Guardian Building
As the unofficial capital of the art deco architectural style, the Guardian Building is one of Detroit’s most magnificent structures. The exterior is covered in vibrant orange brick and limestone accented by gleaming brass and bronze. Inside, a spectacular five-story lobby with intricate Aztec-inspired tile work awaits. Nicknamed the Cathedral of Finance, this gilded age skyscraper makes you feel like you’ve stepped back to the roaring twenties.
Address: The Guardian Building is located right in downtown Detroit at 500 Griswold St.
Baker’s Keyboard Lounge
Detroit is famously the birthplace of Motown, but it also nurtured the thriving jazz scene of the mid-20th century. Baker’s Keyboard Lounge is a vintage jazz club that opened in 1934 and quickly became the place where jazz legends like Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, and Nat King Cole came to play. With art deco style and a Steinway grand piano, Baker’s still hosts dynamite jazz performances in an intimate, retro setting.
Address: Baker’s Keyboard Lounge is located at 20510 Livernois Ave in the historic Live District neighborhood.
Heidelberg Project
An outdoor art installation that’s part creativity and part social activism, the Heidelberg Project demonstrates the ability of art to transform lives and communities. Local artist Tyree Guyton turned a derelict east side neighborhood into an immersive experience using re-purposed materials and salvaged objects. The project promotes art education and improves communities through hands-on involvement.
Address: The Heidelberg Project fills about two city blocks around Heidelberg St and Mt Elliott St in Detroit’s McDougall-Hunt neighborhood.
Pewabic Pottery
Detroit’s affinity for arts and crafts shines through at Pewabic Pottery, a locally renowned ceramics studio. Founded in 1903, Pewabic creates handmade tiles and vessels with an earthy, nature-inspired style. Take a workshop to make your own souvenir or browse the gallery of one-of-a-kind pieces for the perfect memento. Watch the artisans at work and learn how Detroit helped elevate American decorative pottery.
Address: Pewabic Pottery is located at 10125 E Jefferson Ave in Detroit’s Rivertown district along the riverfront.
Motown Museum
You can’t talk about Detroit without talking about Motown music. While most people know Hitsville U.S.A., the Motown Museum provides a more intimate look at the legendary record label. See Studio A where artists like The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, and Marvin Gaye recorded their hits. Check out the apartments where Berry Gordy and Diana Ross once lived. This hallowed ground still echoes with the soulful sounds that made Motown famous worldwide.
Address: The Motown Museum is located approximately 5 miles northwest of downtown Detroit in the New Center neighborhood at 2648 W Grand Blvd.
Masonic Temple
Featuring one of the largest theater spaces in the world, the Masonic Temple is full of ornate decorative detail and imposing grandeur. Guided tours take you through the cathedral-like sanctuaries, Lodge rooms, and synagogue, explaining the Freemason history and symbolism. Visit the theater where legendary rock acts like the Who and the Rolling Stones once performed. With its immense pipe organ and acoustics, this temple of music does not disappoint.
Address: The Masonic Temple stands at 500 Temple St in Detroit’s Cass Corridor.
Eastern Market
On weekends year round, Eastern Market transforms into a bustling farmer’s market where you can browse fresh produce, locally made goods, and food trucks. One of the oldest public markets in the U.S., Eastern Market has been feeding Detroit since 1891. Stroll through the open-air stalls and you’ll see Detroit’s diversity on colorful display. From ripe fruits to fragrant flowers, this is the place to sample Michigan’s agricultural bounty.
Address: Eastern Market stretches across several blocks near Downtown Detroit around Russell and Wilkins Street.
Dequindre Cut
Once an abandoned railroad, Dequindre Cut is now a lush recreational path through the heart of the city. This greenway offers a unique perspective of Detroit, taking you below street level through tunnels covered in vibrant graffiti art. Bikers, joggers, and strollers all frequent this trail which connects the riverfront to Eastern Market. See a side of Detroit unexposed to the elements where nature has reclaimed a piece of the urban landscape.
Address: The Dequindre Cut greenway runs below street level from Gratiot Ave to Mack Ave along Dequindre St.
Belle Isle
Detroit’s island oasis, Belle Isle is a 982-acre park perfect for strolling, cycling, and simply soaking up scenic river views. Home to the historic Detroit Yacht Club and renowned Scott Fountain, Belle Isle offers pastoral landscape design by Frederick Law Olmsted, the genius behind Central Park. Visit the island park’s aquarium, nature zoo, botanical gardens, and historic structures that recall Detroit’s storied past. With a mountainous backdrop of skyscrapers, there’s no mistaking you’re still in the Motor City.
Address: Belle Isle is accessible via the MacArthur Bridge from east Jefferson Avenue in Detroit.
Third Man Records
Part vintage vinyl shop, part label headquarters, Third Man Records brings rock and roll mystique to Detroit’s artsy Cass Corridor. Founded by Jack White of The White Stripes, Third Man Records champions the timeless analog format with their own record press on site. Take a guided tour of the facilities to watch vinyl masters being created. With a black and yellow color scheme and retro stylings, Third Man Records evokes the grit and swagger of Detroit rock royalty.
Address: Third Man Records is located at 441 W. Canfield St. in midtown Detroit.
Greenfield Village
For a trip back in time, visit Henry Ford’s historic Greenfield Village where over 100 historic buildings have been carefully reassembled. Feel like you’re living in the past as you wander through Noah Webster’s Connecticut home, the lab where Thomas Edison had his lightbulb moment, the Wright Brothers’ bicycle shop, and much more. Costumed interpreters demonstrate heritage crafts and skills that bring the village to life. At this unique history park, the spirit of innovation that built Detroit still lingers.
Address: Greenfield Village is located in the suburb of Dearborn approximately 15 miles from Downtown Detroit at 20900 Oakwood Blvd.
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