What are the best things to do on a vacation in Detroit?
The Detroit Institute of Arts houses one of the largest and most significant art collections in the United States, with over 65,000 works of art spanning 5,000 years of culture.
Its Diego Rivera mural, "Detroit Industry," is a 27-panel fresco that depicts the automotive industry and is considered one of the artist's masterpieces.
The Henry Ford Museum, located in the nearby city of Dearborn, is not just a museum about cars.
It showcases a vast array of American innovation and history, including the Rosa Parks bus, the chair Abraham Lincoln was assassinated in, and the limousine that President John F.
Kennedy was riding in when he was assassinated.
The Motown Museum, also known as "Hitsville U.S.A.," is the birthplace of the iconic Motown sound.
Visitors can tour the studio where legends like Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, and The Supremes recorded their hits, and experience the magic of this musical revolution.
Belle Isle Park, situated on a 987-acre island in the Detroit River, is a natural oasis within the city.
It features a stunning aquarium, a conservatory, a historic lighthouse, and numerous trails and recreational facilities, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
The Detroit Riverwalk, a 3.5-mile promenade along the Detroit River, offers stunning views of the city skyline and Canada.
It's a great place for walking, biking, or simply taking in the sights and sounds of the city.
The city's music legacy extends beyond Motown.
Detroit is also the birthplace of techno music, with artists like Juan Atkins, Derrick May, and Kevin Saunderson pioneering the genre in the 1980s and 1990s.
Visitors can experience the city's vibrant electronic music scene at various festivals and clubs.
The Heidelberg Project, located in the Outer Drive neighborhood, is an outdoor art environment created by artist Tyree Guyton.
The project uses discarded items, such as shoes, clocks, and household appliances, to create thought-provoking and visually striking installations that comment on urban decay and renewal.
Detroit's Midtown and Corktown neighborhoods have undergone significant revitalization in recent years, with the emergence of a thriving creative scene.
Visitors can explore local art galleries, boutiques, and a growing number of independent cafes and restaurants that showcase the city's entrepreneurial spirit.
The city's annual Detroit Jazz Festival, held over Labor Day weekend, is the world's largest free jazz festival.
Detroit's public transportation system, known as the QLINE, is a modern streetcar that runs along Woodward Avenue, connecting various neighborhoods and attractions.
It's a convenient way for visitors to explore the city without relying on personal vehicles.
The Detroit RiverWalk is not only a popular destination for walking and biking but also serves as a crucial flood mitigation system.
The RiverWalk's design incorporates advanced engineering techniques, such as permeable pavement and water-absorbing landscapes, to help manage stormwater runoff and reduce the risk of flooding in the city.
The Detroit Science Center, recently renamed the Michigan Science Center, is an interactive museum that showcases the wonders of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Visitors can engage in hands-on exhibits, attend live science shows, and explore the center's state-of-the-art planetarium.
The Detroit Zoo, located in the neighboring city of Royal Oak, is home to over 2,000 animals representing more than 230 species.
It features several notable exhibits, including the Arctic Ring of Life, which replicates the Arctic ecosystem, and the National Amphibian Conservation Center, dedicated to the conservation of frogs and other amphibians.
The Detroit Eastern Market, one of the largest historic public markets in the United States, has been operating since 1891.
It offers a vibrant and lively atmosphere, with local farmers, artisans, and food vendors selling a diverse range of fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts.
The city's architecture reflects its rich history and industrial past.
Landmarks like the Guardian Building, a stunning Art Deco skyscraper, and the Michigan Central Station, a former railroad terminal that has been abandoned for decades, showcase the city's architectural heritage and ongoing revitalization efforts.
Detroit is home to a thriving LGBTQ+ community, with a growing number of LGBTQ+-friendly restaurants, bars, and events.
The city's annual Pride festival, held in June, is a celebration of the community's diversity and resilience.
The Detroit Metro Airport, one of the busiest airports in the United States, is a major hub for Delta Air Lines.
It is known for its efficient operations, modern amenities, and convenient connections to destinations around the world, making it a popular gateway for visitors to the Detroit region.
The city's automotive history is not just limited to the past.
Detroit is currently at the forefront of the electric vehicle revolution, with companies like Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis (formerly Fiat Chrysler) investing heavily in the development and production of electric cars and trucks.
Detroit's urban agriculture movement has gained significant momentum in recent years, with community gardens, urban farms, and vertical farming initiatives transforming vacant lots and abandoned spaces into productive green spaces.
These initiatives not only provide fresh, locally grown produce but also contribute to the city's sustainability and community development efforts.