Metro Detroit Travel Guide

Explore Metro Detroit with this comprehensive travel guide, including a list of places to visit, hiking/biking routes, activities, food and drink recommendations, and tips for transportation and safety.


Introduction to Metro Detroit

Metro Detroit is an area located in Southeast Michigan in the United States of America. The city is famous for its rich history, diverse culture, and natural beauty. Metro Detroit is home to some of the top tourist attractions in Michigan, including museums, historical landmarks, and scenic trails. Whether you are a history buff, nature lover, or foodie, Metro Detroit has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Metro Detroit

Visitors to Metro Detroit can explore a wide range of attractions, including:

  • Culturally important attractions: museums and historical places
  • Natural attractions of Metro Detroit: outdoor adventure and scenic views
  • Hiking/biking routes of Metro Detroit
  • Best things to do in Metro Detroit: activities and tours
  • Food and drink scene of Metro Detroit
  • Where to stay in Metro Detroit: hotels, hostels, and guesthouses
  • What to buy in Metro Detroit: souvenirs and local products to bring home
  • Local culture and customs of Metro Detroit
  • Best time to visit Metro Detroit
  • Do’s and don’ts of Metro Detroit
  • Safety and health
  • Getting to Metro Detroit: transportation options and logistics
  • How to get around in Metro Detroit
  • Where to go next from Metro Detroit: nearby destinations and excursions

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Metro Detroit is home to some of the most significant museums and historical landmarks in Michigan, including:

  • The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation: This museum is dedicated to showcasing American history, innovation, and technology. The museum features exhibits on American innovation, transportation, and American culture.
  • Motown Museum: This museum celebrates the history of Motown music, the Detroit music industry, and the African American culture of Detroit. Visitors can take a guided tour of Hitsville U.S.A., the house where Motown Records was founded.
  • Detroit Institute of Arts: This museum is a world-renowned cultural institution that features an extensive collection of art from around the world. The museum includes over 100 galleries of art from ancient times to the present day.
  • The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History: This museum is dedicated to educating and inspiring visitors about the history and culture of African Americans in Detroit and around the world. The museum features exhibits on the Civil Rights Movement, African American art, and African American cultural heritage.

Natural Attractions of Metro Detroit: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Metro Detroit is known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities, including:

  • Belle Isle Park: This park is located in the Detroit River and offers stunning views of the Detroit skyline. Visitors can explore the park’s gardens, conservatory, and aquarium, or enjoy outdoor activities like biking, hiking, and picnicking.
  • Detroit Riverwalk: This scenic walkway is located along the Detroit River and offers stunning views of the river and the skyline. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk, rent a bike, or enjoy a river cruise.
  • Kensington Metropark: This park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, boating, and camping. Visitors can also enjoy the park’s nature center, farm center, and golf course.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Metro Detroit

Metro Detroit has several hiking and biking trails that offer beautiful scenery and outdoor recreation opportunities, including:

  • Detroit Riverfront: This trail is a 3.5-mile walkway along the riverfront that offers stunning views of the Detroit skyline. Visitors can explore green spaces, sculptures, fountains and splash pads, and visit restaurants and bars.
  • Dequindre Cut: This trail is a 1.4-mile greenway for walking and biking that offers urban art, murals and graffiti. The trail offers connections to other Detroit neighborhoods, downtown, and the riverfront.
  • Paint Creek Trail: This trail is a 8.9-mile paved rail-trail that winds through the woods of Oakland County. Visitors can enjoy scenic views of woods, meadows and rolling hills.

Best Things to Do in Metro Detroit: Activities and Tours

Metro Detroit has something to offer for everyone, whether you are an outdoor enthusiast, history buff, or foodie. Some of the most popular activities and tours include:

  • Detroit Experience Factory: This tour company offers a variety of tours that highlight the history, culture, and architecture of metro Detroit. Tours include walking, biking, and bus tours.
  • Detroit Zoo: This zoo is located in Royal Oak, just north of Detroit, and features over 2,500 animals from around the world. Visitors can attend live animal shows, rides and exhibits.
  • The Fillmore Detroit: This historic venue hosts concerts and events throughout the year.
  • Ford Field: This state-of-the-art facility is the home of the Detroit Lions football team. Visitors can take a tour of the stadium, or attend a game or event.

Week-Long Itinerary for Metro Detroit

Day 1: Visit the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Detroit Historical Museum. Day 2: Explore Belle Isle Park and the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory. Day 3: Take a guided tour of Hitsville U.S.A. at the Motown Museum, and visit the Detroit Riverwalk. Day 4: Visit the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and take a factory tour at the Ford Rouge Factory Tour. Day 5: Take a bike ride on the Dequindre Cut and visit Eastern Market. Day 6: Visit the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History and explore the Detroit Zoo. Day 7: Watch a Detroit sports game or attend an event at the Fillmore Detroit.

