Summary
- The Rise, Fall & Renewal Walking Tour
- Corktown Is Popping! Small Group Walking Tour
- The D You Must See – Detroit Walking Tour with a Local
- Detroit Urban Exploration and Photography Tour
- Operation City Quest Scavenger Hunt
- Corktown Tour: Historic Landmarks, Local Haunts, and Pubs
- Private Explore Detroit Tour Guide
- Ski Bus to Mt Brighton from Detroit
- Holly Jolly Hunt
- Classic Ann Arbor By The Sidewalk Food Tour
Once known for its urban decline and hazardous reputation, Detroit has experienced a resurgence in recent years. Historic structures have been restored, contemporary attractions have been introduced, and deteriorating buildings have been converted into attractions of their own.
Detroit provides an excellent opportunity to understand the effects of post-industrialization on Middle America, and an ideal way to explore the city is through guided tours. These tours enable visitors to immerse themselves in the culture and distinctive character of Detroit with assistance from locals and tourism professionals.
Below are ten of the most noteworthy tours and experiences in and around Detroit.
1. The Rise, Fall & Renewal Walking Tour
Detroit is a city that has undergone numerous transformations; from its initial rise during the industrial age to a period of population decline, and into the present day where revitalization efforts are fostering improvement.
This tour comprehensively covers the extensive history of Detroit, showcasing the architecture and attractions that have both defined the city and been influenced by national economic trends.
Participants will explore enduring landmarks such as the Guardian Building, alongside abandoned residences and refurbished hotels, narrating the story of how the city has resiliently navigated through the decades.
This two-hour tour includes a complimentary drink at the Detroit Beer Company. Additionally, participants will enjoy a ride on the iconic People Mover.
2. Corktown Is Popping! Small Group Walking Tour
Corktown is renowned as the oldest neighborhood in Detroit, making it an excellent locale for exploring the city’s origins. Once primarily settled by Irish immigrants, Corktown retains much of its Irish essence through its architecture, pubs, and local attractions.
In recent years, diverse migrations have resulted in the area being revitalized with multicultural eateries and cafés, emerging as one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Detroit. This tour guides participants through Corktown, allowing them to experience some of the finest locales in the vicinity.
Explorers will visit the best pubs, Irish-themed attractions, and restored ruins across Corktown, revealing the area’s narrative as well as its significance within the city. A complimentary beverage is provided, along with a brief break for lunch. This tour lasts two hours.
3. The D You Must See – Detroit Walking Tour with a Local
Participating in walking tours is an excellent way to familiarize oneself with a new city upon arrival. While some visitors may be concerned about safety in certain areas of Detroit, this tour features a local guide who will showcase the best locations that will undoubtedly enhance your experience.
This comprehensive half-day tour traverses all major city landmarks—from the Guardian Building to Comerica Park. Participants will observe ruins, revitalized structures, and enduring sites throughout the city.
A complimentary snack is included; you may choose between local baklava in Greektown or a Coney Dog from Lafayette Coney Island. This tour serves as an exceptional introduction to the city, positioning you for the rest of your Detroit visit.
4. Detroit Urban Exploration and Photography Tour
The decline in population in Detroit has resulted in numerous suburbs being populated with deserted structures. While this presented an initial crisis for the city, many of these abandoned sites have now transformed into tourist attractions.
Urban exploration has increasingly gained popularity; it allows individuals to investigate abandoned buildings, providing insights into the architectural influences within the city and the effect humans have on urban environments.
This tour will lead you into the suburbs of Detroit with a knowledgeable local guide, who will assist you in safely exploring these abandoned locations.
These sites are ideal for photographers, offering a haunting atmosphere for distinctive photographs. The guide, being a professional photographer, will also offer valuable insights into photography techniques to help you maximize your camera’s potential.
This tour incorporates visits to abandoned schools, office buildings, and homes, delivering a unique perspective on life in Detroit. It is conducted in small groups to ensure a more personalized and intimate experience.
