10 Things You Can Only Do in Detroit
Story by Katherine Stozicki
Discover the Motor City's unique charms! From the vibrant Eastern Market to the iconic Motown Museum, here are 10 exclusive experiences that capture the essence of Detroit's culture and history.
Wander through Eastern Market
Eastern Market is the largest outdoors farmers market in the country expanding more than 43 acres. At Eastern Marketing, you will find fresh foods, handmade retail goods, and other unique and crafty items from vendors. Additionally, located in and around Eastern Market are stores, restaurants, and coffee shops for your enjoyment. If you love farmers markets, spending a little time outdoors, and support local farmers and artisans, then Eastern Market is the place for you!
Visit the DIA
Filled with art from around the world as well as locals, the Detroit Institute of Art was listed as the top art museum in the country according to USA Today and is a must-see spot when spending some time in the Detroit Area. With breathtaking and unique exhibits and a huge mural depicting the Detroit auto industry painted by Diego Rivera you will not be disappointed by spending an afternoon at the DIA on your trip to Detroit!
Check out the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant
If you love cars and are interested in Detroit’s influence on the motor world, you need to walk throughout the halls of the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant. The birthplace of the Model-T, perhaps the most significant technological contribution of the 20th century, the Ford Piquette Plant was responsible for making the first 12,000 Model-T’s. Interested in learning even more? Pay a visit to the Henry Ford Museum to dive deeper into Detroit’s motor history!
Check out the Heidelberg Project
One of Detroit’s most interesting and controversial public art exhibitions is the Heidelberg Project created by Tyree Guyton. The Heidelberg Project includes many hidden messages within its art and aims to “improve the lives of people and neighborhoods through art” according to its mission statement. The Heidelberg Project is in many ways a reflection of the human experience and showcases art in a public manner for people to experience. This is one of the top things to experience when visiting Detroit.
Learn about music at the Motown Museum
One of the staples of Detroit's history is its contribution to music in the form of Motown. Motown music has gone on to inspire thousands of past and present artists and has influenced much of Detroit’s history. Also known as Hitsville USA, the museum rests on the site of world-famous Studio A where musicians such as the Temptations, Marvin Gaye, and more recorded. Visit this uniquely Detroit Museum and experience Motown for yourself!
Explore Belle Isle
At 982 acres, spend the day exploring all Belle Isle has to offer. From its aquarium and conservatory to its museum and hiking trails. Barbeque, enjoy the landscape, and explore on of Detroit’s unique destinations, accessible by bridge off East Grand Boulevard.
Get your groove on at Movement
If you’re in Detroit in June, then you must check out Movement! Movement is one of the largest electronic music festivals in the country where people from around the world come together and dance away the weekend. Both national and local names take the stage at movement and there are plenty of vendors and other activities to get you busy between sets.
Wander through John King Books
It’s bound to be one of the most amazing, breathtaking, and sizable bookstores you will ever see. When visiting John King Used & Rare Books try not to get lost among it four floors stashed with over a million books. Discover Michigan’s largest rare and used book store, only in Detroit; or, visit the still impressive but slightly smaller location in Ferndale!
Experience the Fox Theatre
Built in 1928, the Fox is one of Detroit’s oldest theatres. It’s grand architecture and inside décor is something you’ll never forget and unlike any other theatre you’ve visited. At the Fox, you can catch a concert, a Broadway show, a comedy act and much more! Check their website for full schedule and details.
Take photos at Hamtramck Disneyland
An interesting folk-art exhibit created by a retired General Motors employee is located in Hamtramck and dubbed by locals as the Hamtramck Disneyland. While you won’t find any rides or costumed characters, you will find a variety of hand made and found objects which come together to create a two-story art exhibit. This is truly a one-of-a-kind exhibit that can only be fully understood by seeing it in person.
