Detroit is an American metropolitan city famous for being the world’s car capital. It housed the big three—Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors—at the height of the automotive boom, bringing fortune and fame to the city. But there is much more to enjoy than vehicles. See the vast array of things to do on an exciting road trip to Detroit, a fun-filled Michigan destination.
“Detroit Rock City,” one of my favorite KISS songs from the 70s, made me want to road trip to Detroit, Michigan. I was wowed by the big attractions, powerhouse sporting events, unique finds, and top-notch museums. I’m willing to bet you will be, too.
DIA: A Prestigious Art Museum That Wows
Detroit is an artsy town with impressive murals everywhere you look. Here, you can visit the DIA (Detroit Institute of Arts), one of the top ten art museums in the nation. It offers 100 galleries of art ranging from ancient history to contemporary.
The DIA is home to the 27 Detroit Industry Murals, painted by Mexican artist Diego Rivera in 1932-33, which represent aviation, shipping, and boating; they are stunning to say the least. The murals consist of 27 frescoes, all painted with unbelievable detail.
You’ll also find religious sculptures, European and contemporary art, and a Vincent Van Gogh’s self-portrait at this powerhouse museum that is adorned with Auguste Rodin’s The Thinker at the front of the building.
Detroit’s Sporting Events
Sporting events are a heavy hitter in Detroit. Catch a Detroit Red Wings hockey game at the Little Caesar’s Arena or a Detroit Lions football game at Ford Field. Detroit Tigers play major league baseball at Comerica Park, and the whole family will love seeing America’s favorite pastime.
Fox Theatre and Other Detroit Attractions
The world-famous and beautiful Fox Theatre, near the Grand Circus Park Historic District, serves as the premier entertainment venue for concerts, musicals, and other live productions. Detroit’s Crown Jewel became a National Historic Landmark in 1988 and has 5000+ seats.
2022 events include Madagascar the Musical, Van Morrison, The Masked Singer National Tour, Blondie, and Chris Rock, to name a few.
While in Detroit, you can visit Renaissance Center (RenCen), the GM world headquarters building made up of seven connected skyscrapers. It houses restaurants, shops, and a luxury hotel, plus hosts exciting events. The five-story atrium is jaw-dropping!
Canada is visible across the Detroit River; why not visit? Remember to take your US passport and money for tolls before making the trip. Windsor, the first town you come to in Canada, a great place to enjoy international food and drinks.
Lunch at Rusted Crow
Eat lunch or dinner at the Rusted Crow, an American bar in a rustic space has a crowd-pleasing menu and chic decor. Try the Brussels Sprout Salad with dried Michigan cherries, almonds, and red onions or the Chicken Strudel with caramelized onions, spinach, mushrooms, and Boursin cheese in phyllo dough. Nom!
Beer enthusiasts will love that Detroit is one of the best beer states. Try local brews from Jolly Pumpkin, Atwater Brewery, Motor City Brewing, and Batch Brewing Company.
The Incredible Eastern Market
A visit to the Eastern Market is a must! This 19th-century (circa 1891) open-air market is one of the first farmer’s markets in the country and was thriving long before visiting local markets was a cool thing to do. More than 225 stalls at the Saturday market offer souvenirs, fresh food, flowers, jewelry, pottery, and much more, all locally produced. Sundays bring in local jewelers and talented artists.
Stop in DeVries Co 1887 for souvenirs, upscale food products, and candy, and the Detroit Cheese Co. for one of the best selections of artisan cheeses I’ve seen in the entire country.
You’ll also find excellent murals in this part of town and Bert’s Entertainment Complex and Warehouse Theatre, a Motown music club and comedy theater where you might rub elbows with previous Motown executives. This multi-purpose venue also has a soul food restaurant and the most astonishing indoor murals in the city.
Supino Pizzeria
After you are shopped out, head over to Supino Pizzeria for a tasty selection of pizza; they even let you choose two different kinds to be shared on one pie, such as Affunicata (prosciutto and smoked gouda) and Red, White, and Green (spinach, capers, and roasted red peppers).
While the pizza is delicious, my favorite was the Polpette; hearty meatballs served over roasted polenta. Just one bite and you’ll know why this eatery was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.
A Fantastic Food Tour
Satisfy both “what to do” and “what to eat” in Detroit, Michigan, with Feet on the Street Saturday brunch tours in the Eastern Market. Join this strolling brunch food tour that includes samples of pizza, ice cream, nuts, and more as you learn about the neighborhood and fabulous street art. That’s how I discovered the market and Supino Pizzeria.
The One-of-a-Kind Motown Museum
Next, head over to the one and only Motown Museum, nicknamed “Hitsville U.S.A.” Familiarize yourself with the celebrated sounds of Motown as you walk in the famous artists’ footsteps that were recorded there. You can even stand in the studio that saw songs like “My Girl,” “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” and “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)” recorded.
I was a bit giddy getting to sing with my tour guide using the same microphone and studio that Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, and Marvin Gaye did.
Fun Fact: Only one song per music label could be played in an hour on the radio. Barry Gorby (the genius behind Motown Records) created additional labels for his musical acts to promote more than one singer.
