{"id":136304,"date":"2024-11-06T00:38:44","date_gmt":"2024-11-06T08:38:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/?p=136304"},"modified":"2026-03-09T00:34:49","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T07:34:49","slug":"things-to-do-in-metro-detroit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/local-resources\/things-to-do-in-metro-detroit\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Locals-Recommended Things to Do in Metro Detroit\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Metro Detroit refers to the metropolitan area centered around <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/apartments-for-rent\/detroit-mi\/\">Detroit<\/a> that includes Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties, but most locals claim counties like Washtenaw (where <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/apartments-for-rent\/ann-arbor-mi\/\">Ann Arbor<\/a> is), Livingston, and St. Clair as part of Metro Detroit, too. Within these counties, you&#8217;ll find a sprinkling of vibrant cities full of communities with diverse cultures and unique personalities.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The area&#8217;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 D\u00e9troit on the site that would eventually become the city of Detroit (from the French word for &#8220;strait&#8221;). 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.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Fast forward to the 20<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">th<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> 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&#8217;s innovative spirit.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Economically, Detroit has become increasingly attractive to the tech and innovation sectors. In fact, in 2022, Startup Genome named it the world&#8217;s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.purpose.jobs\/blog\/detroit-named-top-emerging-tech-ecosystem-in-world\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">#1 up-and-coming tech ecosystem<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, and companies like Rocket Mortgage, Google, Amazon, Apple, and IBM have established a distinct presence here.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you&#8217;re planning a visit, the area has a little something for everyone. But beware, there&#8217;s so much to see and do; you might become stymied by decision fatigue. That&#8217;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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>1. Sample some of the area&#8217;s iconic restaurants<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&#8220;Metro Detroit offers diverse activities for everyone, from food enthusiasts to outdoor adventurers and culture seekers,&#8221; says Amber Louchart, marketing consultant and founder of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/metrodetroitmommy.com\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Metro Detroit Mommy<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, a local guide to family-friendly activities in the region. &#8220;Savor Detroit&#8217;s culinary gems like Buddy&#8217;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&#8217;t miss Scotty Simpson&#8217;s fish and chips or a Hani sandwich at National Coney Island!&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-136308\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/11\/detroit-style-pizza.png\" alt=\"detroit style pizza \" width=\"960\" height=\"635\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/11\/detroit-style-pizza.png 960w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/11\/detroit-style-pizza.png?resize=500,331 500w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/11\/detroit-style-pizza.png?resize=768,508 768w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/11\/detroit-style-pizza.png?resize=150,99 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>2. Get outside!<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">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. &#8220;Explore scenic spots like Belle Isle, Detroit Riverfront, and Innovation Hills,&#8221; she says. &#8220;Visit the Detroit Zoo, Greenfield Village, or enjoy shopping at The Mall at Partridge Creek. Don&#8217;t forget to catch a pro game with the Lions, Tigers, Pistons, or Red Wings!&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-136309\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/11\/otter-in-detroit-zoo.png\" alt=\"water otter in detroit zoo\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/11\/otter-in-detroit-zoo.png 960w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/11\/otter-in-detroit-zoo.png?resize=500,333 500w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/11\/otter-in-detroit-zoo.png?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/11\/otter-in-detroit-zoo.png?resize=150,100 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>3. Or stay inside<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If the weather doesn&#8217;t want to cooperate, never fear; she also has suggestions for indoor things to do. &#8220;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Discover cultural treasures at The Henry Ford Museum and Cranbrook Institute of Science,&#8221; she says. &#8220;Enjoy live jazz at Cliff Bell&#8217;s, try fowling at The Fowling Warehouse, or have family fun at the Michigan Science Center and Great Lakes Crossing.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>4. Spend an afternoon at The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) Museum<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&#8220;There are so many wonderful things to do when visiting Metro Detroit,&#8221; says Juliana Meidi, professional organizer and owner of Rochester-based <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.serenityathome.org\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Serenity at Home<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. &#8220;There are several museums you don&#8217;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&#8217;s most acclaimed pieces. It also has Vincent Van Gogh&#8217;s self-portrait.&#8221;<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The museum also features American exhibits of famous artists like John Singleton Copley and Georgia O&#8217;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&#8217;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!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Good to know<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: 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&#8217;re closed on Mondays. General admission is free for members and residents.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-136310\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/11\/statue-in-front-of-art-museum-detroit.png\" alt=\"statue with snow in winter in front of art museum in detroit\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/11\/statue-in-front-of-art-museum-detroit.png 960w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/11\/statue-in-front-of-art-museum-detroit.png?resize=500,333 500w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/11\/statue-in-front-of-art-museum-detroit.png?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/11\/statue-in-front-of-art-museum-detroit.png?resize=150,100 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>5. Visit the Motown Museum<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Meidi also suggested learning about the area&#8217;s rich African American heritage at the Motown and Charles H. Wright African American History Museums. &#8220;The Motown Museum is located in the original headquarters and recording studio on Grand River in Detroit,&#8221; she says. &#8220;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.&#8221; The museum was actually founded in 1985 by Esther Gordy Edwards, Barry Gordy&#8217;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&#8217;s creative process and significant cultural influence.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">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&#8217;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.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Good to know<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: The museum is open from 10 am to 6 pm, Wednesday through Sunday. It&#8217;s closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>6. Browse the Wright Museum<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&#8220;There is also the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, which is located in the museum district,&#8221; 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.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Good to know<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm. They&#8217;re closed on Mondays.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-136311\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/11\/campus-martius-detroit.png\" alt=\"view of campus martius park square in detroit\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/11\/campus-martius-detroit.png 960w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/11\/campus-martius-detroit.png?resize=500,333 500w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/11\/campus-martius-detroit.png?