Every city has its own flavor and certain places make it immediately recognizable to the world. From the Empire State Building in New York City to the Space Needle in Seattle, these are the quintessential sites that every tourist must visit. Here are the most famous spots in the motor city that will immerse you in the spiciness of Detroit.
An absolute gem of Detroit is a 982-acre state-owned island park sitting in the Detroit River and accessible by the historic 2,193-foot MacArthur Bridge built in 1923 with its nineteen arches. On the island are multiple biking and hiking paths looping around wetlands, forests, and historical Detroit architecture. The James Scott Memorial Fountain constructed in 1925 with a diameter of 510 feet is guarded by stone lions and playful angels. Beaches and parks areas are strewn throughout the island along with a municipal golf course. The oldest aquarium can be found here with its intricate exterior and bright lime tile on the inside. If you want to get lost in fauna from around the world, go to the Anne Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory from 1904, the oldest in the nation. Other features of the isle are a golf range, a historic casino, and the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, highlighting the history of the Great Lakes.
The Detroit Renaissance Center (which construction began in 1971), with its three shimmering glass towers, is one of the most recognizable structures on the city’s skyline. Its hotel tower, now part of the Marriott, is still the tallest building in Michigan. In 1996, the “RenCen” was purchased by General Motors and became the company’s headquarters. The complex is so large, with 14-acres of offices, restaurants, and shops, that it has its own zip code.
Hart Plaza borders the Renaissance Center with the Detroit River flowing on their southsides. Opened in 1975, the plaza contains the famous Horace E. Dodge and Son Memorial Fountain, whose silvery circle spouts water onto the hot pavement to cool river walkers. Hart Plaza hosts numerous festivals throughout the summer, including the Windsor-Detroit International Freedom Festival, with its spectacular, striking display of vibrant fireworks to celebrate the 4th of July. A large, open amphitheater provides the stage and seating for these celebrations and its backdrop is a wonderful view of downtown.
The Detroit Riverwalk, voted on of the best in the country, is a must see. Take a stroll along its length and enjoy the multiple parks along the way. One of the busiest parks along this ribbon of land is the Cullen Plaza at 1340 Atwater Street. With spacious parking and a building housing a food vendor along with restrooms, this park is a perfect place to see the beauty of the Detroit and Windsor skyline. The park also boosts a whimsical carousel with colorful water dwelling creatures that are indigenous to the Detroit River, just beckoning you for a ride. The Cullen Family Carousel was created by Briggs Design and handcrafted specifically for the Detroit Riverfront.
The Monroe Midway is a huge outdoor park with a roller rink, four half basketball courts, a multi-use sports court, and beautiful artwork from noted artists, such as muralist Phill Simpson and contemporary Olivia Guterson. There is no entrance fee and roller skating is only $13, including skate rental. Enjoy the fresh air or play under the stars while listening the songs spun by local DJs.
Located in the heart of Detroit, Campus Martius Park is a lively public square framed by iconic skyscrapers which hosts events throughout the year, from ice skating in the winter to movie nights during the summer. Check out its beautiful bubbling fountain or rest on one of the benches and partake in the vibrant city life. During the holidays, the park is festooned in Christmas lights that sparkle in the night and a large, decorated tree standing stately above its seasonal ice rink.
Greektown, located on Monroe Street, between Brush and St. Antoine Streets, is a vibrant cultural center with delicious ethnic food, the glittering Greektown casino, and historic Greek décor. You can stroll the street under sparkly white lights while inhaling the heavenly aromas of moussaka (eggplant and beef), dolmadakia (stuffed grape leaves), and saganaki, a flaming Greek cheese that when lit by the servers is accompanied by an “Opa!” You can the head on indoors, into the multistoried 1850s-era building with its tiers of shops bathed in golden light, hovering over the entrance of the casino.
If you want a taste of Detroit, there is no better place than the Eastern Market. Established over 150 years ago, the market is a wonderful place to savor the cuisine from the local restaurants, sink your teeth into sugary confections from the Milano Bakery, inhale the scents of colorful produce and vibrant flowers, or attend cultural events that promote local artists and businesses. As you stroll through the market sheds, with the bustling crowds, gaze upon the numerous murals splashed upon the brick walls. The market is open year-round on Saturdays and in the summer, on the weekends and Tuesday. Many of the businesses surrounding the market are open seven days a week where the locals buy their groceries or have a snack. If you love gardening, in May, the market hosts flower day, where you can pick up flats and pots of every bloom you desire.
Pewabic Pottery is a National Historic Landmark founded in 1903 which is a haven for artists who specialize in pottery. The business attracts people from around the world and is famous for its ceramic tiles that can be found in historic buildings and homes around the city. You can visit the organization and walk through their gift shop and gallery while peeking at the artists’ workshop and kilns.
To take a step back into Michigan history, there is no better place than Greenfield Village and the Henry Ford Museum. Peer into the glass cases to learn about the automotive history of Detroit then head to the outdoors to enjoy a whole village set in early American times. The village sprawls across 200 acres and has such notable places as Thomas Edison’s workshop highlighting all his innovations and Liberty Craftworks where skilled artisans utilize authentic techniques to create gorgeous period pieces such as pottery and glasswork.
For more information about these places and other attractions in Detroit, visit, www.visitdetroit.com
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