Tourist Attractions in Detroit
It may be cold outside, but there are plenty of Detroit attractions to take your mind off the ugly winter weather! From the arts and museums to casinos and sporting events, there’s something for everyone in Detroit to enjoy!
Being that Detroit is the most populous city in the state of Michigan, it makes sense that the city is chock full of attractions and events that appeal to a wide variety of interests.
Top Detroit Attractions
These are just a few of the many things to do in Detroit. Since it’s the winter season, we limited the attractions mainly to indoor-type of events so you can be sure you’re keeping warm while taking in some amazing sights.
- Henry Ford Museum: The Henry Ford Museum is truly unique, offering exhibits on everything from automotive history (obviously!) and displays of presidential limousines throughout the years, to aviation and and American innovators. The museum is open year round, seven days a day, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Detroit Institute of the Arts: Known as Detroit’s “cultural gem”, the museum is 658,000 square feet of more than 100 galleries, art reference library, auditorium and lecture hall and a state-of-the-art conservation service laboratory. Their collection of art is one of the top six in the country, featuring wide diversity of world artwork.
- Motown Museum: The Motown Museum was founded in 1985 by Esther Gordy Edwards, Motown Records’ former senior vice president and corporate secretary. It houses an extensive collection of Motown artifacts and memorabilia, and works to preserve the legacy of Motown Record Company by continuing to educate and motivate people.
- Detroit’s Eastern Market: The Eastern Market has been a staple in Detroit since 1891. Today, the market is filled with more than 250 vendors and merchants selling everything from fruits and veggies to flowers, maple syrup and locally produced specialty food products. The market is open every Saturday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., and from July through October is open on Tuesdays, as well.
- The Fox Theatre: The Fox Theatre is known as Detroit’s crown jewel, and hosts a wide variety of shows. Shows feature some of the biggest names in music, as well as Broadway plays and musicals, comedians and family events. It was designated a historic landmark in 1989.
- The Casinos- MGM Grand Detroit, Motor City Casino Hotel, Greektown: If you’re ready to test your luck at the slots or the tables, Detroit is your city to visit! Each of the casinos are adjacent to luxurious hotels and fabulous restaurants, so you can gamble until you’re ready to rest, relax in your room, and then get back at it!
- Detroit Historical Museum: The Detroit Historical Museum has been chronicling the life and times of the Detroit region for 83 years. Featuring permanent Signature Exhibitions like the Streets of Old Detroit and the Kid Rock Music Lab as well as changing exhibits, which rotate every three months.
- The North American International Auto Show: Don’t miss the biggest event in Detroit this January! With more than 750 vehicles on display and an anticipated 800,000 visitors from the U.S. and Canada, Detroit’s premier international automotive event is once again among the most prestigious auto shows in the world. The Auto Show started on Saturday the 17th and runs through the 25th, so be sure to get there this week!
These attractions are just a few that Detroit has to offer! If you’re looking for a way to escape the winter blues and get out of the house for the day, hop in the car and head to downtown Detroit.