Welcome to Detroit, a city that embraces its rich history while embracing an exciting future. From the iconic Motown sound that echoes through its streets to the stunning architectural marvels, Detroit is a treasure trove of cultural and artistic wonders. Indulge in the diverse culinary scene, offering everything from delectable soul food to trendy eateries, making it a food lover’s paradise. Experience the warmth and friendliness of its residents, who take pride in their city’s resurgence and will welcome you with open arms. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant downtown or discovering the charm of its revitalized neighborhoods, Detroit promises an unforgettable journey filled with surprises and inspiration.
Map
Walkable Sites (green icons) Transportation Required (blue icons)
Walkable Sites (green icons on map above)
Detroit Riverwalk
Walking time:
Adjacent to Huntington Place
1 min from the Renaissance Center
Description:
The Detroit Riverwalk spans 3.5 miles, offering breathtaking views of the Detroit River, and the skylines of Detroit and Windsor, Canada. The Detroit Riverwalk was voted Best Riverwalk by USA Today. The Detroit Riverwalk is adjacent to Huntington Place. It is open to the public daily from 6am−10pm.
The Spirit of Detroit
Walking time:
6 min from Huntington Place
2 min from the Renaissance Center
Description:
The statue is an iconic symbol of Detroit’s indomitable soul and unwavering pride. It was created by Marshall Fredericks and originally poured in Oslo, Norway. At 7.9 m, it is the largest cast bronze statue since the Renaissance. The statue was named by the citizens of Detroit and its 11m×14m semicircular wall includes the seals of Detroit and Wayne County.
“The Fist” Monument to Joe Louis
Walking time:
6 min from Huntington Place/Renaissance Center
Description:
A monument to the boxer Joe Louis by Mexican-American sculptor Robert Graham and poured by bronze artist Rolf Kriken. The monument, located at the intersection of Jefferson and Woodward, stands over 7 m high and 7 m long. It represents the power of Joe Louis’ punch both in the boxing ring and as an advocate for racial equality.
Campus Martius Park
Walking time:
11 min from Huntington Place/Renaissance Center
Description:
Located in the heart of downtown, Campus Martius Park is known as Detroit’s gathering place. Campus Martius Park has been named the “Top Public Square” by USA Today. The park is 2.5 acres and is open year-round featuring gardens, performance stages, food trucks, and an ice rink in winter. It is open to the public daily from 7am−11pm.
The Belt
Walking time:
16 min from Huntington Place/Renaissance Center
Description:
The Belt is a culturally redefined alley in the heart of downtown Detroit. Named for its physical orientation in a former downtown garment district, The Belt is located between Broadway and Library Street and links Gratiot and Grand River. The project was conceptualized and curated by Detroit-based art gallery Library Street Collective. You can spend hours drinking, eating, and looking at the art in and around The Belt.
Greektown
Walking time:
18 min from Huntington Place
14 min from the Renaissance Center
Description:
The neighborhood is at the nexus of a downtown with burgeoning growth, a planned highway conversion to an urban boulevard, and planned new development within Lafayette Park, Eastern Market, and the Riverfront. Using those connections is key as Greektown seeks to re-establish itself as the entertainment destination, as well as open up possibilities for future residential and commercial development.
Detroit Sports
Walking time:
19 min from Huntington Place/Renaissance Center
Description:
Detroit is one of the few cities that houses downtown stadiums for the four most popular team sports in America: baseball, football, basketball, and hockey. The Tigers play at Comerica Park, the Lions play at Ford Field, and both the Pistons and Red Wings play at Little Caesars Arena.
Fox Theater
Walking time:
19 min from Huntington Place
22 min from Renaissance Center
Description:
The Fox Theater was first opened in 1928 and has over 5000 seats. Today the venue hosts mainstream acts, award-winning Broadway musicals, interactive stage shows, and treasured holiday favorites. For information on upcoming shows, click here.
Downtown Detroit Self-Guided Walking Tour
Walking time:
~1 hour from Renaissance Center
Description:
Take this self-guided walking tour to see all the most prominent attractions in downtown Detroit. This tour includes the Renaissance Center, Hart Plaza, Joe Louis Memorial, Spirit of Detroit Monument, Guardian Building, Campus Martius Park, and Greektown.
Transportation Required (blue icons on map above)
Artificial Horizons @ Collected Detroit
Driving time:
6 min from Huntington Place/Renaissance Center
“Artificial Horizons: Exploring Alternative Robotic Futures” is an art exhibition that will examine how emerging technologies in automation, robotics, and AI are impacting culture and society. We aim to center personal, cultural, and political narratives of artists and designers from Michigan. We hope that the poetic, engaging, and thought-provoking artworks in this exhibition raise important ethical, social and cultural concerns at the intersection of technology, art, and design. Artificial Horizons is hosted at Collected Detroit which can be accessed from the #3 bus line.
Michigan Central Station
Driving time:
8 min from Huntington Place/Renaissance Center
Michigan Central Station was once the gateway to the Motor City and was considered to be one of the grandest railway stops in the United States. It was last used by Amtrak in 1988 and has been vacant until its recent acquisition by Ford Motor Company in 2018. No other building better symbolizes the past, present and future of Detroit, from the city’s grit and resurgence to its role in the history and future of mobility. Soon, The Station will be an iconic, mixed-use hub for Michigan Central, Detroit, and the world. The grand waiting room, arcade and concourse will be welcoming public spaces for all to enjoy while the tower will be transformed into modern offices. Features include community and event spaces, public art, ongoing programming, activations, restaurants and retailers. It began opening mid-2023 and right now is an opportunity to see it through its initial transformation.
