Things To Do
Detroit Style Pizza!
A few favorites: Como’s (our #1, a short drive north to Ferndale), Pizza Cat, Elephant & Co., and Buddy’s (all downtown Detroit), or Grandma Bob's (just east of downtown in Corktown).
Detroit Coney Island Hot Dog
Lafayette Coney Island vs American Coney Island. They've co-existed next to each other since 1924. Help decide the winner of the best chili dog in this famous local rivalry.
Detroit Institute of Arts
A Detroit landmark. If you're one for the arts, this should be your first stop.
Guardian Building
If you find yourself walking around downtown, stop in for some beautiful architecture at a historical Detroit landmark. Other notable architecture around downtown are the Detroit Public Library (across from the DIA), the Penobscot Building, Book Tower, the Wayne County Building, and the Fisher Building.
Eastern Market
A few favorite spots in the area: Detroit City Distillery, Eastern Market Brewing Co., and the Farmer’s Market on Saturday mornings!
Detroit Riverwalk
Has a great view of Canada! Valade Park - relaxed riverside park featuring music, food, and more Dequindre Cut Freight Yard - beer and wine garden with food trucks and live performances
Detroit Shipping Company
A food hall made from repurposed shipping containers featuring live music and food vendors, each individually operated and offering a unique take on classic street foods from around the world. Indoor/outdoor communal seating areas and full bars featuring craft cocktails, beer, and wine.
Campus Martius Park
Every holiday we've spent in Detroit, we've made our way to Campus Martius! Named Detroit’s Gathering Place for both residents and visitors.
Michigan Central
Ask Colleen's mom about her trip back to Western Michigan back in Michigan Central's glory days... but today, enjoy the historical building and maybe opt for a guided tour!
Belle Isle Park
Detroit’s unique island park in the middle of the Detroit River includes the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, Belle Isle Aquarium, the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, and the Livingstone Memorial Lighthouse.
Michigan Cider Mills
Apple cider and cinnamon donuts are the perfect pairing for a fall Michigan day! Franklin Cider Mill is located at 7450 Franklin Road in Bloomfield Hills, about 30 minutes north of downtown Detroit. If you're in town early or staying on for a few days, plan a visit to Blake's Orchard & Cider Mill at 17985 Armada Center Road in Armada, about an hour north of Detroit. In addition to cider and donuts, Blake's offers hard cider, wine, and beer in their tasting room, as well as a restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. Grab some apples, pie, jam, or honey to take home.
Activities Outside Downtown
Dearborn is home to The Henry Ford Museum which is a massive indoor museum of American innovation, history, and culture, especially focused on industrial and technological breakthroughs. The complex also includes Greenfield Village, a sprawling open-air living history village, and the Ford Rouge Factory Tour, a close-up look at how F-150 trucks are built on a real assembly line Ferndale has a colorful, walkable downtown full of quirky shops & vintage boutiques like the Rust Belt Market. Food: Pop's for Italian, Como's, Tiger Lily, The Fly Trap, Anita's Kitchen, Star of India Drinks: Ferndale Project, The Oakland, Belle's Lounge, Syndicate Royal Oak’s downtown area is super walkable with boutiques, coffee shops, vintage stores and indie retailers. The Detroit Zoo has been located in Royal Oak for almost 100 years. Food: Leo's Coney Island, Oak Parker, O.W.L, D'Amato's, HopCat Drinks: Johnny's, Alchemi, Mother Handsome (for a variety of espresso martinis, pizza, and more)