The 10 Top Sights and Activities to See and Do in Detroit

Detroit is an iconic city in the Midwest of the United States, and it’s known for its unique automotive heritage and diverse cultural attractions. From its museums and restaurants to its entertainment and architecture, Detroit is a vibrant city with a lot to offer. Whether you’re looking for a fun day out with the family or an adventure filled with new experiences, Detroit has something for everyone. Here are the 10 top sights and activities to check out when you’re in town.

1. Take a tour of the Motown Museum

The Motown Museum is one of the most iconic attractions in Detroit and a must-see for any fan of classic R&B and soul music. This museum celebrates the music of Motown Records and its legendary artists, from Smokey Robinson to The Temptations and Diana Ross. You can take a tour of the museum and learn about the history of Motown, view artifacts, listen to some of the classic songs, and get an up-close look at the famous recording studios.

Book a tour of the Motown Museum here.

2. Explore the Detroit Institute of Arts

The Detroit Institute of Arts is one of the largest art museums in the United States and it houses an impressive collection of artwork from around the world. There are more than 65,000 pieces of art, including works by Van Gogh, Picasso, Monet, Gauguin, and more. You can also take part in educational programs, lectures, and workshops at the museum.

Book a tour of the Detroit Institute of Arts here.

3. Visit Belle Isle Park

Belle Isle Park is a 982-acre island park that’s located in the middle of the Detroit River, just off the city’s downtown area. The park offers stunning views of the river, Detroit skyline, and Canada’s shoreline. It’s home to several attractions, including a conservatory, aquarium, golf course, and lighthouse. You can also find plenty of outdoor activities here, such as biking, fishing, kayaking, and more.

Book an activity at Belle Isle Park here.

4. Check out the Heidelberg Project

The Heidelberg Project is an outdoor art installation that was created by artist Tyree Guyton in 1986 as a way to bring attention to Detroit’s economic decline and to revitalize the city’s East Side neighborhood. The project consists of colorful murals, sculptures, and installations made from everyday objects like tires, dolls, and furniture. It’s a unique and inspiring experience that shouldn’t be missed on any trip to Detroit.

Book a tour of the Heidelberg Project here.

5. Take a stroll through Campus Martius Park

Campus Martius Park is located in downtown Detroit and it’s one of the city’s most popular public spaces. The park is divided into four distinct areas: The Beach, which is an artificial beach with sand volleyball courts; The Hammock Grove, which is a shady area for relaxing; The Pavilion, which offers a variety of activities for all ages; and The Promenade, which is a walking path around the park. There are also plenty of activities to enjoy here, including concerts, festivals, movies, games, and more.

Book an activity at Campus Martius Park here.

6. Visit the Detroit Historical Museum

The Detroit Historical Museum is located in the city’s Cultural Center district and it offers visitors a comprehensive look at Detroit’s history through interactive exhibits, artifacts, photographs, and more. You can explore various exhibits that cover topics such as the city’s auto industry, sports teams, civil rights movement, and music scene. There are also several events and programs held at the museum throughout the year.

Book a tour of the Detroit Historical Museum here.

7. Explore the Eastern Market

The Eastern Market is an historic public market located in downtown Detroit that’s been operating since 1891. It’s home to more than 200 vendors who sell fresh produce, meat, seafood, cheese, coffee, baked goods, flowers, and more. There are also several restaurants in the area that serve up delicious local dishes like coney dogs and soul food. The market is open every Saturday throughout the year and it’s a great place to explore if you’re looking for unique culinary experiences in Detroit.

Book a tour of the Eastern Market here.

8. Visit Comerica Park

Comerica Park is home to Major League Baseball’s Detroit Tigers and it offers visitors a great way to catch a game or explore the park on their own time. The stadium has hosted several historic events over the years, including World Series games and concerts by artists like Bruce Springsteen and Eminem. You can take a tour of Comerica Park to learn about its history or take in stunning views from one of its many observation decks.

Book a tour of Comerica Park here.

9. Check out Henry Ford Museum

Henry Ford Museum is located just outside downtown Detroit in Dearborn and it celebrates automotive history like no other museum in the country can. You can explore exhibits that cover topics such as Ford Motor Company’s history, classic cars from around the world, automotive design innovations, and more. There are also other attractions onsite such as an IMAX theater and Greenfield Village, which recreates life from America’s early days with historic buildings from around the country that have been relocated to Dearborn.

Book a tour of Henry Ford Museum here.

10. Take a riverboat cruise on the Detroit River

Last but not least on our list of things to do in Detroit is taking a riverboat cruise on the Detroit River aboard one of the city’s iconic vessels. On your tour you’ll get stunning views of the city skyline and its many bridges as you sail along the river’s calm waters. You can also learn about Detroit’s maritime history or relax on board with drinks from one of the boat’s bars while enjoying live music and dancing on board.

Book a riverboat cruise on the Detroit River here.

From its iconic sports teams to its world-renowned art museums to its lively entertainment venues, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in Detroit for visitors of all ages and interests. Whether you’re looking for a fun day out with the family or an adventure filled with new experiences, Detroit has something for everyone — so make sure you check out some of these top sights and activities while you’re in town!