Top 16 Things To Do In Downtown Detroit, Michigan

things to do in downtown detroit
Hannah
Hannah 
Updated
| 7 min read

With brilliant historic attractions, a dynamic food scene, family-friendly activities, and endless entertainment options, Detroit is making an amazing comeback as an outstanding travel destination. This major metropolis is the largest city in the state of Michigan, and despite hard times during the recent economic recession, Detroit brims with an energetic spirit. Nowhere is Detroit’s renaissance more prevalent than in the bustling and bright downtown! Discover the city’s rich cultural legacy at the Motown Historical Museum or the Detroit Institute of Arts, or revel in Motor City’s glory days at the Automotive Hall of Fame. Enjoy the city’s stunning architecture as you stroll down the RiverWalk, then sample tasty treats from the massive Eastern Market. From operatic performances to baseball games, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Motor City. Read the list below for more things to do in downtown Detroit, Michigan.

1. Discover a world of innovations and achievements at the Henry Ford Museum

Henry Ford Museum - Duesenberg
Source: Photo by user Roger W used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Delve into the legacy of American innovators and inventors at the brilliant Henry Ford Museum. This fascinating establishment immerses you in the lives and stories of the creative minds that shaped American history through their industrial inventions. The wide-ranging museum features exhibits on everything from race cars to agricultural equipment and it has many unique collections and interactive displays. The museum also includes amazing artifacts like the first steam locomotive and the bus where Rosa Parks sat in the name of civil rights.

The Henry Ford Museum

Address: 20900 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn, MI 48124, USA

Website: The Henry Ford Museum

Opening hours: 9:30am - 5pm (daily)

Price: from 24 USD

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2. Stroll through the relaxing Detroit RiverWalk

Detroit River Walk
Source: Photo by user Fishtoes2000 used under CC BY 3.0

One of the best ways to enjoy the urban beauty of Detroit is to stroll along the RiverWalk. This promenade stretches 5.5 miles (9 km) along the Detroit River and offers wonderful views of the downtown skyline, as well as Canada. The trail is popular with cyclists and joggers, and there are even stands where you can rent kayaks to take out on the water. As you meander along the wide path, you can stop at child-friendly splash pads, peaceful parks, and delightful cafes.

Detroit RiverWalk

Address: 1340 Atwater St., Detroit, MI 48207

Website: Detroit RiverWalk

Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)

Price: Free

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3. Browse through the archives at National Automotive History Collection

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The city of Detroit is inextricably linked with the automotive industry. The National Automotive History Collection has an outstanding archive collection which details the history of transportation in America. This fascinating institution features a digital collection, as well as photographs, books, journals, and manuscripts which highlight the development of the industry. The National Automotive History Collection is a part of the Detroit Public Library system and is only open to visitors by pre-arranged appointments.

National Automotive History Collection

Address: 121 Gratiot, Detroit, MI 48226

Website: National Automotive History Collection

Opening hours: By appointment only

Price: Free

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4. Watch a football game at Ford Field

Ford Field NFL Lions-Interior
Source: Photo by user Ian121289S used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Whether you’re a football fanatic or you have never seen a game before, watching a game at Ford Field is an unforgettable experience. This massive stadium has seating for approximately 65,000 fans and it is home to the NFL team, the Detroit Lions. In addition to NFL games, Ford Field also hosts high school and college sports games, basketball games, soccer tournaments, and even hockey matches, as well as music concerts. Before your next event at the Ford Field, sign up for a behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium and walk down the iconic tunnel to stand on the verdant turf.

Ford Field

Address: 2000 Brush St, Detroit, MI 48226, USA

Website: Ford Field

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5. Enjoy peaceful reflection at Old St. Mary's Catholic Church

GreektownCasinohotelandStMaryRCChurchDetroit
Source: Photo by user View more used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The historic Old St. Mary’s Catholic Church is an impressive architectural marvel located in the city’s Greektown, and it is the third-oldest Roman Catholic Church in the city. With its twin spires on the western side, Old St. Mary’s Catholic Church is an instantly recognizable landmark along Detroit’s skyline! Constructed in 1885, this building beautifully blends elements of Pisan Romanesque and Venetian Renaissance styles within its towering walls. The interior of the church is wonderfully ornate, and it includes marble columns, a frescoed ceiling, and fine paintings. Mass is recited daily, and other religious events are hosted throughout the week.

