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25 Best Things to Do in Detroit (Michigan)

The city of Detroit may not be on top of everyone’s “to see” lists in the United States, in fact many citizens of the States will think you crazy if you confide in them your plans to visit the city. Detroit is certainly going through a tough time, with a high number of abandoned homes and an equally high crime rate.

However if it is a lively city with energy that you crave, Detroit is the place to go. The city is on the mend thanks to young entrepreneurs and artists determined to turn the abandoned buildings into cafes, museums and other exciting ventures.

The people that made Detroit great in the first place also deserve credit, there are still a large number of museums, art galleries and parks that have been around for years and are just as good as ever. Don’t let skeptics put you off visiting Detroit, it may not be Disneyland, but not everyone wants to visit Disneyland, do they? If you are still in doubt of whether to visit the city, here is our list of the best things to do in Detroit to whet your appetite:

1. Visit the Belle Isle Island

Situated in the Detroit River, Belle Isle is a relatively small island measuring about 3 miles in length and only a mile wide, there is however plenty to keep visitors to the island entertained. The parkland on the island is stunning and is a great pace for hikers to enjoy a long walk, the island also has facilities for a number of other sports.

After enjoying the terrain and the scenery, why not visit the island aquarium or the Great Lakes Museum which features models and other artifacts to explore the history of commercial shipping on the Great Lakes.

Included in this tour: Detroit: Undiscovered Beauty & Architecture Gems in Detroit

2. See the Detroit Temple

The Detroit Masonic Temple is visually impressive. It is the largest of its kind in the world and is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the United States.

The temple, which is located on Temple Avenue and built from fine Indiana limestone, has three main areas to explore: the ritualistic tower, the so-called Shrine Club and the auditorium.

The temple is presently used for hosting concerts and other events.

3. Be a bookworm in the Detroit Public Library

When the Detroit Public Library first opened its doors in 1865 its collection consisted of 5,000 books, all of which were contained in a room within the old Capital High School building.

The library has now moved and did so almost a century ago in 1921. Since then it has been the one of the prides of Detroit and a popular tourist attraction.

The Library is home to a staggering number of books but the main reason to visit is the building itself, which is as impressive inside at is it imposing outside. Detroit Public Library is rightfully listed on the United States National Register of Historic Places.

4. Immerse yourself in the history of Fort Wayne

Fort Wayne can be found in West Jefferson and, dating back to 1840, is rightfully named Historic Fort Wayne.

A tour of the site includes exploring the old military barracks, dry moat and tunnel as well as the impressive parade ground and the long stone building which was once the Commanding Officer’s House.

Throughout the year a number of events are held at the fort, particularly in the summer months.

5. Get clued up on the city of Detroit

Detroit has had an eventful history and played an important part in the industrial age in the United States.

The perfect place to learn about this history, and other defining events within the city, is the Detroit Historical Museum.

The Museum is situated on Woodward Avenue opposite the Detroit Institute of Arts and features accurate models of old Detroit railways and streets as well as different exhibitions from various periods throughout the city’s history.

6. Witness the rise of technology in the Henry Ford Museum

The Henry Ford Museum, although not entirely focused on Ford himself is still very aptly named as it focuses on the technological and industrial inventions and achievements of the United States throughout history.

Some of the most notable exhibits within the museum are the very first steam locomotive, built in 1829 by George Stephenson, the car in which John F Kennedy was assassinated and of course the first ever Ford car.

7. Step back in time to visit Greenfield Village

Technically part of the Henry Ford museum but deserving of its own mention, the Greenfield Village in Detroit is a unique experience and certainly a must-visit attraction when visiting the city of Detroit.

Located near the Henry Ford Museum on Oakwood Boulevard, the museum houses almost 100 historic buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries in an open air museum environment.

The buildings within the museum are from various places throughout the United States and have been rebuilt in Greenfield.

The most notable buildings include the building in which Henry Ford was born and the bicycle factory of the pioneering Wright brothers

8. Learn about African Americans within the city of Detroit

The Charles H. Wright Museum of African-American History tells the story of blacks within the city of Detroit and the state of Michigan.

The museum has a wide range of exhibits from various periods throughout history. One of the most memorable exhibits is the underground railway that gave slaves a means of escape from Michigan to Canada.

9. Get arty at Pewabic Pottery

Founded in 1903 by Mary CP Stratton and Horace Caulkins, Pewabic Pottery ran successfully for almost 60 years until the death of Stratton in 1961.

Today Pewabic Pottery is a great place to learn about the history of ceramics in Detroit and the United States as well as viewing the impressive gallery workshop and maybe even trying your hand at making your own piece.

