Top Things to Do in Detroit

It’s the mega Institute of Arts and the Henry Ford Museum, where the car magnate stockpiled his amazing cultural relics that usually grab the headlines for Detroit visitors. While they are worthy must-sees, there’s so much more to explore when you arrive: cycling routes, time-capsule jazz clubs, Black history sights, brilliant bakeries, and street art galore. Here are 18 top things to do in the Motor City.

Mosey around Eastern Market

Detroiters of all types gather every Saturday at Eastern Market to hobnob in the big brick halls overflowing with fruits, veggies, cheeses, pies, and more from-the-farm fare – a tradition that has been going on here since 1891. Graze through the bounty, and then check out the murals splashed across the area’s warehouses. Eastern Market is renowned for street art, featuring over 100 cool works on walls. Smaller markets add to the action on Tuesdays and Sundays in summer.

Feast your eyes on world-class art

The sprawling Detroit Institute of Arts is a great place to become immersed in culture for an afternoon. Start by stepping into the sky-lit hall where Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry surrounds you on 27 panels. His artwork captures the city’s blue-collar labor history in vivid color. The museum also houses Caravaggios, Picassos, puppets, and a celebrated collection of modern African American art across its 100-plus galleries.

Bebop through the jazz clubs

Detroit’s jazz scene has been vibrant since the 1920s. Baker’s Keyboard Lounge has been open from the start, welcoming legends like Louis Armstrong and John Coltrane. Settle in at the piano-key-shaped bar to soak in the ambiance. Cliff Bell’s transports you to jazz’s golden age. For the latest jazz happenings, check local resources like Metro Times.

Pedal along the Riverwalk and Dequindre Cut

The 3-mile Riverwalk winds along the Detroit River downtown, with the 1.5-mile Dequindre Cut Greenway intersecting it and heading north to Eastern Market. These flat paths are ideal for cycling, allowing you to glide past parks, boats, artistic sculptures, fountains, and colorful murals. Renting bicycles is easy from Wheelhouse Detroit or the MoGo bike share program.

Take a tour

Options abound for guided excursions. Preservation Detroit conducts architecture tours, while RiDetroit offers electric bicycle tours focusing on murals and revitalization. The Detroit Experience Factory offers various tours including those highlighting Black-owned businesses and the city’s music history. Wheelhouse Detroit leads bike tours centered on public art, auto heritage, and urban agriculture.

Escape to Belle Isle

Belle Isle is just a stone’s throw from downtown, yet it feels miles away. Cross the MacArthur Bridge to embrace 2.5 miles of wooded parkland, where you can meander past lagoons and enjoy nature’s serenity on the trails. Relax on the beach or explore the lush conservatory and aquarium.

Get dotty at the Heidelberg Project

Houses adorned with wild polka dots, stacked dolls in yards, and hand-drawn faces on sidewalks create an extraordinary scene at the Heidelberg Project. This ever-changing, multi-block arts project by artist Tyree Guyton aims to beautify his community and has captivated visitors since 1986.

Immerse in the street art scene

The entire city serves as a canvas. The Heidelberg Project, Dequindre Cut, and Eastern Market are among the most notable sights, but numerous other murals abound. Visit the Grand River Creative Corridor, showcasing 100 murals, and the African Bead Museum with its dazzling installations. Near downtown, The Belt offers hidden murals and doors leading to cocktail bars.

Gather with locals at Campus Martius

Located in downtown Detroit, Campus Martius serves as the city’s public square. In summer, it hosts free concerts and movie nights, while in winter, it transforms into a popular ice skating rink. Year-round, locals frequent the area to relax, eat, drink, read, and socialize at the plaza’s tables.

Burst your brain on Americana at the Henry Ford Museum

A visit to the Henry Ford Museum provides insight into American history through the eyes of an industrialist. Witness iconic artifacts, including the chair Abraham Lincoln sat in when he was assassinated and the bus where Rosa Parks made her stand. During warmer months, outdoor Greenfield Village enhances the experience with restored historical buildings. Note that the museum is located in Dearborn, which is adjacent to Detroit.

Explore the Avenue of Fashion

A historic mile-long stretch of Livernois Avenue in northwest Detroit, the Avenue of Fashion thrived in the 1950s, ‘60s, and ‘70s, and is enjoying a resurgence. Today, it boasts a vibrant collection of Black-owned art galleries, clothing boutiques, bakeries, breweries, and eateries serving chicken and waffles. Explore, dine, and then enjoy live jazz at Baker’s Keyboard Lounge.

Munch exquisite treats at Sister Pie

Recognized by the James Beard Foundation as one of America’s finest bakeries, Sister Pie offers an array of mouthwatering pies, including chocolate chess, salted maple, and ginger peach. Located in an unpretentious storefront, the delightful aroma of freshly baked goods fills the air, inviting you to savor their delectable creations.

Mingle with artists at the Scarab Club

The Scarab Club, located just behind the Detroit Institute of Arts, has been a creative hub for nearly a century. This historic building has hosted iconic artists like Diego Rivera and Norman Rockwell. Visitors can roam through its magnificent space, often featuring excellent free art exhibitions.

Gape at the Art Deco architecture

Massive Art Deco skyscrapers rise around Detroit, reflecting the city’s prominence in the early 20th century. Renowned structures like the gleaming marble Fisher Building and the cathedral-like Guardian Building stun with their intricate mosaics and ornate facades. Explore these magnificent buildings on your own or check if Pure Detroit has resumed its free tours.

Hop aboard the People Mover

The People Mover is Detroit’s retro monorail looping around downtown. Though it isn’t the most practical form of public transportation, it offers superb views of skyscrapers and the riverfront, all from a height of 45 feet above street level. A complete loop takes just 16 minutes and costs only 75 cents.

Hear the hits at the Motown Museum

Famous artists like Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Michael Jackson began their careers at Motown Records, which was based in a row of modest houses north of downtown. These essentials now form the Motown Museum. Guided tours provide an insightful dive into the studios, explaining the company’s distinct sound. Unfortunately, the museum is currently closed until summer 2022 for expansion.

Reflect on African American history at the Wright Museum

The Wright Museum of African American History, the second-largest museum of its kind globally, contains over 35,000 artifacts that illuminate the triumphs and tribulations of the African American experience. Visitors can engage with a slave ship replica, hear stories of the Underground Railroad, and view Rosa Parks’ letters detailing her experiences with discrimination. The museum also hosts significant special exhibitions.

Delve into the stacks at John King Books

Bibliophiles will adore John K King Used & Rare Books, a four-story haven where dusty tomes fill every nook and cranny. Browsing here is an adventure, showcasing books on topics from circus arts to cooking and pets, ensuring there’s something for all interests.