15 Locals-Recommended Things to Do in Metro Detroit 

Metro Detroit refers to the metropolitan area centered around Detroit that includes Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties, but most locals claim counties like Washtenaw (where Ann Arbor is), Livingston, and St. Clair as part of Metro Detroit, too. Within these counties, you’ll find a sprinkling of vibrant cities full of communities with diverse cultures and unique personalities.  

The area’s history begins with Indigenous tribes, including the Anishinaabe, Ojibwe, and Potawatomi peoples. Then, in 1701, French explorer Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac established Fort Pontchartrain du Détroit on the site that would eventually become the city of Detroit (from the French word for “strait”). The British gained control of the area in 1760 after the French and Indian War, then it was claimed by the US in the War of 1812. 

Fast forward to the 20th century, and the city is hugely shaped by the automotive industry, its profound musical legacy, and impressive art and architecture. Metro Detroit has a strong education sector, too, with numerous universities like Wayne State University and the University of Michigan (in nearby Ann Arbor). These institutions of higher learning serve as major research hubs, contributing to the area’s innovative spirit.  

Economically, Detroit has become increasingly attractive to the tech and innovation sectors. In fact, in 2022, Startup Genome named it the world’s #1 up-and-coming tech ecosystem, and companies like Rocket Mortgage, Google, Amazon, Apple, and IBM have established a distinct presence here.  

If you’re planning a visit, the area has a little something for everyone. But beware, there’s so much to see and do; you might become stymied by decision fatigue. That’s why we asked some of the local movers and shakers to throw some suggestions our way! From fantastic places to eat to the best spots for outdoor exploring, here are a few of their recommendations.

1. Sample some of the area’s iconic restaurants

“Metro Detroit offers diverse activities for everyone, from food enthusiasts to outdoor adventurers and culture seekers,” says Amber Louchart, marketing consultant and founder of Metro Detroit Mommy, a local guide to family-friendly activities in the region. “Savor Detroit’s culinary gems like Buddy’s Pizza for authentic Detroit-style pizza, Cadieux Cafe for mussels and feather bowling, and American or Lafayette Coney Island for iconic chili dogs. Don’t miss Scotty Simpson’s fish and chips or a Hani sandwich at National Coney Island!”

2. Get outside!

Being an expert on where to find family-friendly activities in Detroit, Louchart gave us some good ideas for places to go when the little ones need to release their wiggles. “Explore scenic spots like Belle Isle, Detroit Riverfront, and Innovation Hills,” she says. “Visit the Detroit Zoo, Greenfield Village, or enjoy shopping at The Mall at Partridge Creek. Don’t forget to catch a pro game with the Lions, Tigers, Pistons, or Red Wings!”

3. Or stay inside

If the weather doesn’t want to cooperate, never fear; she also has suggestions for indoor things to do. “Discover cultural treasures at The Henry Ford Museum and Cranbrook Institute of Science,” she says. “Enjoy live jazz at Cliff Bell’s, try fowling at The Fowling Warehouse, or have family fun at the Michigan Science Center and Great Lakes Crossing.”

4. Spend an afternoon at The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) Museum

“There are so many wonderful things to do when visiting Metro Detroit,” says Juliana Meidi, professional organizer and owner of Rochester-based Serenity at Home. “There are several museums you don’t want to miss, including the Detroit Institute of Arts, a true gem with over 65,000 pieces of art. The DIA is the home of one of Diego Rivera’s most acclaimed pieces. It also has Vincent Van Gogh’s self-portrait.” 

The museum also features American exhibits of famous artists like John Singleton Copley and Georgia O’Keeffe. Its African American art collection is one of the best in the country, with works by artists such as Romare Bearden and Kehinde Wiley. The DIA’s collection of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman artifacts will take you back in time, and its African, Asian, Islamic, and Indigenous American collections will take you around the world! 

Good to know: The museum is open Tuesday-Thursday from 9 am to 4 pm, Friday from 9 am to 9 pm, and Saturday/Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. They’re closed on Mondays. General admission is free for members and residents.

5. Visit the Motown Museum

Meidi also suggested learning about the area’s rich African American heritage at the Motown and Charles H. Wright African American History Museums. “The Motown Museum is located in the original headquarters and recording studio on Grand River in Detroit,” she says. “You will be able to see the actual recording studio where many of the Motown hit songs were recorded and the apartment where Barry Gordy Jr and his family lived.” The museum was actually founded in 1985 by Esther Gordy Edwards, Barry Gordy’s sister and former Motown executive. Esther founded the museum to preserve the history and legacy of Motown and give visitors some insight into the music’s creative process and significant cultural influence. 

For many, the highlight of the Motown Museum is Studio A. In this original recording studio, you can see the actual instruments, microphones, and soundboards used by Motown artists and producers to create their hits. There’s also a vast collection of memorabilia, including costumes worn by iconic artists like The Supremes and The Jackson 5, records, photographs, personal artifacts, and handwritten lyrics from Motown legends.  

Good to know: The museum is open from 10 am to 6 pm, Wednesday through Sunday. It’s closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. 

6. Browse the Wright Museum

“There is also the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, which is located in the museum district,” says Meidi. Founded in 1965 by Dr. Charles H. Wright, a Detroit-based physician, activist, and advocate, the museum is a space dedicated to documenting, preserving, and celebrating the African American experience. It features core and rotating exhibits with immersive displays, interactive media, and fascinating artifacts such as rare books, documents, personal items, clothing, photos, and more. 

Good to know: The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm. They’re closed on Mondays. 

