This was my first trip to Detroit, Michigan, and I really enjoyed the 3 days I spent there. Detroit may have not been a tourist destination in the past but I think it’s a great place to visit now. There are many things to do in the city and we felt safe at all times. Here are 7 tips for a wonderful time in Detroit.
7 Tips for a wonderful time in Detroit
Stroll through downtown
My first of the 7 tips for a wonderful time in Detroit is just to walk around downtown. I liked the architectural style of the buildings lining the main streets. Another thing that impressed me were all the parks and green spaces that appear every several blocks between the sports stadiums and the river front. I particularly enjoyed Campus Martius Park with its sitting area, a dancing fountain, and beautiful flower boxes. In fact, Detroit has done a magnificent job beautifying the city with flower planters along the streets. It was certainly enjoyable to walk around and explore the downtown area.
Visit the Gateway to Freedom Underground Railroad Memorial
Detroit played an important role as one of the largest terminals of the Underground Railroad. It’s estimated that over 45,000 Aftican Americans passed through Detroit on their way to freedom in Canada. It makes sense, then, that just south of Hart Plaza, overlooking the Detroit River, is a poignant monument commemorating the Underground Railroad. It features 8 enslaved people getting ready to cross the river into freedom. The monument was sculpted by Ed Dwight and was dedicated on October 20th 2001.
Walk along the Detroit River
The Detroit River Walk is a great place for a stroll, a bike ride or a picnic. While we only walked a small portion of it, we definitely enjoyed it. The Underground Railroad Memorial is located along the trail, as is the Hart Plaza, and the GM Plaza with the Renaissance Center. You can take a riverboat cruise on the river, ride a carousel, or just relax on a bench. The river walk is about 3 miles long and offers wonderful views of both the Detroit River and the town of Windsor in Canada.
Go to a game
One great thing about Detroit is that their 3 sports stadiums are located basically right next to each other. We went to see a Tigers game, which was a lot of fun but I’m sure a Lion’s game or a hockey or basketball game would be just as enjoyable. There seemed to be a lot of places to pre-game at, and there was a great atmosphere before and after the game.
Visit the Ford Museum of American Innovation
I highly recommend visiting the Ford Museum of American Innovation. It’s an interesting museum both for adults and for children. One of the highlights for me were the presidential limousines. You’re looking at a lot of history when you see the little buggy that Theodore Roosevelt used while President or when you see FDR’s limo. The most historic, however, is the limousine in which President Kennedy was assassinated. Thelma presidential limousines were donated to the museum after they were decommissioned.
Another highlight was stepping on the bus that Rosa Parks was riding when she refused to give up her seat to a white passenger. That bus is also in the museum. So is the chair that Abraham Lincoln was sitting in when John Booth killed him in the Fords theater.
The museum also houses a collection of cars from the early inventions to the current models as well as many other exhibits. It’s all very interesting and you can easily spend multiple hours there.
Listen to great music at Motown
Another fun thing to do in Detroit is to go on a guided tour of Motown. Hitsville USA, as the complex is referred to, houses a museum documenting the history of Motown as well as the recording studio where so many great hits were recorded. It was awesome to hear some great music and learn about the different artists and Berry Gordy, the producer.
Visit Rosa Parks’ burial site
While in Detroit, we definitely wanted to visit Rosa Parks’ grave. She’s buried at the Woodlawn Cemetery, just 20 minutes north of town. She’s buried in a chapel, and we needed to ask for an access code to let ourselves inside. Just so you know, Aretha Franklin is also buried here, in a mausoleum on the other side of the cemetery. Ask at the office for directions.
Traveling around Michigan?
If you’re traveling around Michigan, here is an idea for a beautiful drive around Michigan and Lake Superior.
