Things To Do
Detroit Zoo
Fun fact- Madeline's first ever job was at the Detroit Zoo! Now Madeline and Reed are proud members of the Detroit Zoo, which is just a quick bike ride from their house in Royal Oak. The Detroit Zoo has a wide range of animals on beautiful grounds: polar bears, giraffes, tigers, lions, rhinos, penguins, guerillas, camels, and much more.
Detroit Institute of Arts
With a collection of over 65,000 pieces, the Detroit Institute of Art (DIA) is often ranked as one of the best art museums in the country. The DIA is located in the heart of Midtown, Detroit's cultural center historic district. As you stroll along the halls of the historic DIA building, you can view masterpieces by famous artists such as Van Gogh, Monet, Degas, Rembrandt, Rubens, Warhol, and more.
Belle Isle
Belle Isle Park is an island in the Detroit River that is owned by the city of Detroit and managed as a state park. It's the largest city-owned island park in the United States, and boasts several attractions. The island is home to the Belle Isle Aquarium, which is the oldest public aquarium in the United States. Next door to the aquarium is the Belle Isle Conservatory. Both the aquarium and the conservatory are free to visit! Other attractions on Belle Isle include the Belle Isle Nature Center, Dossin Great Lakes Museum, a municipal golf course, a half-mile swimming beach, the Detroit Yacht Club, and the James Scott Memorial Fountain.
The Henry Ford
Interested in history? The Henry Ford is a history museum complex in Dearborn that includes the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation (indoor) as well as Greenfield Village (outdoor). The museum collection contains the presidential limousine of John F. Kennedy, Abraham Lincoln's chair from Ford's Theatre, Thomas Edison's laboratory, the Wright Brothers' bicycle shop, the Rosa Parks bus, and many other historical exhibits. It is the largest indoor–outdoor museum complex in the United States and is visited by over 1.7 million people each year. Reed and Madeline are proud members of the Henry Ford and often enjoy strolling through the grounds of Greenfield Village, a living history museum where you can even take a ride in a Model-T.
Eastern Market
Held every Saturday from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Eastern Market is a bustling farmers market located about one mile northeast of Downtown Detroit. Eastern Market is the largest historic public market district in the United States and on any given Saturday, nearly 45,000 people shop here. At Eastern Market, you'll find live music, artisanal food vendors, fresh produce, and local artists.
Detroit Riverwalk
Voted #1 river walk in America! Never shy of entertainment and a bubbly atmosphere, the Detroit Riverfront — spanning close to 5.5 miles from the Ambassador Bridge to Gabriel Richard Park — is a sight to behold, and designed with both pedestrians and cyclists in mind. The Detroit Riverwalk is a remarkable public space, offering scenic views of the Detroit River (one of the busiest waterways in the world), the city skyline, and Canada. Fun fact: Detroit is the largest city bordering Canada, and one of the only places in America where Canada is actually located south of the U.S. border!
Ford House
A historical gem dating back to 1927, the 60-room lakeside Ford House earns its stripes as a National Historic Landmark for both its iconic architecture and unique history as the former home of one-time Ford Motor Company President, Edsel Ford (son on Henry Ford). The grounds on which it sits, complete with gardens, walking paths and peaceful views of Lake St. Clair, make for an idyllic day out.
Motown Museum
Are you a fan of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, Jackson 5, or Diana Ross? If so, you should check out the Motown Museum, located at the original headquarters of the Motown Record Label- "Hitsville USA"!
Restaurant Recommendations
- Mudgie's Deli in Corktown, Detroit (the best sandwiches in Detroit) - Frita Batidos Detroit (Cuban street bites, burgers & playful drinks) - Como's in Ferndale (great spot if you're looking to try Detroit style pizza) - Market North End in Birmingham (hip bistro joint offering American dishes with global touches) - Adachi in Birmingham (design-savvy space offering cooked Japanese meals alongside sushi & sashimi) -Beppé in Royal Oak (an intimate 48-seat neighborhood restaurant that thoughtfully curates food and ambiance, with a large outdoor patio) -D'Amato's in Royal Oak (Reed & Madeline's favorite spot for Italian!) -Lily's Seafood Grill & Brewery in Royal Oak (cozy seafood spot that brews its own beer and serves great weekend brunch) - O.W.L. in Royal Oak (industrial-chic diner serving creative takes on Mexican-American comfort food)
Brewery/Hang Out Spots
- Detroit Shipping Company (a restaurant collective and beer hall made out of shipping containers, featuring outdoor games, live music, and art galleries) - Griffin Claw Brewing Company in Birmingham, MI (indoor/outdoor brewery with some of the best beer in Detroit) - Sugar House in Detroit (Detroit's first craft cocktail bar. An intimate spot with over 100 specialty cocktails on the menu) - Goodnight Gracie in Royal Oak (retro-inspired martini bar) - HopCat Royal Oak (over 100 beers on tap!)