You may not be thinking about Detroit, Michigan as a travel destination, but you may change your mind after reading this article.

Yes, it’s true Detroit has seen some bad times. However, the city has been on a steady course of recovery for several years now. And now, Detroit is more appealing than ever.

Detroit serves as one of the largest economic centers in the US and is home to a number of high-profile businesses, corporations, and venues.

Yes, the home of Motown Records has been named as one of the top travel destinations in the country.

Detroit is listed as #8 on “America’s Coolest Cities” by Forbes Magazine and has been named as one of the top five up-and-coming vacation destinations by Frommer’s.

If you’ve never considered Detroit to be a city for tourism, this article should make it clear that there are many great reasons to visit the “Motor City.”

History

First of all, the city has a ton of history.

Detroit was founded by French explorer Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac who led an expedition into what is now Michigan from southern Ontario, Canada during 1701, the same year that Detroit was christened as a town.

In 1745, a French settlement replaced the mostly abandoned Fort Detroit along the banks of the River Détroit. At this time, it was the only civilized European settlement in Michigan.

Early history can be explored at several monuments and historical landmarks including The Spirit of Detroit, Old City Hall, Firehouse Engine No. 3, Dearborn Historical Museum, Fort Wayne, and many others.

The city’s history is so deep that it has its own Metro Detroit Area Historical Society with dozens of collections spanning history from prehistoric times to the present day.

History buffs visiting Detroit should not miss out on a tour at the Detroit Historical Museum located downtown near Campus Martius Park.

Architecture

Detroit is known for its countless examples of Art Deco architecture.

Early skyscrapers built in Detroit during the 1920s were part of a movement towards “modern” architecture with simple bold lines, often marked by rich color and ornamentation.

Many buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places including The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant which was Henry Ford’s first automobile factory.

Other notable Art Deco landmarks include 20-30 City Apartments, Lee Plaza Hotel, Guardian Building, Fisher Building, Penobscot Building, Fort Shelby Hotel, David Stott Building, Chrysler House, Faygo Headquarters Building—all located within downtown Detroit. 

Despite what you may have heard about Detroit being destroyed by environmental factors, arsonists, and civil unrest, the city’s Art Deco District has been listed as a National Historic Landmark.

In fact, Detroit has one of the largest collections of late 19th and 20th-century architecture in the US including Greek Revival, Neoclassical, Victorian, Romanesque Revival—about 1,300 buildings that contribute to a diverse architectural history preserved within a 42-square block area on The National Register of Historic Places.

Detroit is also home to several historic districts such as Palmer Woods which was built by auto baron Alexander Wilcom Palmer between 1908 and 1922. 

Elsewhere downtown is Lafayette Park which was designed by Mies Van der Rohe after being commissioned by Edsel Ford for whom it was originally built.

It is one of the first Modernist suburban planned communities in the US and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2002.

Other historic districts include Boston Edison, Woodbridge, District Detroit, Islandview, Rosedale Park, North West Goldberg, Grandmont-Rosedale—about 25 others within city limits.

In addition to the architecture available throughout Detroit Michigan, there are several notable structures that can be found surrounding the metropolitan area including Ford Auditorium (Detroit) at Wayne State University which was designed by Paul Philippe Cret as a companion piece to his work on The William Jefferson Clinton Federal Building located in Little Rock Arkansas (see below).  

Attractions

A quick glance over the city’s list of attractions will reveal a vast array of venues, homes, and historic landmarks designed to draw visitors in.

You’ll enjoy visiting Comerica Park, The Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village, The Motown Historical Museum, Belle Isle Park, Hart Plaza, Cobo Hall Convention Center, Joe Louis Arena, Campus Martius Park, Greektown Historic District, Corktown Historic District.

Naturally, there are many great attractions for nature enthusiasts as well including Palmer Park Preserve – Leslie Science & Nature Center and Bloomfield Township Parks and Rec Recreation Division.

Dining

Detroit is famous for its food.

You will find great eats all over the city, but the downtown dining district is especially notable.

Greektown Historic District, Corktown Historic District, Eastern Market, and Midtown Detroit are just some of the city’s best neighborhoods for good eats.

Altai Mongolian Grill & Bar, Big City Chicken & More Ghetto Burger Shack are just a few of the great names you’ll recognize on your way around town.

In addition, destinations such as the DIA – Detroit Institute of Arts and The Whitney have some great options for a meal or snack.

Nightlife

As far as nightlife goes, you will find many pubs, bars, and lounges to enjoy in this city.

Some of the most popular spots like the Peacock Room at The Atheneum Hotel, Bert’s Market & Grille, Cork Wine Bar & Bistro at Regent Street Retreat are just a taste of what downtown has to offer.

Of course, there are many more options if you want to venture outside of downtown.

Detroit is home to one of the nation’s most famous casinos.

You will find great nightlife at local hot spots like The MotorCity Casino Hotel, MGM Grand Detroit Casino, Greektown Casino Hotel, and the newest addition – Little Ceasar’s Arena (home of the Red Wings).

Art

Detroit is one of the nation’s premier places for art.

The Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit highlights large-scale installations by local, national, and international artists in a 7,000 square foot converted warehouse.

Elsewhere The Detroit Institute of Arts features more than 100 galleries housing both permanent and rotating exhibits to explore including American Art Collection – Highlights, European Masterpieces: 1400-1900, Photography Collection – Highlights 1845 to Present Day.

The city has many other prominent institutions dedicated to the preservation of cultural artifacts including Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History which was established in 1965 thanks to civil rights activist Dr. Charles Wright who used his house as a gathering place for Detroiters seeking inspiration after the assassination of Rev Martin Luther King Jr.

Tours

You can discover all of this and more with a guided tour.

There are several options that will take you around the city and out into the suburbs for some great insight into Detroit’s most notable attractions.

   Detroit is known as one of the nation’s premier cities for urban exploration thanks in large part to its derelict buildings. 

You can go on your own or join up with a group like URBEX – Urban Exploration.

Expeditions leave from The Detroit Foundation Hotel, which is also home of the newly established URBEX – Detroit Urban Exploration Experience.

Getting there

Eleven international airports serve the city including Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) located in nearby Romulus covering 2,000 acres with six runways and one on-site hotel for travelers looking to stay close by before leaving or arriving in the city.  

The largest airport is the Detroit Metro Airport (DTT) offering flights from all over North America as well as Europe & Asia serving over 35 million passengers a year.   

Wrapping Up

Detroit is one of the nation’s premier cities with something for nearly every traveler.

With its combination of great neighborhoods, museums, restaurants, bars, sports & entertainment venues – you will find yourself in awe time and again when exploring Detroit.        …