Old St. Mary's Catholic Church

Address: 646 Monroe St, Detroit, MI 48226, USA

Website: Old St. Mary’s Catholic Church

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

Price: Free

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6. Catch a performance at The Fillmore Detroit

Copyright 2018 Alive Coverage

Posted by The Fillmore Detroit on Friday, 11 January 2019

The Fillmore Detroit is a beautiful historic building that has been a part of Detroit’s entertainment district since it was built in 1925. Originally used as a movie house, the venue today is a multi-purpose event space for concerts and other performances. The venue has been updated with modern sound equipment and amenities, but still maintains its nostalgic charm with its hardwood dance floor and dazzling chandelier. No matter when you’re in town, the Fillmore’s programming calendar is filled with events from both legendary acts and on-the-rise talent. From comedy acts to exhilarating concerts, there is always something exciting going on at this fantastic venue!

The Fillmore Detroit

Address: 2115 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201, USA

Website: The Fillmore Detroit

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7. Relax in nature at Campus Martius Park


This family-friendly park is a wonderful way to unwind in downtown Detroit. A wonderful green oasis surrounded by the city’s spectacular skyscrapers, Campus Martius Park is a gathering point for the community and it is filled with lovely amenities. Pack a picnic and sit near the sparkling Woodward Fountain or choose to eat at one of the many surrounding cafes, before visiting iconic landmarks like the Michigan Soldiers and Sailors Monument. Enjoy an outdoor concert or class in the park, or simply lounge upon the massive man-made beach. There are plenty of seasonal events held in the park, including a fantastic ice-skating rink in winter.

Campus Martius Park

Address: 800 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226, USA

Website: Campus Martius Park

Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)

Price: Free

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8. Attend an event at Hart Plaza

Noguchi Fountain
Source: Photo by user Dave Hogg used under CC BY 2.0

During the warm summer months, the spectacular Hart Plaza bursts into life. This fantastic open-air plaza was designed to be a shared community space dedicated to cultural, musical, and special entertainment events. Opened in 1975, the plaza was named for U.S. Senator Philip Hart and it includes the award-winning Horace E. Dodge and Son Memorial Fountain which was designed by Isamu Noguchi. From short, cultural exhibits to annual traditions like the Ford Detroit International Jazz Festival, Hart Plaza hosts amazing events.

Hart Plaza

Address: 1 Hart Plaza, Detroit, MI 48226, USA

Website: Hart Plaza

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

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9. Listen to brilliant performers at the Detroit Opera House

Posted by Michigan Opera Theatre - Detroit Opera House on Thursday, 11 October 2018

The Detroit Opera House is home to the Michigan Opera Theater and hosts breathtaking performances year-round. The historic theater was opened in 1922, and at its opening was claimed to be the fifth largest theater in the world. Today, the building is the city’s fifth opera house, and it still astounds guests with its superb acoustics and lush interior. The resplendent theater is filled with lavish details like sparkling chandeliers and ornate frescoes, but the amazing company of the Michigan Opera Theater always dazzles. The company hosts a dance and opera season, the latter of which includes four operas presented in their original languages, with English subtitles.

Detroit Opera House

Address: 1526 Broadway St, Detroit, MI 48226, USA

Website: Detroit Opera House

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10. Try your luck at Greektown Casino

Greektown Casino Hotel At Night
Source: Photo by user Santcomm used under CC BY-SA 3.0

With its table games, live poker, slots, and on-site dining, Greektown Casino keeps the fun rolling late into the night! This brilliant casino is open 24 hours daily, and it is packed with exciting attractions. There are over 3,000 slot and video poker machines available, as well as live table games for everything from Blackjack to Roulette. There are also live poker tournaments to enjoy! When you need a break from the fast-paced action, take a seat at one of the five in-house restaurants and enjoy a delicious meal. Greektown Casino is also home to a stellar hotel.

Greektown Casino

Address: 555 E Lafayette St, Detroit, MI 48226, USA

Website: Greektown Casino

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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11. Shop the best of crafted hats at Henry the Hatter


Brimming with unique stores, creative boutiques, antique shops, and high-end options, Detroit is a fantastic city for shopping enthusiasts. One of the city’s more unique stops is an historic business called Henry the Hatter. This stunning establishment has been in business since 1893, when it was founded by Detroit local Henry Komrofsky, and has sold hats to everyone from President Dwight D. Eisenhower to comedian Steve Harvey. Today, Henry the Hatter is located in Detroit’s Historic Eastern Market, and it offers a wide variety of headgear from straw hats to newsboy caps.

