The largest city in Michigan, Detroit, is situated between Lakes Huron and Erie on the northwest bank of the Detroit River and on Lake St. Clair. At the edge of the lake, Downtown Detroit is teeming with attractions, eateries, boutiques, and intriguing neighborhoods like Greektown.

The Dearborn Area, a prominent destination for sightseeing, is best known for its connection to the legendary automaker Henry Ford. It is also home to a number of ethnic districts, including an Arab-American neighborhood with top-notch Middle Eastern culinary options.

The Detroit Zoo is located in the Oakland neighborhood of Detroit, which is also well-known for its posh cafes and stores. The stylish Greater Noni neighborhood, which has golf courses and recreational amenities, as well as Detroit's "East side" of Macomb, which is noted for its marinas, are examples of outlying communities.

With our list of the top tourist sites in Detroit, you can arrange your upcoming vacation to the Motor City.

1.One should go to the Detroit Institute of Arts

From the earliest cultures to the present, the Detroit Institute of Arts showcases a representative cross-section of human artistic accomplishment. More than 100 galleries house more than 65,000 pieces of art as part of its permanent collection. The art of the Near East and classical antiquity, collections from medieval Europe, works from Africa, Oceania, and the Indigenous Americas, as well as American art and culture, are all included in this.

Masterpieces of European painting by Rembrandt, Van Gogh (self-portrait), Matisse, and Picasso are among the museum's most well-liked pieces. There is also a sizable collection of Islamic art that spans ancient to modern times, including pieces made of pottery, bronze, stone, and other materials, as well as a gallery devoted to African American art, which features a range of mediums.

Together with conventional art genres, the museum also houses the Paul McPharlin Puppetry Collection and a performing arts collection that includes film and theatrical artifacts.

2. Visit the Motown Museum to see where it all began.

The Motown Museum is a modest shingle-clad structure that housed the recording studio where the "Motown sound" was created from 1957 until 1972. It is also known as "Hitsville USA" because to its famous sign. Guests can tour the real recording studio where Marvin Gaye and other famous musicians created hit songs as well as the home of Berry Gordy Jr., the man who founded Motown, and his family.

The museum details the development of the music industry as well as Detroit's historic ascent to popularity as the city that gave rise to some of the greatest hits ever. Call in advance to book your spot on the tour because space is limited.

3. Visit the Ford Factory on Piquette Avenue

The Model T, which revolutionized the automotive industry and paved the path for the future of personal transportation, was created at the Ford Piquette Avenue Factory. The structure, a National Historic Landmark, was originally home to the factory that produced the most popular car in the entire globe.

Visitors may stroll through the factory on the old, worn floorboards and take in the sights of dozens of immaculately preserved early models, including both Ford's and his rivals' automobiles. Also, you can view the "experimental room," which included a drafting table, tools, and even his mother's rocking chair, exactly as it was when Ford and his group worked on creating and testing new concepts.

4. Go over to the Detroit Zoo

A staggering variety of creatures from all over the world call the Detroit Zoo, which is located on 125 acres just outside of downtown Detroit, home. The zoo is divided into many habitat types, with the popular African habitats housing exotic favorites like rhinos, lions, zebras, and giraffes as well as a favorite of South America, the sloth. The four-acre ape habitat, which is located in this area, is home to twelve chimpanzees and three silverback gorillas.

There is an Australian Outback habitat with kangaroos and wallabies, as well as an Asian Forest habitat with camels, tigers, lemurs, and red pandas. Also, there are sections devoted to North American animals, as well as an Arctic sector with polar bears, Arctic foxes, and several penguin species. The indoor butterfly garden, the free-flight aviary, and the reptile conservation center, which is home to several snake, frog, and turtle species, are other tranquil attractions open to visitors.

Visitors can interact with a variety of animals, such as feeding giraffes and meeting and greeting penguins. Also, there are a number of playgrounds, a train ride, a 4-D theater, picnic spots, and a low-sensory area for children who are easily overstimulated.

5. Examine Old Fort Wayne

Visitors to Fort Wayne can enter the five-pointed bastion fortress through the Sally Port, a three-layer fortified wooden door, which is located on the fort's grounds. The substantial limestone barracks structure, built in 1848, is located inside the fort. To gain a glimpse of what life was like for a soldier in the 1860s, visitors can stroll the first floor.

The largest open parade grounds, the powder magazine, and the fort's oldest structure are all located inside. The Demilune, which once housed the cannons facing the water, a dry moat, and restored officer's quarters are additional features. The fort holds numerous events throughout the summer as well as a number of unique tours, such as nighttime ghost tours that investigate the fort's eerier side.

6. Go for a Day Trip to Belle Isle

The Detroit River island of Belle Isle is around three miles long and up to one mile broad, and it is designed with lovely parkland, hiking paths, and sports facilities. The Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, which opened in 1904 and has palm trees, cacti, and other desert plants, tropical plants, and a lily pond, is one of the main attractions.

