There are so many things to do in Detroit, MI. If you’ve never been to the Motor City you’re in for a real treat! There are more fun and exciting things to do here than you can shake a crankshaft at all year round! From Belle Isle, the largest park in the U.S., to Detroit’s amazing theatre district, this city is full of activities! Bowling, restaurants, museums, and much more make this one city that never gets boring!
If you’re coming to work in Detroit and enjoy life, you’ll be able to do all three very nicely. The history, charm, and community-minded people here all make this city one of the best in the nation. Plus, if cars and music make you smile from ear to ear, Detroit will have you grinning a mile wide. So sit back, relax, and let’s take a look at some of the best things to do in Detroit!
Things to Do in Metro Detroit: Belle Isle Aquarium
It might be the oldest aquarium in the United States but the Belle Isle Aquarium is by no means outdated. It may well be the most beautiful aquarium in the country. Inside, the rare opalite glass tiles give the place an otherworldly green glow. As you walk through this incredible aquarium you’ll traverse the entire globe, with species from all points
See Some History: Motown Museum
Motown was the music that defined an era. Marvin Gaye. The Jackson 5. Diana Ross. The Supremes. Stevie Wonder. Smokey Robinson. Gladys Knight. The list goes on and on. If you’re a fan of Motown music and its legendary, soulful, sweet sound, the Motown Museum is a must-see! From 1957 through 1972 the museum was a recording studio where they made every Motown hit! It might be small but it makes up for it in the sheer weight of historical music it presents.
There wouldn’t be a Motor City without the great Henry Ford. The founder of Ford Motor Company, he was also the developer of the modern car assembly line. His amazing home in Dearborn is open to tours and makes a great way to spend half a day. You’ll see Ford’s man-made lake and it’s impressive hydropower station. (The estate made its power!) Ford was also a bit of a bird lover and there are over 500 birdhouses on his property! It’s an amazing testament to what one man, with the right mindset, can achieve.
See Some History: Henry Ford’s Home
There wouldn’t be a Motor City without the great Henry Ford. The founder of Ford Motor Company, he was also the developer of the modern car assembly line. His amazing home in Dearborn is open to tours and makes a great way to spend half a day. You’ll see Ford’s man-made lake and it’s impressive hydropower station. (The estate made its power!) Ford was also a bit of a bird lover and there are over 500 birdhouses on his property! It’s an amazing testament to what one man, with the right mindset, can achieve.
Get Some Culture: Institute of Arts
With one of the best art collections in the United States, the Detroit Institute of Arts is, in a word, phenomenal. You’ll find works here by Picasso and Van Gogh, as well as a huge collection of artwork from all over the world. From the earliest human cultures right up to today’s masters, you can see it all. The museum itself is also quite fascinating, making this a highly recommended day trip.
north, south, east, and west. We recommend coming as early as possible because you’ll want to stay and explore this amazing place all day long.
Where to Eat: Foodie Lovers Unite in Greektown!
If you haven’t heard, Detroit is quite the haven for foodies, with a food scene that gets better all the time. That’s nowhere more evident than in lovely Greektown. The number of amazing greek restaurants here is simply astounding, and the atmosphere is as exuberant as you might imagine. If Greek food is your fave, you’ll want to live close by so you can come over often! Plus, we recommend visiting at night, as Greektown comes alive and gets kicking after dark!
Things To See in Detroit: The Automotive Hall of Fame
You already know that Detroit is lovingly called the “Motor City”. If you want to see why a trip to the Automotive Hall of Fame is a must. Sitting right next to the Henry Ford Museum, the Automotive Hall of Fame opened it’s doors in 1939 and features the greats of automotive history. By the way, that includes the heavy hitters from the U.S. and from around the world. The Automotive HOF features over 800 men and women who made the automotive industry great. Not just car makers but racing, managing, advertising, design, engineering and so much more. It truly envelops the entire automotive industry and is, in a word, fascinating.
