If you’re looking for fun things to do in Detroit, there are plenty of options. From the Detroit Zoo to Greektown, there are a lot of great spots to visit!
If you’re a history buff, the Detroit Historical Museum is a must-see. It has several exhibitions that will teach you all about the city’s history, including its role in the Underground Railroad and the civil rights movement.
1. The Detroit Zoo
The Detroit Zoo, located in Royal Oak and Huntington Woods, Michigan, is home to more than 2,000 animals. It was the first zoo in the United States to use barless habitats and is an international leader in animal welfare, conservation and sustainability.
The 125-acre zoo is home to animals from all over the world, ensuring there’s something for everyone at this Detroit attraction. Highlights include a large penguinarium, a walk-through aviary with tropical birds and plants, and the Arctic Ring of Life, which was named the number two best zoo exhibit in America by Intrepid Traveler magazine.
2. The Detroit Historical Museum
Located in Detroit’s Cultural Center Historic District, the Detroit Historical Museum is a great place to learn about the city’s history. The 78,000-square-foot facility features exhibits that trace more than 300 years of southeastern Michigan history.
Visitors can explore the region’s fur trading days, as well as its automotive history. The Museum also showcases the role that Detroit played as the “Arsenal of Democracy” during World War II, and its ties to music, sports and other areas of culture. This is a wonderful place to visit if looking at things other than sports events near me in Detroit.
3. The Detroit International Riverwalk
The Detroit International Riverwalk is a must-see when you visit the city. The 3.5-mile-long public space features parks, restaurants, splash parks, natural areas and more.
The riverfront has been voted the best in America by USA Today, and this year is a special one for the Conservancy as it celebrates two decades of transformation.
This stretch of riverfront stretches from Joe Louis Arena to Gabriel Richard Park, with many parks and attractions along the way. It will eventually span a total of 5 1/2 miles.
4. The Motown Museum
The Motown Museum is the perfect destination for anyone who loves music. It features an array of artifacts and photographs from the history of Motown Records.
Berry Gordy founded Motown with an $800 loan in 1959. He launched the careers of Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye and Michael Jackson, among others.
The Motown Museum is a must-visit for fans of R&B and soul music. Admission costs $15 for adults and $10 for seniors and students.
5. HopCat
Detroit is known for its beer, but there’s so much more to this city than just brews. There’s also a great food scene, plenty of bars and nightlife, and a lot of fun festivals.
The city is also a very bike-friendly place, and you can join the weekly Slow Roll to get some exercise in. You can find these rides on Monday nights throughout the year, so make sure to check out their website for updates.
6. The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
When a Detroit-based obstetrician and gynecologist visited a memorial to World War II heroes in Denmark, he felt inspired to create a repository for African American history. Founded in 1965, this large museum has been educating Detroit residents for decades.
The Wright offers learning opportunities, exhibitions, programs and events based on collections and research that explore the diverse history and culture of African Americans. It is one of the world’s oldest independent African American museums.
7. Ford Field
Located in downtown Detroit, Ford Field is the home of the Detroit Lions, an NFL team. It also hosts many concerts and other events.
The Lions are one of the oldest legacy NFL teams, so there’s always a large crowd at the games here.
If you’re a football fan, you’ll love visiting Ford Field. Not only is it an excellent place to watch a game, but it also has lots of great restaurants and bars for you to enjoy before the match starts.
8. The Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit
Located on Woodward and Garfield, between the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and the Detroit Institute of the Arts, Wayne State University and the College for Creative Studies, the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD) is an innovative addition to the city’s vibrant Midtown neighborhood.
The non-collecting institution presents art that contextualizes, interprets and expands culture. It fuels crucial dialogue, collaboration and public engagement.
