historical places to visit in detroit

THE 10 BEST Detroit Sights & Historical Landmarks

Detroit landmarks.

• Points of Interest & Landmarks
• Historic Sites
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• Hubbard-Richard
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• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Motown Museum

2. Comerica Park

Recommended Sightseeing Experiences (10)

3. The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant

4. Detroit RiverFront

5. The Guardian Building

6. Ford Field

7. Fisher Building

8. Greektown

9. GM Renaissance Center

10. Campus Martius Park

11. Mexicantown

12. Pewabic Pottery

13. Little Caesars Arena

14. Detroit Downtown

15. Old St. Mary's Church

16. Detroit-Windsor Tunnel

17. The Spirit of Detroit

18. Hart Plaza

19. Woodward Avenue

20. Masonic Temple

21. Joe Louis Monument

22. The Z Lot

23. Michigan Central Station

24. Historic Fort Wayne

25. Ambassador Bridge

26. Historic Trinity Lutheran Church

27. Boston Edison Historic District

28. College for Creative Studies

29. Sweetest Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church

30. Fisher Mansion

What travelers are saying

• Motown Museum
• Detroit RiverFront
• The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant
• The Guardian Building
• Comerica Park
• Campus Martius Park
• Fisher Building

The 20 most historic buildings and sites in Detroit

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1 Guardian Building

2 Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation

3 Comerica Park

4 motown museum, 5 detroit historical museum.

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6 Fisher Building

7 campus martius park, 8 detroit opera house, 9 the spirit of detroit, 10 michigan central, 11 historic fort wayne, 12 masonic temple, 13 grand army of the republic building, 14 ford piquette avenue plant museum, 15 international memorial to the underground railroad.

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16 Christopher Moross House

17 the michigan building, 18 stearns telephone historical marker, 19 ossian h. sweet house, 20 cadillac place, top searches in detroit, popular road trips from detroit, what's the weather like in detroit.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Detroit for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Detroit in January
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All road trips from Detroit

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Explore nearby places

• Highland Park
• River Rouge
• Grosse Pointe Park
• Lincoln Park
• Grosse Pointe
• Harper Woods
• Center Line
• Grosse Pointe Farms
• Pleasant Ridge
• Grosse Pointe Woods
• Dearborn Heights
• Grosse Pointe Shores
• Huntington Woods

All related maps of Detroit

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• Map of Huntington Woods
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Detroit throughout the year

• Detroit in January
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Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Detroit?

Get inspired for your trip to Detroit with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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Best attractions in nearby cities

• Top things to do and attractions in Windsor
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Best restaurants in nearby cities

• Where to eat: the best restaurants in Windsor
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Cobblestone streets, 19 th century stores, an auto assembly line, toy trains, and a fur trading post from the 1700s are only a few of the wonders to see at the Detroit Historical Museum. 

For more than 80 years, the Museum has chronicled the life and times of the region, safeguarding its rich history.When attorney and historian Clarence M. Burton donated his collection of historical papers to the Detroit Public Library in 1914, he started a chain of events that ultimately led to the creation of the Detroit Historical Museum.  In December 1921, Burton brought together 19 prominent local historians to found the Detroit Historical Society, an organization dedicated to the preservation of the city’s history.  In 1927, membership offices were leased and Society treasurer J. Bell Moran was appointed to set up a museum.  A curator was hired and on November 19, 1928, the “highest museum in the world” opened in a one-room suite on the 23 rd floor of the Barlum Tower, now the Cadillac Tower.

Although the Great Depression in the 1930s hit the region hard, the 1940’s brought success to the Society’s efforts to build a permanent museum.  In 1942, popular Detroit New columnist George W. Stark became president of the Society.  Stark commanded the respect and influence necessary to raise the considerable funds needed to construct a new museum.  By 1945, the Society had raised more than $250,000.  The Society offered to turn over both the money raised and its 15,000 item collection to the City of Detroit, in exchange for the city’s agreement to create a historical commission to build and operate the planned museum.

On July 24, 1951, the 250 th anniversary of Detroit’s founding by Antoine Laumet de la Mothe Cadillac, the new museum was dedicated in an elaborate ceremony.  In attendance were such dignitaries as Governor G. Mennen Williams, Mayor Albert E. Cobo, U.S. Senator Homer Ferguson, the French and British ambassadors and Detroiter Ralph Bunche of the United Nations.From the late 1940s to the 1960s, the Museum became one of the leading cultural institutions in the Midwest through its changing exhibits, tours, special events and educational programs.

By the 1990s, the Museum rode a wave of success.  In 1993, the Detroit Historical Society raised nearly $4 million for exhibits, educational programs and an endowment fund for the Museum.  A new permanent exhibit, made possible by the success of the campaign, opened in 1995 – The Motor City Exhibition.  This exhibit traces Detroit’s development into the Automobile Capital of the World and includes an operating assembly line with a two-story body drop from the General Motors Cadillac Division Clark Street Plant.  In 1998, the Museum opened another permanent exhibition, Frontiers to Factories: Detroiters at Work 1701 – 1901 .  This exhibit depicts the city’s first two hundred years, as it grew from a French fur trading post to a major industrial center.

In March 2006, the Detroit Historical Society once again assumed operational responsibility for the Museum, after signing a formal agreement with the City of Detroit.  

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Founded in 1975, Preservation Detroit is the city's oldest and largest preservation organization.

Our mission is to preserve Detroit’s historic places. We strive to create a Detroit where cultural, architectural, and community preservation is integrated into every aspect of the city’s development.

2024 Preservation Detroit Walking Tours On Sale Now!

The 2024 Preservation Detroit tour season returns every Saturday morning at 10am, May through September! Join us weekly for walking tours of the Cultural Center, Downtown, Eastern Market, and Midtown!

Select walking tours also available during the NFL Draft Weekend (April 25-27)!

OUR HISTORY

For over 40 years, Preservation Detroit has celebrated Detroit’s past and current achievements through downtown Detroit walking tours , lectures, publications and promoting awareness and the discussion of public history.

BECOME A MEMBER

Become a member and help make a difference in Detroit’s preservation movement. Members receive discounts on all Detroit City Tours and Detroit History Tours , invitations to special events, and an email newsletter.

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Our award winning Detroit Tours and Detroit sightseeing tours share our rich architectural and cultural history with residents and visitors alike. From Eastern Market to the Cultural Center and Mid Town to Detroit City Tours, there is much to be seen and appreciated in our vibrant city.

If you want to help preserve the things that make Detroit unique, then we want you. See how you can get involved today.

WHAT IS HISTORIC DESIGNATION?

Learn more about how formal historic designations work.

ENDANGERED HISTORIC PLACES

A range of threatened or forgotten places throughout the city. This ever-evolving list aims to bring awareness and find solutions to save these significant threatened places across Detroit.

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19 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Detroit

Written by Lura Seavey and Lana Law Updated Dec 27, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

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.

1. Visit the Detroit Institute of Arts

2. see where it all began at the motown museum, 3. tour the ford piquette avenue plant, 4. visit the detroit zoo, 5. explore historic fort wayne, 6. spend a day on belle isle, 7. tour the henry ford museum & greenfield village, 8. catch a ballgame at comerica park, 9. masonic temple of detroit, 10. go shopping at eastern market, 11. explore the past at the charles h. wright museum of african-american history, 12. michigan science center, 13. stroll the detroit riverwalk, 14. take a cruise on the detroit princess riverboat, 15. detroit historical museum, 16. detroit public library, 17. pewabic pottery, 18. gm renaissance center, 19. explore fair lane, the henry ford estate, where to stay in detroit for sightseeing, 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

Most visitors to Detroit will want to stay downtown, near many of the key attractions and entertainment venues. The Detroit People Mover, operating in a 2.9-mile circuit, is an inexpensive and convenient way to get around the city center and explore the sights. Below is a list of highly-rated hotels in convenient locations:

Luxury Hotels:

• Right downtown and near a People Mover stop, the Aloft Detroit at The David Whitney is housed in a fully restored 1915 Neo-Renaissance-style building with a spectacular four-story gold leaf atrium.
• The MGM Grand Detroit is a huge complex, with large rooms, great views of the city skyline, and a variety of on-site entertainment options.
• If you are in Detroit for a sporting event, the Westin Book Cadillac is in an ideal location, with all of the major stadiums less than a 15-minute walk from this hotel.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• For something a little different, The Inn on Ferry Street is a beautifully restored, small hotel consisting of four Victorian homes and two carriage houses. Although it is a little outside the city center, it is close to the Detroit Institute of Art.
• The Fort Pontchartrain Detroit, a Wyndham Hotel is a tall, sleek, modern hotel near the Riverwalk area and just minutes from the People Mover.
• For families, the Doubletree Detroit Downtown - Fort Shelby is a good choice, with a variety of options, including large two-room suites.

Budget Hotels:

• The Hotel Indigo Detroit Downtown is an upper-end budget hotel in the downtown area, with a pool on the top floor, and a complimentary breakfast.
• To find better value budget options it's best to head outside of the city center. The Red Roof Inn Detroit Dearborn/Greenfield Village is 12 miles from downtown but only two miles from the Henry Ford Museum.
• The Comfort Inn Near Greenfield Village is in the same area and features an indoor pool and a free shuttle to anywhere within five miles of the hotel.

More on Michigan

Historic Detroit

Every building in detroit has a story — we're here to share it, about the site.

HistoricDetroit.org is Detroit’s place to learn the stories behind the city’s historic places and for photographers, historians and others to share their love, images, memories and more about its landmarks.

