Detroit is an ideal destination for large group travel, and Visit Detroit is your ultimate planning resource for organizing a seamless and unforgettable trip. Whether you’re coordinating a family reunion, corporate retreat, school trip, friend getaway, or something else, there is truly something for everyone in Detroit. Here’s how to get started.
Why Visit Detroit with a Large Group?
There’s nowhere quite like Detroit. A city where all four major sports teams play downtown, packed with world-class museums and cultural institutions. A place where both Motown and the motor vehicle had their beginnings. Where foodies, garden enthusiasts, nightlife lovers, and architecture fans alike can all get their fill.
Not only that, but the city is conveniently positioned with a major airport, experienced private transportation companies, and centrally located hotels.
Organizing large group travel doesn’t have to be a headache when you come to Detroit – it can be a joy.
It’s true: navigating travel with a large group can be tricky. However, Detroit has both the infrastructure and excitement to entertain large groups, which will make your planning easier. From convenient hotels to group-friendly dining and attractions, learn about logistics below.
Accommodation
Detroit has experienced a boom of hotel openings in the last few years. There are now plenty of options for your group to stay in the heart of the action downtown, where you can easily walk along Woodward Avenue and the Riverfront. Consider staying at the following downtown hotels:
Cambria Hotel (154 rooms)
Hilton Garden Inn (198 rooms)
Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center (1,323 rooms)
Prefer to base your group in a neighborhood? Corktown, Detroit’s oldest neighborhood and home to the refurbished Michigan Central, has a number of trendy hotels like Trumbull & Porter (142 rooms) and The Godfrey (227 rooms). In Midtown, the city’s cultural center, consider the new AC Hotel at the Bonstelle (154 rooms).
There are also many Metro Detroit hotels that can accommodate large groups. In Dearborn, consider The Henry (308 rooms). In Southfield, there’s Westin Southfield (388 rooms), and in Troy there’s Embassy Suites Troy (251 rooms).
Activities
Many of Detroit’s ticketed attractions and museums can accommodate large groups, and most offer special guided group tours that are bookable in advance. Some top picks include:
Dossin Great Lakes Museum: Immerse yourselves in the story of the Great Lakes at this museum on Belle Isle. Their Maritime History group tour can accommodate up to 60 people.
Detroit Historical Museum: Delve into Detroit’s history at this midtown museum, which offers seven different guided group tour options, as well as a unique scavenger hunt experience for adult groups.
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History: This midtown museum is dedicated to the African American story in Detroit and around the world. Book group tours in advance. Parties of 15 people or more receive a discount.
Henry Ford: Three incredible attractions in Dearborn, including a museum dedicated to American innovation, a historical village, and an active car factory. Groups of 20 or more receive discounted entry, with a dedicated team that helps plan group tours and field trips.
Detroit Princess Riverboat: See Detroit from a different perspective and take your group on a cruise of the Detroit River – for sunset, a luncheon, an on-the-water Motown concert, and more! You can charter a private room, floor, or the entire boat.
Michigan Central: Visitors can now experience Michigan Central after years of renovation from an abandoned train station into a technology and culture hub. This is a must-see in Detroit. Group tours can be organized through Detroit History Tours. Public tours are capped at 25 guests, but you can organize larger private tours directly.
Detroit Institute of Arts: Detroit’s renowned art museum is often voted among the best in the country. Group visits of 15 people or more can be organized directly with the museum, for a personalized experience.
Motown Museum: An honorary mention must go to Motown Museum, which celebrates Detroit’s music history as the birthplace of the Motown sound. This is a small group attraction, accepting tour groups of maximum 10 people. It’s possible to arrange a large group visit by staggering tours; Visit Detroit is happy to help with arrangements.
Dining
Nobody in your group will be hangry in Detroit. Many of the city’s best restaurants can host larger groups, meaning you won’t miss out on Detroit’s famed cuisine (whether that’s a classic Detroit-style pizza, or a luxurious meal overlooking the Detroit River). Some of the best Detroit restaurants for large groups include:
Buddy’s Pizza: Your group can’t leave Detroit without trying the original Detroit-style pizza from Buddy’s. With multiple locations across Detroit and the metro area, and the ability to handle large group reservations, you have many opportunities to get your pizza fix.
Andiamo: A beloved Italian restaurant with multiple locations in the metro area, including one along the riverfront. Andiamo is experienced in handling large groups and even has banquet rooms that can fit up to 200.
The Whitney: This historic mansion and upscale restaurant in midtown is ideal for group bookings, thanks to its 15 private dining rooms and specialism in catering for private parties. For parties of 17 or more, you’ll be assisted by the on-site events coordinator.
Armando’s Mexican Restaurant: Another longtime favorite for Mexican food in Detroit, Armando’s can handle large group reservations, including private events of up to 80 guests in their Hacienda Banquet Room.
Redsmoke Barbeque: In the mood for BBQ? This restaurant in the Greektown neighborhood can accommodate groups of 35 in the Pig’s Tail Lounge, or 75 in their rooftop bar.
Ford’s Garage: With locations in Dearborn and Novi, this restaurant is a great choice for casual burgers and brews where you’ll be surrounded by classic Ford cars and memorabilia. They are experienced in coordinating large group bookings.
Slows Bar BQ: Located in the traditionally Irish Corktown neighborhood, Slows Bar BQ is a favorite among Detroiters for great barbecue. In addition to offering large group reservations up to 40 in their private event room, they also offer catering, staffed events, and even a food truck.
HUB Stadium: This unique venue with locations in Auburn Hills and Novi offers much more than food. Expect live music, axe throwing, football bowling, golf simulators, and more. With multiple private rooms seating from 10 to 100, this is a great option for groups of all sizes.
Sample Weekend Itinerary
There are countless ways to spend a weekend in Detroit, whether you choose to focus on one aspect (like the city’s art, sports culture, or gardens) or want a general overview.
Is your group into history? An afternoon exploring the city’s automobile and music history at famed museums won’t disappoint. Or, perhaps your group’s interests swing toward art and culture? Drop by the stunning Detroit Institute of Art (DIA) or explore the murals around Eastern Market. From kids’ field trips to senior-friendly attractions, banquet halls to downtown hotels, Visit Detroit has the resources to help you plan the perfect weekend for your group.
Want a taster of Detroit? Consider the following Detroit 101 itinerary for adult groups:
Friday evening: Your group arrives in Detroit and checks into your downtown hotel. Head to dinner at Andiamo, where you’ll enjoy stunning views over the Detroit River and Canadian skyline to welcome you to the city.
Saturday morning: After breakfast at your hotel, your private motor coach picks up your group for a tour of Belle Isle. Take a group tour of the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, wander the beautiful Oudolf Gardens, and have some free time to explore.
Saturday afternoon: Head to Buddy’s Pizza for lunch, where your group can enjoy a Detroit staple in a laid-back environment. After lunch, take your pick of Midtown museums. Group tours at the Detroit Institute of Art or Detroit Historical Museum, located kitty corner from each other, are a great choice.
Saturday evening: Enjoy a Midwestern BBQ dinner and drinks at Redsmoke Barbeque’s rooftop bar. For the night owls in your group, make an after-dinner tap table reservation at The Brakeman, which is only a 10 minute walk away and open until 2am.
Sunday morning: Check out of your hotel, and board the Detroit Princess Riverboat for an unforgettable brunch cruise with Motown musicians. Then, take your motor coach to Corktown, for a group tour of the newly renovated Michigan Central.
Sunday afternoon: If you have time, dedicate a few hours to visiting the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation or Greenfield Village in Dearborn on your way out of Detroit.
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