The Best Day Trips From Detroit

Whether you’re looking for relaxation or excitement, culture or leisure, don’t hesitate to head to these places of interest within a short distance of Detroit—in Michigan, Ohio, and even Canada—for any one of these great days out.

Henry Ford Museum

One of the nearest options for a great day out is the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, just a brief jaunt out of the city. Far more than a Motor City car museum, it’s actually the largest indoor-outdoor museum complex in the United States, with many auto-related artifacts, including the bus Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on and JFK’s limousine, as well as Abraham Lincoln’s chair from Ford’s Theatre. The complex also includes a living history museum, Greenfield Village, where costumed actors demonstrate life from different time periods.

Ann Arbor

East Lansing

Ann Arbor isn’t the only option for a great day out in a university town. Slightly further away from Detroit is East Lansing, home to Michigan State University. Try timing the day trip with a game day of the university’s famous Spartans—a real treat—or just explore the beautiful small town.

Spartan Stadium at MIchigan State University

Cleveland

A three-hour journey each way may be a bit much for some, but if not, Cleveland, Ohio, is just a drive around Lake Erie. Perhaps the main attraction in “Forest City” is the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the world’s greatest collection of music memorabilia housed in an I.M. Pei-designed building, but there’s also museums, amusement parks, gardens, markets, and a great wining and dining scene.

Toledo

If Cleveland feels a little too far, Toledo, Ohio, is less than half the journey, situated on the border between Michigan and Ohio. On the shores of Lake Erie and surrounding the Maumee River, Toledo has been called the “Water Recreation Capital of the Midwest,” with fishing and boating both a big draw. A thriving art scene and family activities, including a zoo and amusement park, are also major attractions.

GateKeeper ride at Cedar Point Amusement Park

Bay City

Northwest of Detroit, on the shores of the Saginaw Bay of Lake Huron, Bay City has been described as a “freshwater playground,” with plenty of water-based activities for keeping busy. Take a trip on a sailboat, enjoy some fresh catch, or just enjoy the water from the scenic riverwalk. There’s also Michigan’s largest antiques market, stately homes and mansions to tour, and a range of local shops and restaurants.

Windsor

Since Detroit borders Canada, an international day trip is easily achievable. Just across the Detroit River is the city of Windsor, which can be reached by the Ambassador Bridge or Detroit Windsor Tunnel. Things to see and do in Windsor include the waterfront Windsor Sculpture Park, the Art Gallery of Windsor, and the Chimczuk Museum, dedicated to the history of the Windsor area.

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.