The Villages (East, West, and Indian)

History
Must-Sees
Where To Stay

Why Visit?

East of downtown Detroit, you’ll find a collection of historic neighborhoods, known as the Villages. Specifically, it’s made up of East Village, Indian Village, and West Village.

Come here to experience Detroit the way Detroiters do. The area is filled with charming and historic homes, tree-lined streets, quirky boutiques, and popular restaurants (both old favorites and new additions).

You can also get a peek into Detroit’s art and culture scene, with a trip to the iconic Pewabic Pottery, or the Little Village development (which transformed a Romanesque church into an art gallery and Black art library).

It’s easy to spend a half day, full day, or entire weekend getting to know this part of Detroit.

Featured Image
Pewabic Pottery
Credit: Daniel "Moon" Truscott

History of the Villages

East Village, West Village, and Indian Village are all named to the US National Register of Historic Places, in honor of their social and architectural history.

Between 1890 to 1920, the Villages underwent development from farmland into the residential neighborhood we know it as now. Today, you can see that rich history reflected in historic homes that date to the early 1900s. Many of these were built by renowned architects, like Albert Kahn and Louis Kamper, and housed some of Detroit’s most famous residents, like Edsel Ford and Henry Leland.

Most of the neighborhoods’ early residents were European immigrants, drawn to Detroit for its booming auto industry. After World War II, and the subsequent decline of the auto industry, the neighborhoods’ population declined as residents moved out to the suburbs.

In the 1970s, residents banded together to form neighborhood associations, working toward a revival for the Villages. Private investors also brought in new energy to the neighborhoods, with renovated housing, restaurants, shops, and most recently, the extensive Little Village development.

These days, you’ll find that the Villages are filled with renewed energy and a deep-rooted community of Detroiters.

Vilages Must-sees

It’s hard to run out of activities in the Villages. Here are some of the best:

  1. Visit Pewabic Pottery, a ceramic studio in the East Village that’s been operating since 1903. Take a tour or browse their gift shop for a uniquely Detroit souvenir.
  2. Explore Detroit’s Little Village, which was named to TIME Magazine’s 100 greatest places in the world the year that it opened. Wander through the Shepherd, a 110-year old church that’s been transformed into an impressive art gallery. Then, drop by Warda Patisserie for some of the best pastries in all of Michigan, or sip on wine at Father Forgive Me. You’ll also want to walk through the Charles McGee Legacy Park, and you can even stay on-site at ALEO bed and breakfast.
  3. Shop ‘til you drop in the West Village. Head to the intersection of Agnes and Van Dyke streets, where you can pop into shops like eugenie (for sustainable women’s clothing), Van Dyke Books (for second-hand books), and Fauno Floral (for houseplants and apothecary-style gifts).
  4. Wine, dine, brew, and beer. The food and drink scene in this part of Detroit is fabulous. Grab gourmet coffee from Red Hook, hand pies from Sister Pie, hot breakfast from Norm’s Diner, and super-fresh Latin American cuisine from La Fonda Street. For something more upscale, have dinner at James Beard nominated-Marrow, or IVY Kitchen + Cocktails. Finish up the night with craft cocktails at Two Birds, or a cold beer on the rooftop deck of Collect Beer Bar.

Where to Stay

If you want to stay in the Villages, you have two wonderful, boutique accommodation options.

ALEO Detroit is the newly opened four-bed bed and breakfast located on-site at Little Village. The former church rectory has been transformed into a luxurious accommodation, right next to the Shepherd art gallery.

Frederick Stearns House, located between Indian Village and West Village, is another historic property that has been converted into a bed and breakfast. With nine rooms and suites, it’s popular for weddings and events, as well as visitors looking for a romantic getaway.

How Can I Get to the Villages?

The easiest way to reach the Villages is by driving or rideshare. You can also reach the area by DDOT bus from downtown Detroit.

What is the best way to explore the Villages?

The best way to explore Detroit’s Villages is with a car. The area is spread out, with lots to do and an abundance of street parking, so it’s convenient to have your own vehicle.

Where can I park?

There is plenty of street parking, both free and metered, within Detroit’s West Village, Indian Village, and East Village. Some businesses also have surface lots. The Park Detroit app can help you find available spots.

Distance from DTW

West Village, Indian Village, and East Village are all about a 30 minute drive from Detroit Metro Airport (DTW), depending on traffic.

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