10. Get funky at the Motown Museum

This small museum on West Grand Boulevard packs in a lot of history. Between the years of 1957 and 1972 Motown records were produced here and the studio was home to many a legend including Marvin Gaye who recorded a number of hits here.

The museum itself pays homage to the founder of the studio as well as telling the story of the Motown genre and the artists that made it so popular.

11. Be awestruck by the Renaissance Centre

Although there are many impressive and large skyscrapers lining the river in Detroit, the Renaissance Centre is without a doubt the skyscraper epicenter of the city.

At the Renaissance Centre, you can simply stand and marvel at the staggering 7 towers, one of which is the 73 storey Marriott Hotel, or visit one of the many theaters, restaurants or shops which occupy real estate at this iconic location.

12. Pop in to Henry and Clara Ford’s former home

The Ford’s settled into their Fair Lane home, in Dearborn, in around 1915 and lived together here until their deaths in 1947 and 1950.

A tour of the estate is a great way to spend a few hours whilst in Detroit and offers a chance to see the man-made lake, pony house, five hundred birdhouses and the impressive hydropower station which allowed the estate to create and use its own power. The property itself is currently undergoing restoration work.

13. Enter a Tiger’s Lair

A Detroit Tiger that is. The Detroit Tigers baseball team play in Comerica Park but aside from watching a game of baseball, there are plenty of other reasons to visit Comerica Park whilst in Detroit.

The park has a museum of baseball history which is a must see for any fans of the sport, there is also a carousel and ferris wheel situated here to entice anybody who is not a fan of baseball.

14. Appreciate a varied collection of art in the Detroit Institute of Arts

The Detroit Institute of Arts, located on Woodward Boulevard has an extensive and varied collection of art which spans the earliest human cultures to present day works.

The permanent collections here explore many different countries and continents including works from Africa, the Americas and Oceania.

There are also a number of European masterpieces housed within the Institute including works by Van Gogh and Picasso. Whether you are an art aficionado or not, this museum is highly recommended.

15. Go Antique Shopping

Detroit is a paradise for antique lovers. Whether you are a serious dealer or just a part time bargain hunter, Detroit has a number of places to shop for collectibles and memorabilia.

The Detroit Antique Mall is widely regarded as the best spot for antique shopping in the city while the Eastern Market is also very popular.

There is something for everyone at each of these locations and the phrase “one man’s junk is another man’s treasure” will never be far from your thoughts.

16. Be a big kid at the Morley Candy Factory

Morley Candy Makers are the people responsible for delicious Sanders Candy and the free factory tour is not only entertaining but obviously great value too.

After a short film about how the company got started, guests move on to the 150-foot long Observation Hallway to view the creation of candy such as Pecan Torties and Coconut Custers.

There is, of course, plenty of free samples to enjoy before the tour concludes in the obligatory gift shop, which has candy and ice cream souvenirs and plenty more samples.

17. Watch a movie in the New Centre Park

The New Centre Park can be found opposite the Fisher Building in Detroit on the corner of West Grand Boulevard and Second Avenue.

Open from around 8am until dusk, the park is a great hangout spot in the summer when free film screenings and live music take place regularly.

The park also has a bar and grill, giving guests the opportunity to refuel without leaving the serene park setting.

18. Learn about beads and more

The MBAD African Bead Museum is situated on Grand River Avenue in Detroit and houses a large and intriguing collection of African Artifacts ranging from sculptures and pottery to textiles and beads.

The various pieces date back hundreds of years and are from many different fascinating cultures.

A guided tour of this museum is highly recommended in order to fully understand and appreciate the art and cultures housed here.

19. Discover the story of Arab Americans

Located in Dearborn, about 8 miles from Downtown Detroit, is the Arab American National Museum, which endeavors to tell the story of Arab Americans as well as highlighting their contributions to society during the history of the United States.

The museum is the only one of its kind in the country and contains wonderful multi-media exhibits that ensure visitors are fully immersed and enthralled by the Arab-American story.

The museum is open Wednesday through to Sunday and closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

20. Tour the Automotive Hall of Fame

There is no doubt that the city of Detroit has played an important role in the development of the automobile but this is just one of the reasons to visit the Automotive Hall of Fame in Dearborn.

The museum tells the story of the development of the motor vehicle through history as well as the pioneers who made it happen.

The many exhibits in the Hall of Fame include interactive visual displays as well as artifacts from automotive history.

21. Attempt to visit the Belle Isle Aquarium

At the time of writing the Belle Isle aquarium is closed due to budget cut however, if the aquarium re-opens, it is a must-see on any visit to Detroit.

