As a Marketing Specialist for the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau, Danielle Sharp is your go-to when looking to charter a bus to Detroit.

By Danielle Sharp

Selecting a vacation destination is tough. Why not go with a place you know won’t disappoint? Detroit is one of those places. From cars and culture to music, gaming and sports, "The D" offers fun for all ages and budgets during all seasons.

Detroit has been coined America’s great comeback city for its recent major downtown developments, such as the renovation of Cobo Center, the city’s convention center; the M-1 RAIL, a 3.3-mile streetcar project; and plans for The District, a mixed-use facility with dining, housing and a new hockey arena for the Detroit Red Wings. But Detroit has always shone as a city to keep on a culturists bucket list.

If you’re thinking of planning a trip to Detroit — either for the first time or again — we have a few suggestions for can’t-miss hot spots.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo Credit: Vito Palmisano

Automotive Attractions

Detroit is known for cars. We’re the birthplace of Henry Ford and home to the Big Three, so unsurprisingly Detroit’s cultural institutions, tours and marquee events are heavily focused on the automobile.

• Tour the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House and Meadow Brook Hall (former residence of Matilda Dodge Wilson) and Gardens to see how auto royalty lived once upon a time.

• Check out the recently re-branded America’s Motor City exhibit and Automotive Showplace at the Detroit Historical Museum. 

• Marvel at Diego Rivera's Detroit Industry fresco cycle, inspired by the grind and grit of the city's manufacturing glory days of the 1930s at the Detroit Institute of Arts.

• The Henry Ford is a family attraction that offers Model T rides in Greenfield Village, a Rouge Factory Tour and the Driving America exhibition in Henry Ford Museum.

• Explore the birthplace of the Model T at the Piquette Model T Museum.

 

 

 

 

Photo Credit: Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau

Major Auto Events
North American International Auto Show
Autopalooza
Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix
Concours D'Elegance
The Woodward Dream Cruise

Music

 

 

 

 

 

Photo Credit: Olympia Entertainment

Detroit is also known for music. We’re the home of Motown and have made an impact on blues, techno, gospel, hip-hop and rock ‘n’ roll, too, with major artists, such Kid Rock, Eminem, Madonna, Bob Segar and many others born in Detroit and still singing the city’s tune. You can experience Detroit’s music scene at any of these venues or shows:

• Detroit Opera House: Opera, dance and more in a gorgeous setting.

• Pine Knob Music Theater: Pick lawn or pavilion to see A-listers perform at this outdoor venue.

• Hamtramck music scene: Small bars, including one aptly named Small’s, showcase underground talent.

• Hart Plaza: Riverfront concerts drawing large crowds range from Movement to the Downtown Hoedown.

• Magic Stick: The city’s best bet for a live show. Billiards, dancing and bowling, too.

• Motown Museum: The Motown sound started here. Sing and dance in the real Studio A.

• United Sound Systems Recording Studios: The first independent, full-service major recording studio in the nation that allowed artists to produce music without being signed to a label.

Downtown Detroit

Photo Credit: Olympia Development of Michigan

Aside from cars and music, Detroit boasts architectural wonders. Take a downtown tour and see them up close and personal. Another can’t-miss spot to add to your list is the Detroit International RiverWalk, where you can bike, jog and look south to Canada. 

Some other top picks to consider:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Museums
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
Dossin Great Lakes Museum
Michigan Science Center
Pewabic Pottery
Polish Art Center
Solanus Casey Center

Casinos
Greektown Casino
MGM Grand Detroit
MotorCity Casino

Sporting Facilities
Comerica Park
Ford Field
Joe Louis Arena

While you’re here, you’ll need a cozy place to stay and a few good meals to keep your energy up, so check out our hotel and dining listings. For more to see and do, keep posted to visitdetroit.com.

For additional Michigan destination ideas, visit our blog "Michigan Destinations: Your Dream Trip Guide."