Detroit Attractions

The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit not only has a museum, but also houses feature exhibit galleries, a theater, classrooms, a research library and multiple-use rooms. Only about two blocks away from the Detroit Institute of Art and the Detroit Public Library, the museum hosts several events throughout the year including the African World Festival and performances by African American artists. Tours are offered or visitors can explore the attraction on their own. Opened in 1965, the Museum of African American History is Detroit’s top institution for exploring and presenting African American culture.

Tourists and those interested in the history of southeastern Michigan need only to visit the Detroit Historical Museum to satisfy their search for knowledge. The museum is an attraction where locals and visitors alike can discover the past of Detroit pre-1700 when Native Americans used the land as a center for trade. Several permanent exhibits are at the museum and a number of programs and special events are also hosted annually. Every Sunday the Detroit Historical Museum has "History Sundays" with special programs for visitors to the museum.

The many parks and pavilions that make up the Detroit Riverfront follow the river through Downtown Detroit and provide places for good-weather events. Spanning the Detroit River from the Ambassador Bridge to Belle Isle, the Detroit Riverfront links Hart Plaza, GM Plaza and the Tri-Centennial State Park with a series of promenades and scenic vistas with more construction planned as Detroit continues its renaissance. Locals can enjoy a relaxing and scenic walk along the Riverfront and tourists will enjoy the attraction as one of the many signature things to see on a visit to the Motor City.

The Detroit Zoo has several attractions that bring in tourists and locals of all ages to see animals at the zoological park. The attractions include Amphibiville, Artic Ring of Life, Australian Outback, a Wildlife Gallery, simulator and several other exhibits. As the first U.S. zoo to give up its elephants on ethical grounds in 2005, the Detroit Zoo proved its devotion to the health and safety of animals while providing the public with educational opportunities. All ages will enjoy the attractions at the Detroit Zoo anytime of the year.

Run by the Detroit Historical Society, the Dossin Great Lakes Museum located on Belle Isle showcases the history of the Great Lakes with particular emphasis on Detroit’s contribution to the regional and national maritime history. Originally a museum in 1949 aboard the J.T. Wing—the last commercial sailing ship on the Great Lakes—the deterioration of the ship forced the museum to be closed in 1956. The Dossin family donated the funds for a new maritime museum and in 1961 the Dossin Great Lakes Museum opened on Belle Isle. The attraction has a multitude of maritime artifacts that allow tourists and locals to be submerged in history.

Built in 1845, Historic Fort Wayne is the third built and only remaining fort in Detroit. The Detroit Historical Society in conjunction with the City of Detroit runs the attraction at Fort Wayne. Each summer historic re-enactments, special events and outdoor activities are put on at the fort for tourists, locals and all history lovers.

Since the middle of the 20th century, music in Detroit has brought the city international recognition and attracted many visitors to the Motor City. Detroit has some of the top live music venues in the United States including the architectural masterpiece Fox Theatre in located in downtown Detroit. The surrounding area is known as “Foxtown” thanks to the National Historic Landmark built in the 1920s. As one of the largest theaters in the nation, second only to New York’s Radio City Music Hall, the majestic space of the Fox Theatre has seen acclaimed musicals, world-class concerts and some of the biggest names in show business. The Fox Theatre is a must-see Detroit attraction for those with an appreciation of the arts and history.

The Motown Historical Museum is one of the top attractions in Detroit as it displays the history and legacy of Motown Records. Memorabilia from artists such as The Temptations, Stevie Wonder and The Jackson 5 such as historical photographs, artwork, music, costumes and more give visitors of all ages a taste of what time was like when the Motown sound dominated. The museum is built in a restored apartment that was once home to Motown founder Berry Gordy, Jr. and allows visitors to go into the original recording studio. The Motown Historical Museum follows the history of the company from 1959 to its hey-day in the '70s and this makes it a great attraction to visit in Detroit.

Of course a city lovingly dubbed Motor City would also host the Henry Ford Museum, a collection of historical attractions bringing American history to life with several different exhibits that comprise the nation’s largest indoor-outdoor museum. Greenfield Village is a re-enactment of America’s past with annual events throughout the year on over 90-acres of land. The Henry Ford Museum displays one of the largest collections of its kind ever assembled with memorabilia like Rosa Park’s Bus and a showcase of people who influenced history. At the site where automobile manufacturing started, as we know it today, the Ford Rouge Factory provides visitors with tours to explore America’s past and how the car grew along with the nation. One of the most state-of-the-art parts of The Henry Ford Museum is the IMAX Theater that features current cinematic releases and documentaries. With a multitude of attractions to choose from The Henry Ford Museum is an essential part of American history in Detroit to explore.