It is a nonprofit Web site where all are encouraged to share their photos and stories. All contributors maintain full rights of and receive full credit on their submissions and can remove them at any time. This Web site is merely a showplace, a one-stop shop for all who love Detroit’s built environment.

The site was founded in June 2011 by Dan Austin, author of “Lost Detroit: Stories Behind the Motor City’s Majestic Ruins” and former writer, photographer, researcher and webmaster behind the Detroit history site BuildingsofDetroit.com.

Helmut Ziewers was added to the team in February 2023 as the director of photography. His vision is to provide authentic visual documentation of our city, all based on real experiences.

Contact us at [email protected] .

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Must-Visit Attractions in Detroit, Michigan

While Detroit may not be the most touristy city in the US , it has many attractions to excite and delight you. From world-class art museums and architecture to historical sites and beautiful public spaces, these are the spots you must visit during a trip to the Motor City.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips , compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips .

Detroit Institute of Arts

The world-famous Detroit Institute of Arts has a collection of more than 65,000 artworks – one of the largest and most significant in the US – spanning the entire length of civilization. Its centerpiece is Mexican artist Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry Murals , which depicts the city’s auto laborers across 27 panels. The creativity on display here will inspire you, leaving you ready to take on your next creative venture and maybe wanting to enroll in an art history class, too.

Learn the story behind the music and have a good time while you’re at it at Hitsville USA. Within the record label’s first and main building, including the legendary Studio A, passionate guides will show you where the magic happened and tell you how Berry Gordy turned an $800 loan into one of the most famous labels of all time. Diana Ross & the Supremes, Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, Stevie Wonder, the Temptations, Marvin Gaye and Michael Jackson are just a few of the artists who have walked through these doors.

The Heidelberg Project

Constantly changing and evolving, Detroit’s most famous outdoor art project is the work of Tyree Guyton, who created it in response to the ongoing blight and decay in the neighborhood. In 2017, Guyton told Culture Trip about his plans to replace some of the famous installations with a new vision, called Heidelberg 3.0. Of course, there’s really only one way to find out what’s happening on Heidelberg Street: visit it yourself and prepare to be inspired.

Eastern Market

One of the oldest and largest year-round markets in the US, Eastern Market takes place every Saturday (with two smaller markets on Sundays and Tuesdays), offering an eclectic mix of local food, art and music in a friendly community setting. The market is run by a non-profit that does a lot of work to give back to the neighborhood. It operates important programs that increase access to healthy food in the Detroit metro area and helps new food businesses in the city. Stopping by here will not only be delicious but also help a great cause.

Comerica Park

Home to the Detroit Tigers, the oldest continuous one-name, one-city franchise in the American League, Comerica Park is a great place to enjoy America’s favorite pastime in the heart of downtown Detroit. If you’re not a baseball fan, it’s still a perfect place to meet and mingle with the locals. The park is also home to a Ferris wheel and a diverse food court to quell your hunger between innings.

Guardian Building

A National Historic Landmark and one of the finest art deco skyscrapers in the US, the Guardian Building was completed in 1929 when Detroit was a global hub. Construction involved many design and technology innovations, with the building’s designer, Wirt C Rowland, using Monel metal for all exposed metalwork instead of the usual brass and bronze. Its elevator system marks the first use of technology that automatically stopped the car at floor-level and opened the doors. Be sure to check out the amazingly colorful lobby that has been lovingly preserved.

People Mover

A quick and cheap ride on the city’s monorail, functionally titled the People Mover, is a great way to see the city’s resurgent downtown area. The entire loop is only 3mi (5km) long, with 13 stops, and takes less than 15 minutes to complete. While enjoying the tour, don’t miss checking out the original artworks installed throughout the stations, thanks to the Downtown Detroit People Mover Art Commission (now known as Art in the Stations), which raised $2m to finance the creative project.

Hart Plaza, named for late US senator Philip A Hart, is one of the city’s top riverfront destinations, featuring several historical markers and statues. Artworks on view include a 24ft (7m) sculpture of heavyweight boxing champion Joe Louis’s fist and the Horace E Dodge and Son Memorial Fountain, designed by Isamu Noguchi in 1978. In the summer months, festivals, concerts and special events take place here, attracting residents and travelers alike.

Belle Isle is a leafy 982-acre (397ha) island on the Detroit River between the US and Canada. It’s home to various attractions, including a state park, a free aquarium open on weekends, a conservatory and the Detroit Yacht Club. Walking, biking or jogging the many miles of trails is a great way to get some exercise, see the island and enjoy views of the city and its Canadian counterpart, Windsor. Visiting this island on a warm and sunny day is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Lafayette/American Coney Island

A Detroit culinary staple, the Coney Island hotdog is covered in chili and onions. The two most famous places to get one happen to be next door to each other on West Lafayette Boulevard, and they share a historic rivalry dating back to when each business was owned by a brother in the same family. Detroiters say that Lafayette is the hometown favorite and has a better atmosphere, but many feel American’s hotdogs and chili are superior. The only way to know where your loyalty lies is to try both.

The Henry Ford

You can’t visit Motor City without learning more about the industry that gave it its name. In Dearborn, just outside the city, the Henry Ford is a museum that occupies over 250 acres (101ha) and has over 26m artefacts, including the bus where Rosa Parks took a stand against segregation by taking a seat. It’s among the world’s largest auto museums and is home to Greenfield Village, an outdoor living museum dedicated to the history of the United States.

Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit

This museum is quintessentially Detroit, from the graffiti-covered, repurposed auto dealership that serves as its premises to the adventurous nature of the contemporary visual, literary, music and performing arts inside. Exhibitions regularly change, and exciting events are a weekly occurrence. The museum has a “pay what you can” admission policy, so it’s especially great if you’re on a budget. An innovative addition to Detroit’s vibrant Midtown area, it’s both a hub for exploring emerging ideas in the contemporary art world and a meeting place for the community.

Third Man Records

Detroit’s foremost alternative musical export of the past 15 years may have moved to Nashville, but Jack White’s label, Third Man Records, was founded in Detroit, with a store lying off the Cass Corridor. Alongside the record store, it has a performance space, novelties lounge and a recording booth where you can record and press up to two minutes of audio. Let your inner rocker shine as you explore the history of a label that changed music history and go home with some great music as a souvenir.

GM Renaissance Center

Dominating the downtown skyline are the seven interconnected towers that make up the GM Renaissance Center. Originally built by Ford, it became the world headquarters of GM in 1996. Shops, restaurants and two hotels – the Marriott features high-end dining, elegant venues and beautiful river views – attract visitors year-round. You can also take a complimentary tour of the towers at noon or 2pm on weekdays.

Dequindre Cut

Connecting the riverfront with the Eastern Market area for pedestrians, the Dequindre Cut is a revitalized greenway and recreational path popular with residents and visitors alike. Formerly a railroad, it now features a wide pathway and urban art and graffiti. You can rent bikes from Wheelhouse Detroit and explore the area on two wheels instead of two legs. It’s the perfect activity for a warm day or evening. Make sure to stop along your ride so that you can soak in all the innovative and colorful street art.

Detroit RiverWalk

Adjacent to the GM Renaissance Center is the Detroit RiverWalk , connecting a series of areas to make the most of the city’s east riverfront. The nearly 4mi (6km) stretch from the Joe Louis Arena to Gabriel Richard Park is more than 80 percent complete and offers parks, plazas and pavilions to enjoy. Strolling along the river, you’ll also be able to admire panoramic views of both Detroit and Windsor. Go for dinner nearby, and then enjoy a post-meal walk around these parts for some great photo ops and to feel the vibe of the city.

Charles H Wright Museum of African American History

Part of the Wayne State University campus, the Charles H Wright Museum, founded in 1965, explores and celebrates African-American culture and history. Home to more than 35,000 artefacts, the museum’s core exhibit is the largest display on African-American history in the world. Rotating exhibitions, events and educational resources are all available to enhance your visit, so prepare to spend a few hours here to make the best of it.

Edsel and Eleanor Ford House

Whether you want a look behind the curtain at the home life of one of Detroit’s most famous families or to experience an impressive and authentic piece of period architecture, the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House is a must-visit. The son of Henry Ford and his wife moved into their home on Gaukler Pointe near Grosse Pointe Shores in 1929, and Eleanor gifted it to a trust for the benefit of the public when she died in 1976.

Detroit Historical Museum

The Detroit Historical Society’s free museum has been preserving the city’s history for more than 85 years. With permanent exhibitions featuring cobblestone streets, an auto assembly line and a fur trading post from the 1700s, there’s something to enjoy no matter your interests. A visit here is a great way to dig into the city’s culture and learn some fun facts.

Detroit Zoo

The Detroit Zoo, in Royal Oak and Huntington Woods, is about 2mi (3km) north of the city. Operated by the non-profit Detroit Zoological Society and the Belle Isle Nature Center, it’s one of Michigan’s most popular family attractions, with 125 acres (51ha) of naturalistic habitats housing 2,100 animals from 230 different species. It also boasts a simulator ride, 4D theater, the Tauber Family Railroad and a custom-made carousel.

Cliff Bell’s Jazz Club

After a long day of exploring the city, you’re going to need a drink or two. And what better to accompany that drink than some good old-fashioned live music. Cliff Bell’s is a legendary jazz club dating to the 1930s. Years later, the art deco hangout still carries that old-school roaring vibe with its nightly performances, tasty food menu and classic cocktails. It can also host special events. A night here will have you feeling like you’ve stepped back in time, and you probably won’t want to leave.

