If you ever find yourself wound up in Detroit with nothing on your to-do list, look no further. As a vibrant hub of art, culture, music, and innovation, the city has more than enough entertainment to offer. So, if you’re looking to experience the best of what Detroit has to offer, here’s a list of incredible things to do that highlight its unique legacy and exciting future.
Explore the Detroit Institute of Art
The Detroit Institute of Art, or otherwise known as the DIA, features more than 65,000 works of art from all around the world. It is home to the most significant art collections in the United States and houses pieces like Diego Rivera’s world-famous Detroit Industrial Murals as well as masterpieces by famous artists like Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Monet. The DIA offers an inspiring cultural experience and a peaceful way to spend your day, especially for history and art lovers out there.
Visit the Motown Museum
Next, we’re stepping into the birthplace of the Motown sound, where legends of the music industry like Stevie Wonder and The Supremes first launched their careers. Here at Histville in the U.S.A., the Motown Museum offers guided tours of its original recording studios and exhibits packed with memorabilia. As a definite must-see for music lovers, the museum offers a great way to experience Detroit’s soulful roots and its global legacy.
Stroll Along the Detroit Riverwalk
Detroit is also a great spot for nature lovers, as the Detroit Riverwalk stretches for miles along the waterfront. It offers a scenic escape with views of Canada just across the river. The green spaces, public art, fountains, and spots to grab a snack offer an ideal, refreshing outdoor getaway. Being consistently ranked as one of the best in the U.S., the Riverwalk offers a peaceful break from the chaotic city buzz.
Tour the Henry Ford Museum
Just outside the city of Dearborn, the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation is located. This show-stopping museum offers an immersive experience that showcases everything from JFK’s presidential limousine to the Wright brothers’ workshop. Here, tourists will find more than just a car museum. You’ll find it’s a journey through the industrial and cultural milestones of America. Perfect for curious minds and families alike.
Check Out Eastern Market
As one of the oldest and largest year-round markets in the U.S, the Eastern Market is also found in Detroit. The area comes alive with local crafts, music, produce, and street art. On Saturdays in Detroit, other than being a great time for shopping, the Eastern Market becomes a social and cultural hub where the community’s spirit shines. It’s a perfect place to support local vendors and enjoy a little taste of city life.
Catch a Game at Comerica Park
If you’re a baseball fan or not, Comerica Park offers another exciting way to experience Detroit. Home of the Detroit Tigers, the stadium offers entertainment for all, from a Ferris wheel and carnival-style food to beautiful skyline views. Even on the off-days, the stadium offers a fun peek into the behind-the-scenes reality of Detroit and its beloved sports culture.
Experience the Detroit Historical Museum
If you want to dig a little deeper into the city’s complex past, the Detroit Historical Museum should be a must-see in your book. The exhibits offer an engaging trip down history featuring the industry roots and the civil rights milestones of Detroit, and further, even their urban transformation, all to show how it became the city it is today. If you are a history lover, then this is the perfect interactive and educational spot for you.
Visit Belle Isle Park
Belle Isle Park is a 982-acre island park located in the Detroit River. It houses a zoo, aquarium, conservatory, and picnic areas. This unique spot is a favorite among the locals, especially for outdoor activities like biking, kayaking, and nature walks. The Belle Isle is Detroit’s natural gem, and while calmly gazing at historic buildings and taking in the scenic waterfront views, it’s also a terrific way to spend a sunny afternoon.
Dive Into Detroit’s Food Scene
We can’t, however, forget about the food, as Detroit’s culinary scene is more diverse and exciting than ever! If you’re traveling to Detroit, you have to try the local favorites like Detroit-style pizza at Buddy’s or the North End’s soul food. And local isn’t where it stops because Detroit is also known for its creative pop-up style dining events, food trucks, and international eats from Middle Eastern to Mexican fare. Here in Detroit, there is always something tasty to discover.
Attend a Show at Fox Theatre
As one of the most opulent entertainment venues in the country, the Fox Theatre is a landmark in Detroit. From Broadway shows to comedy acts and concerts, the lineup of shows at The Fox Theatre is always impressive and should be a must-visit on your list. Even if you’re not catching a show, the building itself is spectacular. Restored to its 1920s grandeur, the theatre is also worth a visit for its lavish decor and history.
Take a Street Art Tour
Everything in Detroit will offer entertainment in some way, shape, or form. Truly, you just have to take a stroll down the street, as Detroit has become a canvas for some of the most impressive murals in the country. You can discover vibrant, large-scale public art if you just walk through neighborhoods like Eastern Market and the Belt Alley downtown. Artists from all over the world have transformed the city into a living art gallery, making it a great photo opportunity.
Browse at John K. King Used & Rare Books
At this four-story bookstore, filled with over a million titles to get lost in, book lovers will be occupied for hours. John K. King Bookstore is located in an old factory building, and it’s a treasure trove for rare finds, obscure genres, and literary adventures. Offering a large variety of used and rare books, it’s one of the best places for bookworms to explore in the Midwest.
Ride the QLine
Getting around in Detroit can be turned into an exciting and fun way to experience the city if you take a ride in a QLine streetcar. Running along Woodward Avenue and connecting you to popular spots like Midtown, Downtown, and New Center, the QLine streetcar is a great way to explore shops, museums, and eateries without the stress of driving yourself or getting lost in an unknown city.
Visit the Detroit Science Center
This family-friendly destination is packed with interactive exhibits about space, physics, health, and much, much more. With live science demonstrations, a planetarium, and an IMAX dome theatre, the Michigan Science Center offers hours of engaging fun for curious adults and children alike. If you’re a curious mind yourself, or you need to keep some kids occupied for a while, the science center is the perfect place for you.
Explore the Heidelberg Project
Lastly, if you find yourself wound up in Detroit, you have to explore the Heidelberg Project. This outdoor art installation on the east side of Detroit turned found objects and abandoned houses into thought-provoking and colorful public exhibits. Challenging ideas about community, art, and transformation, the Heidelberg Project is a powerful, uniquely Detroit experience that reflects the city’s resilience and creative spirit. Definitely worth a visit.
