Why Ohioans Can't Get Enough of Detroit: 7 Reasons They Keep Coming Back

It’s no secret, Ohio loves Detroit. For Ohioans, Detroit is more than just a neighboring city; it’s a cultural escape, a foodie playground, a sports mecca, and a hub of rich history all rolled into one bold, unapologetic package. Whether you’re cruising up I-75 from Toledo or making a weekend trip from Cleveland or Columbus, there's something magnetic about Michigan’s Motor City that keeps Buckeyes coming back.

We hit the streets, music venues, and restaurants to talk with a few Ohio visitors and discovered exactly what fuels their love affair with Detroit. The result? A vibrant list of reasons why crossing state lines to the 313 is always worth it.

1. Big City Culture, Small City Vibes

Detroit offers the cultural richness of cities like New York or Chicago, but with a Midwestern attitude that’s refreshingly laid-back. From world-class art museums to some of the oldest public markets and cutting-edge design districts, Detroit is a city that feels global while staying grounded in authenticity.

With destinations like the Detroit Institute of Arts (home to over 65,000 works, including the iconic Diego Rivera frescoes) and the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD), visitors are treated to a deep dive into both classic and contemporary creativity.

aerial view of a bustling eastern market on a bright and sunny day with downtown Detroit's skyline in the background

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Credit: Charles Falsetti

2. Home Turf for Hardcore Sports Fans

It’s no surprise that Ohioans, many of them diehard sports enthusiasts, find a kindred spirit in Detroit, a city with just as much passion for the game. With four soon-to-be five major league teams in downtown Detroit, including the WNBA, the Tigers (MLB), the Lions (NFL), the Pistons (NBA), and the Red Wings (NHL). Detroit makes it easy to plan a game-day getaway no matter the season.

However, for the more adventurous Ohioans, if they dare to head west on Interstate 94 and enter Wolverine territory, they can visit the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, affectionately known as 'The Big House', on a Saturday afternoon during football season.

Black woman dressed from head to toe in Detroit Lions fan gear with a blue afro and blue glasses in downtown Detroit

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Credit: Charles Falsetti

3. Motown Roots and a Music Scene Like No Other

Detroit's musical influence runs deep, and for music lovers from Ohio, that's a huge draw. From Motown to techno, garage rock to gospel, the city’s soundtracks have left an indelible mark on global culture. Detroit hosts one of the largest techno festivals in the world, as it should, given that it was born in Michigan with the Belleville Three (Kevin Saunderson, Juan Atkins, and Derrick May).

Of course, any trip to Detroit wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Motown Museum (Hitsville U.S.A.), where legends like Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, and Stevie Wonder recorded tracks that changed music forever.

A dance break on the lawn of The Congregation on an early Sunday afternoon, enjoying house music, or savoring a glass of wine with jazz tunes at Motor City Wine during a visit, is a must before heading back to Ohio.

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Credit: Denerio Watkins

I love the culture and food here," says Bruce Woods, a medical technician from Columbus. "But nothing gets me to come to Detroit like the melting pot of concerts every weekend, and you can be inside or outside because of the different venue options.

Live music thrives today in venues across the city, with music set against the backdrop of the Detroit River, such as the Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre. From intimate jazz sets at Cliff Bell’s to indie bands rocking out at El Club and Saint Andrew’s Hall. Whether you're into techno or soul, Detroit delivers the vibe for everyone.

Credit: Aretha Franklin Amphitheater by Charles Falsetti

4. Black History & Culture You Can Walk Through

For many Ohioans, especially Black travelers, Detroit is a city where history isn’t just preserved, it’s honored and lived every day. From the Underground Railroad to civil rights activism and artistic innovation, the city pulses with stories of resilience and triumph.

From the Charles H. Wright Museum to the murals in The Belt, Detroit tells rich, layered stories, something that resonates deeply with many Black Ohioans. A historical walking tour with city historians, led by experts Jamon Jordan or Ken Coleman, will fill your soul during your stay.

Travelers also cite stops like the African Bead Museum, Dabl’s Gallery, and the vibrant public art across the North End and Grand River Creative Corridor as moments of discovery and cultural reflection.

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5. A Food Scene That Goes Beyond Coney Dogs

Let’s be real, Detroit is a food city. And for Ohioans accustomed to familiar chains and neighborhood diners, Detroit's eclectic and global dining scene is a revelation. Detroit’s dining scene is diverse, affordable, and unapologetically local, from Algerian pastries on the East Side to James Beard-nominated chefs downtown.

Detroit’s culinary DNA includes everything from Coney dogs and soul food to Balkan, Middle Eastern, and Afro-Caribbean flavors. Restaurants like Takoi, Selden Standard, Yum Village, and Ima push boundaries while staying deeply rooted in their local communities.

delicious plate of bbq ribs, macaroni and cheese, and candid yams

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Credit: Courtesy of Beans & Cornbread

6. Close Enough for a Spontaneous Escape

One of Detroit’s biggest perks? It’s a short drive away for most of Ohio. No flights. No baggage fees. Just a car, a playlist, and a few hours on the road. Many Ohioans opt for weekend visits, often staying downtown, or even outside of Detroit in Dearborn. In Corktown (the oldest neighborhood in Detroit), or Midtown, where walkability makes exploration easy, but you're still in the city limits. Affordable hotel rates and growing Airbnb options also make Detroit an ideal base for a short-term stay.

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Shinola Hotel

Credit: Nicole Franzen

In about an hour, I can go from Toledo to a world-class museum, see a show, and grab a nightcap on the river and be back home at a decent hour,” says Camille Gist, a Pediatric Nurse who visits Detroit several times a year. “It’s just far enough to feel like a real trip, but close enough to plan last-minute.

7. Come for the Grit, Stay for the Glow-Up

Maybe it’s the murals or the pop-ups in parking lots. Perhaps it’s a delicious meal you stumbled upon inside an old firehouse in Core City (try Ladder 4 Wine Bar) or the breweries rising from 100-year-old warehouses. Whatever it is, Ohioans say there’s something inspiring about Detroit’s constant reinvention.

I like the surprising variety of ethnic restaurants, great museums," says James Hill, a Marketer and Blogger who recently made Toledo his family home. "Most times, we are driving or sailing by on a cruise when we visit Detroit but the airport is surprisingly good too. But overall, I've really enjoyed exploring and discovering the city.