Discover Detroit: Curated 3-Day Escapes Catered to Your Personality

Detroit Sports Fan Activities

Of course, many fans head to Detroit to watch the Lions, Tigers, Red Wings, and Pistons play. All are great options for sports fans' three-day weekend plans. Behind-the-scenes stadium tours are great ways to learn more about your favorite team.

Sports fans also love betting on games at The Sportsbook at Hollywood Casino at Greektown or catching a game of cricket in the popular Detroit Cricket League.

In the summer, go back in time with a vintage baseball game at Greenfield Village.

Your sports weekend isn't complete without a visit to the Monument to Joe Louis. The sculpture was gifted by Sports Illustrated Magazine to the City of Detroit in 1986.

Detroit Sports Fan Eats

Head to Detroit Beer Company for Detroit-brewed beer and inventive pub grub in a sleek, industrial setting.

Try Basement Burger Bar for new takes on burgers and loaded fries. Of course, cold beer and sports on TV are also available.

Hockeytown Cafe is part sports bar and part sports history museum. It's a big place with loads of TVs, great food, and many Redwings and Tigers relics.

Harry's Detroit is a game-day go-to in the D. Try the Jalapeno Popper Egg Rolls or Detroit Cheesesteak.

Known as one of the best sports bars in Detroit, Nemo's Bar has been serving up burgers, sandwiches, and cold beers to Tigers fans for decades. It's an old-school pub with the walls covered in sports clippings and memorabilia.

Detroit Sports Fan Lodging

Hollywood Casino at Greektown Hotel
The Greektown neighborhood offers lots of dining and nightlife options. It's also close to Ford Field and Comerica Park. The Sportsbook betting bar and pub inside the casino make it an easy win for sports fans.

Outdoor Enthusiast Activities

Detroit has many options for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Kayaking or paddleboarding along the Detroit River, alone or with a guide from Detroit River Sports, is a great way to experience the city.

If you'd like to stay in the city, biking or running along the Detroit International Riverwalk or on Belle Isle is perfect. The metro parks also offer many options for getting into the great outdoors. Check out this article on running routes in Metro Detroit.

If you'd like to jog the city streets like a local, check out one of many running clubs that meet regularly.

For a slice of nature with a side of thrill, try TreeRunner Adventure Course for fun in the canopy. With many high ropes, obstacles, and ziplines, it's a premier high-flying outdoor adventure in Michigan.

Outdoor Enthusiast Eats

At Corriander Kitchen and Farm, you can dine with views of the canal and arrive by boat, kayak, or paddle board. Check the schedule and book a class to learn more about cooking or farming. Learn to make various foods with Chef Ali, plan a garden, or start seeds with Farmer Gwen.

Townhouse Detroit is a trendy spot that blends urban chic with outdoor allure. Step inside and be greeted by a stylish, industrial ambiance with lush greenery and cozy fire pits. Their menu features various farm-fresh dishes and handcrafted cocktails, perfect for refueling after a day of urban exploration or a stroll through nearby parks.

Outdoor Enthusiast Lodging

Discover a cabin retreat within the city of Detroit at El Moore Lodge. Built on the roof of the El Moore building, these cabins are crafted with reclaimed wood and feature balconies with views of Midtown and downtown Detroit. Here, you will find a unique city cabin focusing on sustainability and beauty in the heart of Detroit.

Detroit Foodie Activities

Kick off your foodie adventure at the historic Eastern Market, where the vibrant colors and aromas of fresh produce, meats, and artisanal goods awaken your senses. Join a guided tour to learn about Detroit's culinary history, sample local delicacies, and interact with passionate vendors. Don't miss out on tasting fresh-baked pastries, handcrafted cheeses, and flavorful ethnic dishes.

Embark on a guided food tour through the streets of Detroit, exploring hidden culinary gems and iconic eateries with Detroit Eats Food Tours. Indulge in diverse dishes, from hearty soul food to innovative fusion cuisine, while soaking in the city's rich culture and vibrant atmosphere. Discover why Detroit's food scene garners nationwide acclaim as you taste your way through its diverse neighborhoods.

Immerse yourself in Detroit's culinary scene by participating in a hands-on cooking class with Mirepoix Cooking School. Learn insider tips and techniques as you whip up delicious dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients from nearby farms and markets. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned home cook, you'll leave with newfound culinary skills and inspiration to recreate Detroit's flavors in your own kitchen.