The Dossin Great Lakes Museum, which is located on the island, also houses a number of ship models and other artifacts that illustrate the history of shipping on the Great Lakes. It also features relics from opulent Great Lakes cruises, such as the Gothic Room from the S.S. City of Detroit III, which has been restored.

Additional attractions include the freshly renovated Belle Isle Aquarium and the Belle Isle Nature Zoo, where guests can feed deer. The island offers a variety of recreational options, such as a driving range, boat and bicycle rentals, a huge slide, as well as numerous swimming holes and hiking routes in and around the park's three lakes.

7. Visit the Greenfield Village and Henry Ford Museum

Henry Ford, the inventor of the vehicle, was born in the suburb of Dearborn, which is located about 11 miles west of the city center. He created the 12-acre Henry Ford Museum and the open-air museum known as Greenfield Village in 1929 as monuments to himself.

The Week 7 NFLPA Community MVP is Detroit Lions fullback Jason Cabinda after he made two visits in the past week to local schools. These sessions were part of a weekly, season-long tour where he hosts fun-filled days featuring STEM learning activities and prizes. pic.twitter.com/B9uK9hSdm8

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 21, 2022

The Henry Ford Museum provides a broad overview of the evolution of American culture and technological development from the days of the early settlers to the present. The first steam locomotive built by George Stephenson (1829), 200 automobiles, including the first Ford and the vehicle used in the assassination of John F. Kennedy, and the Fokker that Admiral Byrd used to make the first trip over the North Pole in 1926 are some of the most prominent exhibits.

The entrance to Greenfield Village, an open-air museum with around 100 historic structures from the 18th and 19th centuries, is just to the north of the Henry Ford Museum. Among these are the home where Henry Ford was born, Edison's laboratory, the Wright brothers' bicycle business, a school, a train station, and other public structures. The goods produced by the different workshops in the village are sold at the many stores of the Village Craft Center.

8. See a baseball game at Comerica Park 

Baseball museum, theme park, and ballpark all coexist at Comerica Park. The baseball team's history is commemorated along the main concourse in a series of exhibitions that emphasize the team's successes and milestones, as well as a "Walk of Fame" that honors its most illustrious players. The park is most well-known for being the home of the Detroit Tigers.

Families can have a pleasant ride on the carousel behind first base, and in the third-base area there is a 50-foot Ferris wheel with seats shaped like enormous baseballs. If you get the chance to go to a game or event there, you may witness the park's renowned "liquid fireworks" in action on the center-field wall, where a brightly lit fountain punctuates home runs and dazzles the crowd.

9. Detroit Masonic Temple

The iconic Gothic design of the Masonic Temple of Detroit was created using Indiana limestone. The largest temple of its sort in the world, it was dedicated in 1926. The ritualistic tower, the theatre, and the Shrine Club are the three main sections of the structure. Concerts and other events are held at the venue. Guests who want to take a tour of this magnificent structure must make an appointment by calling in advance.

10. Visit Eastern Market to shop

When it first opened in 1891, the 4.5-acre Eastern Market has expanded progressively to fill many city blocks near to downtown Detroit. Every Saturday throughout the year, fresh local vegetables and animal products, preserves, baked goods, and other farmers market delicacies are sold by sellers at the market. Also, there are many handcrafted things available for purchase, as well as artists selling jewelry, apparel, and other distinctive items.

The market is open on Tuesdays and Sundays from June through September, with Sundays reserved for regional artisans and crafters. The market stores are located in a number of structures known as "Sheds," which are numbered and located along Russell Street between Wilkins and Winder Streets. Before moving on, visitors should start at the Welcome Center in Shed 3 on Adelaide Street to get a map and use the ATM.

Tourists may find a ton of fantastic local stores, eateries, and cafés on the streets around the market in addition to the 200+ sellers housed in the sheds. The murals that adorn various buildings in the Market area are particularly well-known for their public art; visitors may find the most of them along Orleans and Erskine Street close to Shed 6.

11. Visit the Charles H. Wright Museum of African-American History to learn more about the past.

The Museum of African-American History provides historical context for black Americans' place in the country and in Detroit. A look at notable African American scientists and technological pioneers is one of the many topics covered in the exhibits, as is Detroit's Underground Railroad, which helped slaves escape from Michigan into Canada.

The museum offers a wide range of activities, such as lectures, conversations, and films that address social, political, and other themes, in addition to its permanent and changing exhibits.

12. MICHELIN SCIENCE CENTER

The Michigan Science Center, which is situated in Detroit's Cultural District, provides a wide range of engaging exhibits, performances, and activities for visitors of all ages. An IMAX dome cinema, a planetarium, and an immersive 4-D theater are some of the center's primary attractions. Also, there are live stage performances and over 220 interactive exhibits spread across its collection of galleries.

The Smithsonian Spark!Lab and STEM Playground are two of the most well-liked museums' hands-on exhibits for children. Others cover the subjects of weather, arithmetic, health, space exploration, and even have an exhibit on automated steel manufacture. The location does not have a restaurant, but guests are welcome to bring food and "picnic" in specified areas.

