Attractions & Sightseeing: Detroit

Iconic Landmarks

Detroit's iconic landmarks offer deep dives into art, innovation, and musical heritage. Plan for ample time at each location to appreciate their collections and stories fully.

Many sites offer guided tours or audio guides to enrich your visit, providing context and unique insights.

Information for Visitors

Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA): Premier art museum, home to Diego Rivera's "Detroit Industry Murals." Free general admission for residents of Wayne, Macomb, and Oakland counties; others pay a fee (~$14). Plan 2-3 hours.
The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation & Greenfield Village (Dearborn): Celebrates American ingenuity. Separate admission for each. Plan a full day for each attraction. Purchase tickets online.
Motown Museum (Hitsville U.S.A.): Original headquarters of Motown Records. Timed entry tours. Book tickets well in advance as tours sell out. Photography is restricted inside.
Detroit Renaissance Center (GMRENCEN): Global headquarters of General Motors, tallest building in Michigan. Free to explore public spaces. Take an elevator to the Marriott tower for panoramic views.

Museums & Cultural Institutions

History & Culture

Detroit Historical Museum: Chronicles Detroit's history from its founding, including automotive industry and various communities.
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History: One of the world's largest museums dedicated to the African American experience.
Michigan Science Center: Interactive museum focusing on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD): Features rotating contemporary art exhibits that often push boundaries.
Detroit Public Library (Main Branch): Stunning architecture and historic interiors. Its grand Reading Room offers a quiet place.
Automotive Hall of Fame (Dearborn): Recognizes individuals who contributed to the automotive industry.

Architectural & Specialized

Fisher Building: Architectural masterpiece in New Center. Explore its ornate lobby with stunning craftsmanship.
Michigan Central Station: Iconic former train depot undergoing redevelopment. View exterior; occasional public events.
Belle Isle Aquarium: The oldest operating aquarium in the U.S., located on Belle Isle Park.
Dossin Great Lakes Museum: Explores the maritime history of the Great Lakes. Also on Belle Isle.

Many museums in the Detroit Cultural Center (Midtown) are walkable and connected.

Historical Sites

Historic Fort Wayne: Civil War-era fortress offering insights into military history. Open seasonally for tours and events.
Historic Churches: Old St. Mary's Church (Greektown, 1880s) and Ste. Anne de Detroit Catholic Church (second oldest continuously operating parish in U.S., founded 1701).
Heidelberg Project (art installation): An outdoor art environment created from discarded materials, evolving display of urban art and community resilience.
Guardian Building: Art Deco skyscraper with stunning interior details, including Pewabic Pottery and mosaic work. Lobby is free to enter.

Natural Attractions

Detroit Riverwalk
Miles of paved pathway along the Detroit River with parks, plazas, and city views. Perfect for walking, jogging, or cycling.
Campus Martius Park
A lively urban park downtown featuring a fountain in summer and an ice rink in winter. Events and programming occur year-round.
Belle Isle Park
Large island park in the Detroit River, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. Offers recreational spaces, historic structures, and natural beauty.
Other Parks
Cadillac Square and Grand Circus Park provide green spaces amidst the downtown bustle, often hosting events.
Belle Isle Access
Free for pedestrians/bicycles. Vehicle entry requires a Michigan State Parks Recreation Passport ($12 annual for MI residents, $11 daily for non-residents).

Hidden Gems

Explore these lesser-known spots for an unique Detroit experience, offering local character and intriguing discoveries.

Unique Finds

The Belt
An art-filled alleyway downtown. This formerly forgotten space is a lively cultural corridor with murals and installations.
John K. King Used & Rare Books
One of the largest used bookstores globally, occupying four floors of a former glove factory. A treasure trove for book lovers.
Eastern Market Murals
Beyond the market itself, explore the surrounding district for street art and large-scale murals by local and international artists.

Guardian Building
An Art Deco skyscraper downtown. Its stunning interior detailing, including colorful Pewabic Pottery and mosaic work, is free to enter and explore in the lobby.
The Dequindre Cut Greenway
A converted rail line, popular for walking and biking, connecting Eastern Market to the Detroit Riverwalk, featuring extensive public art.
Children's Hospital Murals
Discover inspiring and colorful murals on the exterior walls around the Children's Hospital of Michigan, often part of local art initiatives.

Local Art Scene

Explore galleries and public art installations beyond the major museums, demonstrating Detroit's dynamic creative community.

Urban Farms

Visit urban farms like D-Town Farm or Keep Growing Detroit for unique insights into urban agriculture and community resilience.

Ghost Signs

Keep an eye out for historic "ghost signs" – faded advertisements painted on brick walls, remnants of Detroit's commercial past.

Self-Guided Exploration

Many of Detroit's attractions are best explored at your own pace. Consider these options for an independent itinerary:

Download a city map or use online mapping tools to plan your walking or driving routes.
Look for audio tours or informative podcasts about specific neighborhoods or landmarks.
Photography walks focusing on architecture or street art are popular ways to discover hidden corners.

Additional Sightseeing Options

Detroit's diverse offerings extend to specialized interests and scenic views. Consider adding these to your itinerary:

For organized tours and seamless access to many attractions, explore options on GetYourGuide, a platform for booking attraction tickets and experiences.

Riverfront & Skyline Views

Enjoy unique perspectives of the city and its waterfront.

Scenic Opportunities

Detroit Riverwalk: Offers miles of paved pathways ideal for strolls with views of the Detroit and Windsor skylines.
Belle Isle Park: Enjoy views of both cities and the Detroit River from various points on the island.
Renaissance Center: The Marriott at the top of the central tower offers panoramic views (Highlands Detroit restaurant).

Architectural Tours

Discover the city's rich architectural heritage, from Art Deco to Modernist designs.

Architectural Gems

Guardian Building: A stunning example of Art Deco design with vibrant colors and intricate details.
Fisher Building: Another Art Deco masterpiece with a grand arcade and soaring ceilings.
Lafayette Park: Explores the modernist urban planning and residential designs by Mies van der Rohe.

Gardens & Conservatories

Find tranquility and beauty in Detroit's green spaces.

Horticultural Delights

Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory (Belle Isle): A historic greenhouse with diverse plant collections.
Fisher Mansion & Gardens (Palmer Woods): Seasonal tours of this historic mansion and its elaborate gardens.
Detroit Garden Works: A unique garden shop that doubles as a display of landscape design.
Indian Village Historic District: Walk or drive through this neighborhood to see beautiful historic homes and gardens.

Special Interest Tours

Explore niche aspects of Detroit's identity.

Thematic Exploration

Brewery Tours: Visit local craft breweries for tastings and insights into Detroit's beer scene.
Music History Tours: Beyond Motown, explore sites related to jazz, techno, and punk rock history.
Automotive Heritage Tours: Delve deeper into the industry that built Detroit, including factory tours if available.

Outdoor Art & Murals

Street Art Hotspots

Eastern Market: Vibrant murals cover many of the district's buildings, especially on market days.
The Belt: A downtown alley transformed into an outdoor art gallery with rotating installations.
Heidelberg Project: An evolving outdoor art environment in an East Side neighborhood, using discarded materials.

Sculptures & Public Art

The Fist (Joe Louis Monument): Iconic sculpture downtown, a tribute to the boxing legend.
Spirit of Detroit: A large bronze statue, a symbol of the city, located outside the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center.
Monument to Joe Louis (The Fist): A striking monument representing strength and resilience, downtown.

Traveler's Tip

Consider purchasing a CityPASS if you plan to visit multiple major attractions, as it may offer savings.

Many museums offer specific free admission days or hours; check their individual websites for details.

Attractions & Sightseeing