Quench your thirst and expand your palate on a craft brewery tour of Detroit's burgeoning beer scene. Visit innovative breweries and taprooms, where expert brewers craft an eclectic selection of beers ranging from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts. Sample unique brews, learn about the brewing process, and savor the camaraderie of fellow beer enthusiasts as you toast to Detroit's thriving craft beer culture.

Detroit Foodie Eats

Located in the heart of Midtown, Selden Standard is a beloved hotspot known for its seasonally inspired small plates and vibrant atmosphere. It's a 2024 James Beard Nominee for Outstanding Restaurant.

Alpino is a new restaurant in Detroit that is making a name for itself. Nominated for the 2024 James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant, it's a new gem in Detroit's culinary scene. With locally sourced food, Alpino specializes in dishes from the Alps, like Wienerschnitzel, Pesto Risotto, and Chestnut Gnocchetti.

Treat your taste buds to a sweet symphony of flavors at Astoria Pastry Shop in Greektown. This family-owned bakery has been delighting Detroiters for decades with its decadent pastries, cakes, and desserts. Indulge in traditional Greek favorites like baklava and spanakopita and a tempting array of European-inspired treats.

Experience the art of elevated dining at Grey Ghost Detroit, a contemporary steakhouse and cocktail bar in Midtown. Renowned for its creative approach to American cuisine,

Grey Ghost delights diners with inventive dishes like smoked pork belly with biscuit crumble, maple glaze, and sage or roasted turnips with braised greens, créme fraîche, and pretzel crunch. Complement your meal with expertly crafted cocktails featuring house-made infusions and artisanal spirits.

Detroit Foodie Lodging

The Siren Hotel is the perfect spot for foodies to rest and feast while in Detroit. Nestled in the historic Wurlitzer Building, this boutique gem beckons travelers with its eclectic charm and vibrant energy.

You can't miss trying an innovative, progressive meal, Albena, while you're there. Other bars and restaurants on-site include The Siren Cafe, Candy Bar Cocktail Bar, Sids Gold Request Room, and Ash-Bar Detroit.

Detroit Historian Activities

Detroit is a city rich in history that shaped America and the world. It offers a plethora of experiences for the history buff to enjoy.

Decide which type of history you'd like to dive into, and then choose from the many museums, tours, and venues where you can step back in time.

The Detroit Historical Museum dives deep into the city's past at this museum, which features exhibits covering Detroit's role in the Underground Railroad, its automotive history, and its contributions to music and culture.

Head to Motown Museum to explore the birthplace of Motown Records and the legendary artists who recorded there.

Ford Piquette Avenue Plant is the birthplace of the Ford Model T, the historic factory where Henry Ford and his team revolutionized automobile production.

The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation offers many artifacts chronicling American innovation and industry, including the Rosa Parks bus and the Wright Brothers' bicycle shop.

Take a guided walking tour of historic neighborhoods like Corktown or Greektown, where you'll learn about Detroit's immigrant history and architectural heritage.

Multilingual Detroit Motown Tour Co., City Tour Detroit Tours, Distinctly Detroit Tours, or Show Me Detroit Tours
all offer a variety of interesting tours.

Visit historic homes such as the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, the Motown Mansion, or the Fisher Mansion, each offering a glimpse into different facets of Detroit's past.

Detroit Historian Eats

Caucus Club is a Detroit icon where Barbara Streisand got her start at 18 years old. Visit this historic steakhouse and learn how the New Yorker, Streisand, viewed Detroit as she was living alone in the city and singing regularly in the restaurant.

Take a tour of Detroit's Oldest Bars to learn how these places played an essential part in American history.

You won't want to miss Tommy's Detroit Bar and Grill, which has a secret tunnel in the basement. It's believed the tunnel helped enslaved African Americans escape to freedom in Canada across the river. Later, it was supposed to have been used to bring prohibition-era alcohol into the country.

Any history buff visiting the D must join the Coney Island Historic Rivalry. The rivalry has raged since 1924, when the brother of American Coney Island's owner opened Lafayette Coney Island right next door.

This Greek American family has left a lasting impression on Detroit and continues to influence today's food scene.

Detroit Historian Lodging

Stay at the crossroads of history and luxury at the Detroit Foundation Hotel. Nestled within the historic former Detroit Fire Department Headquarters, this unique hotel seamlessly blends contemporary elegance with timeless charm.

