Take a look at our list of the top 20 best things to do in Detroit
Detroit is a large and populous city in the United States that is often mentioned in regards to high crime rate. While it may be true that crime rates are higher than in most cities in the United States, in reality this isn’t something that should stop you from coming here, since this isn’t an everyday problem. Detroit is also well-known as the center of the American automobile industry, and the so-called “Big Three” auto manufacturers, the General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler are all headquartered in here. The city has fallen on tough times, both economically and politically, but if one can look past this and see the grace in its determined reinvention and intent on being a great city once again, then you will most likely like this place. If you do decide to come here, take a look at our list of the top 20 best things to do in Detroit, which showcases both the bad and the good parts of the city, which are all worth seeing.
- Detroit Institute of Arts
The Detroit Institute of Arts is probably the best place if you are looking for art in the city. It has numerous exhibitions, both permanent and temporary, and many other concert halls, lecture halls and so on. Cultural events are often held here, bringing even more popularity to the place. There are also works from masters like Van Gogh, Diego Rivera and many others.
2. Motown Museum
The Motown Museum is famous for being the recording studio where gold records by the Supremes, the Temptations and the Jackson 5 were done. Although it may look small from the outside, there are instruments, costumes and more on display, all relating to the past of the famous recording studio. Coming here is one of the best things to do in Detroit if you like music, especially the ones from the 20th century.
3. Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History tells the history of the African American people from the beginning of time to the presidency of Barack Obama. The museum houses more than 30 thousand artifacts and archival materials, all related to famous events and people. If you want to learn more about the African American people, and believe in the abolishment of racism, then you should definitely see this play.
4. Eastern Market
The Eastern Market of Detroit is the largest historic public market, which draws tourists and citizens alike, not to mention all the great food and farmers produce that you can find here. You can buy ingredients or try some local food at one of the stalls. Just the atmosphere alone is worth it.
5. Comerica Park
The Comerica Park is a baseball stadium in Detroit that is great for both fans and those who don’t care about it. Not only the games can be interesting, but there are numerous other features here as well, including a carousel, a large Ferris wheel, a beer hall, a food court, and a center field water feature that’s synchronized to music.
6. Fox Theatre
The Fox Theatre is a national landmark where you will surely enjoy a show if you come. There are Broadway musicals as well as performances by big artists like Tony Bennett and Ringo Starr. The best feature though is the interior of the building. The walls are full of gold leaves and colorful paintings of animals, people, flowers and more. The seats are covered in plush red velvet and there’s even a giant elephant head sculpture.
7. Guardian Building
The so-called Guardian Building is a must-see for anyone who appreciates excellent architecture even just a little. The exterior might not look like much, but once you go inside you will understand what this is all about. The magnificent lobby and the halls of this finance building is just breathtaking. Coming here is definitely one of the best things to do in Detroit if you want to see something beautiful.
8. Detroit Zoo
The Detroit Zoo provides a natural habitat for more than 3,300 animals representing 280 species, and was one of the first to use habitats without too much bars. One of the most popular features is the penguin exhibition, where visitors can see their huge water tank from both above ground and from tunnels under the water. There is also a carousel, a 4-D theater, scientific displays and a playground, if you want to see something else as well. This zoo is high among the things to do in Detroit if you come with your family.
9. Michigan Central Station
The Michigan Central Station is an abandoned trainstation, which was the main intercity passenger rail depot of the city. Today it still stands there abandoned, as projects to restore it didn’t go anywhere so far. Nevertheless, adventurous people like to go in there and explore the abandoned building, which is still beautiful in its own way.
10. Detroit Children’s Zoo
The Detroit Children’s Zoo was also a popular zoo just like the one they have now, but it was abandoned a few decades ago, and no longer in use. The plans to restore it have been signed, but the money was instead used to build the new one. The children’s zoo now stands there as a monument to its past glory, with many exhibitions still visible, albeit overgrown by plants and used as a canvas for graffiti.
11. Belle Isle Aquarium
The Belle Isle Aquarium was the longest continually running aquarium in the United States before it was closed down in 2005. Fortunately, the aquarium has been reopened in 2012 and is now operated by volunteers. The unique green ceiling aims to evoke an underwater feeling next to its gallery of different fish species.
12. Heidelberg Project
The Heidelberg Project was started by a Tyree Guyton who wanted to lighten up a local area which people always avoided due to it being dirty and unsafe. With the help of local kids and a little bit of junk and paint, he made several art installations around the block. Unfortunately, the project has a bad history as it was demolished at least twice, each time rebuilt by Tyree, and there were even arsons. Today the creator wants to dismantle the whole place in the following years, but for now it can still be seen by anyone.
13. Book Tower
The Book Tower is a skyscraper in Detroit known for its beautiful exterior design, built in an Academic Classicism style. Holding up the building’s cornice are twelve nude women, the so-called “caryatids”. These are sculpted female figures that serve as architectural support. They were sometimes called the wives of the 12 Apostles, but nevertheless, their beautfy can’t be denied.
14. Grand Army of the Republic Building
The Grand Army of the Republic Building may seem very out of place at first thanks to its castle-like design. It served various purposes throughout its history, but today there are retails and a restaurant in the building, among others, which are worth a visit if you have the time or you want to grab a bite while checking out the inside of this castle.
15. Detroit Salt Mine
The Detroit Salt Mine lies deep under the city and has been used for numerous years. They were even used by Native Americans at one point, but now it is mainly used for mining road salt.
16. Baker’s Keyboard Lounge
The Baker’s Keyboard Lounge jazz club claims to be the world’s oldest operating jazz club, being in operation since May 1934. Although this might not be true, as there is an older club, it still remains an impressive feat. Over the years, dozens of famous people have performed here, including Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, and Fats Waller.
17. Monument to Joe Louis
The Monument to Joe Louis, or as some people refer to it, The Fist, is a somewhat controversial tribute to the heavyweight champion boxer, Joe Louis, who grew up in Detroit. The monument is a giant sculpture of a fist suspended in a bronze pyramid.
18. Detroit Industrial Gallery
The Detroit Industrial Gallery is a sculpture garden where art is made from demolished buildings that were once landmarks of the city. The creator used parts of buildings that were fated to be demolished and in a way preserved them through his eccentric but wonderful art.
19. Belle Isle Conservatory
The Belle Isle Conservatory is a greenhouse and a botanical garden featuring plants from all around the world. It’s a beautiful green spot if you get tired of the bustling city, making it an excellent place for taking a rest while watching all the wonderful flowers and trees.
20. Nancy Brown Peace Carillon
The Nancy Brown Peace Carillon was created thanks to the small donations of more than 60 thousand readers of the Detroit News, where Annie Louise Leslie wrote a highly popular advice column under the pen name, Nany Brown. The musical bell tower became a symbol of peace when it was constructed during World War II.