Located in the heart of Downtown Detroit, the aquarium used to be open all year round and housed an impressive collection including stunning coral reef fish and electric eels.

If the aquarium does not re-open, the building itself is well worth a look and makes for a nice photograph.

22. See the animals of the world in one place

Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak has not been closed down and, as well as being the temporary home for the sea creatures from Belle Isle Aquarium, it is a great day out in the city of Detroit.

The 125 acres of city zoo imitates various animal habitats from around the globe and includes enclosures such as the Arctic Ring of Life and Great Apes of Harambee.

Take some spare cash along as walking around the vat zoo is hungry work and there are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat.

23. Cruise with Diamond Jack

Head to Downtown Detroit for an affordable and entertaining river cruise courtesy of Diamond Jack.

The sightseeing tours last around two hours and are narrated by knowledgeable and interesting staff. Large groups can be accommodated and even weddings are possible on the cruise.

This is a great way to relax but see many of Detroit’s landmarks and iconic buildings.

24. Eat a Coney Dog

This iconic Detroit food is an absolute must when visiting the city. Although you have most likely eaten a hot dog previously in your life, Coney Island is the birthplace of this famous food and arguably has the best Dogs going.

Either Lafayette or American Coney Island are seen as the best places to get a Coney Dog. If authenticity is key however, American Coney Island is known to be the first place in the city to serve the mighty Coney Dog.

25. Eat Greek

The food in Detroit keeps getting better and better and on your visit to the city you will not be short of places to eat. However, Greektown deserves a special mention.

Due to the high number of Greek immigrants that moved to Detroit in the 20th Century, the amount of quality Greek restaurants is staggering. All of the restaurants offer traditional Greek fare in a lively, authentic atmosphere which could easily be mistaken for Greece itself.

Greektown is not just a good place to eat but a great experience and night out. For an authentic (and tasty) Greek bakery experience try the renowned Astoria.

25 Best Things to Do in Detroit (Michigan):

• Visit the Belle Isle Island
• See the Detroit Temple
• Be a bookworm in the Detroit Public Library
• Immerse yourself in the history of Fort Wayne
• Get clued up on the city of Detroit
• Witness the rise of technology in the Henry Ford Museum
• Step back in time to visit Greenfield Village
• Learn about African Americans within the city of Detroit
• Get arty at Pewabic Pottery
• Get funky at the Motown Museum
• Be awestruck by the Renaissance Centre
• Pop in to Henry and Clara Ford's former home
• Enter a Tiger's Lair
• Appreciate a varied collection of art in the Detroit Institute of Arts
• Go Antique Shopping
• Be a big kid at the Morley Candy Factory
• Watch a movie in the New Centre Park
• Learn about beads and more
• Discover the story of Arab Americans
• Tour the Automotive Hall of Fame
• Attempt to visit the Belle Isle Aquarium
• See the animals of the world in one place
• Cruise with Diamond Jack
• Eat a Coney Dog

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If you're headed to Detroit for the first time or haven't been to the city in a while, here's the best set of Detroit-centric travel-planning tools living on the web. These resources can guide you to the best attractions, accommodations, and dining experiences that Detroit has to offer.

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Detroit is a fantastic destination for families, packed with activities and attractions that cater to both kids and adults alike. From interactive museums like the Michigan Science Center to family-friendly parks such as the Detroit Riverwalk , there's no shortage of things to do that will entertain and educate. The city also hosts numerous family-oriented events throughout the year, ensuring that there’s always something new to discover.

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Detroit boasts some exceptional outdoor spaces, and among them, Belle Isle and the Dequindre Cut stand out as must-visit destinations. Belle Isle , a stunning island park in the Detroit River , offers a serene retreat with its scenic driving routes and historic monuments. The Dequindre Cut provides a unique greenway that's popular for running, biking, and walking, featuring street art and direct access to Eastern Market .

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18 best things to do in Detroit: street art, architecture and Americana

Jan 31, 2022 • 7 min read

Spot the dots in the Heidelberg Project in Detroit © dannyjameslane / 500px

It's the mega Institute of Arts and the Henry Ford Museum, where the car magnate stockpiled his amazing cultural relics, that usually grab the headlines for Detroit visitors. And while they are worthy must-sees, there’s so much more to explore when you arrive: cycling routes, time-capsule jazz clubs, Black history sights, brilliant bakeries, and street art galore.  Here are 18 top things to do in the Motor City.

