North End and Milwaukee Junction

History
Must-Sees

Why Visit?

Meet Detroit’s North End, the birthplace of both techno music and the Model T vehicle. Originally an industrial neighborhood focused on car manufacturing, it’s a part of the city that’s still thriving and growing today, and definitely worth a visit during your trip to Detroit.

The neighborhood is made up of the larger historic North End area as well as the smaller Milwaukee Junction subdistrict, which is where Henry Ford first built his Model T vehicle (you can visit the site today, at the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant Museum).

It’s a great part of the city to visit whether you’re interested in Detroit’s rich automobile history, you’re a techno music fan, you want to dine and drink at some of the city’s trending restaurants, or wander through edgy art galleries and performance spaces.

If you’re more into the wellness scene, The Schvitz is another reason to visit the North End. This is the only historic bathhouse left in Detroit, which began welcoming guests back in 1930.

Featured Image
Ford Piquette Avenue Plant Museum

History of the neighborhood

The North End, and its subdistrict of Milwaukee Junction, is a historic industrial neighborhood. In the late 1800s it became a hub for car manufacturing thanks to its location at the crossroads of important railroad lines.

This included Henry Ford’s Piquette Avenue Plant, where he first built the Model T vehicle in 1909. The Model T revolutionized driving, transportation, and connection for the American public.

The wider North End neighborhood also has a deep history with music — both Motown and modern. Back in the mid-1900s it was a hotspot for Motown musicians. Artists like Smokey Robinson, Aretha Franklin, Etta James, The Temptations, the Four Tops, and Diana Ross all performed in North End venues.

This is also where techno music was created in the 1980s (yes, this happened in Detroit, and not Europe!). Juan Atkins, Derrick May, and Kevin Saunderson were three Detroiters (known as the “Belleville Three”) who originated the electronic funk sound that’s now famous in nightclubs and playlists around the world.

Neighborhood Must-sees

Milwaukee Junction, as well as the wider North End neighborhood, are home to some of Detroit’s best foodie spots and memorable museums. Here are the must-sees in the area:

  1. Visit the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant Museum, where you’ll learn about the Model T and Henry Ford’s journey to revolutionizing vehicles in America, and see 65 rare vehicles for yourself. Guided tours are offered three times a day.
  2. Discover Detroit’s techno history at the world’s first (and only) techno museum. Located inside Submerge Records, Exhibit 3000 is dedicated to sharing the story of techno music and its origins in Detroit. Guided tours are available by appointment only, by emailing cornelius@alteregomgt.com.
  3. Eat and drink in style at some of Detroit’s most talked-about restaurants and bars. For unforgettable craft cocktails, scoot up to the bar at Kiesling, Dragonfly, Byrd’s Cigar Lounge, or Time Will Tell. For a memorable meal, try Café Noir (for French vibes, coffee, and pastries), Freya (for award-winning fine dining that still feels accessible), or Oak & Reel (for fresh seafood and pasta).

How Can I Get to Milwaukee Junction?

Besides driving, you can also take the QLine (Detroit’s 3.3 mile streetcar) to Milwaukee Junction. Get off at Baltimore Street, Amsterdam Street, or Grand Boulevard stations. Both DDOT and SMART buses also have stops in Milwaukee Junction and North End.

What is the best way to explore Milwaukee Junction and the North End?

Parts of Milwaukee Junction are walkable, but for the wider North End neighborhood it is helpful to have a car. This makes it easier to travel across the neighborhood and connect with other Detroit neighborhoods.

Where can I park?

There is plenty of street parking in North End. The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant also has a free parking lot, as well as multiple other lots and parking garages throughout the neighborhood. The Park Detroit app can help you find available parking.

Distance from DTW

North End is about a 20 to 30 minute drive from Detroit Metro Airport (DTW), depending on traffic.

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