.


Stone coloured building with a large rotunda in the centre, making it one of the essential things to do in Detroit Michigan.
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History

The largest of the permanent exhibitions funnels you through an interesting and provocative history of the African American experience, from the times of the slave trade through to present days. 


Large rotunda with a glass ceiling, with colourful national flags displayed around the ceiling, making this museum one of the essential things to do in Detroit Michigan
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History

Tailor-Made Top Tip:

The museum hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions that explore and celebrate the rich cultural legacy of African Americans, so be sure to check online what current and future exhibitions are scheduled. During my visit, I had the pleasure to view the 44: Portraits of a President exhibition, which displayed forty-four artists’ interpretations of the 44th President of the USA, Barack Obama, in life-size, three-dimensional form.  



Read on to find out about a Beaux-Arts icon, a crazy outdoor art project, and the beating heart of Detroit.



3.  Michigan Central


The Michigan Central Station is a historic and imposing former main intercity passenger rail station in Detroit, Michigan. It was formally dedicated on January 4, 1914, and remained open for business until the cessation of Amtrak service on January 6, 1988. 


Massive building of a Beaux-Arts style architecture, with a construction site in front of it, and blue skies and a shining sun in the background, making this one of the essential things to do in Detroit Michigan
The Michigan Central Station

The Beaux-Arts style architecture was designed by architects who had previously worked together on Grand Central Terminal in New York. It was the tallest rail station in the world at the time of its construction.

 

A poignant symbol of a once-great city’s decline, the building was recently purchased by the Ford Motor Company and was being refurbished at the time of my visit. I am now happy to report that the building reopened in June 2024 and will be the centrepiece of a new campus, devoted to high-tech vehicles and the future of transportation. The project has restored the building to its original architectural splendour and functional vibrancy and is again open to the public with a combination of retail and restaurants, hospitality space, arts and cultural functions, and community space.

 


An impressive 167,000 people visited in the first three months of opening, confirming how cherished Michigan Central is by the local community. Guided tours are now available which offer inside anecdotes from the building's restoration, taking visitors around the historic station's ground floor, including areas not accessible to the general public.


Tailor-Made Top Tip:

Tickets are required for the tours of Michigan Central and are available at michigancentral.com/visit.




2.  The Heidelberg Project


The Heidelberg Project is an outdoor art project located in the McDougall-Hunt neighbourhood on Detroit’s east side. Initially created in 1986 by artist Tyree Guyton, it began as a political protest against the deterioration of the artist’s neighbourhood. 


Old house with colourful polka dots painted on the exterior, with a collection of artfully arranged junk in front of the house, making this one of the interesting things to do in Detroit Michigan.
The Heidelberg Project

The project initially consisted of Guyton painting a series of houses on Detroit’s Heidelberg Street with bright dots of many colours and attaching salvaged items to the houses. The evolving artwork transformed this inner-city neighbourhood into an area where the community took pride in it. 


A jumbled sign made of junk publicising the Heidelburg Project, which is one of the interesting things to do in Detroit Michigan.
The Heidelberg Project

Unfortunately, the project has faced several challenges over the years, including the threat of demolition by the city government and arson incidents. Despite these setbacks, the Heidelberg Project continues to be a symbol of resilience and creativity in Detroit.

 



1.  Hart Plaza

 

Hart Plaza, officially known as Philip A. Hart Plaza, is spread along the Detroit River in downtown Detroit. Opened in 1975, it is named after the late U.S. Senator Philip Hart and is one of the must-see downtown Detroi attractions.


Public plaza with sculptures and skyscrapers in the background, making the plaza one of the essential things to do in Detroit Michigan
Hart Plaza

It is located more or less on the site at which Antoine Laumet de La Mothe, sieur de Cadillac landed in 1701 when he founded Fort Pontchartrain du Détroit, the settlement that became Detroit. On the city’s 300th birthday — July 24, 2001 - a statue was unveiled depicting Antoine Laumet de La Mothe, sieur de Cadillac’s arrival.