Mosey around Eastern Market

Detroiters of all types gather every Saturday at Eastern Market to hobnob in the big brick halls overflowing with fruits, veggies, cheeses, pies and more from-the-farm fare – a tradition that has been going on here since 1891. Graze through the bounty, and then check out the murals splashed across the area’s warehouses. Eastern Market is a globally renowned hot spot for street art, with more than 100 cool works on walls. Smaller markets add to the action on Tuesdays and Sundays in summer.

Feast your eyes on world-class art

The sprawling Detroit Institute of Arts is a great place to get lost for an afternoon. First thing to do is step into the sky-lit hall where Diego Rivera's Detroit Industry surrounds you on 27 panels. He's the city's original muralist, and his whopping work tells Detroit's blue-collar labor history in vivid color. Caravaggios, Picassos, puppets and an esteemed collection of modern African American art help fill out the 100-plus galleries beyond.

Bebop through the jazz clubs

Detroit’s jazz scene has been swinging hard since the 1920s. Baker's Keyboard Lounge has been open from the get-go, welcoming everyone from Louis Armstrong to John Coltrane, Ella Fitzgerald, and Nina Simone to groove on its little stage. Settle in at the curved, piano-key-shaped bar, and you can feel their ghosts urging you to stay for one more set. Elegant Cliff Bell’s is another classic that time warps you back to the jazz heyday. Check the Metro Times for other clubs around town.

Pedal along the Riverwalk and Dequindre Cut

The 3-mile Riverwalk unfurls along the Detroit River downtown, while the 1.5-mile Dequindre Cut Greenway intersects it and heads north to Eastern Market. The flat paths are prime for cycling, putting you right in the thick of it as you roll past parks, giant boats, funky sculptures, fountains, murals, abandoned buildings and graffitied overpasses. Bicycles are easy to rent from Wheelhouse Detroit or the MoGo bike share program .

Take a tour

Options abound for in-the-know excursions. Preservation Detroit leads architecture buffs on two-hour walking tours. RiDetroit offers jaunts by electric bicycle that focus on the mural scene and revitalizing neighborhoods. Detroit Experience Factory changes it up with everything from walking tours of Black-owned businesses to bus tours of the city’s music history. Wheelhouse Detroit leads bike tours covering themes like public art, auto heritage, and urban agriculture.

Escape to Belle Isle

Belle Isle floats a stone’s throw from downtown, but it feels a world away. Just cross over the MacArthur Bridge, and you drop into a 2.5-mile-long realm of wooded parkland. The pace slows way down as you meander past lagoons and warbling birds on the trails, lounge on the beach, and explore the glass-domed conservatory and aquarium.

Get dotty at the Heidelberg Project

Houses painted in wild-colored polka dots, dolls stacked in the yards, hand-drawn faces staring up from the sidewalks – when you first see the Heidelberg Project , you’ll think someone slipped psychedelic drugs into your drink. But it’s actually an ever-changing, multi-block arts project by artist Tyree Guyton, who wanted to beautify his run-down community. He’s been at it since 1986. The result is a wonder to behold.

Immerse in the street art scene

The whole city is a canvas. The aforementioned Heidelberg Project, Dequindre Cut and Eastern Market are some of the best-known sights, but there are loads more. Check out the Grand River Creative Corridor , sporting 100 murals in a short stretch of road, and the African Bead Museum and its glittering art installations, which lie a bit beyond the corridor. Near downtown, The Belt occupies an alley filled with murals and hidden doors that lead to cocktail bars.

Gather with locals at Campus Martius

Set in the heart of downtown, Campus Martius is Detroit’s public square. In summer it’s the site of free concerts, movie nights, and a makeshift sandy beach. In winter it morphs into a popular ice skating rink. Throughout the year locals hang out to eat, drink, read and chat at the tables sprinkled around the plaza.

Burst your brain on Americana at the Henry Ford Museum

A visit to the Henry Ford Museum , which holds the industrialist's stash of Americana, lets you walk through history: past the chair Abraham Lincoln was sitting in when he was assassinated, into the bus on which Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat, and heaps more. When the weather warms, outdoor Greenfield Village adds restored buildings like Thomas Edison's laboratory and the Wright Brothers' airplane workshop to the mix. Note the museum is not in Detroit proper, but in suburban Dearborn next door.

Explore the Avenue of Fashion 

A historic, mile-long stretch of Livernois Avenue in northwest Detroit, the Avenue of Fashion was the place to get your style on in the 1950s, ‘60s and ‘70s. Today it’s back and showing its swagger as a mighty district of Black-owned art galleries, clothing boutiques, shoe shops, bakeries, breweries and chicken-and-waffle restaurants. Shop, eat and then drop by Baker’s Keyboard Lounge for jazz.