5. Operation City Quest Scavenger Hunt
Scavenger hunt tours provide a delightful method of discovering a new city, especially for groups or families. They introduce a competitive aspect to your exploration, ensuring that you enjoy yourself while becoming more acquainted with your environment.
This scavenger hunt organized by Operation City requires only a smartphone with their app. Participants need to locate up to 150 objects throughout a two-mile stretch in Central Detroit. The journey typically takes around two hours if completed continuously; however, you have the flexibility to pause and resume the hunt as desired to spend more time in specific areas.
While this scavenger hunt operates primarily through an app-guided route, it also includes an interactive guide who is available to provide hints whenever additional assistance is required.
6. Corktown Tour: Historic Landmarks, Local Haunts, and Pubs
This tour represents another exceptional opportunity to explore the Corktown area, ideal for budget-conscious travelers eager to discover a vibrant and distinctive segment of Detroit. Participants will enjoy various local snacks, including shawarma, bagels, and regional beers.
The program is thorough, delving deeply into the neighborhood’s Irish heritage and recent revitalization efforts. Participants will visit local breweries and whiskey distilleries to learn about Detroit’s brewing culture and its role in the renovation of larger city areas.
A small urban exploration component is included, allowing visits to the historic Michigan Central Railroad Station. This intimate tour is designed for small groups to enhance the overall experience.
7. Private Explore Detroit Tour Guide
For individuals visiting Detroit for a limited period and possessing a specific interest in the attractions they wish to explore, this option is particularly beneficial. You will receive five hours with a local tour guide who will assist you in tailoring your itinerary to offer the most enriching experience for your group.
The guide specializes in photography and urban exploration, making it an excellent means to engage in these activities as a private party rather than joining a larger tour group. Additionally, your guide will facilitate discovering other attractions in the city while providing insights into the best locations for dining and shopping.
Participants will receive professional photography guidance, and private transitory arrangements will be made between locations to ensure efficient and secure travel.
8. Ski Bus to Mt Brighton from Detroit
Located just an hour and a half from Detroit, Mt Brighton serves as a prominent ski destination during the winter months, attracting locals from throughout Michigan and nearby states. This service includes transportation from Central Detroit and Ann Arbor to the Mt Brighton ski resort.
If you are familiar with skiing or snowboarding, you can choose the transportation option, providing a straightforward and restful way to reach the slopes. For novices, the tour encompasses a brief lesson in either skiing or snowboarding, depending on your preference.
All equipment rentals are included in the cost, regardless of whether you elect to take lessons. There are an abundance of bars and restaurants in the vicinity to rejuvenate after your skiing session, along with return transportation provided.
9. Holly Jolly Hunt
For visitors during the holiday season, this scavenger hunt presents a festive-themed option. This activity is particularly appealing to families as it encourages children to seek out various Christmas decorations and items all over the city.
Moreover, special surprises included in the experience enhance the enjoyment for the entire group. This scavenger hunt can be undertaken in a competitive format, with participants earning points for each item discovered. The entire activity lasts approximately two hours when conducted continuously, with the option to pause and restart for more focused exploration at specific locations.
All items for the hunt are located within Downtown Detroit. To participate in this scavenger hunt, download the app onto your Apple or Android device and initiate it when ready to begin.
10. Classic Ann Arbor By The Sidewalk Food Tour
Ann Arbor is located within the Detroit Metropolitan Area, approximately an hour from the city center. This destination offers a respite from the busier Detroit metropolis, allowing visitors to engage with a more authentic Michigan lifestyle.
Ann Arbor boasts a dynamic culinary scene, featuring foods from around the globe in the Downtown and Kerrytown districts. This tour will guide participants to several of the top food vendors in the area, providing the opportunity to sample snacks from each vendor.
Additionally, participants are encouraged to engage with local chefs, gaining insights into the history and culture of Ann Arbor. This day trip from Detroit offers a splendid opportunity to explore the area’s attractions.
