Whether you’re a tourist visiting Detroit from outside the state or a Michigander spending time in the city, here are 5 must-visit destinations for all ages to enjoy!
Belle Isle Aquarium
The Belle Isle Aquarium is the oldest aquarium in the continental United States and visitors can enjoy it for FREE! It is the oldest aquarium in the country and when it opened it was the third-largest Aquarium in the world with salt water being shipped directly in from the ocean. Today, it is home to a unique collection of fish, reptiles and even an octupus! Walking through the aquarium, you will travel all over the globe exploring the Great Lakes and Waters of the world. From Africa to South American from rocky shores to sandy depths all different environments are on display.
The Belle Isle Aquarium is located next to the Belle Isle Conservatory (currently closed for renovations), the Giant Slide, and the Dossin Great Lakes Museum. A short drive down the island you can find the Belle Isle Nature Center (that also has FREE admission). The Nature Center is open 7 days a week and features indoor activities, outdoor nature play area (and a fun modern playground) and recently enhanced nature trail.
Detroit Institute of Arts
The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) is world-class museum that was named the 2023 Best Art Museum by USA Today. The beauty of Detroit’s reknown cultural institution is that it IS kid-friendly. Kids can’t touch the art and quiet voices are expected but throughout the museum there are literal touch points (Eye Spy) to keep kids engaged. Enjoy live music on Friday nights and free drop-in art workshops on the weekend.
The DIA is located in Detroit’s Cultural Center and across the street you’ll find the Detroit Historical Museum, Michigan Science Center, Charles H. Wright Musem of African American History and the Detorit Public Library Main Branch.
Detroit Riverfront
The Detroit Riverfront features 5 1/2 miles of pedestian friendly space with playgrounds, parks, public art and wonder views of the water, Detroit and Canada! Spend time at Cullen Plaza (playground and vintage carousel), Valade Park (sand beach), Milliken State Park (get a picture with an iconic Michigan lighthouse) and play at the Outdoor Adventure Center. Take a walk or bike ride (there are rentals at Wheelhouse Detroit) The Dequindre Cut is a two mile urban greenway connecting the Detroit Riverfront to another Detroit gem – Eastern Market.
Eastern Market
Eastern Market is one of our favorite places to explore in the city. Find fresh produce, shop local grocers, and eat well at food trucks and restaurants every Saturday between 7am and 4pm. Can’t make it then, visit any time to grab a bite and take a colorful family photo during your visit and see how many murals you can find – here’s a list.
Corktown
Corktown is Detroit’s oldest neighborhood and home to it’s newest star. For decades the Michigan Central Train Station stood as a notorious site of blight but now it’s a breath-taking Michigan Central – headquarters for the Ford Motor Company. Roosevelt Park is beautifully renovated and surrounded by some of the best restaurants in the city – Slows BBQ, Mercury Bar, Grandma Bob’s Pizza and more along Michigan Avenue.