Fox Theatre

Designed by theater architect C Howard Crane, this historic performing arts center in downtown Detroit dates back to 1928 when it first opened as a flagship movie palace. It was the largest theater in the city at the time, with more than 5,000 seats. In 1985, it earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places and became a National Historic Landmark in 1989. Visit the building to see its lavish interior and check out a show – it will be well worth your time.

Campus Martius Park

Campus Martius Park (Latin for “field of Mars”) lies in downtown Detroit. In 1805, following the fire that nearly destroyed the city, the park became the focal point for rebuilding the city. It’s a great place to hang out and comprises two performance stages, monumental sculptures, public spaces and a seasonal ice-skating rink.

Michigan Science Center

If you love science, you won’t want to miss the Michigan Science Center. Highlights include a dome theater where you can catch educational shows, a planetarium, live science demonstrations in exhibit laboratories and an awesome children’s gallery for the mini scientists among you. After-dark events are also available for those who want to enjoy the museum in a livelier atmosphere. Who knew science could be so much fun?

Do a bit of gambling at the MGM Grand Detroit, one of three casino resort hotels in the city. This luxury spot opened in 1999 – the first luxury casino resort hotel to open in a major metropolis outside Las Vegas. The casino will offer you an exciting experience, with slots and table games, many food and drink choices, a host of entertainment options, a spa and much more. Interested in exploring more of the US? Check out our eight-day adventure to Colorado and Utah – highlights include hiking in Arches National Park and whitewater rafting down the Colorado River. Alternately, browse our collections of Epic Trips , Mini Trips and Sailing Trips to find your next exciting destination. Additional reporting by Alice Johnston .

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Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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12 Outstanding Detroit Museums to Visit This Year

Discover fine art, cultural history, technological advancements, outdoor adventures, and more at Detroit museums .

Detroit is Michigan’s cultural hub, blending urban revival with unparalleled natural beauty. Whether you are viewing public art along the riverfront or exploring one of the city’s immersive and enlightening museums, you will quickly discover that the Motor City has a flavor all its own.

These are some of the best Michigan museums in Detroit and throughout the surrounding metro area…

Detroit Institute of Arts

Midtown, Detroit

Boasting more than 65,000 works of art, the Detroit Institute of Arts is one of the largest art museums in the United States. It is self-described as the town square of the community, serving as a gathering place for people of all ages who want to experience art through the ages in an immersive and interesting way.

The DIA, as it is affectionately called, offers free admission to local residents in Wayne, Macomb, and Oakland counties, making it one of the most accessible art museums as well.

Throughout the museum, you will find famous masterpieces, such as Caravaggio’s Martha and Mary Magdalene , as well as local works of art, artifacts from ancient times, and more.

In addition, the DIA brings in rotating exhibits in order to ensure that each visit is more memorable than the last.

Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History

The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History is dedicated to the preservation and celebration of cultural contributions by African Americans. For more than 50 years, it has been highlighting the unique and memorable contributions of the African American community through both permanent and rotating exhibits.

The museum not only showcases the past but also highlights present movements while focusing on the future.

Known locally as The Wright, this museum brings in more than 500,000 visitors each year, many of whom visit beloved exhibits such as the Blanche Coggin Underground Railroad Collection and the Sheffield Collection.

Ford Piquette Avenue Plant Museum

Milwaukee Junction, Detroit

Famously known as the birthplace of the Model T, the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant Museum is housed in one of the world’s oldest surviving automobile plants.

Visitors are invited to come to the museum in order to step back in time and see what life was like for Henry Ford’s autoworkers as they created the first mass-produced automobile in the country.

More than 65 different rare automobiles are on display, making this a favorite museum among adults and school children alike.

Detroit Historical Museum

The only museum dedicated solely to the city’s history is the Detroit Historical Museum, which is located in Detroit’s Cultural Center on Woodward Avenue in Midtown.

Visitors are invited to travel back in time more than 300 years, where they will learn more about how the city came to be and how cultural changes and social shifts have shaped the city throughout the centuries.

Perhaps the most well-known and well-loved exhibit in this museum is the Streets of Old Detroit exhibit, which allows guests to walk through a life-sized version of a Detroit street in the early 20th century.

In addition to its permanent exhibits, there are always changing exhibits on display that highlight different aspects of the city’s growth and development through the years.

Motown Museum

New Center, Detroit

As you travel along West Grand Boulevard, you might be surprised to pass Hitsville U.S.A. — a white home with blue shutters that is also known as the Birthplace of Motown.

Today, Hitsville U.S.A. is home to the Motown Museum, which actively works to preserve the history of the Motown music scene while highlighting the pivotal role that it continues to play in today’s world.

The museum is known for its rotating exhibits, allowing visitors to continue to come back and experience their vast collection. Of course, in addition to seeing these artifacts with your eyes, you will be surrounded by the vibrant sounds of Motown throughout your entire visit.

Michigan Science Center

The Michigan Science Center is a Smithsonian-affiliated museum in Midtown, which has quickly become known as the cultural heart of Detroit.

Designed with curious young learners in mind, the Michigan Science Center describes itself as a hands-on, minds-on museum where people of all ages can explore concepts, test their own theories, and simply discover how the world works.

The museum is home to more than 220 different interactive exhibits, making it the kind of place that you can visit again and again and always learn something new.

Dossin Great Lakes Museum

Belle Isle, Detroit

Nestled on the shores of the city’s iconic island park, Belle Isle , the Dossin Great Lakes Museum invites guests to stroll through its corridors and discover more about what life is like in the Great Lakes State.

Most of the exhibits in the museum emphasize the critical role that Detroit has long played in the state’s shipping, transportation, and maritime industries.

With a signature collection that includes a historic hydroplane, a pilot house, and a restored Gothic room from the S.S. City of Detroit III , this museum provides an immersive experience that is unlike anything else in the city.

DNR Outdoor Adventure Center

Detroit Riverfront

Just steps away from the mighty and magnificent Detroit River is the DNR Outdoor Adventure Center , an indoor museum-turned-playground that provides children with an opportunity to see, touch, and feel the natural beauty of the Great Lakes region.

When you step inside the Globe Building, you will know that you are protected from the elements — but you might truly feel like you have found yourself in the great outdoors.

Giant trees tower above your head, with a canopy walkway for the children to climb on. There is a rushing waterfall for kids to run under, as well as several interactive exhibits and simulations that give visitors the opportunity to feel as if they are truly camping, hiking, or fishing in Michigan.

With its low admission price and endless activities, this has quickly become a favorite among local Detroit families.

Related: Detroit’s Outdoor Adventure Center Makes An Amazing Day Trip

Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit

Founded in 2006 in an abandoned warehouse building in Midtown, the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit all but redefined and recreated the city’s cultural scene.

Frequently referred to as MOCAD, this museum boasts more than 22,000 square feet of space and has a massive collection of contemporary art that continues to inspire each visitor who walks through the door.

The atmosphere at this museum can be best described as real and raw, and the art that is on display sparks the imagination while touching the soul. The goal of the museum organizers and directors has always been to make art as accessible and comfortable as possible for anyone who wants to enjoy it.

The Henry Ford Museum

Dearborn, Michigan

The Henry Ford Museum is consistently referred to as one of the best museums in the state of Michigan, and it’s only located a few miles away from the city of Detroit.

Consisting of the Henry Ford Museum, Greenfield Village , and the Ford Rouge Factory Tour , the Henry Ford effectively tells the story of American ingenuity in a variety of ways.

Within the museum itself, visitors will walk through different chapters of American history, with displays including larger-than-life farm equipment, actual steam engines, a vast collection of automobiles, and historic artifacts, such as the chair where Abraham Lincoln was shot.

Greenfield Village is a seasonal attraction and is described as an outdoor living history museum that boasts a collection of famous historic homes and buildings.

The Ford Rouge Factory Tour is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, bringing visitors to one of Ford’s famous factories, so they can learn about how this plant built our past and powers our future.

Zekelman Holocaust Center

Farmington Hills, Michigan

About 30 minutes away from Detroit is the Zekelman Holocaust Center , a cultural museum in Farmington Hills dedicated to preserving the raw and horrific history of the Holocaust.

Designed as the first Holocaust memorial in the United States, the Zekelman Holocaust Center has been sharing the stories of survivors and the experiences of victims for decades.

This moving and devastating museum highlights the importance of understanding the past so that we can build a better future together.

Cranbrook Institute of Science

Bloomfield Hills, Michigan

Known for its renowned collection of breathtaking objects and incredible artifacts, the Cranbrook Institute of Science aims to showcase the power of science and its relevant role in our everyday lives.

The museum is well-known not only for its interactive science exhibits but also for its Planetarium, which is one of the few of its kind in the state. It’s a favorite destination among school groups and families with curious young children.

Visit One of the Best Detroit Museums Today

You don’t need an excuse to visit one of the best Detroit museums. With a collection of museums dedicated to fine art, cultural history, technological advancements, outdoor adventures, and more, there is sure to be a museum that sparks interest and offers new insight or perspective.

Visit one of the best museums in Detroit on your next visit to the Motor City.

A lover of all things Michigan. Will never get tired of exploring the unique places across the state and meeting all the awesome inspiring people that are here. Always ready for a new Michigan adventure! Owner, Director, and Chief Explorer!

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You need to visit Stahls Automotive Collection in Chesterfield as well! Check their website for their limited hours.

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These 7 Historic Villages Near Detroit Will Transport You Into A Different Time

Sophie Boudreau

More by this Author

Are you in the mood to step back in time? You don’t have to be a full-blown history buff to appreciate the delights of a well-maintained historical village, and Metro Detroit is home to its fair share of unique and educational destinations. When you’re ready to explore our region’s past in real-time, hop in the car and venture to these seven amazing historic spots near Detroit.