Food and Drink Scene of Metro Detroit

Metro Detroit offers a diverse and exciting food and drink scene, including some must-try dishes and local beverages.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Coney Dogs: This is a beloved Michigan classic, consisting of a hot dog topped with chili, onions, and mustard.
  • Detroit-style Pizza: This kind of pizza is square-shaped and has deep dish crust, crispy edges, and is topped with tomato sauce, cheese and pepperoni.
  • Paczki: This pastry is a traditional Polish treat that is similar to a donut and is often filled with fruit or cream.
  • Sanders Hot Fudge Sundae: This is a classic American dessert, featuring hot fudge, ice cream, whipped cream, and cherries.

Local Beverages

  • Vernor’s Ginger Ale: This ginger ale has been brewed in Detroit since 1866 and is a popular local drink.
  • Faygo Pop: This soda company has been around since 1907 and offers unique flavors like Rock & Rye, Redpop, and Cotton Candy.

Where to Stay in Metro Detroit: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Metro Detroit offers a variety of accommodation options to suit every traveler’s needs and budget, including:

  • Luxury hotels: The Henry, MotorCity Casino Hotel
  • Mid-range hotels: Marriott Detroit Renaissance Center, Hilton Garden Inn Detroit Downtown
  • Hostels: Hostel Detroit, Hostelling International Detroit
  • Guesthouses: The Cochrane House Luxury Historic Inn, Inn on Ferry Street

What to Buy in Metro Detroit: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Travelers can bring home a piece of Detroit’s unique cultural heritage with the following souvenirs and local products:

  • Pewabic Pottery: This is a handmade art pottery that has been produced in Detroit since 1903.
  • Detroit-made products: Some popular Detroit-made products include Shinola watches, Carhartt clothing, and YumVillage sauces.
  • Vernor’s Ginger Ale: This locally-brewed ginger ale is a popular Detroit beverage.

Local Culture and Customs of Metro Detroit

Metro Detroit is a diverse and welcoming community that celebrates its rich cultural heritage. Visitors should keep in mind the following customs and etiquette during their stay in Detroit:

  • Respect for diverse cultures and traditions is paramount. Detroit celebrates many cultures throughout their festivals and community events. Observe and participate in such events in an appropriate manner.
  • Tipping is customary in restaurants, hair salons, and other service businesses.
  • Visitors should be aware of the regional dialect. Detroit has a unique accent with certain pronunciations and idiosyncratic word usage.

Best Time to Visit Metro Detroit

The best time to visit Metro Detroit is during the summer months from June to August when the city comes alive with outdoor events and festivals. The fall months from September to November offer crisp weather and vibrant foliage, while the winter months from December to February offer opportunities for indoor activities including holiday events and winter sports.

Do’s and Don’ts of Metro Detroit

Do:

  • Explore the natural beauty of Metro Detroit, including parks and trails that offer scenic views.
  • Visit the local museums and historical landmarks to learn about the history and culture of Detroit.
  • Try the local food and drink scene, including Coney Dogs and Vernor’s Ginger Ale.
  • Respect the local culture and customs.

Don’t:

  • Leave valuables visible in your car
  • Don’t wander around in unfamiliar neighborhoods at night.
  • Don’t litter or harm the environment by not using the appropriate trash can or recycling center.

Safety and Health

Safety in Metro Detroit

Metro Detroit is generally a safe destination for tourists, but like in many urban areas, travelers should take necessary precautions to stay safe, such as:

  • Be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone in unfamiliar areas.
  • Keep belongings securely locked away, and leave valuables in hotel safes.
  • Lock your car and park it in well-lit areas.

Health in Metro Detroit

Travelers to Metro Detroit should be up-to-date on routine vaccinations, including the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and the seasonal flu vaccine. Visitors should also take precautions to protect themselves from the sun and heat during the summer months.

Getting to Metro Detroit: Transportation Options and Logistics

Visitors to Metro Detroit can arrive by air, bus or car. The city is well-connected via highways, with Detroit Metro Airport serving as the main airport for the area.

Airports Near Metro Detroit

  • Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
  • Bishop International Airport (FNT)

Bus Stations Near Metro Detroit

  • Detroit Greyhound Bus Station
  • Detroit MegaBus Stop

Other Options

  • Car rental: Several car rental companies serve the Detroit Metro and surrounding areas.
  • Private car service/taxi: Several taxi companies and car services operate in Detroit.

How to Get Around in Metro Detroit

Metro Detroit offers several transportation options including buses, trains and taxis. Travelers can also explore the city on foot, by bike or by rented car.

Where to Go Next from Metro Detroit: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Metro Detroit is a prime location to explore Southeast Michigan and beyond, including:

  • Ann Arbor: This college town is home to the University of Michigan and offers a vibrant art and culture scene.
  • Frankenmuth: This small town located in the heart of Michigan is known for its Bavarian-style architecture and festivals.
  • Lake Michigan: This vast lake and its surrounding areas offer opportunities for outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, swimming, and hiking.

Conclusion

Metro Detroit offers a wealth of natural, cultural, and culinary attractions to delight visitors of every taste. Explore outdoor activities and scenic beauty, museums and historic attractions, and experiences unique to Metro Detroit. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, urban experiences, or cultural immersion, Metro Detroit has something to offer every traveler.



    Macomb County
    Oakland County
    Wayne County