Eastern Market
Driving time:
6 min from Huntington Place/Renaissance Center
Founded at its present cite in 1891, Eastern Market encompasses more than 43 acres, making it the largest outdoor farmers market in the nation. It is a large hub for the Michigan food industry with farmers, retailers, wholesalers and vendors. It is open Tues from 9am−3pm, Sat from 6am−4pm, and Sun 10am−4pm.
Michigan Science Center
Driving time:
8 min from Huntington Place/Renaissance Center
Description:
The mission of the Michigan Science Center is to inspire curious minds of all ages to discover, explore and appreciate science, technology, engineering, and math in a creative, dynamic learning environment. Besides housing over 200 hands-on exhibits, MiSci features an IMAX theater, the Dassault Systèmes Planetarium, the Toyota Engineering 4D Theater, the DTE Energy Sparks Theater, the Chrysler Science Stage, and the United States Steel Fun Factory. It is open Wed−Sun from 10am-4pm. Admission is $18.
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
Driving time:
6 min from Huntington Place/Renaissance Center
Description:
Founded in 1965, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History has dedicated itself to exploring and celebrating the rich cultural legacy of African Americans. The museum comprises 125,000 sq ft and includes over 35,000 artifacts. The museum is open 9am-5pm on Wed, Fri, Sat & Sun. It is open 9am-7pm on Thurs. Admission is $15.
Detroit Institute of Arts
Driving time:
8 min from Huntington Place/Renaissance Center
Description:
The Detroit Institute of Arts Museum covers 658,000 sq ft with over 100 galleries and an art collection valued at $8.1 billion spanning from ancient Egyptian works to contemporary art. It is one of the largest art collections in the U.S. It is open Tues, Wed, Thurs from 9am−4pm, Fri from 9am−9pm, and Sat, Sun from 10am−5pm. Admission is $14.
Ford Piquette Avenue Plant
Driving time:
9 min from Huntington Place/Renaissance Center
Description:
At this plant, the Ford Motor Company first began production of the Model T in 1908. The museum explores the beginnings of the U.S. auto industry. It is open Wed−Sun from 10am−4pm. Admission is $17.
Fisher Building
Driving time:
8 min from Huntington Place/Renaissance Center
Description:
With limited space Downtown for their central headquarters, the Fisher brothers of the Fisher Body Corporation settled in New Center in the 1920s. In 1927 they hired legendary architect Albert Kahn to create a magnificent building as a thanks to the city that delivered their success. It was to be an ode to the American work ethic and to American artisans. The Fisher brothers spared no expense in its creation, encouraging Kahn to hire world-class architects, engineers, builders, craftspeople and artists. As a result, the Fisher Building’s marble-clad façade, three-story, hand-painted, barrel-vaulted ceiling, spectacular mosaics, and extensive bronze detailing has earned it recognition as “Detroit’s Largest Art Object.” The Fisher Building is considered one of Albert Kahn’s greatest masterpieces. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1989 as a “superbly designed complex which displays some of the finest craftsmanship in any Art Deco style building constructed in the U.S. in the 1920s,” according to the National Parks Service. Free tours are available for the building.
Motown Museum
Driving time:
9 min from Huntington Place/Renaissance Center
Description:
Located in the original house of Berry Gordy, Motown was born here. The home serves as a global destination containing memorabilia, music, costumes, artwork, and photos from the “Sound of Young America”. Famous songs recorded at Hitsville, U.S.A. include “My Girl” by The Temptations, “I Can’t Help Myself” by Four Tops, “Uptight” by Stevie Wonder, “You Can’t Hurry Love” by The Supremes, “How Sweet It Is” by Marvin Gaye, “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” by Glady’s Knight & The Pips, and many more. The museum is open Wed-Fri from 10am-6pm, Sat from 10am-8pm, and Sun 10am-6pm. Admission is $20 and it is recommended to purchase tickets in advance.
Belle Isle
Driving time:
9 min from Huntington Place/Renaissance Center
Description:
Belle Isle is a 982 acre island park located in the Detroit River. The island is home to the Belle Isle Aquarium, Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, Dossin Great Lakes Museum, Belle Isle Nature Center, and the James Scott Memorial Fountain. Belle Isle Park is the largest city-owned island park in the U.S. It is open daily from 5am−10pm. It is free for pedestrians and cyclists, but motorists must pay a $11 fee.
The Henry Ford Museum
Driving time:
20 min from Huntington Place/Renaissance Center
Description:
Named for automobile industrialist, the Henry Ford Museum is the largest indoor-outdoor museum complex in the U.S., sitting on 250 acres. Exhibits include the Rosa Parks bus, the Wright Brothers’ bicycle shop, and Thomas Edison’s laboratory. The museum is located in the nearby city of Dearborn. The museum is also home to the IROS 2023 Welcome Reception (attendees will have free admission to the museum). Otherwise, it is open everyday from 9:30am−5pm, (admission is $30).
