If you tell many Americans about your plans to visit Detroit, they might think you’re insane. The city may not be at the top of everyone’s list of places to stay in the United States. With many vacant properties and a high crime rate, Detroit is undoubtedly having a difficult time. However, Detroit is really the spot if you’re looking for a vibrant, energetic metropolis. Young businesspeople and artists who were motivated to convert the vacant buildings into cafes, museums, and other new initiatives have helped the city recover.
The people who first made Detroit great deserve praise as well; there are still many museums, art galleries, and city parks that continue to operate for many years. Detroit is definitely not Disneyland, but only some people want to go to Disneyland, so don’t let doubters discourage you from going there. If we have convinced you so far, check out these Detroit vacation rentals. If not yet, here are some more of the top things to do when in Detroit:
Belle Isle Island
Belle Isle, a very small island within Detroit River that is just about a mile broad and 3 miles long, has a lot to offer visitors in terms of entertainment. The island includes beautiful parkland that is perfect for lengthy walks, and it also features facilities for a variety of other activities. You can explore the island’s aquarium or visit the Great Lakes Museum to learn more about the area’s rich history of shipping after taking in the beauty of the scenery.
Detroit Temple
The Masonic Temple in Detroit is truly a sight to behold. It is perhaps the epitome of Gothic architecture in the entire country. Not only that, but it is the biggest of its sort in the whole world. The temple is comprised of three main areas where visitors can explore: the ritualistic tower, the “Shrine Club,” and the auditorium. Marvel at the temple walls, which are made from the finest Indiana limestone. Check out Detroit Temple, located at Temple Avenue.
Public Library
The Public Library of Detroit had 5,000 books in its collection when it first opened its gates in 1865, and they were all housed in one room of the former Capital High School. The library relocated and did so in 1921, almost exactly one hundred years ago. Since then, it has become a source of pride for Detroit and a well-known tourist destination. This Library stores an enormous quantity of books, but the major attraction is the building, which is spectacular both inside and out. The Detroit Public Library has a rightful place on the National Register of Historic Places in the United States.
Fort Wayne
West Jefferson is home to Fort Wayne, which was founded in 1840 and is appropriately known as Historic Fort Wayne. On a tour of the location, you may check out the beautiful parade field, the large stone building that originally served as the commanding officer’s house, the old army barracks, a dry moat, and a tunnel. Numerous activities are conducted at the fort throughout the year, especially during the summer.
Henry Ford Museum
Despite not being totally about Mr. Ford, the Henry Ford Museum is still fittingly named because it highlights American technological and industrial accomplishments throughout history. The very first steam locomotive, created in back in1829 by George Stephenson, the vehicle used in the assassination of John F. Kennedy, and of course, the very first Ford automobile are among the museum’s most noteworthy displays.
Greenfield Village
The Greenfield Village in Detroit, which is technically a part of the Henry Ford museum but deserves to be mentioned separately, is a distinctive experience and unquestionably a must-see destination when traveling to the city of Detroit. Almost 100 historic structures from the 18th and 19th centuries are housed in the museum. The birthplace of Henry Ford and the revolutionary Wright Brothers’ bicycle factory are just some of the great buildings you can find here.