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Have you and your family explored any of these fun and educational historical sites in and around Detroit? Did we leave any of your favorite local destinations off our list? Share your thoughts and memories with us by leaving a Facebook comment or recommend another must-see historic village near the Motor City by filling out our official nomination form here .

If you’re obsessed with history, you’ll want to read about this national battlefield park near Detroit .

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Home » Travel Guides » United States » Michigan (MI) » 15 Best Things to Do in Downtown Detroit

15 Best Things to Do in Downtown Detroit

Downtown Detroit covers an area of just under one and a half square miles and could be considered petite when compared to downtown areas of other major US cities. But be prepared to find interesting and exciting surprises around every corner, because Downtown Detroit is crammed with things to do.

The skyline of Downtown Detroit is dominated by the seven towers of the Renaissance Center. While they’re an impressive sight, what really draws visitors to Downtown is the district’s International Riverfront. The development sits on the banks of the Detroit River where it winds its way through the city separating the US from Canada by the mere stretch of its waters. The three and a half mile riverfront is full of parks, plazas, and pavilions as well as marinas and walking trails.

Away from the riverfront, the streets of Downtown Detroit are full of historic buildings, live music venues, casinos, and classic eateries. It’s all happening in Detroit, and here are fifteen of the best things to do in Downtown Detroit while you’re there.

1. Detroit Princess Riverboat

Hop aboard the Detroit Princess Riverboat at its moorings on Civic Center Drive in Downtown Detroit and go for a tranquil sail along the Detroit River. Initially built in Louisiana as a gambling vessel, the ship has now been converted into a luxuriously decorated floating restaurant and showboat.

Climb up to the top deck of the two hundred and twenty foot long, five deck sailing vessel, and you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of the DT skyline.

Take a lunchtime passage and enjoy a first-class buffet accompanied by live Motown music or a sunset dinner cruise with food and professional Soul crooners included. It’s a great way to see Downtown Detroit and hear some magical Motown.

2. Detroit Opera House

While Detroit is well known for its involvement with Motown and the city has produced several iconic stars of the genre, it’s not the only music to be heard in Downtown Detroit. Head to Downtown’s Broadway Street for a touch of the classics at the Detroit Opera House.

The plush venue seats almost three thousand people and hosts extravagant productions of popular operas such as the Barber of Seville as well as Disney-themed specials like Aladdin.

The Detroit Opera House is also the place to go to watch top ballet and contemporary dance companies perform.

3. Detroit Riverwalk

The Detroit Riverwalk is a broad asphalt promenade running from the Joe Louis Arena through to the William G Milliken State Park and is part of the Downtown Riverfront development.

The riverwalk is pedestrianized on one side and has a cycle path on the other for those who want to skate or ride a bicycle. When you’re there, it’s easy to forget you’re even in the middle of a city.

Take a rest break in one of the many “garden rooms” which are landscape sections furnished with benches facing the water and contemporary sculptures created by local artists. On a clear day, you’ll be able to wave to the folks over on the Canadian shore.

4. Grand Trunk Pub

Housed under the arched ceilings of a disused, 1900’s railway station, the Grand Trunk Pub on Downtown Detroit’s Woodward Avenue is full of character inside and out. From the elaborate facade to the serving staff behind the bar, it’s a Downtown pub with real style.

Serving only Michigan brewed draft beer, the pub has great food to accompany it. Check out the Finnigan’s Sandwich, named after the landlord’s dog, a grilled chicken breast in olive bread with a pesto aioli or go all out for a plate of meatloaf smothered in whiskey gravy. Make sure to leave enough room for a slice of Michigan mud pie.

5. Cullen Plaza

Cullen Plaza is an ideal spot for outdoor recreation time close to the riverside. Located on Downtown Detroit’s Atwater Street, the plaza is a hubbub of activity during the summer months.

Go back to your childhood days, mount a white swan or seahorse and have a spin on the Cullen Family Carousel before enjoying coffee and ice cream at the RiverWalk Cafe. It’s the perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon in Downtown Detroit.

The Detroit Riverwalk is accessible from Cullen Plaza, and there’s a bicycle rental, The Wheelhouse, in the plaza if walking is not on your agenda.

6. The Belt

Downtown Detroit may not have an art museum, the Detroit CAM and Institute of Art are in Midtown, but it has The Belt.

The Belt is an alleyway which has been brought to life with large colorful murals and paintings by talented local artists. Tucked away between Downtown’s Broadway and Library Street, the Belt has been transformed from decrepit and dingy to vibrant and visit-worthy.

Arrive there late afternoon and catch happy hour at the equally colorful terrace bar, The Skip. Their frozen cucumber margarita is just what’s needed after a day touring Downtown Detroit.

7. Joe Muer Seafood

Drop in at the Joe Muer Seafood restaurant under the GM Renaissance Center for a delicious fish-themed lunch or dinner by the water.

The restaurant is decorated in a classic combination of red, black and white and has an outside terrace with stunning views of Downtown Detroit and the riverfront.

Try steamed mussels, calamari or a Detroit Roll made from king crab, cream cheese and a spicy sauce for starters then follow it with a Dover Sole Meuniere or an oven-roasted Barramundi. Your taste buds won’t be disappointed.

8. The Fillmore

The Fillmore is a historic, twelve-story high entertainments venue on Woodward Avenue in Downtown Detroit. Constructed in the mid-1920’s, it originally served as a theater and can hold around three thousand spectators.

Keeping in character with the era of the building, the lobby area is decorated with immense, eighty-year-old chandeliers. There are tiered balconies and mezzanine seating plus private concierge services available.

Many big-name music performers take to the stage at the Fillmore including Elvis Costello, Echo, and the Bunnymen and Tech N9ne to name just a few.

9. Greektown Casino

Test your luck in the one thousand square feet of gaming space at the Greektown Casino on Downtown’s Lafayette Street.

The casino is located in the thirty-floor Greektown Hotel and offers slot machines, blackjack and poker tables, roulette, craps, and baccarat.

If lady luck isn’t favorable, there are several in-house restaurants and plenty of bars to sooth the pain of losing a dollar or two.

10. Hart Plaza

Hart Plaza is one of the best places to go to get some unbeatable views of Downtown Detroit and over the river to the Canadian waterfront. The plaza has hosted many historically influential events, including speeches by Martin Luther King which is commemorated on the arch of the west entrance.

The fourteen-acre square is full of memorials and sculptures depicting important moments in Detroit’s history. There are statues of the founder of the city, a sculpture honoring the city’s involvement in the underground movement for freedom from slavery, and a stunning thirty-foot high fountain with over three hundred water jets.

The Hart Plaza, apart from being a fascinating insight into Detroit’s past, has two amphitheaters where concerts and festivals are celebrated throughout the summer months.

11. Hard Rock Cafe

Spot the iconic neon guitar high up on the wall on Monroe Avenue in Downtown Detroit, and you’ll know you’ve found DT’s Hard Rock Cafe.

Check out all the Motown and rock memorabilia on display then sit down and tuck into the HRC’s legendary food. Work your way through a Jumbo Combo for starters then tackle an Atomic Burger. You’ll be full for a week.

12. Eastern Market

The Eastern Market is a busy market held in Downtown Detroit every Saturday all year round. It’s a popular weekly event which draws crowds of up to fifty thousand people. Get there early, or the bargains will be gone.

The market, which has been operating for more than a century, has over two hundred and twenty different stalls selling everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to clothing and footwear.

During the summer months, there are extra market days on Tuesdays and Sundays plus a night market on Thursdays which are more focused on handicrafts, pop-up eateries, and live music.

13. Exodus Rooftop Lounge

The Exodus Rooftop Bar is the in place to go out in Downtown Detroit. Located on Monroe Street, the bar has an amazing rooftop terrace where you can start the night with happy hour as the lights of DT Detroit flicker on.

Settle back on the cushioned sofas to enjoy a drink before the DJ’s start spinning, and you hit the dance floor to jive the night away.

It’s busy, crowded and loud and has occasional live music too. Be prepared to party.

14. Joe Louis Monument

If there’s one Instagram worthy photo to be taken in Downtown Detroit, it has to be the Joe Louis Monument in Hart Plaza.

Dedicated to the legendary boxer who was born in the city, the enormous, twenty-four-foot-long arm and clenched fist hangs suspended on chains in a metal tripod.

Representing not just Joe Louis’s involvement and success in the boxing world, it stands as a reminder of his crusade for reform during the years of segregation.

15. Niki’s Pizza

When it comes to food, Downtown Detroit has one traditional dish you just can’t miss out on trying. On Beaubien Street is a Greek-themed restaurant, Niki’s Pizza, which serves Detroit-style square deep-dish pizza and who’s succulent slices have been voted one of the top twenty-five pizzas in the US.

Slide into one of the booths or sit at the tables on the terrace, choose your toppings then wait for the square pizza to arrive oozing cheese. If you’re a certified cheese fanatic, don’t miss the Saganaki. Battered and fried Greek cheese served at the table smothered in flames. Just like visiting Downtown Detroit, it’s an experience you’ll always remember.

15 Best Things to Do in Downtown Detroit:

• Detroit Princess Riverboat
• Detroit Opera House
• Detroit Riverwalk
• Grand Trunk Pub
• Cullen Plaza
• Joe Muer Seafood
• The Fillmore
• Greektown Casino
• Hard Rock Cafe
• Eastern Market
• Exodus Rooftop Lounge
• Joe Louis Monument
• Niki's Pizza

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14 Lesser-Known African American Historical Sites in Detroit

Story by biba adams | photos by second baptist church by bill bowen.

