When you think of Detroit a few things often come to mind. This is the birthplace of the automobile in the U.S. and it’s known as Motown.
Both of these facts are excellent reasons for you to visit this city and see what it has to offer. Although Detroit has been through some tough times over the past several decades, it is still full of life and fun things for you to do.
You Must Visit the Motown Museum
If you know anything about music history, you know that Detroit is a place where many groups found their sound, recorded their albums, and became famous. The Motown Museum is home to exhibits featuring the Temptations, Berry Gordy, and many other amazing artists and influential people in the music industry. You can see the Motown recording studio where many classic soul songs were recorded.
Visit the Fox Theatre
The Fox Theatre is a National Historic Landmark and is the largest surviving movie theater of the 1920s. This location dates back to 1928 and can see 5,000 people who can come and enjoy a show. This theater is open for tours and is still hosting live performances and movies regularly. Enjoy a bit of history and admire the beauty inside this amazing building.
Head Over to Belle Isle
Located in the Detroit River between Michigan and Ontario, BelleIsle is a state park and gives you a cool place where you can see two countries in one place. This island used to be a playground for the wealthy with a casino, zoo, and bandshell but it fell into disrepair during some of the harder times in Detroit. In 2014 it became a state park and it has been refurbished to be a great place to go.
Get Lost in the Detroit Public Library
The first location of this library was opened in 1865 but it moved to its current spot in 1921. The architecture of the building is amazing and the number of books is staggering. You can easily get lost as you admire the beauty of the décor and find a book you may not find at your local library at home. This building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Tour the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant
The only “Brass Era” auto assembly plant that is open to the public in Detroit is the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant. This is another location on the National Historic Landmark registry and it is worth a visit. You’re in the Motor City and should see where the Model T was being made. This plant began operation in 1904 and was the first factory owned by the Ford Motor Company.
Enjoy a Day at the Detroit Institute of Arts
One of the best art museums in the country can be found in Detroit. You’ll see amazing cultural pieces, art from around the world, and amazing exhibits that are offered for your enjoyment. This is one of the best places to visit when you’re in this city and want to experience the art that has become part of this amazing museum.
Tour the Henry Ford Museum
This museum is dedicated to the innovation that became the automobile and offers you an amazing tour back to see some of the vehicles that were created in the early years. Tour this massive museum and then head over to Greenfield Village, which is adjacent to this location and see the science and agricultural exhibits on display that Henry Ford collected during his lifetime.
Take a Ride on the People Mover
You might expect public transportation in the Motor City to be better than it is, but things are coming around as the infrastructure improves. The People Mover is pretty cool and something you should enjoy. This is an elevated light rail train that circles the downtown area with 13 different stations for you to get on and off at. The ride is affordable and easy to enjoy during your time in the Motor City.
Get Some Sweet Treats at the Morley Candy Factory
Morley Candy Makers are the people responsible for Sanders Candy. You can take a free factory tour and enjoy your time at this sweet place when you’re in this amazing city. There’s a 150-foot ling Observation Hallway to give you a view of the creation of many of the candies made here. Enjoy some free samples and finish off your visit with a sweet delight.
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