Jul 7, 2023
A skyline shot of Detroit

Image via Pixabay.

Expect an iconic city like Detroit, MI to have equally iconic tourist attractions. Check out these top draws in the region.

1. Hitsville U.S.A.

Motown was born in Detroit. The legendary record label launched its first recording studio and its headquarters at 2648 W. Grand Blvd. This music mainstay drew inspiration for its name from Detroit itself, or Motor Town. This building where music history was made got its own nickname as Hitsville U.S.A.

Today, it hosts the Motown Museum. The legacy of founder Berry Gordy and the artists that Motown made famous are displayed in fascinating items and exhibits. You can view one of Michael Jackson’s famous studded white gloves, marvel at the Motown piano, and listen to that distinctive soul music known as Motown Sound.

2. Motor City Marvels

Beginning the city’s rich auto history, America’s first mainstream car, the Ford Model T, rolled out of the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant at 461 Piquette St. The world’s oldest publicly viewable auto plant put over 12,000 of Henry Ford’s classic cars into production. Much of the early 20th-century building is in its original form, and you can even visit the man himself’s office.

Plus, you’ll be wowed by authentic versions of some of the first cars ever driven in America. Autophiles and history buffs alike should have this destination on their bucket lists. And nearby Dearborn serves up its own gearhead paradise, with 250 acres that encompass the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Greenfield Village (ride in a real Model T), the Ford Rouge Factory Tour, and a 4K digital viewing extravaganza.

3. Downtown Delights

Detroit downtown defines fun and historical homage. Woodward Ave. is home to cultural touchstone Detroit Institute of the Arts: a mecca of art and music. Over 100 art galleries feature eye-catching exhibits from artistic geniuses like Vincent Van Gogh and Diego Rivera. And the auditorium is the place to be for live concerts. Woodward also boasts the beautiful Fox Theatre for stunning live performances.

Get lively at hotspots like the 3Fifty Terrace rooftop nightclub or the MGM Grand Detroit casino. Indulge in a slice of decadent Detroit-style pizza at one of downtown’s many eateries, take home a souvenir from the city’s oldest neighborhood (Corktown), take a ride on the People-Mover, or catch a thrilling baseball game from the Detroit Tigers at Woodward Ave.’s Comerica Park or a football game at Ford Field on Brush Street.

4. Natural Havens

Get away from city life at Mother Nature paradises such as 8450 W. 10 Mile Rd.’s Detroit Zoo. More than 2,500 animals populate 125 acres, with can’t miss penguin playgrounds, a 4-D theater, and more stealing the show. Find your pleasure at 99 Pleasure Dr.’s Belle Isle Park. Three lakes, an aquarium, an observatory, watercraft rentals, and some of the best views around await.

Don’t take leave without a stroll down the Detroit Riverwalk. Make your tour truly grand with a ride designed for city driving. The Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring plug-in hybrid touts an efficient Conserve drive mode and a compact, agile, and easily handled form.

Drive in the lap of luxury. Visit Bob Maxey Lincoln and browse an elegant inventory at an affordable price.