An Out-of-Towner's Guide to the Best of Detroit
Story by Allison Kay Bannister
Have a conference in Detroit? Planning a friends’ weekend to the east side of the state? Thinking about making a day trip with the family? Deciding how to spend your time in the Motor City can be daunting. While residents might be looking for the next hidden gem, visitors will most often want to focus on tried-and-true attractions and activities. Here’s a rundown of a few favorites.
Shop and Browse Eastern Market
This sprawling outdoor space covering 43 acres is almost a metropolis in itself. Merchants of all kinds are set up, selling everything from flowers, plants, and fresh produce to specialty foods and meats, home products, sweets, and baked goods—to name a few. It’s open Saturdays year round, and has summer seasonal hours for its Sunday and Tuesday Markets. Sundays, it transforms from a traditional farmers market to a local artists’ showcase, with live music, jewelry, wall art, unique clothing, and more. Tuesday is a more scaled-back version of the broad-encompassing Saturday Market, and they also offer free Zumba and Yoga classes. Get more details here.
Walk or Bike the Dequindre Cut Greenway
Not far from Eastern Market, this two-mile urban recreational path is more than just a walkway. Once the Grand Trunk Western Railroad line, today, this paved, below-grade track invites cyclers and pedestrians alike, with separate lanes for each. Much of the original graffiti remains—some works considered masterpieces—making it an excellent complement to the many other murals and street art found around town.
Ride the People Mover
This above-ground rail first made the news when it opened in 1987. An automated transportation system with several stops around the city, the People Mover is an affordable way to get around the city, as well as to and from the many downtown attractions. It also offers an elevated view of Detroit architecture and serves as an iconic symbol of a thriving city. Find out how to ride and where to get on here.
Stroll Belle Isle
What is collectively called Belle Isle State Park is actually a series of attractions, including an aquarium, museum, and nature center. The Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, also on the island, is currently under renovation and not expected to reopen until 2024. Whether you’re there for recreation, to enjoy the flora and fauna, or relax in the shadow of the impressive James Scott Memorial Fountain, there’s something for everyone on this sweeping, 982-acre greenspace. Cyclists and pedestrians can enter the Island for free. If driving to the island via MacArthur Bridge, a Michigan Recreation Passport is required. Visit the website for more info.
Explore The Henry Ford
Topping a number of “best” lists, The Henry Ford is yet another destination that’s packed with things to do. Get inspired at the Museum of American Innovation®, learn about auto manufacturing from the early days to today during a Ford Rouge Factory Tour, or go back in time at historic Greenfield Village. There’s also a Giant Screen Experience featuring spirited stories displayed in 4K digital projection with state-of-the-art sound and seating. Educational and entertaining, The Henry Ford is especially a must for families. Get visitor info and see everything there is to do at thehenryford.org.
Delve into the Arts at the DIA
Recently named by USA Today as the number one art museum in the country, the Detroit Institute of Arts is a clear choice to add to your itinerary. Located in Midtown, the museum has 100-plus galleries and is filled with roughly 65,000 works of art from ancient times to today and spanning a variety of styles and cultures. Don’t miss the Prints, Drawings & Photographs Collection, the selection of Van Gogh works, or the large frescoes painted by Diego Rivera in the inner court. Find out what’s on at the DIA here.
Go Wild at the Detroit Zoo
Technically not in Detroit, but in nearby Royal Oak, the Detroit Zoo is another popular family attraction. More than 2,000 animals, representing 200-plus species, make their home on the 125-acre grounds, including mammals, birds, amphibians, insects, and reptiles. From Africa to the Artic Circle—and beyond—the Zoo features an array of award-winning naturalistic habitats. Newly added is the Polk Penguin Conservation Center, which, at 33,000-square-foot, is the largest penguin facility in the world. Get all you need to know for your visit at detroitzoo.org.
See a Show at the Fox
Though you might want to go just to take in the opulent interior décor of this historic performance hall or bask in the neon lights of the vibrant marquee, shows and events are still the stars. Opened in 1928 and designated a National Historic Landmark in the 1980s, Fox Theatre productions range from Broadway musicals to concerts to comedy tours—and even a live version of The Price is Right coming later in 2023. Find tickets and schedules on the Theatre’s website.
Get Your Culture On
Detroit is known for its cultural diversity, and it’s demonstrated by the many different ethnic neighborhoods in and around downtown. Enjoy flaming saganaki and a shot of Ouzo in Greektown or pierogi and paczki in the Polish enclave of Hamtramck. There’s also Mexicantown
and the historic Irish district of Corktown, which, today, is more known for its quirky, hipster-chic vibe. Both are not far from the Ambassador Bridge. Finally, in nearby Dearborn, is the largest concentration of Arab Americans in the country. Coffee houses, Middle Eastern eateries, confectioners, and pastry shops are around every corner, allowing visitors a glimpse into the lives, traditions, and cuisines of this distinct community.
