Detroit – High crime rates, bad neighborhoods, high unemployment, empty buildings, and home foreclosures are commonplace. Do these things indicate a city of blight? No reason to visit? Nothing good to be found in Metro Detroit?
Guess again! The Detroit Metro area has a lot to offer visitors, whatever your passion.
Sports
Detroit is a city with four professional sports teams. Catch NHL (The Detroit Red Wings), NFL (The Detroit Lions), NBA (The Detroit Pistons) or NBL (The Detroit Tigers). Sports fans can rejoice – there are games available nearly all year round.
Arts
A visit to The Detroit Institute of Arts allows you to view over 100 galleries, an art reference library, a state-of-the-art conservation services laboratory, and a 1,500 seat auditorium all inside it’s 658,000 square ft. building. The DIA’s collection is among the top six in the United States – with European, African, Asian, Oceanic, Ancient art, Native American, Islamic and American works.
History
A short walk from the DIA to the next city block brings you to the Charles H. Wright museum of African American History. This 125,000 square ft museum features collections, exhibitions, programs and events all dedicated to the history and culture of African Americans. The gem of this museum is the 22,000 sq. ft. interactive core exhibit “And Still We Rise: Our Journey Through African American History and Culture.”
Culture
There are many other museums in the Metro Detroit Area, including The Detroit Historical Museum, Marvins’ Marvelous Mechanical Museum, Cranbrook Art Museum & Institute of Science, The Detroit Science Center, Dossin Great Lakes Museum, The Henry Ford Museum, The Motown Historical Museum and the Holocaust Memorial Center.
Greektown
Another area worth visiting is Greektown. This is a historic area which includes neighborhoods, commercial and entertainment, and many restuarants from casual to fine dining. Greektown is located along Monroe Avenue, between Brush and St. Antoine Streets. Ford Field, Comerica Park and the Renaisssance Center are all close by. Greektown Casino is a favorite for many.
Greenfield Village
Located in nearby Dearborn, Greenfield village is a step back in time, and includes seven historic districts. It is a working village that recreates various everyday activities from the 18th and 19th centuries including blacksmithing, typesetting and glass blowing. You’ll find a working farm, and events such as baseball games (played using 1860′s rules) . History buffs won’t ever want to leave.
There is something going on all the time in Michigan during the summer. Many festivals and events, many in the Metro Detroit Area, and some farther afield. For a list of weekend events, go to the website www.mfea.org.
Yes, Detroit has many hidden gems, and is a city well worth visiting. This short list barely scratches the surface of places to visit in our area. Whether you have a day, week or month, Detroit can entertain and delight you.
About Deb Runyan
Deb Runyan loves animals, especially dogs. She is a graduate of Fairmont State University and did her graduate work at Marshall University. Deb is actively involved with dog rescue, she’s the Donation Director of her rescue and often has foster dogs living in her home. She lives in Michigan with her family and their 4 dogs.
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