Top 25 Things to Do in Detroit: Unmissable Attractions & Activities

Immerse yourself in America's rich history at the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Detroit! Be inspired by the impressive collection of iconic vehicles, planes and trains that demonstrate the genius of American engineering. A must-see is Rosa Parks' real bus, which sparked the Civil Rights Movement. Also visit the adjacent Greenfield Village, an experience that transports you to the 19th century where you can explore historic buildings and ride in a Model T Ford. It's a once-in-a-lifetime cultural adventure!

A visit to Comerica Park in Detroit is a must for sports enthusiasts and families alike! Known as the home of the Detroit Tigers, this modern ball park offers more than just baseball: it features a stunning 50-foot Ferris wheel, a colossal water feature, and a carousel with hand-carved creatures. The area surrounding the park, the "District Detroit," offers fantastic restaurants, lively bars, and the world-class Fillmore Detroit concert venue - an unforgettable experience for all! Don't miss the "Walk of Fame," which highlights Detroit's rich baseball history.

A visit to the Detroit Zoo is an absolute must for anyone looking for a fun and exciting animal experience! With over 2,000 animals and 125 acres of space, the zoo offers a truly diverse selection of species, habitats and exciting exhibits. Don't miss the enchanting Polk Penguin Conservation Center, where you can watch penguins swim and play up close. Step away from the zoo and take in the serene beauty of Lake St. Clair, just a short drive away. Adventures await you at the Detroit Zoo!

A must-see in Detroit, Belle Isle Park offers a unique blend of natural beauty, recreational activities and impressive cultural attractions. On the more than 980-acre grounds, admire the breathtaking views from the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory or marvel at the historic James Scott Memorial Fountain. Don't miss the Belle Isle Aquarium, the oldest aquarium in the country, which houses a remarkable collection of aquatic animals. Just a short drive away is the vibrant Eastern Market, an ideal place to discover local produce, street art and live music!

The Little Caesars Arena in Detroit is a must-see for sports and music fans. It is a state-of-the-art venue for the exciting games of the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Pistons. Marvel at the stunning architecture of this state-of-the-art arena, which features an incredible street-level concourse with local restaurants and a huge high-definition video screen. The surrounding District Detroit is the perfect hotspot for an unforgettable Detroit experience with its many restaurants, entertainment venues and nightlife.

A visit to the Detroit Institute of Arts is a must for art and history buffs alike! This world-famous museum has a collection of more than 65,000 masterpieces, including Diego Rivera's iconic murals of Detroit industry. Wander the halls and admire works by Van Gogh, Rembrandt and Matisse. Just a short walk away is the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, which offers a unique and in-depth look at African American history.

Campus Martius Park is an urban oasis in the heart of Detroit that you must visit. It offers beautiful green spaces, a vibrant social scene, and year-round events. Enjoy live music, outdoor dining and food truck rallies in the summer, or lace up your skates at the scenic ice rink in the winter. Just a short walk away, you'll find bustling Woodward Avenue and the thriving retail corridor, including the famous Shinola store. Don't miss the cozy beach area with sand and lounge chairs - a unique city experience!

A visit to Matthaei Botanical Gardens is a must for nature lovers exploring Detroit! This lush sanctuary features a gorgeous variety of plants, shimmering ponds, and scenic trails that make it a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. Take a stroll through the impressive conservatory, which features cacti, carnivorous plants, and a fascinating bonsai collection.

A visit to Hart Plaza is an absolute must for any Detroit visit! This dynamic riverfront plaza offers mesmerizing views of the Detroit River and Windsor, Canada. Hart Plaza hosts numerous festivals, concerts, and cultural events throughout the year, and the Horace E. Dodge and Son Memorial Fountain and intriguing sculptures captivate visitors. Just steps away is the Dequindre Cut Greenway, with vibrant street art and scenic trails for walking or biking. Don't miss this lively place in the heart of Detroit!

Discover the University of Michigan's enchanting Nichols Arboretum, a hidden gem in Detroit. Stroll through 123 acres of diverse flora and stunning landscapes. Explore the enchanting trails, idyllic peony garden and scenic Huron River and come to rest. Experience unforgettable moments amid the colorful foliage or by the thought-provoking sculptures. Relax with a picnic or an outdoor theater performance at Shakespeare in the Arb. Nearby Matthaei Botanical Gardens offers a fascinating addition to your nature experience.

Discover the birthplace of the legendary Motown sound at the Motown Museum! Follow in the footsteps of music legends like Stevie Wonder, The Supremes and Marvin Gaye as you walk through Studio A where they recorded their hits. Take a peek inside the restored control room and listen to never-before-heard recordings. Just around the corner, make a pit stop at Northern Lights Lounge for authentic Detroit food and live music. Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in music history!

Unleash your inner history buff and explore Detroit's captivating Greenfield Village! Travel back in time through 300 years of American history and see authentically restored homes, farms and charming stores. Delight in re-enactments and demonstrations by costumed experts as you ride in style in antique vehicles or steam-powered trains. This village, designed by Henry Ford himself, is truly one of a kind! Don't miss the nearby Henry Ford Museum with its fascinating automotive and industrial exhibits.