 

The 14-acre plaza is located immediately south of the intersection of Woodward and Jefferson Avenues and is a popular focal point for festivals and public gatherings with a capacity of 40,000 people. The plaza is also surrounded by a host of impressive skyscrappers.



At the centre of the plaza is the Horace E. Dodge and Son Memorial Fountain, designed by Isamu Noguchi and Walter Budd in 1978.

 


Hart Plaza is home to several notable sculptures. For example, the Pylon is a stainless-steel spire sculpture also designed by Isamu Noguchi. Meanwhile the Gateway to Freedom International Memorial to the Underground Railroad commemorates Detroit’s role as a “gateway to freedom” for thousands of African American people escaping enslavement and seeking freedom during the era of the Underground Railroad. Then there is a 63-foot-tall steel arch sculpture by David Barr and Sergio de Giusti titled Transcending, which symbolizes the never-ending cycle of work.

 

Large sculpture showing a number of human figures, with the Detroit River in the background, making a visit to Hart Plaza one of the essential things to do in Detroit Michigan
Gateway to Freedom International Memorial

These sculptures each tell a unique story and contribute to the rich cultural and historical tapestry of Detroit. My favourite sculpture, however, has to be the Monument to Joe Louis, or more commonly referred to as The Fist. Dedicated on October 16, 1986, this sculpture represents the power of Louis’ punch both inside and outside the ring.

 

A large metal sculpture of a fist and a forearm, hung from a metal frame, with skyscrapers in the background, making a visit to Hart Plaza one of the essential things to do in Detroit Michigan
The Fist

Tailor-Made Top Tips:

When visiting the Downtown area, we parked at the One Detroit Garage at 201 Larned Street. It was ideally located just a short distance from the plaza. And compared to the downtown areas of other US cities, the parking was relatively cheap.


Take note when you are looking over the Detroit River – you are looking at Canada on the other side!

The wide Detroit River is in the foreground, with the opposite bank lined with large buildings and skyscrapers and an oversized Canadian flag flying from a pole, making a visit to Hart Plaza one of the essential things to do in Detroit Michigan
Canada

More Detroit Attractions


As well as the DIA and Museum of African American History, there are a number of other interesting museums in the Cultural Center area of Detroit, and you could easily spend two or three days here. The Detroit Historical Museum, Michigan Science Center, the Main Detroit Public Library, Scarab Club (an art gallery), Hellenic Museum of Michigan, and Josephine F. Ford Sculpture Garden are all within minutes walking distance.



Just outside the Cultural Center area, about a five-minute drive, are the likes of the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant Museum, the original factory of the Ford Model T, as well as the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, with its cavernous gallery of exhibits. And don’t miss the Motown Museum, where you can tour round this famous music studio.


As for attractions near Detroit, the university town of Ann Arbor is within an hour's drive of the city centre, while the quaint town of Monroe and its River Raisin National Battlefield Park lays a similar distance to the south.



Hotels in Detroit


Detroit’s hotel market has been on the road to recovery, but it faces some unique challenges. While the city has seen positive trends in tourism and convention business, it still lags behind other similar-sized cities in terms of hotel selection.


If you are looking to stay near the Cultural Center, then the Inn on Ferry Street is a cosy, boutique option. Meanwhile, there is a good selection of Downtown Detroit hotels, like the Element Detroit at the Metroplitan which is a stylish option and one of the best hotels in Detroit, while the Fort Pontchartrain Detroit is a slightly more budget-friendly option in the same area. If you wish to stay in Dearborn, near the Henry Ford Museum, then The Henry, Autograph Collection is a stunning luxury option, with the Hampton Inn by Hilton Detroit being a more affordable option. As for hotels near Detroit airport, there are a handful of budget options, including the La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Detroit Metro Airport.

Click on the underlined weblinks above to review these hotels and make your reservation.