Munch exquisite treats at Sister Pie

One of the best bakeries in America, according to the James Beard Foundation, Sister Pie whips up its array of treats in an unassuming little storefront space that smells like heaven. Chocolate chess, salted maple, ginger peach and more buttery-crust pies cool on racks, while plates of perfectly soft oatmeal raisin and peanut butter paprika cookies tempt on the counter. You should try them all.

Mingle with artists at the Scarab Club

Not many visitors make it to the Scarab Club , even though it’s right behind the Detroit Institute of Arts. That’s a shame, because the building has been an artists’ hangout for almost a century. Diego Rivera and Norman Rockwell used to rub elbows in the opulent rooms crammed with Tiffany lamps and objets d’art. Follow in their footsteps and wander through the landmark space, which always features excellent free art exhibitions.

Gape at the Art Deco architecture

Massive Art Deco skyscrapers rise up around Detroit, relics from when the city was an early 20th-century car-making star. Masterpieces such as the gleaming marble Fisher Building and redbrick, cathedral-like Guardian Building drop the jaw with their ornate facades, vaulted ceilings and intricate mosaics. Look into the building’s main spaces on your own, or see if Pure Detroit has restarted its free tours of the structures.

Hop aboard the People Mover

The People Mover is Detroit’s retro monorail that loops around downtown’s core. While it’s not very useful as public transportation, it’s terrific at providing close-up views of the skyscrapers and riverfront as it whirs around its skinny track 45 feet above street level. A full loop takes 16 minutes to complete. And it only costs 75 cents.

Hear the hits at the Motown Museum

You’ve likely heard of some of the folks who started their careers at Motown Records: Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson. The company occupied a row of modest houses north of downtown that now comprise the Motown Museum . Guided tours take you through the studios and explain Motown’s hit pop-soul-R&B sound. Go ahead, try not to dance when you hear it. Alas, the museum is closed until summer 2022 as it undergoes an expansion.

Reflect on African American history at the Wright Museum

The Wright Museum of African American History is the second-largest Black history museum in the world, after the Smithsonian in Washington, DC . More than 35,000 artifacts give perspective on the triumphs and tragedies of the past. Climb onto a harrowing slave ship replica and feel the cramped conditions, hear stories about the Underground Railroad, and read Rosa Parks’ letters about discrimination. The museum hosts great special exhibitions, too.

Delve into the stacks at John King Books

Bibliophiles adore John K King Used & Rare Books , a four-story labyrinth where dusty tomes fill every nook and cranny. Browse circus books, magic books, car books, cookbooks, pet books, art books and just about any other books you can think of. Hand-written signs show what’s on the shelves. 

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19 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Detroit

Written by Lura Seavey and Lana Law Updated Dec 27, 2023

Detroit, the largest city in the state of Michigan, lies on the northwest bank of the Detroit River and on Lake St. Clair, between Lakes Huron and Erie. Downtown Detroit sits at the water's edge and is packed with things to do, as well as restaurants, shops, and interesting neighborhoods like Greektown.

The Dearborn Neighborhood is a top place to visit for sightseeing and is best known for its association with automotive legend Henry Ford, and it is also home to several ethnic neighborhoods, including an Arab-American area that has excellent Middle Eastern dining options.

The suburban Oakland district is home to the Detroit Zoo and also known for its upscale cafés and shops. Outlying neighborhoods include Detroit's "East side" of Macomb, known for its marinas, and the trendy Greater Noni neighborhood, with its golf courses and recreational facilities.

Plan your next trip to Motor City with our list of the best tourist attractions in Detroit.

Visit the Detroit Institute of Arts

See where it all began at the motown museum, tour the ford piquette avenue plant, visit the detroit zoo, explore historic fort wayne, spend a day on belle isle, tour the henry ford museum & greenfield village, catch a ballgame at comerica park, masonic temple of detroit, go shopping at eastern market, explore the past at the charles h. wright museum of african-american history, michigan science center, stroll the detroit riverwalk, take a cruise on the detroit princess riverboat, detroit historical museum, detroit public library, pewabic pottery, gm renaissance center, explore fair lane, the henry ford estate, map of attractions & things to do in detroit, detroit, mi - climate chart.

The Detroit Institute of Arts displays a representative cross-section of man's artistic creation from the earliest cultures to the present day. Its permanent collection includes more than 65,000 works of art within more than 100 galleries. This includes pieces from Africa, Oceania, and the Indigenous Americas; art of the Near East and classical antiquity; collections from medieval Europe; and American art and culture.

Among the museum's most popular are masterpieces of European painting, including works by Rembrandt, Van Gogh (self-portrait), Matisse, and Picasso. There is also an extensive collection of Islamic art with pottery, bronze, stone, and other works that span from ancient to modern and a gallery dedicated to African American art, which includes a variety of media.

