Sights in Detroit
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Greektown
Busy Greektown has restaurants, bakeries and a casino. Early each day, the large halls at the Eastern Market fill with a melting pot of bartering shoppers and vendors. Specialty shops, delis and restaurants surround the site.
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B
Henry Ford Museum
Few could ignore the historical impact of one of earliest artifacts of the 20th century: the first ever Henry Ford automobile. The museum remains much as Ford originally planned and is - surprise! - a massive shrine to the automobile and its impact on America. The Wienermobile used in 1936 by Oscar Meyer hot dogs is a particular knockout.
Henry Ford and 11 associates opened the Ford Motor Company in 1903. They kicked off their tiny operation in a converted Detroit wagon shop and employed 10 people. Today, Ford is the second largest car and truck maker in the world, with a staff of 370,000.
Ford was born and raised in Dearborn, a small town not far from Detroit. In 1915, h…
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C
Motown Historical Museum
The Motown Historical Museum comprises a string of modest houses that became known as 'Hitsville USA' after Berry Gordy launched Motown Records here - and the careers of Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye, Gladys Knight and Michael Jackson - with an $800 loan in 1959. Gordy and Motown split for the glitz of Los Angeles in 1972, but you can still step into humble Studio A and see where the famed names recorded their first hits. A tour takes about 90 minutes, and consists mostly of looking at old photos and listening to guides' stories.
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D
Heidelberg Project
Welcome to the Heidelberg Project, the brainchild of street artist Tyree Guyton, who wanted to beautify his run-down community (which has the dubious distinction of being the USA's most economically depressed 'hood). Get here by taking Gratiot Ave northwest to Heidelberg St; the project spans from Ellery to Mt Elliott Sts.
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E
Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit
The Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit is located in what was an abandoned, graffiti-slathered auto dealership. Heat lamps hang from the ceiling over peculiar exhibits that change every few months. An organic-oriented café with free wi-fi adds to the young scene.
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F
Renaissance Center
Downtown, the glossy Renaissance Center, GM's headquarters - assuming GM is still in business by the time you're reading this - is a fine place to grab a bite (in the Wintergarden), peruse vintage cars (on the lower level) or embark on the riverfront walkway.
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Detroit Zoo
The Arctic Ring of Life at the Detroit Zoo is the world's largest polar exhibit. It includes first-rate displays on Inuit culture and a 'polar bear tube, ' where the huge white creatures swim overhead. It's located just north in Royal Oak. Parking costs $5.
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H
Wright Museum of African American History
The Wright Museum of African American History holds less than it would seem from the impressive exterior, though it's worth a look inside. The full-scale model of slaves chained up on a dark, creaking slave ship will leave you chilled.
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I
Comerica Park
Next door to Ford Field, the Tigers (in case you hadn't guessed from the giant stone animals roaring over the entrance) play pro baseball here. The park is particularly kid friendly, with a small Ferris wheel and carousel inside.
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Detroit Institute of Arts
The cream of the crop is the Detroit Institute of Arts, which is lauded for its American collection.
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People Mover
The People Mover looks like the monorail in the classic Simpsons episode. As mass transit, its 3-mile loop on elevated tracks around downtown is pretty impractical. As a tourist attraction, it's cheap (50¢) and provides great views of the city and riverfront.
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