It might be known for cars and Motown more than as a popular travel destination, but there are a lot of things to do in Detroit, and for that reason alone it should be on your radar. Once you know about all the cool things to do in Detroit, the city is going to end up being on your best places to visit list for next summer guaranteed.

The coolest things to do in Detroit Michigan

Michigan sits in the Great Lakes region between Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. (It is less than three hours from where we live in Canada and has often been a go-to destination for us) Detroit is Michigan’s largest city although it is not the capital of Michigan. (That title goes to Lansing.) Detroit Mi is known as the motor city, and rightly so as it is considered the car capital of the world. That’s thanks to the fact that the four major car founders decided to use Detroit as the hub of their operations in the first part of the 20th century.

While the city’s automobile roots remain strong, these days it is known for many other things. Everyone can enjoy food, art, museums and so much more when you visit the city of Detroit. Up next we’re going to tell you about 15 things to do in Detroit that are going to make you want to pack your bags right now.

1. Ride the People Mover

One of our favourite things to do when visiting Detroit is getting around on the People Mover. The 2.9-mile looped system has 13 stations, with automatic stops at popular downtown Detroit locations. It costs only .75 to ride and it took us to a lot of Detroit’s top attractions including the GM Renaissance Centre, Joe Louis Arena, the former home of the Detroit Red Wings, and Downtown. It’s a great way to get a lay of the land. Renting a bike is another great way to get around Detroit as well.

Where to Stay in Detroit

• The Marriott at the Renaissance Center is located directly on the People Mover making it a good central location. Located in one of the 7 towers of the Renaissance Centre, this is a great location in Detroit.
• Doubletree Suites by Hilton – We enjoyed our stay here in Fort Shelby, a historical district at the train station. The Fox Theatre and Detroit Opera House are nearby, and some of the area’s notable landmarks include Masonic Temple and Ambassador Bridge.

2. Motown Museum

Detroit is the birthplace of Motown and if you want to visit the best piece of Motown history, you need to check out the Motown Museum. This is one of the best things to do in Detroit, Michigan. The museum is housed in two houses, one of which belonged to an old resident that opened up the first Motown recording studio in the house.

Located in the original recording studio and headquarters, the two small houses that house the legacy of Motown may look ordinary from the outside. However, when you get inside you can feel the excitement of seeing where the legendary Motown artists like Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5 got their first break.

The Motown Museum, also known as Hitsville U.S.A. is dedicated to preserving the legacy of Motown Records and the artists who made it famous.

Motown Records was founded in Detroit in 1959 by Berry Gordy Jr. and quickly became one of the most successful and influential record labels in history. Motown’s roster of artists included legends like Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross and The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, and The Temptations.

The Motown Museum allows visitors to step inside the original recording studio where many of Motown’s most famous hits were recorded. Step inside the iconic Studio A and stand in the same spot where Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, and The Four Tops recorded their hits.

• Address: 2648 Berry Gordy Jr. Boulevard, 2648 W Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48208, United States

3. The Guardian Building

The Guardian Building is a historic skyscraper located in downtown Detroit. It was completed in 1929 and is widely regarded as one of the finest examples of Art Deco architecture in the United States.

Today, the Guardian Building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of the most popular places to visit in Detroit. It is still used as an office building, but visitors are welcome to admire the beautiful architecture and art in the building’s lobby and public spaces. Guided tours are also available for those who want to learn more about the history and design of the building.

The building was designed by the architectural firm of Wirt C. Rowland and was originally built to serve as the headquarters of the Guardian Life Insurance Company of America. The exterior of the building is adorned with beautiful, intricate details and colorful mosaics, while the interior features marble walls, ornate plasterwork, and beautiful murals.

The Guardian Building is sometimes referred to as the Cathedral of Finance due to its grandeur and opulence. The building has 36 floors and stands at a height of 151 meters (496 feet), making it one of the tallest buildings in Detroit.

• 500 Griswold St, Detroit, MI 48226

4. Corktown

Our favorite neighborhood to explore in Detroit is Corktown. This historic district is home to the historic Detroit Central Depot. It was lost in 1988 and was at risk of being torn down, but now this 18-story relic is getting a facelift thanks to Ford rebuilding the iconic central train station. It is a beautiful piece of architecture that deserves to remain intact.

When it comes to activities involving libations, Detroit can definitely pique your interest. Detroit is also known for its old-fashioned dive bars where you can go in for a pint and talk to the locals. Some of the bars play live music and also serve classic bar food. Slows Bar BQ is an award-winning BBQ that serves slow-cooked meats that will melt in your mouth as you dip each bit in your choice of five specialty sauces.

5. Fox Theatre

Once all the brewing and food are done, you might want to listen to some live music at one of those classic Detroit attractions. The city is the home of Motown so live music is in its blood.

Once you have enough of touring the factories, museums, and other city attractions, you may be in the mood to be entertained. If so, the Fox Theatre might be one of the things of interest. It is the perfect place to head to for a movie or a show. The Fox Theatre is considered a national historic landmark as it has been in use since the 1920s.

The theatre’s entertainment value is one thing, but it is also worth visiting for the architecture and spectacular interior alone. You’ll find Persian, Italian, and Moor inspiration throughout, making it a spectacular place to visit and soak in the decades of culture.

I was actually a little giddy when I first laid eyes on the Fox Theatre, it is one of five historic theaters built by movie producer William Fox (the other four being in Brooklyn, Atlanta, St. Louis, and San Francisco). It features live music but also live shows from Sesame Street to Riverdance

• 2211 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201

6. Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre

Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre in Chene Park is a hot spot for live music in the summer and with it being located just off the Detroit Riverwalk on the Detroit Riverfront, you can be sure there will be a lot going on.

But music is everywhere and when you walk into a classic venue, it’s like you stepped back in time. You don’t know whether the crooning is from the Detroit of today or the Detroit of old, all you know is you’re relaxed and you love it. You can check out the City of Detroit website to find out more about the entertainment attractions around the city.

• 2600 Atwater St, Detroit, MI 48207

7. Dequindre Cut

Dequindre Cut is something between a public art space and a public green space. This was part of a CN rail line before it was converted into a greenway close to the Eastern Market. These days you’ll see couples, families, and young people walking, running, and biking along Dequindre Cut.

The wonderfully unique thing about this 2-mile-long space is that the work of local graffiti artists is allowed to shine bright. The street art brings a rugged human aspect to the natural green space running from the Detroit River.

• Dequindre Cut Greenway, Detroit, MI 48207

8. Catch a Detroit Tigers Game at Comerica Park

Growing up, The Toronto Blue Jays had a real rivalry with the Detroit Tigers. So when we visited Detroit, it was pretty exciting to see the home of the baseball team even though the park I grew up with was Tiger Stadium. Comerica Park opened in 2000, and when you are in Detroit in the summer, you should check out America’s favorite pass time.

If you can’t catch a game, tours are offered of Comerica throughout the year.

• 2100 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201