5 Things to Do While in Detroit

You might not make it to Michigan in the summer to enjoy the state’s spectacular scenery and natural beauty, but you can visit Detroit, one of the most interesting cities in America. If you’ve never been to Detroit, or even if you’ve lived there before and want a fresh perspective on its well-known challenges, here are some of the top things visitors must do while they’re in town.

1. Tour the DIA

One of the top things to do in Detroit is to visit the Detroit Institute of Arts, which was founded in 1885 by a group of Detroit philanthropists who wanted “to establish a museum of fine art for the city … owned and controlled by its citizens without restriction or conditions as to the choice of its contents or method of disposition.” The wealth of treasures amassed over more than 120 years makes this one of the finest museums in America. The DIA is the only museum in the country that owns and exhibits nearly all of the great works of European art from more than a millennium of Western history.

2. Discovery Green

The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy has created a unique urban park, Discovery Green, spanning 3.5 acres along the shoreline across from Great Lakes Science Center in downtown Detroit. It’s an oasis with several open spaces, multiple gardens, and walking paths, and a playground nestled in the leafy green expanse. Visitors can stroll along the promenade or sit in one of the many green spaces.

3. Michigan Science Center

The Michigan Science Center brings to life the fantastic and little-known elements of science and technology that make our world a better place to live. They have several exhibits, including an impressive new exhibit on water conservation, but their main attraction is a large floor-to-ceiling glass window at the entrance that allows visitors access to the rainforest area from which they can see and walk through a natural rain forest.

4. Belle Isle

Belle Isle is a tiny island located in the middle of Detroit. Once it was a popular place to go, but since the mid-20th century, people have rarely visited, leaving behind litter and vandalism. For a while, the island was home to an abandoned amusement park, but now it’s being restored back to its natural beauty, and visitors will be able to enjoy walking trails, numerous gardens and wildlife refuges, and a boat launch for boating around Belle Isle.

5. The Henry Ford Museum

The Henry Ford Museum is located in Dearborn, MI – 15 miles west of downtown Detroit. The museum contains the largest collection of Americana in the country, including the actual chair Abraham Lincoln was sitting on when he was shot. You will also see a replica of the White House, a full-size train station, and even a tiny drive-in movie theater.

Conclusion

If you are planning to visit Detroit, these 5 things to do in Detroit are sure to keep you busy. With attractions that span the globe and more than just museums, visitors have plenty to do besides visiting the famous landmarks.