10 Things To Do in Detroit
With a population of approximately 673,000 people, Detroit is the most populated city in the state of Michigan. Michigan is located on the border between America and Canada, while Detroit itself shares a border with its Canadian neighbors.
The city boasts a very proud past, having once been considered the automobile capital of the world thanks to its huge automotive industries. While the industry isn’t what it used to be in Detroit, the city is still home to one of the world’s largest automobile manufacturers: The Ford Motor Company. If you find yourself in Detroit you will find no shortage of things to do and we have highlighted some of the most popular.
1. Michigan Central Station
This grand building, which stands at 230 feet high, was constructed in 1913 and was the tallest railway station in the world at the time. It was designed by the same architects that worked on New York’s famous Grand Central Terminal.
Sadly, the station is currently out of use. The station was closed in 1988 after Detroit’s economic decline. It is not completely out of use and it has been used as a backdrop for Hollywood movies, including the Transformers. There have been moves to have the building demolished, but plans for demolition have so far been halted by people that wish to preserve the building.
2. Try Some Michigan Beers
Getting around Detroit and seeing all there is to see can be very thirsty work. The good news is that when in Detroit, you get to sample some of the beers that are made in the state of Michigan, which are often rated among the best in the country.
There are numerous bars in Detroit that serve Michigan’s finest brews, and what better way to relax after a hard day’s sightseeing. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the day’s events, and it is also a chance to get to meet some of the people that live in the city. Ask at your hotel and they should be able to point you in the right direction.
3. Belle Isle
Detroit is a busy, industrial city, so visitors might not expect to find much peace and quiet here. Head out to Belle Isle, however, and that is exactly what you will find.
The island is located between Detroit and Windsor, Canada, in the middle of the Detroit River. The island used to house a zoo and an aquarium, and the aquarium reopened in 2012 after a period of being closed due to budget cuts. The island is an ideal spot for a peaceful walk while taking in the views from the coastline either side of the river. There is even a beach where the whole family can relax and have some fun.
4. Cruise on the Detroit Princess
Some of the best views of any city can be found when you take a step outside and look back in. When in Detroit, you can get some of the best views when on the Detroit River with clear views of the city’s riverbank.
A cruise on the Detroit Princess allows you to do just that. The Detroit princess cruise boat is able to hold up to 1,500 passengers and stands at an impressive 5 stories tall. In addition to the views, you will also be treated to a fine meal and there is also a buffet to treat yourself from. Each story of the boat has its own bar and, in proper Detroit style, you will be treated to some live Motown tunes.
5. Detroit Eastern Market
Even many of the locals will admit that there is a shortage of quality grocery stores in the city. This may not sound great to foodies, but all is not lost because you will still find all that you need at the Detroit Eastern market.
This busy market is well supplied by vendors that drive into Detroit from around the region. It is open on Saturday mornings all through the year, and Tuesdays and Sundays from June to September. Around 45,000 people are known to shop here on Saturday’s and visitors will also be able to enjoy cafes and, of course, some live Motown music.
6. The Automotive Hall of Fame
Detroit has played a very important part in America’s auto industry and has also had considerable influence worldwide. Detroit has not been the world’s only automotive center, however, and the Automotive Hall of Fame pays testament to the many innovators that have contributed worldwide.
The exhibits here allow us to take a closer look at the automotive industry from its very earliest years up to the present day. It helps is look at how vehicles have changed over the years thanks to innovation after innovation from some of the world’s greatest engineering minds. The center also helps to highlight just how much the industry has helped to transform the world overall.
7. The Detroit Antique Mall
Many people from across the nation and even further afield head to Detroit to see what antique bargains they can pick up. Visitors can spend days on end looking through all that is on offer, hoping to spot something valuable, or even just beautiful.
One of the best antique shopping spots in Detroit is the Detroit Antique Mall, while the Detroit Mercantile Company is another popular choice, and the Eastern Market is also a good place to spot some gems. While it is a haven for serious dealers looking to make a small fortune, Detroit’s antique dealing scene can also be enjoyed by the more casual shopper.
8. Motown Historical Museum
In addition to its heritage as a motor industry powerhouse, Detroit has also been a significant contributor to the world of music.
Indeed, the city is home to one of the most successful genres of all time: Motown. Detroit’s Motown Historical Museum gives visitors a closer look at the history of Motown music and some of its more famous legends. Museum visitors get the opportunity to see where it all started: Studio A. There is also a selection of other exhibits that Motown fans will get excited about. You can even get to see the famous silver glove of one of music’s most successful artists: Michael Jackson.
9. Detroit Institute of Arts
In the past, Detroit was one of the wealthiest cities on the planet, and the city spent accordingly. While the city is no longer as wealthy as it once was, you will still find grand buildings that stand as a testament to the city’s more glorious past.
One of these is the Detroit Institute of arts which was constructed in 1927. This enormous building boasts more than 100 galleries, enough to keep art buffs fascinated for hours, or even days. Here, you will find works from local artists as well as from some well-known artists from across the world. The city also has a number of other art centers which help to reflect the city’s rich cultural diversity.
10. Ford Rouge Factory Tour
Detroit wasn’t just any motor industry powerhouse; it was also the first. While the motor vehicle was invented by German Karl Benz, it was an American, Henry Ford, that first put cars into mass production.
This was a development that helped to make Detroit the city that it is today. The Ford Motor Company still has its headquarters in Dearborn, Detroit, to this day. At the Ford Rouge Factory, you can get to see the production line of the Ford F-150 truck while the headquarters proudly boasts a display of some of their more iconic productions such as the Ford Mustang. For car fanatics, it is an opportunity that should not be turned down.
