The Motor City is overflowing with things to do, from sporting events to natural areas to culinary experiences for even the pickiest foodies. While some of our offerings are universal among large cities, many excursions are pure Detroit – and we couldn’t be more proud. When you’re searching for reasons to check out our hometown, take a look at these seven Detroit-specific adventures.
1. Exploring one of North America’s oldest aquariums.
Situated on Detroit’s iconic island park, the breathtaking Belle Isle Aquarium held the title of North America’s oldest continuously operating aquarium until 2005, when it was temporarily closed. Since reopening in 2012, the aquarium has drawn in thousands of visitors with its fascinating exhibits, beautiful architecture, and sense of timeless charm. You’ll be enchanted by the sea creatures you see here.
It’s not every day we have the chance to easily venture from one country to the next, but Detroit visitors have this unique opportunity when they traverse the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel. This underwater highway takes drivers under the Detroit River itself and extends for 5,160 feet before offering entrance to Windsor, Ontario, Canada.
While other cities undoubtedly offer restaurants within skyscrapers, there’s something absolutely original about enjoying a meal in the Ren Cen and looking out upon the Detroit River, the city skyline, and Canada in the distance. One must-visit eatery in Detroit is Highlands, a 71st-floor steakhouse that serves fresh fare and incredible vistas to match.
Other areas of the country might try to replicate our beloved square pizza or our classic coney dogs, but no one does it better than Detroit. Whether you’re enjoying a meal at Lafayette Coney Island, digging into a pizza from Buddy’s, or opting for some of both, the food you’ll enjoy during your time in the Motor City is certain to keep you coming back for more.
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: there’s something absolutely fascinating about Detroit’s proximity to Canada. When you spend time in Detroit, you’ll have the unique opportunity to simply gaze (and perhaps even literally wave) across a relatively small body of water to an entirely different nation. While this might be less exceptional in other parts of the world, it’s utterly rare here in the United States.
Detroit is the home of Motown, so you’ll find better access to the history and roots of this beloved sound here than you will anywhere else in the world. We recommend checking out the Motown Museum, also known as Hitsville U.S.A. During your tour, you’ll find everything from fascinating memorabilia to insight into the early days of Motown recordings and the artists who made them come alive.
When you think "state park," you might not imagine a bustling metropolis. Here in Detroit, though, there’s an easily accessible state park right within the bounds of our beautiful city. Milliken State Park and Harbor features 31 gorgeous acres of greenery, gardens, sitting space, and frontage along the Detroit River - all smack dab in the middle of an urban environment. This is one park you’ll never forget.
Have you been lucky enough to embark on any of these awesome Motor City adventures? What were some of your favorite places to spend time here in Detroit? We’re always eager to hear your feedback, so drop us a line in the Facebook comments or recommend another fun outing by completing our nomination form here.
Searching for more excitement? You’ll want to read about this awesome art museum near Detroit.
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