Things To Do
Detroit Institute of Arts
The DIA's collection is among the top six in the United States, with more than 65,000 works. The foundation was laid by William Valentiner, who was director from 1924 to 1945 and acquired many important works that established the framework of today's collections. Among his notable acquisitions are Mexican artist Diego Rivera's Detroit Industry fresco cycle, which Rivera considered his most successful work, and Vincent van Gogh's Self-Portrait, the first Van Gogh painting to enter a U.S. museum collection.
Detroit Historical Museum
The Detroit Historical Museum brings Detroit’s vibrant history to life with interactive exhibits, engaging displays, and family-friendly experiences that celebrate the city’s industries, culture, and stories.
Belle Isle Aquarium
Belle Isle Aquarium, the oldest aquarium in North America, opened in 1904 and features a variety of freshwater fish from the world's great lakes and rivers, as well as colorful marine fish and corals. In 2023, a national survey from the Aquarium Store Depot voted it "The Most Beautiful Aquarium." The iconic building, designed by Detroit architect Albert Kahn, welcomes visitors year-round.
William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor
The park is divided into three areas, including the harbor, the picnic shelter area and the popular berm area. Thanks to recent renovations, the berm now boasts an accessible walkway, handrails and new trees, shrubs and grass. The berm area is especially popular for picnics and wildlife viewing. At the top of the berm, visitors can view the river and our neighbors in Canada through two color blind scenic viewers, courtesy of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge and Enchroma, that provide an enhanced color view for visitors who are color blind. The berm also boasts an accessible walkway and handrails. Located just blocks from Hart Plaza and the Renaissance Center, the park is conveniently located near the Outdoor Adventure Center, Belle Isle Park and many other major downtown Detroit attractions.
Campus Martius Park
Campus Martius Park is a Detroit treasure and a national and international destination. For two years in a row, Campus Martius Park has been named the # 1 Public Square in the U.S. by USA Today and has won countless awards for public space design, management, operations, placemaking and programming. In the heart of Downtown, Campus Martius Park is Detroit’s Gathering Place for both residents and visitors.
Midtown
Midtown Detroit is a neighborhood located just north of the downtown central business district. The unique character of this neighborhood has been developed over years of collaboration and dedication from area citizens and community stakeholders. Home to Detroit’s top medical campuses, major arts & culture establishments, leading educational institutions, and an eclectic mix of small businesses, Midtown Detroit truly has something for everyone.
Corktown
Brunch is big in Corktown. Savor made-from-scratch comfort food at Folk, creative dishes at Brooklyn Street Local or several vegetarian options and a bloody mary and mimosa bar at Bobcat Bonnie’s. Bagel fan? Detroit Institute of Bagels is affectionately called the “best bagel place ever” by locals, and Thrillist.com agreed, naming it one of the top 12 bagel stores in the United States (outside New York City) in 2018.
Eastern Market
The Eastern Market area is named for the 19th-century market operating here, with vendors selling everything from tacos to colorful produce every Saturday. Sundays see the space packed with local jewelers and artists. Hip cafes and places serving classic Coney Island hot dogs dot the district whose warehouses are being revitalized with murals. There is live jazz and Motown music at relaxed Bert’s Warehouse Theatre.
The Henry Ford Museum
Containing 26 million artifacts, with more than 100,000 digitized for online access, The Henry Ford Archive of American Innovation™ is the greatest collection ever assembled documenting American innovation, ingenuity and resourcefulness.