Top 10 Things to do in Detroit, Michigan (MI)

December 26, 2021 Joeann Galban

With a vibrant, revitalized downtown, it’s revival time in Detroit. Renowned as the birthplace of Motown and techno, the city boasts one of the largest theater districts in America — as well as four pro sports teams, set just blocks apart. The city’s transformation includes a dynamic culinary scene, featuring everything from high-end dining with international tastes to Coney dogs. Visitors also love Detroit’s outstanding shopping, exciting outdoor activities, and world-class cultural attractions.
Restaurants in Detroit

1. Detroit Institute of Arts

5200 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202-4094 +1 313-833-7900 http://www.dia.org/about
Excellent
87%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2,928 reviews

Detroit Institute of Arts

Considered to house one of the best art collections in the United States, the Institute showcases everything from mummies to modern art and African masks to Monets in its outstanding collection of over 65,000 works. Don't miss the General Motors Center for African American Art, a part of the DIA which showcases 400 pieces, in various media, by African American artists.

Reviewed By MidwestKathM - Detroit, United States

We love the DIA! As longtime members, we visit several times a year. And attend the Friday Night Live often as well as talks, senior activities, and films every month. Lots of terrific art to see in their permanent collection...including the Diego Rivera murals, Caravaggio, Italian Renaissance, John Singer Sargent, Whistler, Van Gogh, John Singleton Copley, Kehinde Wiley, Abstract Expressionists, African-American works, Asian antiquities, and Egyptian mummies. And then there are the excellent temporary exhibitions and the special exhibitions. During these COVID times, we wanted to show our support after the museum reopened. The DIA is perhaps the safest art museum we've visited in the last 4 months. Advance timed tickets, masks required, temperature check, contactless entry, social distancing, galleries grouped with one entrance, one exit, hand sanitizer.

2. The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant

461 Piquette St, Detroit, MI 48202-3547 +1 313-872-8759 [email protected] http://www.fordpiquetteplant.org/
Excellent
80%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 538 reviews

The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant

Experience the Original Model T Factory Visiting the Piquette Avenue Ford Plant is a unique experience-it's the oldest auto plant open to the public anywhere in the world. Almost unchanged since Henry Ford's day, the plant is a three-story New England-style mill building. Each floor is divided into sections by the original metal fire doors, complete with the shadows of Henry Ford's "Positively NO Smoking" stencils. The old plank floors are worn from the 12,000 Model Ts built on them, so wear appropriate shoes for your visit. The plant is on the National Register of Historic Places, and is a designated National Historic Landmark and a Michigan State Historic Site. Walk the worn wood floors and touch the brick walls where Henry Ford and his team of automotive pioneers developed the car that led to an automotive and social revolution. See Henry Ford's office as it was in 1908 when he was on the cusp of fame. And learn why it still matters today. See a selection of rare Detroit-built cars from the first decade of the 20th century and learn their fates.

Reviewed By HughC239 - Toronto, Canada

From the outside its a small, somewhat unassuming museum but the magic lies inside with the superb tour guides who bring the place to life with their impressive knowledge of the stories, vehicles and history of Henry Ford, the Ford motor company, the Piquette plant and the birth of the auto industry. By far our favourite and most memorable tourist attraction during our visit to Detroit. We left with a profound new respect for Henry Ford and all that he accomplished. Kudos to the hardworking and dedicated staff at this little gem.

3. Motown Museum

2648 W Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48208-1237 +1 313-875-2264 [email protected] http://www.motownmuseum.org
Excellent
73%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,088 reviews

Motown Museum

This old Detroit home belies the greatness that was born here: the Motown Sound. But one step inside Hitsville, USA, the original house where Berry Gordy lived and recorded the Motown hits, and you'll catch the beat and spirit of this booming music era. Photos, costumes, artwork, music and other memorabilia take you back to simpler times.

Reviewed By GlobeTrotting738505 - Quakertown, United States

The Motown Museum lives up to most of the other reviews, and then some! If you get the chance, make sure you check out this place. However, make sure you make a reservation well in advance, especially if you have limited time to visit. We were lucky enough to get a time slot for the next day, but most people reserve much earlier. Our tour guide, Carolyn, made an excellent tour even better with her knowledge, enthusiasm and just plain energy!!! Hopefully, you'll be lucky enough to get her as your guide if / when you go.

4. Comerica Park

2100 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201-3470 +1 313-962-4000 http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/det/ballpark
Excellent
67%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,684 reviews

Comerica Park

Home of the Detroit Tigers, this is no ordinary ballpark. Combination theme park, ballpark, and baseball museum, it features huge statues of tigers, a Ferris wheel, carousel (with tigers, of course) and a fountain that celebrates each home run with colored lights and music.

Reviewed By exkwzit - Cedar Rapids, United States

What's not to love about baseball! Comerica is a beautiful park situated amids all the sports venues. EXCELLENT use of the Tiger mascot inside & outside the stadium.

