I was born and raised primarily near Detroit. I have a fierce love for the city, though it’s best known for its dirty blemishes. The media would have us think otherwise, but there’s actually a lot to love in Detroit.
One of my favorite things in Detroit is Belle Isle, an oasis of nature on a literal island right in the middle of the Motor City. As a child, I remember going there to feed the deer and visit the zoo, aquarium, and conservatory. Well, visitors are no longer allowed to feed the deer, and the zoo and aquarium have been closed for years. But the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory is still open. It’s beautiful, inside and out, with beautiful gardens and grounds, and it’s free. And now there is a nature center, also free, and a very cool playground. Plus, there’s the Dossin Great Lakes Museum (free!), a giant potato sack slide, and swan boat rides (small fees for both). One can picnic along the Detroit River, with beautiful views of Detroit and Windsor, ride a bike, and even go to the beach. The old buildings, statues, fountains, and bridges scattered throughout Belle Isle add visual interest when driving, biking, or walking, as do the ponds, riverfront, and skyline. There isn’t much in the way of food or refreshments available on the island (one or two very limited food stalls, with varying hours), so bringing your own food is recommended.
One of my recent favorites is the Detroit RiverFront. This is a beautiful stretch along the Detroit River where people come to hang out with their families or take a walk during their lunch hour, enjoying the best that Detroit has to offer. Parking is cheap and plentiful, and the area is clean and safe. There’s a carousel, with all the seating for native Michigan animals, benches overlooking the river, grassy spots perfect for picnics, concession stands, even a state park (Tri-Centennial State Park and Harbor). You can take a boat tour (Diamond Jack’s River Tours), head to Hart Plaza or the Renaissance Center. Outside the Ren-Cen, as we locals call it, there is a fantastic fountain where children can play in on a hot day. Inside there are places to grab a bite to eat or ice cream, do some shopping, get your hair done, buy a car, or take a ride on the People Mover, which is a great way to see the city and is only 50 cents each way ( children are free). For a real treat, dining at the Coach Insignia on the top floor of the Ren-Cen offers the best view in town.
The People Mover will take you directly to Greektown, if you prefer to enjoy a more ethnic meal. There are several restaurants to choose from, the Astoria Pastry Shop for dessert, the Greektown Casino, street performers, musicians, people watching, and historic buildings.
Detroit offers some fantastic world-class museums, including the DIA (Detroit Institute of Arts), the Detroit Historical Museum, the Detroit Children’s Museum, the Detroit Science Center, and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. . I have yet to visit a couple of these, which I love because I have something I hope to do with my children.
Detroit has some magnificent theaters that put on some truly fabulous shows. The Fisher Theater, the Masonic Temple, the Detroit Opera House and the Fox Theater host popular shows and concerts throughout the year. Orchestra Hall, Gem Theater and Wayne State University’s Bonstelle Theater and Hilberry Theater also add to the city’s performing arts scene.
This list is just the tip of the iceberg. Detroit has a lot to offer. With its unique restaurants, ice skating center, festivals and sporting venues, there really is something for everyone. And the city could really use all the fans and defenders it can handle.