In addition to traditional art forms, the museum is home to a performing arts collection that includes film and theater memorabilia, as well as the Paul McPharlin Puppetry Collection .

Address: 5200 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, Michigan

Official site: http://www.dia.org/

Also referred to as "Hitsville USA" for its iconic sign, the Motown Museum is a small shingle-clad building that was occupied from 1957 to 1972 by the studio where records of the "Motown sound" were produced. Visitors can see the actual recording studio where Marvin Gaye and others produced hit songs and the apartment where Motown founder Berry Gordy Jr. lived with his family.

The museum chronicles the history of the recording studio and the historic days of Detroit's rise to fame as the birthplace of some of the biggest hits of all time. Be sure to call ahead to reserve your tour - admission sells out quickly.

Address: 2648 West Grand Boulevard, Detroit, Michigan

Official site: http://www.motownmuseum.org/

The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant is where the Model T was born, revolutionizing the automotive industry and shaping the way for the future of personal transportation. The building is a National Historic Landmark, formerly the center of manufacturing for what was once the world's most popular car.

Visitors can walk through the plant on the original worn floorboards and admire dozens of beautifully maintained early model vehicles, including Ford's cars and his competitors. You can also see the "experimental room" just as it was when Ford and his team worked on developing and testing new ideas, including a drafting table, tools, and even his mother's rocking chair.

Address: 461 Piquette Street, Detroit, Michigan

Official site: https://www.fordpiquetteplant.org/

The Detroit Zoo occupies 125 acres just outside downtown Detroit, home to an astounding number of animals from around the world. The zoo is separated by habitat type, one of the most popular being the African habitats, which are home to exotic favorites like rhinos, lions, zebras, giraffes, as well as a South American favorite, the sloth. Located within this section is the four-acre ape habitat, which houses a dozen chimpanzees and three silverback gorillas.

The Asian Forest habitat is home to camels, tigers, lemurs, and red pandas, and there is an Australian Outback habitat, which has kangaroos and wallabies. There are also areas devoted to North American wildlife, and an Arctic region, which has polar bears, Arctic foxes, and several types of penguins. Visitors can also enjoy a peaceful visit to the indoor butterfly garden; a free-flight aviary; and the reptile conservation center, home to many types of snakes, frogs, and turtles.

A variety of animal encounters are available to visitors, including giraffe-feeding and penguin meet and greets. The park also has several playgrounds, a train ride, and a 4-D theater, as well as several picnic areas and a low-sensory zone for overstimulated kiddos.

Address: 8450 W 10 Mile Road, Royal Oak, Michigan

Official site: https://detroitzoo.org/

The grounds of Fort Wayne feature a five-pointed bastion fortress built in the 1840s, which tourists enter through the Sally Port, a fortified wooden door made with three layers of wood. Inside the fort stands the large limestone barracks building, which was constructed in 1848. Visitors can tour the first floor to get a peek at what life was like for a soldier in the 1860s.

The fort's interior also includes its oldest building, the powder magazine, and the large open parade grounds. Other features include a restored officer's quarters; the Demilune, which once held the water-facing cannons; and a dry moat. The fort hosts a number of events throughout the summer, as well as several special tours, including nighttime ghost tours that explore the spookier side of the fort.

Address: 6325 West Jefferson, Detroit, Michigan

Official site: www.historicfortwaynecoalition.com

Belle Isle is an island in the Detroit River, approximately three miles long and up to one mile wide, laid out with beautiful parkland, hiking trails, and sports facilities. One of the primary features is the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, which opened in 1904 and includes palms, cacti and desert plants, tropical plants, and a lily pond.

The island is also home to the Dossin Great Lakes Museum , which has numerous ship models and other exhibits illustrating the history of shipping on the Great Lakes, as well as reminders of the days of grand Great Lakes cruises, like the restored Gothic Room from the S.S. City of Detroit III.

Other attractions include the Belle Isle Nature Zoo , where visitors can feed deer, and the recently remodeled Belle Isle Aquarium . There are plenty of recreational opportunities on the island, including a driving range, bicycle and boat rentals, a giant slide, and plenty of swimming holes and hiking trails in and around the park's three lakes.

Official site: https://www.michigan.org/property/belle-isle-park

About 11 miles west of the city center is the suburb of Dearborn, where the automobile manufacturer Henry Ford was born. In 1929, he established two exhibition complexes as memorials to himself: the 12-acre Henry Ford Museum and an open-air museum called Greenfield Village.