Things To See in Detroit: The Dabls’ MBAD African Bead Museum
With a wide range of pieces that date back hundreds of years, the Dabls’ MBAD African Bead Museum is quite fascinating. The museum itself is a cacophony of color and makes for a wonderful backdrop for selfies. It’s also quite large and takes up almost an entire city block with 18 outdoor installations. It was the brainchild of Olayami Dabls, an African storyteller for over 45 years. He wanted a space that would bring understanding and peace through this unique artwork. We would have to say that he succeeded very nicely, making this a must-see for people from all cultures.
Things To Do in Detroit: Antique Shop Till You Drop
Did you know that Detroit was a veritable paradise for antique lovers? We didn’t either, but take a look at the Detroit Antique Mall! Or you can head to the Detroit Mercantile Company as well as the Eastern Market. There you’ll find wall-to-wall antiques of all shapes, sizes, and colors, well as collectibles and memorabilia galore. When you think of things to do in Detroit, antiquing is right up there at the top of the list!
Things To See in Detroit: The Renaissance Center
Yes, all big cities, including Detroit, have their big, impressive skyscrapers. The Renaissance Center, however, stands above all of them for its design, appeal, and amazing presence. Made up of an astonishing 7 towers, including the 73-story Marriott Hotel, the center is truly a modern marvel. Today it’s called the GMRENCEN (which stands for General Motors Renaissance Center) and was the brainchild of Henry Ford. You might not be able to see everything (it’s simply too massive) but just standing in front is simply incredible. If you get a chance to see it from the water on a city tour we highly recommend it!
Things To See in Detroit: A Tigers Game
Founded over 120 years ago, the Detroit Tigers were one of the first 8 franchise teams in the American League’s Central Division. Playing from Comerica Park, this is a baseball team that simply drips in the history of America’s favorite pastime. From Ty Cobb to Hank Greenberg, Miguel Cabrera, Al Kaline, and more, some of baseball’s greats have been Tigers! In fact, they have a Museum of Baseball History in the park that’s open throughout the year! For the kids there’s even a Ferris wheel and carousel, making this a must-see for the entire family.
Free Things To Do in Detroit: Morley Candy Factory
If you love Sanders Candy then you’ll adore Morley Candy Makers. They’re the folks who make all of those delicious candies from Sanders and their free tours are delicious! One of the highlights is a 150-foot long observation hallway. There you can see the candies, chocolates, and other assorted sweets. Plus, if you’re a fan of free samples, they have plenty of them throughout to taste and enjoy.
Things To Do in Detroit: John K. King Used & Rare Books
Have you ever wanted to see what over a million books look like all gathered in one place? If yes, John K. King Used & Rare Books should be on your list of things to see! The four-story building is so massive and sprawling that, when you arrive, you get a map to get around! There are many extremely rare books here, to say the least. If you love reading the old fashioned way (without a computer) we suggest you plan to spend a day here.
Things To Do in Detroit: The Eastern Market
One of the best open-air markets in the country, the Eastern Market is a veritable tour of Historic Detroit. Open on the weekends only (and yes, even in winter) you’ll find more locally sourced produce, meats, sweets, and flowers here than you can imagine. The architecture here is a feast for the eyes as well, all from the late 19th and early-20th century. In winter there’s plenty to do inside if you need to get warm, including several restaurants. For fresh, local produce at excellent prices, there’s simply nothing better.
Things To Do & See in Detroit Brought To You By iStorage
While not one of the ‘must-see’ things to do in Detroit, we’d like to think that our customers still like coming here. That’s because iStorage offers safe, secure storage in well-lit, clean facilities. We’ve got 24/7 security cameras, on-site managers who are super friendly, and plenty of moving supplies too.
If you need a storage unit reserving one is super simple. Just fill out our online reservation application, choose the storage unit that fits best and you’re ready! You can store practically anything with us, from furniture to motorcycles, household goods, antiques, and much more. We even have spaces for classic cars, boats, and RVs (but do call ahead as those spaces rent quickly).
Many antique dealers use iStorage to store their inventory overflow, and car enthusiasts love us for storing their car parts. If you’re starting a business you can store your stock and building supplies too. Whatever you need, you can count on iStorage to help. We’re your storage solution here in the Motor City!