Garden City Travel Guide

Plan your next visit to Garden City with our comprehensive tour guide, with information on places to visit, things to do, where to stay, local culture, and more!


Introduction to Garden City

Garden City is located in Wayne County, in Metro Detroit, in Southeast Michigan, in the Midwest region of the United States of America. With a population of just over 27,000, it is a charming and friendly city that is perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation. In this comprehensive tour guide, we will provide you with insider tips and recommendations for places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more in Garden City.

List of Places to Visit in Garden City

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. The Garden City Historical Museum Located in the Garden City Library, this museum showcases the history of the city and the surrounding area. Displays include items from local residents, photographs, maps, and more.

  2. The Fort Dearborn/Independence Park Located on Merriman Rd, this park is the site of Fort Dearborn, a military fortification that was built to protect Detroit during the War of 1812. Today, the park is a popular destination for picnics, hiking, and historical tours.

Natural Attractions of Garden City: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Garden City Park With hiking trails, playgrounds, and a large pond for fishing, this park is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

  2. Westland Farmers Market Located in the neighboring city of Westland, this farmers market offers fresh produce, flowers, and other locally sourced products. It’s a perfect place to grab some snacks and enjoy a picnic in one of Garden City’s parks.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Garden City

  1. Hines Park Trail This trail spans over 17 miles and runs through several cities in Wayne County, including Garden City. It’s perfect for biking, hiking, or jogging, and offers scenic views of the Detroit River and surrounding natural areas.

  2. Palmer Park Trails Located in Detroit, just a short drive from Garden City, these trails are a favorite among hikers and nature lovers. They offer a variety of routes for all skill levels, with views of waterfalls, forests, and scenic overlooks.

Best Things to Do in Garden City: Activities and Tours

  1. Suburban Collection Showplace This convention center hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including car shows, trade shows, and conferences. Check their schedule to see what’s happening during your visit.

  2. Palace of Auburn Hills Just a short drive from Garden City, the Palace of Auburn Hills is a popular venue for concerts, sports events, and other large-scale productions.

Week-Long Itinerary for Garden City

Day 1: Visit the Garden City Historical Museum and plan a picnic lunch in Garden City Park.

Day 2: Take a bike ride or hike along the Hines Park Trail and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

Day 3: Visit the Suburban Collection Showplace and attend an event or conference.

Day 4: Take a day trip to Detroit and explore Palmer Park Trails or visit a local attraction such as the Detroit Institute of Arts.

Day 5: Spend the day at Independence Park, and learn about the rich history of the area.

Day 6: Shopping day in the nearby city of Westland, and catch the amazing products at the Westland Farmers Market.

Day 7: Relax and unwind at one of Garden City’s local restaurants, such as Leon’s Family Dining.

Food and Drink Scene of Garden City

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Detroit-style pizza: This unique style of pizza is known for its thick crust, crispy edges, and savory toppings. Locals recommend trying Buddy’s Pizza, which has been serving Detroit-style pizza since 1946.

  2. Coney dogs: A Michigan favorite, coney dogs are hot dogs topped with chili, mustard, and onions. One of the top spots to try this dish is Leo’s Coney Island, located near the Garden City Town Center.

Local Beverages

  1. Faygo: This soft drink brand was founded in Detroit in 1907 and is still popular today. Try one of their classic flavors like Redpop or Rock & Rye.

  2. Bell’s Beer: This Kalamazoo-based brewery is known for its high-quality craft beers, many of which can be found on tap at bars and restaurants throughout Garden City.

Where to Stay in Garden City: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Red Roof Inn Detroit Metro Airport This affordable hotel is located just a short drive from Garden City and offers comfortable rooms and a convenient location for exploring the area.

  2. Best Western Greenfield Inn This family-friendly hotel features an indoor pool, on-site restaurant, and comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi. It’s a great option for travelers looking for convenience and comfort.

What to Buy in Garden City: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Vernors Ginger Ale This spicy and sweet ginger ale was invented in Detroit in 1866 and is still a local favorite today. It’s a refreshing drink for any time of year and makes a great gift or souvenir.

  2. Detroit-made products Many local artisans and craftspeople create unique products that make great gifts. Look for handcrafted jewelry, pottery, or artwork at local boutiques or artisan markets.

Local Culture and Customs of Garden City

Garden City is a friendly and welcoming community with a strong sense of local pride. Visitors should be respectful of local customs and traditions, and should take the time to learn about the history and culture of the area.

Best Time to Visit Garden City

The best time to visit Garden City is in the summer months, when the weather is warm and sunny and local parks and attractions are in full swing. Spring and fall are also beautiful times to visit and offer mild temperatures and colorful foliage.

Do’s and Don’ts of Garden City

Do:

  • Explore the natural beauty of the area through hiking, biking, or picnicking in one of Garden City’s many parks.
  • Try some of the unique local foods, such as Detroit-style pizza or coney dogs.
  • Take the time to learn about the history and culture of the area.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage natural areas or parks.
  • Be disruptive or disrespectful to local residents or businesses.
  • Ignore local customs or traditions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Garden City

Garden City is a safe city with low crime rates and a friendly community. Visitors should still exercise caution and take basic safety precautions such as locking their car and securing their belongings.

Health in Garden City

Visitors to Garden City should be aware of basic health concerns such as staying hydrated in the summer heat and protecting themselves from ticks and other pests when spending time outdoors.

Getting to Garden City: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Garden City

The nearest airport to Garden City is the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County airport, which is located just a short drive away. The airport serves a wide variety of domestic and international destinations.

Bus Stations Near Garden City

The Greyhound Bus Station in nearby Detroit serves a variety of destinations throughout the United States and Canada.

Other Options

In addition to driving, visitors to Garden City can also take advantage of public transportation options such as buses and trains, or use ridesharing services like Uber or Lyft.

How to Get Around in Garden City

The easiest way to get around Garden City is by car or bike. The city also has a public transit system, but it may not be as convenient or frequent as in larger cities.

Where to Go Next from Garden City: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Detroit: Just a short drive away, Detroit offers a variety of attractions such as the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Zoo, and the Henry Ford Museum.

  2. Ann Arbor: This college town is known for its charming downtown area, historical landmarks, and cultural events.

Conclusion

Garden City is a charming and welcoming city with a rich history and beautiful natural areas. Whether you’re interested in hiking, history, or just relaxing in a beautiful park, Garden City has something to offer everyone. We hope this comprehensive tour guide has helped you plan your next visit to this wonderful city!