Things to Do in Detroit?

kelsmom
Tue, 17 Jan 2017 22:02:50 +0000

The DIA is a must-see … it is truly a world-class museum. I also really like the Detroit Historical Museum, across from the DIA (it’s small, but it’s neat). If you like contemporary art, MOCAD is good museum to visit. There are lots of great restaurants in the city, and I second the suggestions above (although I actually think Slow’s is overrated - but I like BBQ in the south). The Whitney is not new or hip, but it is a very elegant dining experience. A visit to Pewabic Pottery might be something you’d enjoy (http://www.pewabic.org/). The Marriott is on the Detroit River, so you will be able to take advantage of the River Walk, if it happens to be nice while you are in town (that time of year is a bit fickle - but it could be absolutely amazing weather, because that is how Michigan rolls). I have never been to the Motown Museum (http://www.motownmuseum.org/), but I have heard it’s a good stop.

I’ll assume you are renting a car, because it’s not easy to get to/from the airport or anywhere else without one (it’s the Motor City, after all). Dearborn is not far from Detroit, and The Henry Ford Museum is a great choice (the American Style and Spirit Exhibit will be there). I do like Greenfield Village a lot, but it’s closed until April 15th. How about the Ford Rouge Factory Tour (https://www.thehenryford.org/visit/ford-rouge-factory-tour/) for a real Motor City experience?

I definitely encourage a visit to beautiful Cranbrook (cranbrook.edu) in Bloomfield Hills. Take one of the guided tours - tour schedule: http://www.cranbrookartmuseum.org/tours/ - the Art Museum will be winding down exhibits a bit as they prepare for the graduate school’s degree exhibition, which you’ll just miss, but there are tours of other spaces (architecture, Cranbrook House & Gardens, Saarinen House). There is also an excellent science museum on the campus that will have a Tutankhamun exhibit while you are here (https://science.cranbrook.edu/explore/exhibits/tutankhamun-wonderful-things) - they have an awesome planetarium, too. Detroit is surrounded by some very nice suburbs, with Bloomfield Hills being one of the nicest - you’ll pass through Birmingham on the way, which has upscale restaurant choices.