Henry the Hatter

Address: 2472 Riopelle St, Detroit, MI 48207, USA

Website: Henry the Hatter

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9:30am - 6pm (closed on Sun)

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12. Enjoy baseball at Comerica Park

Comerica Park - Detroit, MI
Source: Photo by user Dan Gaken used under CC BY 2.0

Stop by this brilliant open-air ballpark to cheer on the Detroit Tigers! Located in the heart of downtown Detroit, Comerica Park has been an iconic part of the city since its opening in 2000. In addition to the verdant field, the ballpark features wondrous attractions like a carousel, a soaring Ferris Wheel, and even a massive water fountain that synchronizes to music. Tour the fascinating Walk of Fame which celebrates the history of baseball, then grab a bite to eat at one of the many on-site concession stands and restaurants. Before you leave, don’t forget to take a picture with the giant tiger statue outside of the main entrance!

Comerica Park

Address: 2100 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201, USA

Website: Comerica Park

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13. Visit the renowned landmark, The Spirit of Detroit

Spirit of Detroit
Source: Photo by user Al R used under CC BY-SA 2.0

The Spirit of Detroit is one of the most well-known landmarks in the city. Standing proudly in the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, this bronze sculpture was commissioned as a symbol of the city’s community, and it features a large, seated figure holding a bronze sphere in one hand and a small family group in the other. The monument was unveiled in 1958, and it remains an icon of the city today, appearing in many city emblems and business logos. You may even see the statue sporting the jerseys of local professional teams in the lead-up to special events!

The Spirit of Detroit

Address: 2 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226, USA

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

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14. Satisfy your inner bookworm soul at Detroit Public Library


As the second-largest public library in the state, the Detroit Public Library brims with fantastic books. The library was established in 1861, and today, there are 23 branches of the library across the city. The Main Library is the largest of these branches, and hosts many special events and exhibits throughout the year. You can also visit DPL Galleria here, which is a community art gallery, and enjoy free, one-hour tours of the library that feature fascinating information about the history, architecture, and art of this cultural institution.

Detroit Public Library

Address: 5201 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202, USA

Website: Detroit Public Library

Opening hours: Tue - Wed: 12pm - 8pm; Thu - Sat: 10am - 6pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

Price: Free

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15. Enjoy the famous hot dogs at Lafayette Coney Island

Posted by Lafayette Coney Island on Wednesday, 12 October 2016

Lafayette Coney Island is a much-loved Detroit institution, and the perfect place to stop for a snack no matter the time of day. This casual restaurant is famed for its steaming “Detroit-style Coney Island” hot dogs that come piled high with chili, onions, and mustard. In addition to the much loved “coneys,” the chili-covered burgers and fries are also fantastic. If you still have room after polishing off a plate of hot dogs, make sure to try a slice of one of their great pies.

Lafayette Coney Island

Address: 118 W Lafayette Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226, USA

Website: Lafayette Coney Island

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 8:30am - 3am; Fri - Sat: 8:30am - 4am; Sun: 8:30am - 2am

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16. Enjoy the nightlife at Mix

Posted by Mix Bricktown on Monday, 19 March 2018

Mix is one of the best places to dance the night away in downtown Detroit. This vibrant club is open until two in the morning Wednesday through Sunday, and it features amazing DJs playing a variety of electronic music. The club also has a great selection of wines, beers, and mixed drinks.

Mix

Address: 641 Beaubien St, Detroit, MI 48226, USA

Website: Mix

Opening hours: Tue: 5pm - 1am; Wed - Fri: 5pm - 2am; Sat: 4pm - 2am; Sun: 7pm - 2am (closed on Mon)

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The delights of downtown Detroit

Detroit is a surprisingly family-friendly destination that offers a bevy of interesting activities to try out. From live music to beautiful libraries to historic landmarks, the opportunities for entertainment are as endless and varied as your interests. Start planning your trip today, and check out these things to do in downtown Detroit!

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Hannah is a freelance writer, list making aficionado, and world traveler currently based in Germany. She is an avid explorer, and believes in creating new experiences to put on her bucket list to...Read more

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