A Visual Tour Through Detroit's Historical Ruins

Detroit, the famous Motor City, has experienced one of the most significant declines in population and industry across America. Between 2000 and 2010, the city lost 25% of its population, with its ranking dropping from the 10th down to the 18th largest city in the USA. In spite of this turbulent time for the city, Detroit is home to a wealth of history and culture that deserves to be seen. The Culture Trip celebrates the city’s forgotten spots.
With its initial expansion and following decline, a big part of Detroit’s infrastructure remains unused, making some areas of the city real ghost spots. But far from being eerie, this presents an opportunity to encounter unexpected gems around almost every corner.

Woodward Presbyterian Church

Woodward Presbyterian Church is one of Detroit‘s most beautiful abandoned gems. Its impressive English-Gothic style architecture dating back to early 20th century gives it a unique identity. The site has been abandoned since 2010, but renovation work started in 2014, so this grandiose church might soon be restored to its former glory.

Michigan’s National Theatre

Woods Cathedral Church

Woods Cathedral Church first opened as Visitation Catholic Church in 1925, and after closing in 1989 after financial difficulties, it re-opened as Woods Cathedral Church of God in Christ. After only 16 years in operation, it closed down again in 2005. The church was sold to a developer, and 11 years afterwards, is still abandoned with secured entry.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.