1.4 miles. That is the short distance that stood between many 19th century Black Americans and freedom in Canada.

For many runaway slaves, the shores of the Detroit River would be their last glimpse of life in the country that enslaved them.

Detroit’s history as a stop on the Underground Railroad is only one aspect of our city’s invaluable Black history.

Some of Detroit’s historical landmarks are well-known. Places like the Charles H. Wright Museum, and Second Baptist Church are not to be missed on any visit to our city. But, for those who would like an even deeper dive in Detroit’s Black history. Here’s a list of some of our faves.

Be sure to scroll to the bottom to see all of these sites mapped out for easy itinerary planning.

African American Historical Sites in Detroit

1.the offices of the detroit plaindealer.

1114 Washington Blvd., Detroit, MI 48226

An independent African American newspaper, The Detroit Plaindealer, published its first issue in May of 1863. It closed up shop somewhere around 1895.

Published by brothers Benjamin and Robert Pelham Jr. - alongside Walter H. Stowers and W.H. Anderson - The Plaindealer was the African American voice. “That was our voice,” explained Kimberly Simmons, chair of the Detroit Historical Society’s Black Sites Committee and president of the Detroit River Project, to The Huffington Post. “You had a whole group of people here, and the only way they knew what was going on was the Plaindealer. So it was a huge deal.”

The newspaper’s office was located on the southwest corner of Shelby and State Street. That space is currently occupied by the Westin Book Cadillac Hotel. A marker was recently erected to denote the historical relevance.

2. The Alger Theater

16451 E. Warren Ave., Detroit, MI 48224

While it has largely been white-owned, The Alger Theater served what evolved into the diverse historic neighborhood of Morningside located on the near-Eastside of the city.

One of only two remaining intact and unchanged neighborhood theaters, the Alger Theater was granted historic designation in 2009. The designation saved the theater from demolition.

Historically, it was a movie house that eventually showed B-movies in the late-70s and early 80s. However, earlier in its life, popular jazz acts like Dave Brubeck and the Duke Ellington Orchestra played in the 800-plus seat theater.

The Friends of the Alger Theater is a 25-year-old active non-profit organization committed to making the historic theater an anchor of this evolving neighborhood.

3. The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity House

293 Eliot St., Detroit, MI 48201

The home of Gamma Lambda Chapter, the 100-year-old Alpha House near downtown Detroit is home to the third oldest alumni chapter in the history of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity , Inc.

The building was built in 1919 and the fraternity purchased it in 1939. It is currently the meeting location, a museum, and event space for the organization.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. is the oldest Black Greek Letter Organization in history. It was founded in 1906.

4. Elmwood Cemetery

1200 Elmwood St., Detroit, MI 48207

One of the first fully-integrated cemeteries in the Midwest, Elmwood Cemetery is the resting place for a number of iconic Black Detroiters.

Former mayor, Coleman A. Young; Fannie Richards, Detroit’s first African American school teacher in the public school system; and Dudley Randall, Detroit’s former Poet Laureate, are all resting in this historic location.

Elmwood Cemetery and the Historic Elmwood Foundation launched a self-guided African American History Tour in 2015.

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5. Algiers Motel Location

8301 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI 48202

Three people were killed throughout the night of July 25-26, 1967, at the Algiers Motel in an incident during one of the darkest times in Detroit history. A period that the city has still not truly healed from.

As the 1967 rebellion raged in Detroit, several Black male youths and white women were listening to music inside the motel. One youth fired a starter pistol into the air which drew the attention of nearby officers believing they were dealing with many armed rioters.

The resulting police clash and deaths and wounding of seven others enraged the already tense community. The legacy of the Algiers Motel has been preserved in stage plays and films including the 2017 movie, Detroit.

6. The Shrine of the Black Madonna

7625 Linwood St., Detroit, MI 48206

Founded in 1967 by Albert B. Cleage, The Shrine of the Black Madonna was established as a segment of the Black Christian Nationalist Movement. The church is known for its recognition to center African Americans within the Christian narrative – a narrative that was often rooted in white supremacy.

Since its founding, the congregation at The Shrine of the Black Madonna became a powerhouse in Detroit politics instrumental in the mayoral elections of Coleman A. Young and Kwame M. Kilpatrick.

The Shrine also has a dynamic bookstore that is essential for any visitor to the historic site. The store features new and rare books on Black history and culture.

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7. Masjid Wali Muhammad

11529 Linwood St., Detroit, MI 48206

Linwood Street was the site and home of much of the pan-African and Black nationalist movement. One important site is this historic masjid. This location was initially established as Temple #1 of the Black Muslim movement, The Nation of Islam.

The Nation of Islam moved into this space in 1959 and was designated a historic site in 2013.

The location was renamed in the late 70s after the death of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad. The name, Masjid Wali Muhammad was chosen in honor of the brother of Elijah Muhammad and designated a “masajid” the Arabic word for the place of worship for Muslims.

8. King Solomon Church

6100 14th St., Detroit, MI 48208

Founded in 1926, King Solomon Baptist Church has been an important center of Black life in Detroit since its founding.

The church was the site of one of the first Boy Scout troops for Black Detroiters. It was also a community center for the neighborhood. Youth outreach programs, like a boxing program led by the legendary Emmanuel Stewart, was where world champion boxer, Thomas “The Hitman” Hearns got his start.

The church was also the home of a number of gospel acts including Reverend James Cleveland and The Supremes. The church, which has 5000-seats, has also been the location of a number of historical Black speeches including two appearances by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

9. Submerge Record Distribution

3000 E. Grand Blvd., Detroit, MI 48202

The world headquarters of Underground Resistance is also home to the Detroit Techno Museum.

Original records from the height of the era, including gold and platinum plaques, are on display inside the museum . It should be noted that it is only available by appointment.

The museum has been called a “mecca for true techno fans” and the music, which reflected the grime of Detroit in the 1980s. John Collins, a DJ and producer told Detroit Metro Times that techno music, which is renowned around the world, was created to give listeners “hope for the future, that things will get better.”

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10. Plowshares Theatre Company

440 Burroughs St. #185., Detroit, MI 48202

Founded in 1989, the Plowshares Theatre Company has been offering a true off-Broadway experience as Michigan’s only professional African American theatre company.

The company has dedicated itself to “breaking new ground” by nurturing emerging, talented writers and actors. Named after a blade that cuts the top layer of soil in a farm, the name Plowshares refers back to the work that enslaved people did on plantations.

Producer Gary Anderson wrote that Plowshares is important because when African Americans can see themselves in artistic endeavors, like plays, it is a validation of life.

11. Dr. Ossian Sweet House

2905 Garland St., Detroit, MI 48214

This historic site does appear on a number of must-see lists for visitors to Detroit, but it remains worth mentioning again.

In September of 1925, Dr. Ossian Sweet and his wife Gladys moved into their home on Garland St., and within hours a neighborhood group gathered to run the couple out of the home. A mob of at least 400 people gathered the next night throwing stones at the house.

Someone inside the house fired shots from a second-floor window hitting a rioter who had come onto the porch and wounded another in the crowd. All of the Black people in the house were charged with murder.

Dr. Sweet was acquitted of charges after being represented by the illustrious Charles Darrow. Charges against the rest of the group were dropped. However, Mrs. Sweet contracted tuberculosis in jail and died, along with the couple’s two-year-old daughter. And years later, Sweet took his own life.

The home represents the challenges that African Americans in Detroit had in moving into primarily white neighborhoods. The city is now majority Black.

12. Whipping Post

The Southeast corner of Woodward and Jefferson Avenues

This site was the location of Detroit’s first and only whipping post. The post was used to flog thieves and vagabonds, in protection of the city’s moral codes.

The whipping post was also a location where a man could be sold for a number of days work for petty crimes although slavery was illegal in the state of Michigan.

The legacy of the whipping post is still little-known. However, it is reasonable to assume that Black Detroiters, prior to 1830 when the post was removed, were punished at the post. It is mapped on the Mapping Slavery in Detroit map created by the University of Michigan.

13. Second Baptist Church

441 Monroe St., Detroit, MI 48226

Second Baptist Church is the oldest Black-established church in the Midwest. Founded in 1836, Second Baptist Church was a station on the Underground Railroad. The church was a final stop for some 5,000 enslaved people giving them food and clothing before sending them on to Canada.

Abolitionists Frederick Douglass spoke at the church in 1859 in a continued effort toward the end of enslavement. The church says that it can claim to have had a hand in the creation of over 30 more Black-founded churches.

14. Elizabeth Denison Forth’s House

328 Macomb, Detroit, MI 48226

Born a slave near Detroit in 1786, Elizabeth (Lisette) Denison Forth won her freedom after she and her brother moved to Canada to establish residency, which guaranteed that they would not be returned to their previous slave owner.

Lisette became a domestic servant, but she invested all of her pay into purchasing land. She became the first Black property owner in Pontiac, Michigan. She invested in the stock market and real estate and ultimately her own home became a Michigan Historic Site.

The front doors of St. James Episcopal Church is dedicated to Lisette who was a devout Episcopalian. She dedicated her life savings of $1,500 in 1866 to the building of the church.

In 2017, she was added to the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame for her dedication to freedom and for equality among the rich and poor.

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7 Detroit tours that tell a deeper story of the city: What to know

A s a little boy, about 8 years old with his brown hair spiked in the late ‘90s style, Gabriel Gutierrez would take his brother’s hand and cross the street from his parents’ tortilla business, enter a heavenly smelling donut shop, pass the lively store patrons, and order a coffee for his mom or their employees.