Sci-Fi/Gamer Activities

Compete, train, or attend an event to become a better player at Playlabs. Available for all ages and abilities. The only prerequisite is that you love gaming and esports and want to get better and have fun.

Put your problem-solving skills to the test at one of Detroit's thrilling escape room experiences. Whether unraveling a mystery aboard a space station or cracking codes in a cyberpunk dystopia, these immersive challenges will challenge your wits and ignite your sense of adventure.

Gather your crew, and prepare for an adrenaline-fueled quest unlike any other!

Step into the future of gaming at Escape Virtual Reality Arcade, where cutting-edge technology meets heart-pounding excitement.

Strap on a VR headset and immerse yourself in thrilling adventures, from battling alien invaders to exploring fantastical worlds. With various games and experiences, you'll lose yourself in a virtual universe of endless possibilities.

For your ultimate Detroit Sci-Fi weekend, grab a copy of one of Zig Zag Claybourne's novels. He's a Detroit native and prolific sci-fi writer.

Sci-Fi/Gamer Eats

Pie Sci is a fun and funky pizza place for sci-fi fans. Try favorites like Freaks and Greeks, Mac to the Future, and Wierd Al Pastor.

The Corner in Ferndale has excellent food, over 500 board games, axe throwing, karaoke, trivia, and bar bingo. Try the weekly pizza experiment, chocolate chip cookie skillet, or cereal bowl.

1Up Arcade Bar in Farmington Hills has 30 rotating arcade games, a Nintendo Switch you can play at the bar, and a variety of weekly events. Check the calendar for the next Super Smash Bros tournament or weekly tabletop games. Try craft cocktails like Nintendo Sunrise, Quick Reviver, or Peach's Preference.

Experience nostalgia and fun at Offworld Arcade at Checker Bar, a retro-inspired arcade in the heart of Detroit. Savor mouthwatering comfort food classics like loaded tots and gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches while challenging your friends to arcade showdowns on vintage cabinets. Its funky atmosphere and diverse selection of games make it a haven for gamers and sci-fi fans.

Sci-Fi/Gamer Lodging

Hotel Royal Oak is touted as a hip, social boutique hotel. It has a fun, laid-back vibe, quirky decor, and plush amenities. There are hammocks, tables, yard games, and frequent live music outside.

Detroit Gearhead Activities

Kick off your weekend with a journey through Detroit's automotive heritage at the Detroit Historical Museum. Dive into exhibits showcasing the city's rich automotive history, from the birth of the assembly line to the rise of iconic car brands like Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler.

Step back in time and visit the birthplace of the legendary Model T at the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant. Explore the historic factory where Henry Ford revolutionized the automotive industry and marvel at the collection of early Ford vehicles on display.

Visit The Henry Ford for a taste of the automotive industry's past and future. It is a three-museum complex: the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, the Ford Rouge Factory Tour, and Greenfield Village. Don't miss the chance to ride through the streets of historic Greenfield Village in a Model T.

Get your adrenaline pumping at the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix, an annual motorsport event that draws racing fans from around the world. Experience the thrill of high-speed racing as top drivers compete on the streets of Belle Isle Park.

Gearhead Eats

Ford's Garage is a fun burger joint for gearheads. The building is a replica garage, and it pays homage to the Ford tradition with a Model T hanging from the ceiling. It's a great stop before or after The Henry Ford. Try the Giant Funnel Tower of Jumbo Piston Onion Rings or the Model A Burger with a craft beer.

Fuel up at Vinsetta Garage, a hip eatery housed in a former historic auto repair shop that has transformed into a vibrant restaurant. Try the Shop Towel, featuring a Vinsetta Blend patty chargrilled to order with Woodshop pulled pork, SC mayo, house-pickled chilis, pepper jack, and spicy fried onions.

Raise a glass to Detroit's brewing heritage at Motor City Brewing Works, a popular brewery and taproom located in the heart of Midtown. Try the crab dip, Michigan salad, and woodfired Godfather Part 2 pizza.

Gearhead Lodging

Detroit Marriott at the RenCen is a great place for gearheads to stay. It features car-theming throughout, is located in a part of GM's headquarters, and has a GM museum on the lower level. Shops sell both classic and modern General Moders merchandise.

If you want to stay closer to The Henry Ford, book a room at The Henry, Autograph Collection. It’s conveniently located in Dearborn. This upscale hotel is just two and a half miles from The Henry Ford and twenty minutes from downtown Detroit.