Get ready to explore Michigan's hidden gem, Maybury State Park, a scenic natural oasis in the middle of Detroit's urban landscape! Relax amid 1,000 acres of picturesque forests, rolling meadows and enchanting trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Breathe in the scent of enchanting wildflowers and observe local wildlife. Be sure to visit the farm for a glimpse into the history of agriculture. Don't miss the quaint neighboring town of Northville, with its charm and pretty downtown for shopping and dining!

A trip to Detroit wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant Museum, where the legendary Model T was born! At this historic gem of the Motor City, you can travel back in time to the early days of automobile manufacturing. Gain exclusive insight into the development of Ford's groundbreaking cars. And guess what? Just a few blocks away is Milwaukee Junction, a neighborhood filled with industrial history and whimsical street art - perfect for combining nostalgia with vibrant urban aesthetics!

A visit to the iconic Guardian Building in Detroit is a must for architecture and history lovers. Marvel at the stunning mix of Art Deco and Aztec-inspired design elements as you explore this National Historic Landmark. In the majestic lobby, admire the intricate tiles crafted by Pewabic Pottery, a local treasure. After exploring the Guardian Building, take a short walk to nearby Campus Martius Park and the Detroit Riverfront for more fascinating sights and experiences.

Immerse yourself in the world of aquatic wonders at Belle Isle Aquarium, Detroit's hidden gem since 1904! Marvel at the magnificent vaulted ceiling, modeled after a seashell, and discover over 1,000 fascinating marine species. As America's oldest freestanding aquarium, it houses a rare collection of fish, including the vibrant electric eel and lively discus fish. Afterward, stroll through the adjacent Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory and take in the enchanting botany!

Immerse yourself in Detroit's iconic The Heidelberg Project, a captivating outdoor art project that transforms a previously forgotten street into a vibrant, living canvas. Be inspired by artist Tyree Guyton's remarkable fusion of everyday objects, found materials and powerful messages. Become part of this unconventional self-expression and make your own artistic contribution. Just a stone's throw away is the quirky and soulful Eastern Market, a vibrant center for food, art and culture.

Experience the rich history of the Motor City at the Detroit Historical Museum! Step back in time and experience Detroit's fascinating journey from cobblestone streets to innovative industries to the birthplace of Motown. Don't miss the Streets of Old Detroit exhibit, which will transport you to a bygone era. Also visit the nearby Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History to learn more about the city's vibrant cultural heritage.

Discover the urban oasis of William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor, where Detroit meets nature. This waterfront gem offers stunning views of the city skyline, a scenic boardwalk and lush wetlands. Whether you're interested in wildlife, looking for recreation, or just want to take a quiet stroll, this park won't disappoint.

Proud Lake Recreation Area is a must-see for nature lovers exploring Detroit. This picturesque 4,700-acre park offers an idyllic setting for hiking, fishing, canoeing and photography with its tranquil lakes, stunning trails and lush forests. Experience the recreational opportunities of the Wildlife Demonstration Area, including the impressive Boardwalk. Nearby is the Huron Valley Trail for biking and wildlife viewing. Visit in the fall to experience the spectacular fall foliage that will take your breath away!

A visit to the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit is a must for history buffs and curious travelers alike! The world's largest institution dedicated to African American culture houses over 35,000 artifacts and offers a wealth of educational and thought-provoking exhibits. Be sure to visit the And Still We Rise exhibit, which showcases community resilience. Afterward, take a walk to the nearby Detroit Institute of Arts for more culture.

Located on the Detroit River, Bishop Park offers breathtaking views of the water and Canada. With its serene walking paths, scenic fishing pier, and playgrounds for kids, it's the perfect place for families who love spending time together. Don't miss the Wyandotte Street Art Fair, held each July and featuring vibrant art, music, and delicious local food. Just a short drive away, you can admire the famous Fort Wayne, a historic military installation from the 1800s.

The Masonic Temple in Detroit is a must-see architectural gem. It has more than 1,000 rooms with stunning ornamentation and historical significance. As the largest Masonic Temple in the world, it has hosted numerous concerts, performances and events in its legendary theater. This iconic landmark also houses secret passages and hidden staircases that add to its mystique. Nearby, you can enjoy authentic Detroit-style pizza at Supino Pizzeria at Eastern Market or catch a sports game at Little Caesars Arena, just a short walk away!

A visit to the iconic GM Renaissance Center (GMRenCen) is an absolute must in Detroit! This impressive complex serves as a symbol of the city's rebirth and offers breathtaking views of Detroit and Windsor, Canada. Inside the building, you'll find plenty of restaurants and shopping, including the Detroit-focused Pure Detroit store. Walking along the scenic riverfront, you can easily access the beautiful William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor, which offer a perfect blend of modern architecture and nature experience.

Coventry Gardens is a must-see Detroit gem that offers a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. Stroll along beautifully landscaped pathways, admire the vibrant colors of the carefully tended flower beds, and enjoy a moment of tranquility by the peaceful water. For those with a green thumb, the expertly selected plant species offer plenty of inspiration. Nearby, you can visit Belle Isle Park and the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory for a full day of botanical delights!