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The richness of the Motor City culture and history is unmatched! Located in the heart of Michigan, Detroit has so much to offer. If you’re planning a visit here, make sure you add these best of Detroit attractions to your itinerary.
MUST-SEE CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS
Motown Museum
First, it is impossible to visit Detroit and not check out Hitsville USA, host of the Motown Museum. The quaint museum was once the home of Motown founder Barry Gordy. Take a guided tour of the museum and learn all about the timeless Motor City sound!
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
Learn about the rich African American history in Detroit. To begin, your journey walks you through the eras of slavery, Jim Crow, and Civil Rights. The museum showcases the beauty of African American culture. It is known for its life-size exhibits that put you in the center of significant historical events in African American history.
Detroit Institute of Art
Next, visit the DIA, one of Detroit’s most riveting attractions. Upon entering the museum, you encounter muralist Diego Rivera’s commissioned frescos. It is absolutely breathtaking, but it doesn’t stop there. The DIA is home to over 65,000 masterpieces, and it’s easy to get lost in masterpieces from world-famous artists within the DIA’s confines.
The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village
About 25 minutes outside of Detroit is The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village. Henry Ford showcases the brilliance of American ingenuity. Whether it’s sitting on the seat in the bus where Rosa Parks was arrested or exploring the dynamics of flight with the Wright Brothers, the museum shows off American talent at its finest. Greenfield Village, an extension of The Henry Ford, provides visitors with a glimpse of life over 300 years. Visit Noah Webster’s home or stroll through a Cotswold Cottage in this special Detroit attraction.
Eastern Market
If you’re visiting Detroit during the weekend, take a trip to the Eastern Market located in the heart of the city. The public market is over 150 years old and gives visitors a true taste of Detroit past, present, and future.
Broadway in Detroit
While visiting, take the opportunity to see a Broadway production at the beautiful Fisher Theater. If your trip is timed just right, you may even be able to see Motown the Musical when it’s playing in Detroit. If you’re into classical music, dance, and other performing arts, then you should definitely visit the Detroit Opera House.
SPORTS VENUES
Detroit is one of the few cities in the US where each sports team’s stadium is located in its downtown area. Comerica Park (home of the Detroit Tigers), Ford Field (home of the Detroit Lions), and Little Caesar’s Arena (home of the Detroit Pistons and Red Wings) are all within close proximity to one another. Each one is also easily accessible by the People Mover, which travels throughout downtown Detroit. If you get the chance to see a game, take the People Mover to the Detroit Riverfront and enjoy the promenade during the summer.
ADULTS ONLY ENTERTAINMENT
Casinos
Detroit is home to three casinos within the confines of the city: Motor City, MGM Grand, and Greektown. The casinos offer more than a great game of Blackjack. They also host plenty of live entertainment and shows. Each casino offers a four-star hotel so you can stay and play.
Baker’s Keyboard Lounge
Although Motown is the sound that “The D” is known for, its sound is rooted in the rich jazz history of the 1920s and 30s. Baker’s Keyboard Lounge, the world’s oldest jazz lounge, is reminiscent of that time period. Spend the evening tucked into its quaint atmosphere, complete with Art Deco design, and listen to local jazz artists. Partake in a delectable meal and let the smooth sound of jazz soothe your soul.
SHOPPING
Any trip to the Metro Detroit area would not be complete without a shopping excursion. A quick 25 minute trip from downtown will put you at the entrance of The Somerset Collection. Somerset is divided into two collections connected by a skywalk. The Somerset Collection North features three levels of pure shopping bliss all with an upscale flair. The Somerset Collection South houses high-end brands like Tori Burch, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton.
Finally, if you travel a bit further north, you will find Great Lakes Crossing, Michigan’s largest indoor outlet mall. It has over 185 stores and restaurants divided between nine “districts.” If you are shopping with children, Great Lakes Crossing has plenty of fun things for them to do: an indoor carousel, play area, Legoland, SeaLife Aquarium, Peppa Pig World of Play, and 25 auditorium movie theater. Plan to spend all day in the mall and dine at one of the many restaurants in the mall and end with a movie night.
You’ll never run out of things to do in the Motor City. If you’re in need of a quick weekend away or are wanting to vacation somewhere fresh and new, definitely check out the Best of Detroit!
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