Detroit gets too much of a bad rep. This city is coming back better than ever. There are so many great things to see and do both in Detroit and in the surrounding areas. So whether or you're just visiting the area or you live here, make sure to check out these great spots!
1. Detroit sporting events: Tigers, Red Wings, Pistons, and Lions (Detroit and Auburn Hills)
Let's be honest, tickets for sporting events are hard to come by, but going to a Tigers, Wings, Pistons or Lions game is a must for any Detroit sports fan at least once in their life. The crowds at Comerica Park, Joe Louis Arena, The Palace of Auburn Hills, and Ford Field are absolutely electric. And the teams aren't too shabby either (most years.) Everyone in Detroit knows that win or lose, our sports teams are the best!
2.) The Henry Ford Museum (Dearborn)
The Henry Ford Museum helped foster my love of history when I was a kid, and it's still just as magical as a grown-up history nerd. Established by the Henry Ford, the Museum features awesome historical artifacts like George Washington's camp bed from Valley Forge, the chair Abraham Lincoln was assassinated in, the Rosa Parks bus, and the car JFK was shot in. They also have interesting limited-time collections, such as the clothing owned and worn by the Roddis family from the 1860s to 1980s, cars and guitars owned by famous Rock 'n' Roll musicians, and artifacts from the Titanic and recreations of its rooms. It's big enough that you may not see everything each time you go, which gives you a great excuse to explore this place multiple times!
3.) Greenfield Village (Dearborn)
Greenfield Village is technically part of the Henry Ford Museum, but it has its own unique personality. Back in the 1920s, Henry Ford collected many famous pieces of American History, including buildings. As he acquired these historic buildings, he moved them to his Ford property in Dearborn and the rest is history (pun intended.) The grounds include the Thomas Edison's Menlo Park Complex, the home and original bicycle shop of the Wright Brothers, and Robert Frost's home. My favorite times to visit are the spring and summer, especially during the Civil War Remembrance Weekend in May and Historical Baseball Weekends throughout the summer. Of course, the Holiday Lights weekends in December are unbeatable (and you just might see my high school's choir performing!) Whenever you go, make sure to take a spin in a Model T or ride the train!
4.) The Motown Museum (Detroit)
Just as the Henry Ford Museum encouraged my love of history, the Motown Museum, or "Hitsville USA," furthered my love for the Motown sound. The museum is located in the original two buildings purchased by Berry Gordy in the late 1950s, where he and others produced Motown's hits like "Please Mr. Postman" and "Ain't No Mountain High Enough." One of the best parts of the tour is visiting Studio A, where you can sing "My Girl" in the exact spot the Temptations first did their famous walk. Fun Fact: Paul McCartney once visited, asked to play on the then out-of-tune Studio A piano, then offered to pay for its restoration. It's still in the studio!
5.) The Detroit Institute of Arts (Detroit)
The Detroit Institute of Arts houses one of the top six collections of art in the United States. Here you can see Diego Rivera's massive "Detroit Industry" fresco murals, William Adolphe Bouguereau's "The Nut Gatherers," Edgar Degas's "Dancers," and many, many more. The museum also has contemporary art, furniture, sculptures, knights' armor, and mummies! This is another museum that will take multiple trips so you have an excuse to visit more than once!
6.) The Riverwalk (Detroit)
The Riverwalk is a beautiful place to take a stroll. It takes you along the Detroit River, where you can see across to Windsor! And there are plenty of benches and green spaces. This is a great place to take a break while exploring the Downtown area.
7.) Belle Isle (Detroit)
Belle Isle is a beautiful park located in the international waters of the Detroit River. Its landscape was inspired by the designs of famous landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead. On its grounds, there is an aquarium, a conservatory, and a gigantic marble fountain. Belle Isle has been an escape for Detroiters since the 1880s and is open from June to September. A great place to spend the day with family and friends!
8. Eastern Market (Detroit)
Every weekend year-round — but especially in the spring, summer, and fall — Detroit's Eastern Market is packed with people buying and selling produce and other goods made and produced by Detroit businesses. There are also restaurants and other things to do in the immediate area. Everyone should navigate this incredible example of the promise and prosperity of Detroit. The murals found all over the place in the surrounding areas are exquisite, like the one pictured above.
9. The Fisher Building (Detroit)
This historic, art-deco style gem was commissioned in 1927 by the Fisher Brothers, who hit it big when Detroit boomed in the early 1900s due to the growth of the automobile industry. Completed in 1928, the building was meant to be one of three in a large complex to serve as a business and entertainment center for Detroit. However, the Great Depression hit a year later, and the other two buildings were never built. Today, the building houses shops, a theater, and is home to WJR radio. However, the best and most beautiful parts of the building are its walls and ceilings, covered in marble and beautiful murals with symbols of wealth, power, and American culture. This place is most definitely Instagram-worthy.
10.) The Detroit Zoo (Royal Oak)
What could be more fun? The Detroit Zoo is 125 acres full of giraffes, lions, seals, kangaroos, reptiles and more. A few of my personal favorites are the Arctic Ring of Life, the Otter habitat, the Bird and Butterfly House, and the brand-new Polk Penguin Conservation Center. Also, don't forget to take a picture in front of the Rackham Fountain!