FYI: The museum is currently open Thursday through Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM.
Where to Stay on a Road Trip to Detroit
There is a wide array of accommodations in Detroit to satisfy your travel and road tripping needs. For the luxury traveler, the Aloft Detroit at The David Whitney is a fantastic pet-friendly offering in the heart of town. The 136-room contemporary Aloft Hotel is a great mix of Italian marble, quality furnishings, incredible views, a stunning lobby, and posh rooms.
My room had a comfy and modern queen platform bed, made great use of vibrant artwork, and offered Bliss toiletries. Aloft is also within walking distance of the city’s dynamic theater and sports neighborhoods and is also located on the Q Line, Detroit’s modern street trolley.
MGM Grand Hotel & Casino is a top choice if you enjoy playing the slots or table games. From Topgolf to a savvy spa, live concert events to delicious steakhouses, this isn’t your average hotel. Did I mention that 3,500 slot and video poker machines and 143 table games are also located in the hotel with you?
Budget-friendly accommodations include the Holiday Inn Express Downtown Detroit, Crowne Plaza Detroit Downtown Riverfront, and Trumbull and Porter Hotel Detroit.
Only A Few Minutes Away—The Henry Ford
After finishing up the Detroit road trip, drive 20 minutes to a suburb for one of the most unusual museums you’ll ever see—The Henry Ford. The Henry Ford is full of things to see, with 26 million artifacts, including Edison’s lab (where he invented the light bulb), the bus Rosa Parks made her stand on, and several Presidential cars.
Fascinating items like the chair Abraham Lincoln was assassinated in and the vehicle carrying JFK the day he was shot in Dallas is on display.
Outside of The Henry Ford is the Greenfield Village, a collection of working farms, horse-drawn carriage rides, and a place where you can journey into the past. Spread over 250 acres, the National Historic Landmark village, filled with historical interpreters in the buildings and homes, has something for everyone.
Detroit Delivers a Powerful Punch
Whether it is architecture, food, shopping, arts, culture, sports, educational activities, or a relaxing getaway that you are craving, Detroit is your answer to them all. A little bit gritty, a little bit hipster, but always cool, Detroit is a thrilling Midwestern city to visit.
Check out some of our other city guides:
Ultimate Guide to Visiting Pigeon Forge, TN
Juliette S
Friday 22nd of June 2018
The Eastern Market sounds incredible! So many vendors! I love markets and they give a good sense of a place so that would definitely be first on the list of things to do. And I'd absolutely love to see an ice hockey match there! I am an ice figure skater and also coach ice skating as well, the future generation of ice hockey players in NZ. Except it's not a huge sport here. There aren't the same crowds for it. I'd just love to get amongst a true atmosphere!
MelodyPittman
Saturday 30th of June 2018
That is so cool! I suck at ice skating so I would be in awe watching you. ;)
Bernadette Jackson
Thursday 21st of June 2018
Oooh! You had me at brunch tour then at the Diego Rivera collection. It looks as though there are hours to be spent looking at all the detail in those murals. We'd definitely be up for the Motown Museum too - in fact we went to so many music museums in Memphis and Nashville that we've got withdrawal symptoms and need some more music soon! (Stax, by the way, is brilliant - do go if you haven't already.) I'm also really tempted by that trip on the Q line. I love how much you get to understand about a place just by seeing it as if you lived there.
MelodyPittman
Saturday 30th of June 2018
Awesome! Thanks so much for reading. I hope you get to visit all the cities and music museums along the way. The Country Music Hall of Fame is one of our favorites. ;)
Sandy N Vyjay
Thursday 21st of June 2018
Detroit is a city that I have always associated with cars- the Motor City. The home of General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, and the ilk. But obviously, there is so much more to the city. The Feet on The Street sounds like a great initiative to explore the art, architecture and especially food of the region. I was really fascinated looking at the pictures of the indoor murals in Bert's Entertainment.
MelodyPittman
Saturday 30th of June 2018
Nice! Thanks so much. I only added a few pics for the article but I think I honestly took about 30 to capture every little piece of that mural. Detroit was a lot of fun! I definitely want to go back and see more.
Mel
Thursday 21st of June 2018
That pizza and pasta look amazing ! would have been nice to see pics of the market, as I'm a market person, but that's ok, there's heaps of pics of everything else :)
MelodyPittman
Saturday 30th of June 2018
Thanks for reading. I have about 300 pictures and had to narrow down. ;(
Michael Hodgson
Wednesday 20th of June 2018
I have to admit that visiting Detroit was not high on my to-do list, but your post reminded me of so many cool things that are, of course, all Detroit and only Detroit -- Motown, Henry Ford, etc. Might have to add a visit to my list next time I find myself back in the Midwest and your post is such a great guide. LOVE the street art at Bert's Entertainment!
MelodyPittman
Saturday 30th of June 2018
Me, too! I was fascinated by the mural at Bert's. Such a hidden gem. Would love to have seen some live music there. I'm a big fan of the Midwest, which I just discovered last year. I hope you get to spend some time there soon. Thanks for reading!