For himself, he’d order a white cream Long John, somewhat like an éclair, just to eat the cream.

These days, Gutierrez owns that hand-cut donut shop, Donut Villa, in southwest Detroit, which has ties not only to his personal history but that of his family, whose first southwest Detroit business opened in the 1940s. It is part of the greater fabric of community histories that make up Detroit’s story, as told by the City Institute on one of their "Detroit in Context Learning Journey" tours.

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The City Institute is one of a number of organizations to offer tours that go a bit deeper than sightseeing and basic headlines in Detroit. The groups seek to give context to where Detroit is now, where it is going, and often to correct the record on where it’s been.

Some tours explore the once prominent Black Bottom neighborhood, some explore Detroit’s history with the Underground Railroad, some explore Corktown, and ones like the City Institute’s "Learning Journey" also bring the city’s story forward to today and look to the future.

Though not a definitive list of all the tours in Detroit, here are some tour groups and guides to help deepen your knowledge:

City Institute

The "Learning Journey," on which Gutierrez’s business was featured , is a yearly, all-day bus tour that goes neighborhood by neighborhood so that attendees can hear from business owners, investors, and nonprofit and city leaders on the history of the neighborhoods, what’s currently offered there, how it supports itself, and future projects. A shorter version of the tour is also offered, primarily for private tour groups.

The City Institute’s mission is to equip residents and stakeholders to build an inclusive, equitable and thriving future for Detroit. Southwest, with its shifting demographics over the last century, is just one neighborhood that can serve as a foundation for those seeking to understand the city a bit better, said Gutierrez.

“There's a lot of history and a lot of stories,” Gutierrez said of the city. “Not always great, right? And for people to just understand that the communities that they are involved with, they have extensive roots and histories of their own that can provide context.”

Learning the city’s wins also encourages retention and keeps energy to fight for Detroit’s future, by the telling of Jeanette Pierce, founder and president of the City Institute.

“We believe it's important for people to understand how we got to where we are … then come to today, where we actually meet and hear about and talk to people doing amazing work in the city,” said Pierce.

• Topics: Public tours include a virtual one on redlining, a form of housing discrimination, walking ones on architecture, specific neighborhoods including New Center and Black history, as told by those who lived it
• Cost: Public tours - free (with donations welcome) - $20, with "Learning Journey" tours $125 including meals; Private tours and private "Learning Journey" tours: $20 -$100 per person
• Length: 1.5 hours for virtual redlining history tours; generally 2 hours – all day for others
• Mode of transportation: Walking, bus or virtual
• Where to register: thecityinstitute.com/public-tours

(Note: Tour costs, lengths and topics vary for most organizations named in this story. Many are open to creating special programs upon request. Contact each tour guide and group for further details)

Black Scroll Network History & Tours

Jamon Jordan, Detroit’s first official historian, was appointed to his role in 2021 by Mayor Mike Duggan. Before that, however, he was already known as a prominent unofficial historian of the city, founding the Black Scroll Network History & Tours.

While Jordan said he encourages folks to do the tours that exist on restaurants, bars, the auto industry and the like, he said he realized they were leaving out a big part of the Detroit story – African American history.

On his various tours, Jordan may point out the neighborhood where three Detroit music legends grew up or talk about the presence of Black people in the region in 1700s. Some tours also explore the once thriving Black neighborhood and business district that were destroyed through racist officials, urban renewal and highway building , with Jordan pointing out the still present apartments, townhouses and school building that were given the space instead.

“A big portion of Detroit’s history is invisible, and you have to have someone help you see what is no longer present,” he said.

• Topics: Motown, slavery, African origins, Black Bottom, the Underground Railroad, the 1967 rebellion and more
• Cost: Generally $5 - $50 for walking tours, $60 per person for bus tours, and $50 for virtual tours
• Length: 2 hours for most
• Mode of transportation: Walking, bus and virtual
• Where to register: Black Scroll Network's Eventbrite page for public tours, and [email protected] or blackscrollnetwork.weebly.com for private tours

Wheelhouse Detroit

Another way to get a deeper knowledge of the city? By bike.

Wheelhouse Detroit is a bike shop along Detroit’s riverfront, but tours have been a part of its mission since its opening in 2008 thanks to owner Kelli Kavanaugh and her founding partner’s backgrounds in community development.

“It was important for us to tell a story of Detroit that isn’t necessarily the one that the masses hear or understand to be true,” she said, later adding: “We’re not cheerleaders, we’re trying to tell a real story of a very interesting and complicated city.”

This story includes discussion of history and current developments. On the Corktown tour she gives, Kavanaugh delves into how freeway development, urban renewal, and parking for Tiger Stadium shaped the neighborhood as it is now, along with gentrification there. She also uses history to counter any belief that it only got “cool” now.  

• Topics: Poletown churches, Eastern Market, Hamtramck, the auto industry, techno and more.
• Cost: $30 for shorter, weekday tours ($40 including bike rental), $45 for 3-hour tours ($55 with rental) and private tours starting at $200-$250 for up to six people.
• Length: 2 hours for shorter, weekday tours, 3 hours for others
• Mode of transportation: “Pedal power,” using bikes or e-bikes, used manually. Attendees can bring bikes or rent from Wheelhouse Detroit
• Where to register: wheelhousedetroit.com

Ken Coleman

As a Detroit historian, journalist and communications professional, Ken Coleman likes to say he’s been dedicated to chronicling Black life in Detroit since 1991.

His extensive historical knowledge goes back way further, of course, and it’s his passion to share Black history as an independent tour guide, covering whatever topics in that area a client may want.

Some favorite stops include the Gateway to Freedom International Memorial along the Detroit riverfront which pays homage to those who used and were involved in the Underground Railroad . There’s also the Second Baptist Church of Detroit, which lays claim to being the oldest religious institution owned by the Black community in the Midwest, a former station on the Underground Railroad and establishing the city’s first school for Black children.

• Topics: Motown, the Underground Railroad, Black Bottom and more
• Cost: Prices starting at about $50 per hour per small group, and generally $300-$500 for a 3-4 hour tour for a larger organization
• Length: 1-2 hours for walking tours, 3-4 for bus tours
• Mode of transportation: Walking or bus, if provided
• Where to register: Email Coleman at [email protected] or call him at 313-551-1304

Preservation Detroit

Preservation Detroit was founded in 1975 as a student organization fighting the demolition of historic campus buildings at Wayne State University. These days the group works to preserve historic sites throughout Detroit, and it hosts tours on the history of architecture, sculptures and more to educate the masses.

A high point of downtown tour coordinator Davis Zaleski’s walking excursion is a visit to the Guardian Building, the 1920s, cathedral-like, Art Deco skyscraper. There’s also a quick stop by the recently reopened 38-story, Italian Renaissance-style Book Tower.

“During the early part of the 20th century, with the advent of the auto industry and all the other industries, they built like crazy and they built some of the most beautiful buildings in the country,” Zaleski said.

Some of that history has been torn down or poorly developed, but preservation has increased over the years, Zaleski said. Preservation Detroit likes to emphasize good development, and Zaleski said he hopes attendees walk away with an appreciation for what Detroit was and could be.

• Topics: Ferry Street, Midtown, Eastern Market, downtown, public art, cemeteries, churches and more
• Cost: $15 for members, students and seniors; $18 for all others on public tours; private tours, per the website, can be arranged for $100 for groups of five people or less and rates of $20 per person for larger groups
• Length: Between 2 and 2.5 hours
• Mode of transportation: Walking
• Where to register: preservationdetroit.org or through Eventbrite

Detroit History Tours

Detroit History Tours, along with the Detroit History Club, serves several purposes, said Bailey Sisoy-Moore, executive director of the two. Key among its motivations are the ideas that Detroit’s history should be written by Detroiters and that it’s hard to defund or vote to implode historic sites that are fully understood.

“History education helps make sure that the important parts of our history don't disappear quietly,” Sisoy-Moore said.

The tour group tells the history of the city starting with the Native American tribes that were here first through to present day and even future development plans.

• Topics: Suffragettes, the Detroit People Mover transit system, cops and mobsters, LGBTQ history and more
• Cost: $27 for walking tours, $30-$65 for bus tours, $5 - $20 for self-guided mobile app tours with lifetime download; food tours are $80 - $120, including the meals and tips. Private tours start at $250 if transportation is provided, $450 for walking and $1,525 for tours with the van or bus provided by Detroit History Tours.
• Length: 2 hours for walking tours, 90 minutes to 3.5 hours for bus tours
• Where to register: detroithistorytours.com

Detroit Historical Society

Founded in 1921, the Detroit Historical Society now boasts tours at not only the Detroit Historical Museum and the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, but also at locations throughout metro Detroit.

Guided tours at the historical museum take groups of 15 or more people through the indigenous populations that were here, auto history, culture and more, said Kimmie Dobos, manager of education and public programs. There are also tailored museum tours that dive deeper into the African American experience and what led to the 1967 rebellion.

The Great Lakes museum, on Belle Isle, also features a maritime history tour exploring Detroit’s long history on the water from canoes to freighters and more.

For some off-site explorations, there are “Behind The Scenes” tours of historic locations including neighborhoods, a gallery, and a battlefield.