13. Wander the Riverwalk in Detroit

The Riverfront neighborhood in Detroit is quickly becoming a well-liked destination for year-round strolls and activities. From Belle Isle to Rosa Parks Boulevard, it spans more than three miles, and there are plans to extend it two more miles along the waterfront in the west. Special activities are held at various locations along the Riverwalk, such as free concerts and holiday celebrations.

The Riverwalk starts at Mt. Elliot Park, a freshly renovated park with completely accessible features like kid-friendly water play areas, a café, bathrooms, and a fishing pier. The wide route continues west along the water's edge after crossing Harbortown Marina and provides numerous benches sheltered by trees.

The playground at Robert C. Valade Park will be appreciated by families, and jazz fans will want to attend a performance at the Aretha Franklin Amphitheater. The William G. Milliken State Park, a magnificent place with a lighthouse, shaded picnic areas, and a number of public art projects, is further west along the Riverwalk. The Cullen Family Carousel and the Riverfront Community Playground are just beyond this point, where visitors can take detours to wander through a wetland area.

Tourists can discover the International Monument to the Underground Railroad behind the GM Renaissance Center, and behind it is a sizable, picturesque public area that serves as the venue for many of the Riverwalk's major events. The stroll continues west through Huntington Place to the Concrete Pyramid, passing the Detroit Princess Riverboat port.

The promenade will be connected to Ralph C. Wilson Centennial Park (West Riverfront Park), which now offers a sizable green space where events are hosted, as part of the park's planned westward extension.

14. Enjoy a riverboat cruise on the Detroit Princess.

A five-story, 1500-passenger ship called the Detroit Princess is berthed at Hart Plaza on the Detroit Riverwalk close to the GM Renaissance Center. On two- to three-hour sightseeing excursions, passengers gain a new perspective of the city, which offers opportunity for fantastic images. There are multiple sunset dinner cruises offered during the summer each week, and tickets come with either lunch or dinner.

The Princess also hosts New Year's Eve parties and other holiday-themed events, as well as themed events like Motown Memories and big band nights. Also, the riverboat can be rented in part for smaller events and can be chartered for private gatherings.

15. Detroit Historical Museum 

The Motor City's intriguing heritage, including how it earned its moniker and status as the epicenter of the automotive industry, is celebrated at the Detroit Historical Museum. Model railroads, dioramas, and reconstructions of historic Detroit streets are among the exhibits that give a comprehensive overview of the city and the occasions that shaped it.

Other exhibits cover information regarding Detroit's involvement in the Underground Railroad, the crucial role that the city's industry and residents played during World War II, and other salient aspects of the metropolis. The Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle, which highlights the city's maritime history, is also run by the Detroit Historical Society.

16. Detroit Public Library 

On March 25, 1865, the Detroit Public Library formally welcomed visitors. The original collection, which was housed in a room in the former Capital High School, contained 5,000 books. On March 21, 1921, the library relocated to its current site. The main library currently has 23 branches and 10 departments.

The primary draw and item on the National Register of Historic Places is the building itself. An hour-long, free tour of the building given by a docent examines the architecture, artwork, and history of the library.

17. Pewabic Pottery, 

In 1903, Mary Chase Perry Stratton and her business partner Horace Caulkins established Pewabic Pottery. Stratton ran the studio until her death in 1961, and her assistant continued to run it for a few more years after that. Now, the ceramics museum, gallery, workshop, and studio are run by Pewabic Pottery. The studio's museum is home to a sizable collection of American ceramics and is a National Historic Landmark.

Moreover, there is a gift shop where visitors can buy authentic Pewabic Pottery, including huge pieces and a selection of Michigan and Detroit mementos. The public can visit the museum every day at no charge.

18. GM Renaissance Center, 

Huge skyscraper complexes flank the Detroit River, and the Renaissance Center, which stands out as the city's main landmark on the skyline, dominates them all. This seven-tower complex, which is home to the Detroit Marriott as well as offices, dining establishments, and retail stores, is a popular tourist site.

The observation deck, which is located on the 72nd floor, has a great view of the city. The enormous GM showroom, which showcases the manufacturer's automobiles from the newest models to early models in perfect condition, is the center's most visited attraction.

19. Tour The Henry Ford Estate and Fair Lane

The historic residence of automaker Henry Ford and his wife Clara is located on Fair Lane in the Detroit neighborhood of Dearborn. In 1915, the Fords moved into their new house, where they remained until their deaths in 1947 and 1950. The Fair Lane estate's grounds contain a hydroelectric plant that can generate enough power, heat, and light for the entire estate.

The estate also had a "Santa's workshop," a summer home, a man-made lake, staff cottages, a gatehouse, a pony barn, a skating house, a greenhouse, a root cellar, a vegetable garden, and peony gardens. There were also 500 birdhouses. Visitors can still access the grounds even if the property is undergoing renovation.