The Henry Ford Museum offers a general survey of the development of American life and technological advances from pioneering days to the present time. Among the most notable exhibits are George Stephenson's first steam locomotive (1829); some 200 automobiles, including the first Ford and the car in which John F. Kennedy was assassinated; and the Fokker in which Admiral Byrd made the first flight over the North Pole in 1926.

Just north of the Henry Ford Museum is the entrance to Greenfield Village, an open-air museum with some 100 historic buildings of the 18th and 19th centuries from all over the United States. Among them are a school, railroad station, and other public buildings, the house in which Henry Ford was born, Edison's laboratory, and the Wright brothers' bicycle factory. The numerous shops in the Village Craft Center sell the products of the various workshops in the village.

Address: 20900 Oakwood Boulevard, Dearborn, Michigan

Official site: www.thehenryford.org

Comerica Park is a combination ballpark, theme park, and baseball museum. The park is most famous as the home of the Detroit Tigers baseball team whose history is celebrated along the main concourse in a series of exhibits that highlight the team's accomplishments and milestones, as well as a "Walk of Fame," which celebrates its most famous players.

Behind first base, families can enjoy a nice ride on the carousel, while in the third-base section there is a 50-foot Ferris wheel with seats that look like giant baseballs. If you have the chance to attend a game or event at the park, you will see the famous "liquid fireworks" in action on the center-field wall, where a colorfully lit fountain punctuates home runs and wows the crowd.

Address: 2100 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, Michigan

Official site: http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/det/ballpark/

The Masonic Temple of Detroit is classical Gothic architecture built with Indiana limestone. The temple was dedicated in 1926 and is the largest temple of its kind in the world. The building has three major divisions: the ritualistic tower, the auditorium, and the Shrine Club. The facility hosts concerts and other events. Visitors who would like a tour of this impressive building need to call ahead for a reservation.

Address: 500 Temple Avenue, Detroit, Michigan

Official site: http://themasonic.com/

The 4.5-acre Eastern Market has been operating since 1891, gradually growing to occupy several city blocks close to downtown Detroit. The market is open all year on Saturdays with vendors offering fresh local produce and animal products, preserves, baked goods, and other farmers market fare. Shoppers will also find plenty of handcrafted items, and artists that sell jewelry, clothing, and other unique items.

June through September, the market is also open on Tuesdays and Sundays, with Sundays designated for local craftspeople and artisans. The market shops are housed in several buildings designated as numbered "Sheds" which sit along Russell Street between Wilkins and Winder Streets. Visitors should start at the Welcome Center in Shed 3 on Adelaide Street to pick up a map and hit the ATM before making the rounds.

In addition to the 200-plus vendors located in the sheds, tourists can find dozens of excellent local shops, restaurants, and cafés on the streets surrounding the market. The Market area is also well-known for its public art, especially the murals that adorn several of the buildings in the district; tourists can see the majority of them along Orleans and Erskine Street near Shed 6.

Official site: www.easternmarket.org

The Museum of African-American History illustrates the historical role of blacks in the United States and their position in the city of Detroit. Exhibits deal with a variety of topics, including a look at prominent African American scientists and technological leaders and Detroit's Underground Railroad that enabled slaves to flee from Michigan into Canada.

In addition to permanent and changing exhibits, the museum hosts a wide variety of events, including lectures, discussions, and films that touch upon social, political, and other issues.

Address: 315 East Warren Avenue, Detroit, Michigan

Official site: http://thewright.org/

Located in Detroit's Cultural District, the Michigan Science Center offers a wide variety of exhibits, shows, and activities that engage and entertain all ages. Some of the top attractions within the center include an IMAX dome theater, a planetarium, and an immersive 4-D theater. There are also live stage shows, as well as more than 220 interactive exhibits within its selection of galleries.

Among the most popular galleries are the ones where kids get to be fully hands-on, like STEM Playground and the Smithsonian Spark!Lab. Others include topics of weather, math, health, space exploration, and even an exhibit on steel manufacturing and automation. Although there is no restaurant on-site, visitors are welcome to bring food and "picnic" in designated spaces.

Address: 5020 John R. Street, Detroit, Michigan

Official site: www.mi-sci.org

Detroit's Riverfront area is emerging as a popular place to stroll and enjoy activities year-round. It stretches over three miles from Belle Isle to Rosa Parks Boulevard, with plans to expand west another two miles along the waterfront. Various sites along the Riverwalk host special events, including free concerts and seasonal celebrations.

The Riverwalk begins at Mt. Elliot Park , a recently revitalized green space that offers fully accessible amenities, including water-play stations for kids, a café, and restrooms, as well as a fishing pier. After passing Harbortown Marina , the wide path proceeds west along the water's edge, offering plenty of tree-shaded benches along the way.

