Iconic Attractions You Must See in Detroit

An absolute gem of Detroit is Belle Isle, a 982-acre state-owned island park sitting in the Detroit River and accessible by the historic 2,193-foot MacArthur Bridge built in 1923 with its nineteen arches. On the island are multiple biking and hiking paths looping around wetlands, forests, and historical Detroit architecture. The James Scott Memorial Fountain constructed in 1925 with a diameter of 510 feet is guarded by stone lions and playful angels. Beaches and parks areas are strewn throughout the island along with a municipal golf course. The oldest aquarium can be found here with its intricate exterior and bright lime tile on the inside. If you want to get lost in fauna from around the world, go to the Anne Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory from 1904, the oldest in the nation. Other features of the isle are a golf range, a historic casino, and the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, highlighting the history of the Great Lakes.

Hart Plaza borders the Renaissance Center with the Detroit River flowing on their southsides. Opened in 1975, the plaza contains the famous Horace E. Dodge and Son Memorial Fountain, whose silvery circle spouts water onto the hot pavement to cool river walkers. Hart Plaza hosts numerous festivals throughout the summer, including the Windsor-Detroit International Freedom Festival, with its spectacular, striking display of vibrant fireworks to celebrate the 4th of July. A large, open amphitheater provides the stage and seating for these celebrations and its backdrop is a wonderful view of downtown.

Located in the heart of Detroit, Campus Martius Park is a lively public square framed by iconic skyscrapers which hosts events throughout the year, from ice skating in the winter to movie nights during the summer. Check out its beautiful bubbling fountain or rest on one of the benches and partake in the vibrant city life. During the holidays, the park is festooned in Christmas lights that sparkle in the night and a large, decorated tree standing stately above its seasonal ice rink.

If you want a taste of Detroit, there is no better place than the Eastern Market. Established over 150 years ago, the market is a wonderful place to savor the cuisine from the local restaurants, sink your teeth into sugary confections from the Milano Bakery, inhale the scents of colorful produce and vibrant flowers, or attend cultural events that promote local artists and businesses. As you stroll through the market sheds, with the bustling crowds, gaze upon the numerous murals splashed upon the brick walls. The market is open year-round on Saturdays and in the summer, on the weekends and Tuesday. Many of the businesses surrounding the market are open seven days a week where the locals buy their groceries or have a snack. If you love gardening, in May, the market hosts flower day, where you can pick up flats and pots of every bloom you desire.

To take a step back into Michigan history, there is no better place than Greenfield Village and the Henry Ford Museum. Peer into the glass cases to learn about the automotive history of Detroit then head to the outdoors to enjoy a whole village set in early American times. The village sprawls across 200 acres and has such notable places as Thomas Edison’s workshop highlighting all his innovations and Liberty Craftworks where skilled artisans utilize authentic techniques to create gorgeous period pieces such as pottery and glasswork.

The Ford Piquette Plant Museum is where the Model T was born. If you’re a car fanatic, this is a must-see in Detroit. Walk the floors of the factory and see where Detroit’s inventive and innovative mindset began. Plus, you can see over 65 rare antique vehicles, Henry Ford’s office and Secret Experimental Room, and take a guided tour.