• Topics: The summer of 1967, Temple Beth El, Boston Edison, Eastern Market, tiny homes and more
• Cost: Guided tours at the museums are $11 for adults and $10 for seniors, the 1967 rebellion tour is $12 for adults and $11 for seniors, and the “Detroit’s African American Perspectives” tour with Jamon Jordan is $300 for up to 20 people.“Behind The Scenes” tours are $25 for members and $35 for nonmembers.
• Length: Generally 1- 1.5 hours
• Where to register: detroithistorical.org

Of course, these are just some of the tour offerings in the city. You also can see the sights with a Segway tour , by boat and there’s even a tour to learn some Detroit history on a historic bar tour , among others.

Did we miss your favorite tour? Email [email protected] and you might see it in a future story.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 7 Detroit tours that tell a deeper story of the city: What to know

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Detroit launches first historic preservation plan

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This week in the notebook:

• Michigan Central prepares a homecoming
• Demolition rules changed to save sites
• New food businesses coming
• Team Biden in the D

Welcome back. I’m still  Malachi Barrett.

Detroit is launching a citywide  Historic Preservation Plan  to inform efforts to protect important sites.

The city is seeking qualified firms to help the Planning and Development Department create  Detroit’s first comprehensive preservation policy document. It will focus on  improving strategies to identify and maintain historic resources.

Detroit’s Old West Side  is one of the earliest neighborhoods outside downtown where Black residents settled in the late 1910s but has not been fully surveyed. Studying that area could provide guidance for future historic districts, according to city documents.

The plan also could have implications for zoning regulations in historic neighborhoods. The  MKT zoning district  was created in 2022 to preserve the character of Eastern Market’s buildings while encouraging redevelopment. The Historic Designation Advisory Board advises the City Council on  creating historic districts that prevent demolition within its boundaries. The West Canfield Historic District, enacted in 1970, was first.  Detroit created 151 historic districts since . The City Council adopted a resolution recognizing May as National Historic Preservation Month. It notes that the city has benefitted from adaptive reuses of historic buildings including:

• Michigan Central Station to Michigan Central mobility hub campus
• Higginbotham School and St. Matthew School to affordable housing 
• Fisher Body Plant 21 to market-rate and affordable housing
• Bonstelle Theatre incorporated into the Marriott International AC Hotel
• Henry M. Utley branch library to Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network offices

The resolution also expressed support for  proposed updates  to the Michigan Historic Preservation Tax Credit. A bill  introduced in the Michigan House in February would expand the types of buildings that can receive tax credits and increase the credit. The council said reusing buildings helps confront climate change by preventing building and construction waste from entering landfills and the city’s waste system.

What page are we on?

Today’s notebook covers the April 30 formal session.

Dig into the  agenda , read  Detroit Documenter notes  or  watch the recording  for more details.

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Michigan Central opens its doors

Michigan Central  is planning a free concert and open house events in June to  introduce the revamped train station to Detroiters. CEO Joshua Sirefman said 3,100 workers labored for 1.7 million hours to renovate the site. It originally opened in 1913 but became a symbol of Detroit’s decline after being vacated in 1988. Ford Motor Co. bought the historic building in 2018 to anchor a new technology district in Corktown. Nearly 100 companies have been attracted to the renovated Bagley Mobility Hub and Newlab building. The city also gave Roosevelt Park a major facelift. Sirefman thanked the council for approving a  transportation innovation zone  that allows mobility companies to streamline the permitting process to test new technology. Sirefman presented a permit request to the City Council for a  free concert on June 6  for 15,000 guests and  open house tours from June 7-16  anticipated to draw 60,000 visitors. “The tone and tenor of what we’re doing is really to be about Detroiters and we want Michigan Central to feel like it is in fact a part of the neighborhood it is in,” Sirefman said. A site plan shared on Tuesday shows an area around the train station, Newlab and Roosevelt Park will be fenced off. The events are free but will require pre-registration. Local businesses will be provided promotional giveaways for visitors, and Sirefman said efforts will be made to highlight attractions in the area. Council Member Gabriela Santiago-Romero said it’s important to ensure businesses can participate. She said business owners in her southwest district didn’t notice much change in foot traffic during the NFL Draft. 

Think twice before you demolish

The council approved changes to city demolition codes that require the Planning and Development Department (PDD) to  explore alternatives before tearing down commercial properties. Santiago-Romero sponsored the ordinance to  salvage buildings that are planned for demolition.  Building owners will work with the city to explore feasible alternatives. PDD is now  required to review other options within 14 days  of receiving a demolition request. A wrecking permit is required from the Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department before buildings can be demolished. City officials said the vast majority of properties being torn down in recent years are either emergency demolitions ordered by the city or residential properties. Changes approved on Tuesday don’t apply to those cases. “Many of the buildings we’ve seen come through for demolitions are beyond the point of repair, but every once in a while there is one that a private owner is demolishing that could be potentially saved,” said Greg Moots, lead planner on the city’s Design and Development Innovation Team. “We’d like the opportunity to work with the owner. This cannot stop the demolition, we can pause the demolition for up to 14 days.” 

Saffron De Twah levels up

Award-winning  Moroccan bistro  Saffron De Twah  is planning to build a  new location along Warren Avenue  on land purchased from the city. The council approved a request by Anani Restaurant Group, LLC to purchase 6620 E. Warren Ave. for 150,000. The site holds a 4,800-square-foot commercial structure that will be renovated. City documents show the lower level will serve as a new restaurant while an upper-level apartment will be remodeled to house staff members or other local food businesses. Head chef Omar Anani took a  six-month sabbatical  last year while continuing to provide meals at the Saffron Community Kitchen. The restaurant is gearing up for a grand reopening. The second location is less than a mile away from the original restaurant on Gratiot Avenue.

Land of opportunity

The City Council also approved other land sales for various uses. NuSol Food Buggy  owner Doniss Hicks purchased a commercial building in the Ravendale neighborhood on Detroit’s east side to create a  commercial kitchen for mobile food businesses . Hicks paid $18,000 for the property. Omina, Inc. bought two vacant homes in the Fitzgerald-Marygrove neighborhood and North Rosedale Park from the Detroit Land Bank Authority for $34,000. Omina has bought and renovated 13 land bank homes since December 2022 for  HGTV’s Bargain Block television program . City documents show Omina expects to invest $270,000 to renovate the two latest properties. A group of Northwest Goldberg residents  bought a 7,201-square-foot commercial building to renovate for future uses. City documents show Daniel Washington, executive director of  NW Goldberg Cares , is leading the group. They paid $4,500 for the building at 5975 16th St. Loyola High School  bought three properties on Fenkell Avenue for $13,000. The northwest Detroit Catholic boys school is seeking to  secure the sites until expansion plans are fully developed . It broke ground on a new chapel and welcome center last year as part of a  $9 million capital campaign .

Vacant lot cleanup 

Federal funds are being used to make sure  vacant lots cut by the city are properly cleaned up. The council approved two contracts worth a total of $2 million with Payne Landscaping and Detroit Grounds Crew. The funds will be used to  pick up debris, leftover lawn clippings and yard waste . The city plans to cut vacant lots four times each year. “Does this mean we’ll no longer see cut paper strewn about and 4-inch long grass turning to hay on these vacant lots after a cut?,” Council Member Scott Benson asked during a committee meeting this month. “I’m looking forward to making sure that’s achieved this year.” City funds paid for three other contracts with Detroit-based businesses to cut vacant lots and remove debris. Payne Landscaping received a $20.8 million contract, alongside a $13.6 million contract for Brilar, LLC and a $7 million contract with JE Jordan Landscaping, Inc.

Israeli company contract dropped

Santiago-Romero pulled a proposed contract with an  Israeli technology company for bomb detection equipment. She said  Detroit Police Chief James White agreed to find an American company  to provide the X-ray inspection technology used to scan suspicious containers City procurement documents show  Novo DR Inc.  has an office in Grand Blanc but the company is headquartered in Israel. Santiago-Romero told BridgeDetroit she has general concerns with surveillance technologies that could be tested on Palestinian civilians before being marketed to American police departments. DPD’s Bomb Squad already uses radiological detection systems provided by Novo DR. The $58,733 contract would have provided equipment upgrades.

Abandoned vehicle enforcement

Federal pandemic funding paid for radios used by a new police unit created to  remove abandoned vehicles  from public streets and private property. Duggan  announced the crackdown  during his State of the City address in April.  City ordinances prohibit  vehicles from being deserted on public streets and private lawns. Code enforcement officers are  prioritizing  inoperable and unlicensed vehicles along with commercial vehicles improperly stored in neighborhoods. Duggan said 5,208 vehicles were ticketed this year, but only 769 were towed. That means 85% of owners moved their vehicles after receiving a ticket, he said. The council approved two contracts with Motorola Solutions Inc. worth a total of $266,530. Motorola will provide 39 radios for code enforcement officers. Santiago-Romero was the lone council member who objected to both contracts. The council also approved a $900,000 contract with Motorola to replace older police radios that are nearly a decade old. A DPD representative said the radios are difficult to maintain because parts are hard to find. Council Member Angela Whitfield-Calloway asked DPD to create an internship program for high school students to learn radio repair skills. During a committee discussion earlier this month, Whitfield-Calloway argued the city’s  Skills for Life  career readiness program doesn’t create enough opportunities for tech jobs. “We have to brag about how many thousands of people we hired to clean out alleys, but we need to brag about helping people to get technical skills,” she said.