7. Hang out at Campus Martius Park or stock up at Eastern Market

Meidi also tipped us off to some excellent people-watching spots, including Campus Martius and Eastern Market. “Campus Martius is in the heart of downtown and is considered one of the top public squares in the country,” she says. “During the winter months, there is ice skating and shopping in this beautifully decorated area. There are also many amazing restaurants within walking distance. Eastern Market is a farmer’s market that takes up 4.5 acres! There are over 200 vendors operating there, and when you are done shopping, you can check out some of the great restaurants and bars located right there. Eastern Market is open every Saturday, and in the summer, it is also open on Tuesdays and Sundays.”

8. Stroll the Riverwalk

 “The Detroit Riverwalk is a three-mile path along the Detroit River that gives you incredible views of Canada and the Detroit skyline,” Meidi says. In addition to gorgeous areas for walking, jogging, biking, and relaxing, there are little gathering spots like Rivard and Cullen Plazas. Rivard has picnic and seating areas, but it’s also got a fun carousel! Cullen Plaza has fountains, a playground, and other interactive activities. Both are fantastic places to take the kiddos! Public art installations all along the Riverwalk, including sculptures and murals, reflect Detroit’s history and culture. “Weather permitting, doing a riverboat cruise is another way to see the Detroit and Canadian skylines,” adds Meidi.    

9. Embark on a University tour

“Within an hour of downtown Detroit, you can be in East Lansing, the home of Michigan State University, or Ann Arbor, the home of The University of Michigan,” Meidi told us. “Each campus is beautiful and unique. While visiting, consider catching a sporting event! There is nothing better than a football tailgate on a beautiful fall day in Michigan.”

10. Enjoy shopping and dining at Downtown Home & Garden

Wedding and event planners Emma and Rebecca Targett of Meriwether Social know just where to go for a day out shopping. “Start your day just one block off Main Street at Downtown Home & Garden, an Ann Arbor icon that carries everything from Polish Pottery to garden sculptures! Their crew transforms the outdoor patio into Bill’s Beer Garden in the evenings; grab a local brew like a true townie. Satisfy your appetite with some fish tacos and martinis at The Black Pearl, paella for the table at Aventura, or bang-bang shrimp at Sava’s!”

11. Don’t miss Zingerman’s

“Experience the global phenomenon of Zingerman’s Delicatessen in a new way at their community of businesses on A2’s south side,” say the Meriwether team. “Pick up a loaf of their unbeatable sourdough at the bakery, grab a block of the freshest cheese at their creamery, and get your caffeine fix at the coffee shop where you can see the roasters at work. For a seriously fun insider experience, sign up for one of their cooking classes and walk away with a new recipe (or two).”

12. Stop by The Wave Field

“While you’re heading out of town, stop by the University’s North Campus to relax at the living-sculpture Wave Field created by world-famous artist Maya Lin,” they added. “Right up the road is The Dixboro Project, where you can enjoy cocktails and appetizers on the 360° deck; then move inside for a 5-star, seasonally inspired menu (if you catch their potato puffs in homemade hollandaise sauce, you will hit food-heaven!).”

13. Enjoy the local cider mills

“There are so many amazing things to do around Metro Detroit in the fall,” says Evan Hazlett, meeting and event manager at Detroit-based Special D Events. “The first two that come to mind are strolling through the bright colored trees and enjoying some donuts at local cider mills; Blakes and Yates being two of the best.” There are over 20 cider mills in the Metro Detroit area, most of which offer a wide variety of things to do. You can pick your own apples and pumpkins, find your way through a corn maze, and more. Many of the locations offer pony rides and petting zoos for the little kids, haunted attractions around Halloween for the older kids, and hayrides for everyone!   

14. Relax in a historic bathhouse

Hazlett also gave us a really unique suggestion for how to spend a cold Michigan day! “If you want to stay closer to the downtown, The Schvitz health club offers a relaxing assortment of saunas to escape the cold!” he says. This beloved cultural institution is the only health club left in the city and has a fascinating history influenced by the citizens who used the space to relax, unwind, and find some relief from the Michigan snow.  

Established in 1930, the Schvitz also became a gathering spot for people from all walks of life to socialize, network, and connect, regardless of social class. Throughout the years, it has gained a reputation as a unique Detroit institution, attracting everyone from businesspeople and factory workers to boxers, athletes, artists, and more. As it was opened during Prohibition, the Schvitz also operated as a speakeasy, giving patrons a place to drink and gamble among the steam rooms! 

Today, The Schvitz continues the tradition as a wellness destination, bringing people together to socialize and enjoy its traditional Russian-style steam rooms (“Schvitz” is Yiddish for sweat), cold plunge pool, massage and wellness services, and in the spirit of hospitality, food and drink inspired by its Russian heritage.

15. Catch a game with the locals

Detroit has a rich and storied sports culture that’s earned it the nickname “Hockeytown” and made it one of the most passionate sports cities in the US, with professional teams in all four major leagues (NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL). But what if you can’t get tickets or make it to a game in person? Hazlett has a solution for that! “The best places to enjoy Detroit sports games are Grand Trunk Pub near Campus Martius or McShane’s Irish Pub and Whiskey Bar in Corktown,” he says. If you can’t be there, at least you can cheer with the locals over a pint! 

Enjoy your visit to Metro Detroit! 

Detroit’s rich cultural heritage is reflected in every town representing the Metro area. The people are some of the warmest you’ll find in the Midwest, and they are passionate about each beautiful city. We hope our locals’ suggestions inspire you to get out and explore Metro Detroit; just don’t be surprised if you decide to stay for good!