Families will appreciate the playground at Robert C. Valade Park , and jazz lovers will want to catch a show at the Aretha Franklin Amphitheater . Farther west, the Riverwalk passes through the William G. Milliken State Park , a lovely area that features a lighthouse, covered picnic pavilions, and several public art installations. Just beyond here, tourists can branch onto alternate paths to walk through a wetland area, beyond which is the Cullen Family Carousel and the Riverfront Community Playground .

Beyond the GM Renaissance Center , tourists will find the International Memorial to the Underground Railroad , behind which sits a large, attractive public space that hosts many of the Riverwalk's big events. The Detroit Princess Riverboat dock sits nearby, and the walk proceeds west past Huntington Place to the Concrete Pyramid .

Part of the park's planned expansion to the west includes connecting the promenade to Ralph C. Wilson Centennial Park (West Riverfront Park), which currently provides a large green space where events are held.

Official site: https://detroitriverfront.org

The Detroit Princess is a five-story 1500-passenger vessel that is docked at Hart Plaza on the Detroit Riverwalk near the GM Renaissance Center. Passengers get a different perspective of the city on two- to three-hour sightseeing cruises, providing opportunities for excellent photos. Tickets include either lunch or dinner, and there are sunset dinner cruises available several nights per week during the summer.

The Princess also offers themed events like Motown Memories and big band nights, as well as New Year's Eve celebrations and other holiday-themed events. The riverboat can also be chartered for private events, and offers rental of portions of the boat for smaller events.

Address: 1 Civic Center Drive, Detroit, Michigan

The Detroit Historical Museum is dedicated to celebrating the motor city's fascinating past, including how the city got the nickname - and the reputation - as the center of the automotive industry. Exhibits include reconstructions of old Detroit streets, model railways, and dioramas that provide a general overview of the city and the events that shaped it.

Additional exhibits include details about the vital role that the city's factories and people played during World War II, Detroit's part in the Underground Railroad, and other defining features of the city. The Detroit Historical Society also operates the Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle, which explores the city's maritime history.

Address: 5401 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, Michigan

Official site: http://detroithistorical.org/

The Detroit Public Library formally opened to the public on March 25, 1865. The initial collection included 5,000 books and was located in a room in the old Capitol High School. The library moved to its present location on March 21, 1921. There are currently 10 departments within the main library and 23 branches.

The building itself is the main attraction and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can take a free, one-hour, docent-led tour of the building, which explores the library's architecture, art, and history.

Address: 5201 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, Michigan

Official site: https://detroitpubliclibrary.org/

Pewabic Pottery was founded in 1903 by Mary Chase Perry Stratton and her partner, Horace Caulkins. The studio, operated by Stratton, continued until her death in 1961 and a few more years after that by her assistant. Today, Pewabic Pottery operates the ceramics museum, gallery workshop, and studio. The studio is a National Historic Landmark and houses an extensive collection of American ceramics in its museum.

There is also a gift shop, where tourists can purchase genuine Pewabic Pottery, from large pieces to a wide variety of Michigan and Detroit souvenir pieces. The museum is free and open to the public daily.

Address: 10125 East Jefferson Avenue, Detroit, Michigan

Official site: http://www.pewabic.org/

Along the Detroit River are huge skyscraper complexes, and dominating them all is the Renaissance Center, which poses as a central feature on the Detroit skyline. This seven-tower complex is a top sightseeing destination, housing the Detroit Marriott , offices, restaurants, and shops that are connected by a dizzying network of escalators and walkways.

There is an observation deck on the 72nd floor, which offers excellent views over the city. The center's most popular attraction is the massive GM showroom, which displays the company's vehicles, including mint-condition early cars and trucks through the newest models.

Address: 100 Renaissance Center, Detroit, Michigan

Official site: http://gmrencen.com/

Located in the Detroit suburb of Dearborn, Fair Lane is the former home of automaker Henry Ford and his wife Clara. The Fords settled into their new home in 1915 and lived there until their deaths in 1947 and 1950. The grounds of Fair Lane include a powerhouse hydropower plant, which gave the estate the independence to produce its own power, heat, and light.

The estate also included a summer house, man-made lake, staff cottages, gatehouse, pony barn, skating house, greenhouse, root cellar, vegetable garden, peony gardens, a "Santa's workshop," and five hundred birdhouses. Although the property is in the process of restoration, the grounds are accessible to visitors.

Address: 1 Fair Lane Drive, Dearborn, Michigan

Official site: www.henryfordfairlane.org

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