Belle Isle Park only became a state park in 2014. This beautiful 982-acre island has some of the best views of Detroit, and has many entertainment options if the nature isn’t enough. Home to an aquarium, a conservatory and majestic memorial fountain, Belle Isle Park is a great place to come and relax and get away from the city.
As the world’s largest museum dedicated to the rich history and culture of African Americans, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History is an important place to visit while in Detroit. Home to multiple collections of historical artifacts, like the Blanche Coggin Underground Railroad Collection and the Harriet Tubman Museum Collection, the museum is also home to the General Motors Theater, a fantastic place to catch a live performance or lecture.
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Wayne State University, 315 E Warren Ave, Detroit MI, USA, +1 313-494-5800
Despite Detroit’s location north of the Mason-Dixon line, barbecue is taken seriously here, and there are many Detroit-natives that could easily say why. Union Woodshop in Clarkston is a great stop for everything smoked, grilled and tender. Offering a variety of meats and even wood-fired pizza, Union Woodshop is one of the many places to find real barbecue in The Motor City.
Union Woodshop, 18 S Main St, Village of Clarkston MI, USA, +1 248-625-5660
The Fox Theatre is perhaps one of the grandest venues in the Midwest. Its lavish, art-deco architecture is complimented by its oriental details, and features a truly beautiful set of columns and an even grander ceiling. See the theatre website to check its upcoming shows and performances.
Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave, Detroit MI, USA, +1 313-471-3200
There aren’t many self-professed speakeasies around anymore, but Café D’Mongo’s Speakeasy cracks the period style perfectly. This hopping Detroit venue always has live music playing, cocktails pouring and a smile on its proprietor’s face. This bar is a prime example illustrative of the city’s comeback scene; no totally on the up and edgy in the extreme!
Few men have made such significant contributions to modern society as Henry Ford. His innovations on the Ford auto assembly line and the living wage brought prosperity to the middle classes of America, and inspired a culture of mass consumerism. His house is a great place to learn more about the life of this remarkable man.
Henry Ford Estates, 1100 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Shores MI, USA, +1 313-884-4222
With a league of five home teams hungry for the championship trophy, the Detroit Derby Girls always put on a great show. Their rough, though stylish standard of play makes the flat track roller derby some of the best live entertainment in Detroit. Be sure to visit the website to find out where the next game will be played.
Canfield Ice Arena, 2100 Kinloch St, Dearborn Heights MI, USA, +1 313-444-4841
By Benjamin Smith