Biden team gets to work in Detroit

President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign  is holding events in Detroit to criticize former President Donald Trump and  flex support  from local surrogates. A Tuesday event highlighted Biden’s support for unions.  Council President Mary Sheffield  joined Mayor Mike Duggan, state Rep. Tyrone Carter, D-Detroit, and officials with the Michigan Building Trades Council and IBEW Local 58 to  stump for Biden . Duggan is a national advisor  to the Biden-Harris campaign. His son  Ed Duggan is state director for the campaign in Michigan. Wayne County Commission Chair Alisha Bell  joined the campaign for an event in Detroit earlier this month to recognize Black Maternal Health Week. Bell said abortion bans enabled by Trump’s appointment of conservative Supreme Court justices have led to higher rates of pregnancy-related deaths among Black women. Biden’s team opened three campaign offices in Detroit to train volunteers and mobilize voters. The latest opening in March featured  Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist , state Rep. Natalie Price and Wayne County Commissioner Irma Clark Coleman. Attorney General Dana Nessel  held an event in Detroit last month to promote the Affordable Care Act, which was signed into law 14 years prior by the Obama-Biden administration. Biden’s campaign also launched  NFL-themed digital ads  in Detroit for the draft that featured Trump saying “football is boring as hell.” Biden has yet to visit Detroit himself. His  first campaign swing  through Michigan in February included a UAW hall in Warren and a Harper Woods restaurant. Biden met with  local officials in Saginaw  during a  low-key campaign stop  in March.

Music Hall expansion gets green light

The City Council approved a project plan for a $125 million  expansion of the downtown Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts. Approval of the plan is needed for the Detroit Economic Development Corp. to issue $80 million in revenue bonds on the Music Hall’s behalf. The project includes  renovations of its existing building and construction of a new 108,000-square-foot building  on an adjacent lot.

Other expected funding sources include a $4 million loan, $5 million grant from Wayne County, $30 million to $40 million from selling naming rights, $9 million from foundations and trustees, $5 million from the city of Detroit and a $5 million state grant.

The new building will include a rooftop special events venue, a new concert venue, revolving music exhibition space, conference space, music academy, recording studio and restaurants.

It will allow the nonprofit to expand its programming and produce revenue from new events like weddings, corporate parties and conferences.

The Music Hall expects to add more events in its Jazz Café, 3Fifty Terrace and Main Hall from approximately 300 annual events to 650 events. This is expected to increase annual attendance from 250,000 to 600,000.

The project will create a new gateway into Paradise Valley and Detroit’s entertainment district by activating an alley behind the building. This pedestrian-only promenade would include a cafe and exhibits with information about Detroit music legends.

Detroit business owners Hiram Jackson and Dennis Archer Jr. serve on the Economic Development Corp. Board of Directors and supported the bond proposal. They own sites in Paradise Valley and are aiming to reestablish the area as a thriving entertainment and cultural district.

The project includes the construction of a skywalk connector that will bridge the alleyway and connect the existing building to the new building. It would also create 446 new jobs.

Construction is expected to begin in May and finish at the end of 2026.

Malachi Barrett

Malachi Barrett is a mission-oriented journalist trying to do good and stir up some trouble. Barrett previously worked at MLive in a variety of roles in Muskegon, Kalamazoo, Lansing and Detroit. Most... More by Malachi Barrett

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Hopefully the Broadhead enable station in Jefferson by the bell bridge will be saved a beautiful building for sure along the river . I serve six years there in the Marine Corps reserves.

Hopefully Broadhead naval station will be saved on Jefferson by the Belle Isle bridge. A beautiful building looks to be pretty sound. I serve fixture there in the Marine Corps reserves, 76 to 82.

A little late!

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🏆 UCLA crowned NC men's volleyball national champs

📝 DI women's tennis scores

🏐 NC beach volleyball finals set

🎾 DI men's tennis results

NCAA.com | May 3, 2024

2025 march madness: men's ncaa tournament schedule, dates.

The 2025 March Madness tournament starts with Selection Sunday on March 16 as 68 teams will play in the 2025 NCAA tournament for men's basketball. Check out the full schedule below:

• Selection Sunday: Sunday, March 16
• First Four: March 18-19
• First round: March 20-21
• Second round: March 22-23
• Sweet 16: March 27-28
• Elite Eight: March 29-30
• Final Four: April 5 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas
• NCAA championship game: April 7 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas

These are the sites for the men's tournament in 2025:

And here is the game-by-game rundown for the 2024 men's tournament. Click or tap on each game to be taken to the final stats.

2024 NCAA tournament schedule, scores, highlights

Monday, April 8 (National championship game)

• (1) UConn 75 , (1) Purdue 60

Tuesday, March 19 (First Four in Dayton, Ohio)

• (16) Wagner 71 , (16) Howard 68
• (10) Colorado State 67 , (10) Virginia 42

Wednesday, March 20 (First Four in Dayton, Ohio)

• (16) Grambling 88 , (16) Montana State 81
• (10) Colorado 60 , (10) Boise State 53

Thursday, March 21 (Round of 64)

• (9) Michigan State 66 , (8) Mississippi State 51
• (11) Duquesne 71 , (6) BYU 67
• (3) Creighton 77 , (14) Akron 60
• (2) Arizona 85 , (15) Long Beach State 65
• (1) North Carolina 90 , (16) Wagner 61
• (3) Illinois 85 , (14) Morehead State 69
• (11) Oregon 87 , (6) South Carolina 73
• (7) Dayton 63 , (10) Nevada 60
• (7) Texas 56 , (10) Colorado State 44
• (14) Oakland 80 , (3) Kentucky 76
• (5) Gonzaga 86 , (12) McNeese 65
• (2) Iowa State 82 , (15) South Dakota State 65
• (2) Tennessee 83 ,   (15) Saint Peter's 49
• (7) Washington State 66 , (10) Drake 61
• ( 11) NC State 80 , (6) Texas Tech 67
• (4) Kansas 93 , (13) Samford 89

Friday, March 22 (Round of 64)

• (3) Baylor 92 ,   (14) Colgate 67
• (9) Northwestern 77 , (8) Florida Atlantic 65  (OT)
• (5) San Diego State 69 , (12) UAB 65
• (2) Marquette 87 ,   (15) Western Kentucky 69
• (1) UConn 91 , (16) Stetson 52
• (6) Clemson 77 , (11) New Mexico 56
• (10) Colorado 102 , (7) Florida 100   
• (13) Yale 78 , (4) Auburn 76 
• (9) Texas A&M 98 , (8) Nebraska 83
• (4) Duke 64 , (13) Vermont 47
• (1) Purdue 78 , (16) Grambling 50
• (4) Alabama 109 , (13) College of Charleston 96
• (1) Houston 86 , (16) Longwood 46
• (12) James Madison 72 , (5) Wisconsin 61
• (8) Utah State 88 , (9) TCU 72 
• (12) Grand Canyon 77 , (5) Saint Mary's 66

Saturday, March 23 (Round of 32)

• (2) Arizona 78,  (7) Dayton 68
• (5) Gonzaga 89 , (4) Kansas 68
• (1) North Carolina 85 , (9) Michigan State 69
• (2) Iowa State 67 , (7) Washington State 56
• (11) NC State 79 , (14) Oakland 73
• (2) Tennessee 62 , (7) Texas 58
• (3) Illinois 89 , (11) Duquesne 63 
• (3) Creighton 86 , (11) Oregon 73 (2OT)

Sunday, March 24 (Round of 32)

• (2) Marquette 81,  (10) Colorado 77
• (1) Purdue 106,  (8) Utah State 67
• (4) Duke 93 , (12) James Madison 55 
• (6) Clemson 72 , (3) Baylor 64
• (4) Alabama 72 , (12) Grand Canyon 61
• (1) UConn 75 , (9) Northwestern 58
• (1) Houston 100 , (9) Texas A&M 95 (OT)
• (5) San Diego State 85 , (13) Yale 57 

Thursday, March 28 (Sweet 16)

• (6) Clemson 77 , (2) Arizona 72
• (1) UConn 82 , (5) San Diego State 52
• (4) Alabama 89 , (1) North Carolina 87
• (3) Illinois 72 , (2) Iowa State 69

Friday, March 29 (Sweet 16)

• (11) NC State 66 , (2) Marquette 58
• (1) Purdue 80 , (5) Gonzaga 68
• (4) Duke 54 , (1) Houston 51
• (2) Tennessee 82 , (3) Creighton 75

Saturday, March 30 (Elite Eight)

• (1) UConn 77 , (3) Illinois 52
• (4) Alabama 89 , (6) Clemson 82

Sunday, March 31 (Elite Eight)

• (1) Purdue 72 , (2) Tennessee 66
• (11) NC State 76 , (4) Duke 64

Saturday, April 6 (Final Four)

• (1) Purdue 63 , (11) NC State 50
• (1) UConn 86 , (4) Alabama 72

March Madness: Future sites, dates

Here are the future sites for the NCAA Division I men's basketball Final Four:

The most-picked March Madness champion every year since 2014

• 2024 USA men's basketball Olympic roster: College careers, highlights

• 2025 Selection Sunday: Date, schedule, TV times

March Madness

• 🗓️ 2024 March Madness schedule, dates
• 👀 Everything to know about March Madness
• ❓ How the field of 68 is picked
• 📓 College basketball dictionary: 51 terms defined

Greatest buzzer beaters in March Madness history

Relive Laettner's historic performance against Kentucky

The deepest game-winning buzzer beaters in March Madness history

College basketball's NET rankings, explained

• What March Madness looked like the year you were born

DI Men's Basketball News

• 2025 March Madness: Men's NCAA tournament schedule, dates
• How often fans picked the right NCAA men's champion, every year since 2014
• From unranked to NCAA champion
• Way-too-early 2024-25 men's basketball Power 36 rankings
• Why the AP No. 1 team is far from a national championship lock
• Recapping all 67 March Madness games from 2024
• UConn builds a longstanding legacy with 6th national title, 'old school' methods

Follow NCAA March Madness