5. Ford Field

2000 Brush St, Detroit, MI 48226-2251 +1 313-262-2000 http://www.detroitlions.com/ford-field
Excellent
57%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 853 reviews

Ford Field

Reviewed By JMT2424

Our most recent visit to Ford Field was for Monster Jam. Took our 3 kids for the first time. Skipped out on dealing with parking and rode the QLine down from up near the DIA. Easy in with efficient security checkpoint. Seating is well defined, so getting to our spots was simple. Had good seats at the front of the upper level and everyone had a blast.

6. Eastern Market

2934 Russell St, Detroit, MI 48207-4826 +1 313-833-9300 [email protected] http://www.easternmarket.org
Excellent
70%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 480 reviews

Eastern Market

We shepherd Eastern Market's rich history to nourish a healthier, wealthier, and happier Detroit. Since it began in the 1800s, Eastern Market has gradually become a cornerstone, nourishing its residents by providing fresh and nutritious food throughout Southeastern Michigan. In more recent years, Eastern Market Partnership has built an infrastructure around the market to support our unwavering mission to enrich Detroit--nutritionally, culturally and economically. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, our goal is to maintain Eastern Market's: * Authenticity * Development Equity * Connectivity * Density * Diversity

Reviewed By marketinginsight - Detroit, United States

Been to Eastern Market many times. Saturday’s are pretty much guaranteed to be open, otherwise check their website. Tons of local food, sometimes clothing and jewelry. In the spring, if you are local, go for perennials. You can’t beat the prices - $5.00 for a beautiful Hosta that would be $15.00 at your local nursery. In spring go EARLY (like 7:00 am) for best plant selection. Also check out surrounding businesses like Rocky Peanut Company. A friend from Seattle said “this is way bigger than Pike Place Market!”

7. The Guardian Building

500 Griswold St, Detroit, MI 48226-3480 +1 313-963-4567 [email protected] http://guardianbuilding.com/
Excellent
76%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 723 reviews

The Guardian Building

Reviewed By tymetraveler222 - Bay City, United States

This skyscraper was built in the 1920's. It was built in the ArtDeco style of architecture. It simply is a stunning building, with wonderful creativity throughout. First thing that caught my eye was the array of colors. Phenomenal displays of intricate tile work, unusual art pieces, saturated stained glass, murals/mosaics/marble and more! Many textures used. Marble, travertine, metal, stone. I personally loved the domed ceiling. A treat for the eyes every where you look. Street parking or nearby garage. A few shops, small snack shop, seating arrangements, tours. No charge to enter. Check out the bathrooms! Nice maps/info given out at welcome desk. Very nice docents. Snack shop is good, also.

8. Detroit RiverFront

600 Renaissance Ctr, Detroit, MI 48243-1815 +1 313-566-8200 http://detroitriverfront.org/riverfront
Excellent
61%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,443 reviews

Detroit RiverFront

Reviewed By nanurban - Detroit, United States

The riverwalk is a great place to stroll and relax while viewing the Renaissance Center, Windsor across the river and other downtown buildings. From the carousel and parks to the fountains in the sidewalk, it is always a pleasant time. There is so much energy and it is contagious. A favorite experience when we have out of town visitors.

9. Belle Isle Park

99 Pleasure Dr, Detroit, MI 48207-4373 +1 313-821-9844 http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?id=736&type=SPRK
Excellent
50%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
4%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 1,074 reviews

Belle Isle Park

Rich with history and natural beauty, Belle Isle Park is a Detroit gem and a Michigan state park. The 987-acre island park features the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, the Belle Isle Aquarium, Dossin Great Lakes Museum, giant slide, athletic fields, picnic areas, Belle Isle Nature Zoo, the James Scott Memorial Fountain and more attractions popular with all ages and interests. The park includes three lakes, 150 acres of wooded area and spectacular views of the Detroit and Windsor skyline. Rentals available for: Watercraft, Bike, Snow Sports. Food and ice sales available. Recreation Passport Required for entry. Please check website for hours for each attraction.

Reviewed By T5899AFmichaelc - West Bloomfield, United States

belle isle is detroits jewel located in the middle of the detroit river be sure to visit the fountain the aquarium or the butterfly gardens if visiting during summer swim on the north shore by the dyc for a refreshing urban treat

10. Detroit People Mover

Detroit, MI 48226 +1 313-224-2160 [email protected] http://www.thepeoplemover.com/
Excellent
47%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 874 reviews

Detroit People Mover

The Detroit People Mover (DPM) is a fully automated light rail system that operates on an elevated single-track loop in Detroit's central business district. Launched in 1987, the system’s 13 stations provide quick connections between the courts and administrative offices of several levels of government, sports arenas, exhibition centers, major hotels, and commercial, banking and retail districts. Service is frequent and unencumbered by vehicle or pedestrian traffic, and at just 75 cents per ride, it’s the best bargain in town!

Reviewed By TobyW239 - Fairmont, United States

We utilized this elevated train from the station in our Hotel (Courtyard on E Jefferson) to Little Caesars Arena (Grand Circus Stop) 75 cents each way, and I’d recommend bringing change as we saw people fighting the Token machine, without luck.

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