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/11\/campus-martius-detroit.png?resize=150,100 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>7. Hang out at Campus Martius Park or stock up at Eastern Market<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Meidi also tipped us off to some excellent people-watching spots, including Campus Martius and Eastern Market. &#8220;Campus Martius is in the heart of downtown and is considered one of the top public squares in the country,&#8221; she says. &#8220;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&#8217;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.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-136312\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/11\/detroit-riverwalk.png\" alt=\"riverwalk in detroit at sunset\" width=\"960\" height=\"583\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/11\/detroit-riverwalk.png 960w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/11\/detroit-riverwalk.png?resize=500,304 500w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/11\/detroit-riverwalk.png?resize=768,466 768w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/11\/detroit-riverwalk.png?resize=150,91 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>8. Stroll the Riverwalk<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0&#8220;The Detroit Riverwalk is a three-mile path along the Detroit River that gives you incredible views of Canada and the Detroit skyline,&#8221; 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&#8217;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&#8217;s history and culture. &#8220;Weather permitting, doing a riverboat cruise is another way to see the Detroit and Canadian skylines,&#8221; adds Meidi.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>9. Embark on a University tour<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&#8220;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,&#8221; Meidi told us. &#8220;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.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-136313\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/11\/ann-arbor-university.png\" alt=\"gothic building at ann arbor university\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/11\/ann-arbor-university.png 960w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/11\/ann-arbor-university.png?resize=500,333 500w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/11\/ann-arbor-university.png?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/11\/ann-arbor-university.png?resize=150,100 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>10. Enjoy shopping and dining at Downtown Home &amp; Garden<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Wedding and event planners Emma and Rebecca Targett of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/meriwethersocial.com\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Meriwether Social<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> know just where to go for a day out shopping. &#8220;Start your day just one block off Main Street at Downtown Home &amp; Garden, an Ann Arbor icon that carries everything from Polish Pottery to garden sculptures! Their crew transforms the outdoor patio into Bill&#8217;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&#8217;s!&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-136314\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/11\/downtown-detroit.png\" alt=\"view of downtown detroit\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/11\/downtown-detroit.png 960w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/11\/downtown-detroit.png?resize=500,333 500w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/11\/downtown-detroit.png?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/11\/downtown-detroit.png?resize=150,100 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>11. Don&#8217;t miss Zingerman&#8217;s<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&#8220;Experience the global phenomenon of Zingerman&#8217;s Delicatessen in a new way at their community of businesses on A2&#8217;s south side,&#8221; say the Meriwether team. &#8220;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).&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>12. Stop by The Wave Field<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&#8220;While you&#8217;re heading out of town, stop by the University&#8217;s North Campus to relax at the living-sculpture Wave Field created by world-famous artist Maya Lin,&#8221; they added. &#8220;Right up the road is The Dixboro Project, where you can enjoy cocktails and appetizers on the 360\u00b0 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!).&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>13. Enjoy the local cider mills<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&#8220;There are so many amazing things to do around Metro Detroit in the fall,&#8221; says Evan Hazlett, meeting and event manager at Detroit-based <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.specialdevents.com\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Special D Events<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. &#8220;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.&#8221; 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!\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-136315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/11\/cider-mill-in-detroit.png\" alt=\"cider mill in detroit during night time\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/11\/cider-mill-in-detroit.png 960w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/11\/cider-mill-in-detroit.png?resize=500,333 500w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/11\/cider-mill-in-detroit.png?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/11\/cider-mill-in-detroit.png?resize=150,100 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>14. Relax in a historic bathhouse<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Hazlett also gave us a really unique suggestion for how to spend a cold Michigan day! &#8220;If you want to stay closer to the downtown, The Schvitz health club offers a relaxing assortment of saunas to escape the cold!&#8221; 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.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">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!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Today, The Schvitz continues the tradition as a wellness destination, bringing people together to socialize and enjoy its traditional Russian-style steam rooms (&#8220;Schvitz&#8221; 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>15. Catch a game with the locals<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Detroit has a rich and storied sports culture that&#8217;s earned it the nickname &#8220;Hockeytown&#8221; 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&#8217;t get tickets or make it to a game in person? Hazlett has a solution for that! &#8220;The best places to enjoy Detroit sports games are Grand Trunk Pub near Campus Martius or McShane&#8217;s Irish Pub and Whiskey Bar in Corktown,&#8221; he says. If you can&#8217;t be there, at least you can cheer with the locals over a pint!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-136316\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/11\/bridge-over-river-in-detroit.png\" alt=\"impressive bridge towards detroit over river\" width=\"960\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/11\/bridge-over-river-in-detroit.png 960w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/11\/bridge-over-river-in-detroit.png?resize=500,375 500w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/11\/bridge-over-river-in-detroit.png?resize=768,576 768w, https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2024\/11\/bridge-over-river-in-detroit.png?resize=150,113 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Enjoy your visit to Metro Detroit!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Detroit&#8217;s rich cultural heritage is reflected in every town representing the Metro area. The people are some of the warmest you&#8217;ll find in the Midwest, and they are passionate about each beautiful city. We hope our locals\u2019 suggestions inspire you to get out and explore Metro Detroit; just don&#8217;t be surprised if you decide to stay for good!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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&#8217;ll find a sprinkling of vibrant cities full of communities with diverse cultures and&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":148,"featured_media":136307,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[38844,38988],"class_list":["post-136304","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-local-resources","tag-detroit-mi-local-guides","tag-local-guides","gallery-content-unit"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v23.4 (Yoast SEO v24.6) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Fun Things to Do in Metro Detroit, as Recommended by Locals<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Looking for interesting things to do in Metro Detroit? 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