You could spend weeks exploring ever-changing Detroit, with its quirky independent shops, edgy galleries, and jazz clubs. However, if you want to motor out of the Motor City for a while, there’s plenty more to discover in the vicinity.
Moreover, beyond the urban buzz, you’ll find charming small towns that move at a satisfyingly slow pace, along with national parks filled with wildlife. The Michigan city’s northerly location means you can easily hop over the border to Canada too. Whether you’re an art lover, a beer enthusiast, or a family seeking adventure, here are five of our favorite day trips from Detroit.
Learn about US innovation in Dearborn, Michigan
A stone’s throw from Detroit, Dearborn is home to the Henry Ford Museum, one of the finest in the country. The complex resembles a mini town rather than a traditional museum, allowing you to easily spend a whole day here – or even two. Its focus is on American innovation and culture, featuring artifacts such as the rocking chair Abraham Lincoln was sitting in when he was assassinated, the limo in which John F. Kennedy was killed, and the bus on which Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat.
The adjacent Greenfield Village comprises historic buildings shipped in from all over the country, including Thomas Edison’s laboratory from Menlo Park and the Wright Brothers’ airplane workshop.
A trip to the Henry Ford Museum is bound to work up an appetite, and Dearborn is a hub for Middle Eastern cuisine. Make time to feast on stuffed grape leaves, baba ghanoush, and shawarma at the laid-back Al Ameer Restaurant.
How to get to Dearborn
Dearborn is about 13 miles from the center of Detroit, making for a 20-minute drive. Alternatively, you can take a SMART bus from Downtown to the Dearborn Transit Center – the journey takes about 40 minutes, followed by a 20-minute walk from the bus station.
Plan an artsy escape in Ann Arbor, Michigan
Liberal and intellectual, Ann Arbor is home to the University of Michigan, giving this small city a vibrant, artistic atmosphere. You’ll discover first-rate galleries, including the University of Michigan Museum of Art, which holds works by renowned artists like Picasso and Andy Warhol. Each July, hundreds flock to the city for the free Ann Arbor Art Fair, featuring numerous tents displaying paintings, prints, photography, and sculptures.
The strollable downtown area is filled with bookstores, brewpubs, and fair-trade coffee shops. Although it shares space with many upscale farm-to-table restaurants, the legendary Zingerman’s Delicatessen remains the top choice for lunch, famous for its hearty sandwiches made with plenty of house-made ingredients.
How to get to Ann Arbor
Amtrak trains from Detroit connect to Ann Arbor three times daily, with the journey taking just under an hour. If you’d prefer to drive, it will take approximately 45 minutes.
Discover a bounty of birdlife in Point Pelee National Park, Ontario, Canada
A city break in Detroit puts you within close proximity to Canada, making it a great opportunity for a road trip across the border. Southeast of the city, on a peninsula extending into Lake Erie, compact Point Pelee National Park is a haven for birdwatchers.
This park is home to over 390 bird species that vary seasonally. Colorful songbirds return in spring, attracting visitors eager to see them during the renowned Festival of Birds. Popular activities in the park include trekking, biking, and kayaking, as you explore marshlands, forests, and sandy beaches. Additionally, it serves as a Dark Sky Preserve; therefore, check the park website for evening events before making your way back to Detroit.
How to get to Point Pelee National Park
The drive from Detroit to Point Pelee National Park is approximately 40 miles and takes just over an hour. Don’t forget to bring your passport for border control.
Soak up some craft beer in Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids has gained fame as “Beer City USA” due to its exceptional craft brews. Beer connoisseurs can navigate the Beer City Ale Trail, showcasing over 80 breweries, many of which offer tours, taprooms, and tastings. Founders Brewing Co is among the largest and most popular, with its All Day IPA becoming a national sensation – the taproom also features regular live music and has a location in Detroit.
A thriving food scene surrounds the beer-makers as well. Brass Ring Brewing specializes in small-batch ales and serves tasty bites, including an updated take on comfort-food classics like beer cheese paired with the house’s Golden Ticket Ale. Additionally, Sovengard garners praise for its seasonal Scandinavian-inspired menu and chic atmosphere.
How to get to Grand Rapids
It’s a little over two hours by car from Detroit to Grand Rapids. Along the way, consider stopping in Lansing, Michigan’s historic state capital, to explore the contemporary Broad Art Museum. Although a bus route operates between the cities, travel time exceeds double that of driving.
Get a dose of German heritage in Frankenmuth, Michigan
This charming town resembles a slice of Germany’s Bavaria nestled in east-central Michigan. Established by Lutheran immigrants from Germany’s Franconia region in the mid-19th century, the town’s culture remains vibrant, highlighted by half-timbered buildings and cozy restaurants serving authentic German cuisine. Visit the Frankenmuth Historical Museum, located in a former hotel, to delve into the area’s Bavarian heritage.
Here, hearty food and abundant beer await. The annual Oktoberfest is a much-anticipated highlight, and the town is renowned for its family-style fried chicken dinners. Be sure to enjoy a meal at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant or Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth for a truly delightful experience.
How to get to Frankenmuth
Frankenmuth is located a little less than 100 miles from Detroit, with a drive time of about 90 minutes. While public transport options are limited, consider extending your trip by staying overnight at the inviting Bavarian Inn Lodge.
This article was first published Sep 3, 2020, and updated Dec 25, 2021.
