Detroit: Well Worth a Visit
When people travel throughout the U.S.A., one city that is often overlooked on an itinerary is Detroit. Although the media has wrongfully done a lot the destroy the reputation of Detroit, the city has a lot to offer and truly merits a closer look. Hopefully the sites listed below will entice one to spend a day or more in this great American city.
Standing high in the Detroit skyline is the iconic Renaissance Center-the location of the corporate headquarters of GM. This building is well worth exploring. Elevators rush one to the 72nd floor in about a minute where one can take in the best views in town.
A view of Windsor, Ontario, Canada from the Renaissance Center.
Greek Town-home to some of the best Greek food in Detroit.
Trappers’ Alley now part of the Greektown Casino complex.
Hotel-Casinos in Detroit
Old St. Mary’s Church in Greektown, a Detroit gem.
Solanus Casey Center-home of Detroit’s own, future saint.
The center walks guests through his life and details the many miracles he performed.
The tomb of The Venerable Solanus Casey
Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament-seat of the archbishop of the Detroit Archdiocese.
Detroit River Princess offers dinner and lunch cruises throughout the warmer months.
A fun way to spend a summer afternoon is aboard the Diamond Jack’s River Cruises.
Belle Isle and Scott Fountain
Eastern Market is a great way to spend a Sunday morning strolling, browsing, shopping and eating.
The Detroit Institue of Arts is considered one of the top ten art museums in the nation. Not to be missed.
One of the Diego Rivera murals.
One cannot visit Detroit and not stop at The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village. Henry Ford documented the development of many products. Here one can see Edison’s lab, the car in which Kennedy was assassinated, locomotives, and a courtroom where Lincoln practiced law. The first voice recording ever made by Thomas Edison is also one of the highlights.
Other noteworthy museums are:
Charles H. Wright African-Amercian History Museum
And my personal favorite, The Motown Museum. Experience Berry Gordy’s recording studio where the Motown Sound was born.
People Mover Station-note the Arabic script-Detroit is home to the largest Arabic population outside the Middle East with over 400,000 inhabitants.
Detroit’s playground is Campus Martius Park. In the summer, it’s a great hangout for concerts and movies and in the winter it hosts the city’s Christmas tree and becomes an ice rink.
Riverwalk is Detroit’s park on the river. There is a carousel, running path, and a splash fountain.
The Auto Baron mansions give an insight to the lives of Detroit’s industrialists.
The Fisher Mansion located at 383 Lenox St., Detroit, MI 48215.
Detriot has many ethnic neighborhoods. Among them are: Pole Town (Hamtramck), Mexican Town, Cork Town, and Arab Town (Dearborn). Dining in these enclaves is a foodie’s delight.
Sports are not to be missed in Detroit. Detroiters love their teams: NBA-Pistons, Baseball-Tigers, NFL-Lions, and NHL-Red Wings.
Many festivals and events happen in Detroit. Among them are the Woodward Dream Cruise, Techno Music Festival, The Detroit Grand Prix, and The Detroit Marathon.
Live entertainment in Detroit is world class and the city claims to have one of the largest theater districts in the nation. Live entertainment can be found in the beautifully restored Orchestra Hall, Opera House, Masonic Temple, Fox Theater, Music Hall and others. To find what is on stage, refer to Detroit Theater. The city’s symphony ( Detroit Symphony Orchestra) is considered one of the best in the nation as well.
If you’re up to something out of the norm, head to the Heidelberg Project located at 3600 Heidelberg St., Detroit, MI 48207. Below are just a few shots of this urban artscape.
~Bella
I have been to each and every spot you have mentioned. Detroit is greatly underestimated by outsiders. Having traveled the country – I heard a lot of “You’re from Detroit?!” with a twisted look on their face as though I’m either low class or surprised I’m still alive and unscathed. Detroit is incredibly beautiful and full of history. Quite the downtown resurgence in the last 5 years also. Very proud to call it my birthplace.
Should I admit I’ve danced in the Circus Park Fountain?? Maybe not. But I did. 😀
I know exactly what you’re talking about with the “You’re from Detroit?” comment. It is offensive to say the least. So glad you appreciate our great city and are willing to spread the word.