Detroit has been the subject of all too much negativity throughout the years. Sure, our city has its fair share of difficulties, but that doesn’t mean we let our struggles define who we are. While the Motor City is far from perfect, it houses plenty of one-of-a-kind attractions that set it apart from other metropolises. Here are nine must-see marvels that make Detroit a magical place to live, work, and visit.
- The Guardian Building (500 Griswold Street)
Flickr/Aidan Wakely-Mulroney
Flickr/Jonathan Haeber This Detroit landmark is nothing short of stunning, and you can’t call yourself a true-blue Detroiter until you’ve seen it for yourself. Boasting 40 floors and an incredible art-deco style, you’ll be absolutely awestruck by the beauty of the Guardian. With towering ceilings and marvelous frescoes, you might wonder if you’ve been transported to a European cathedral.
- The Fox Theatre (2211 Woodward Avenue)
Flickr/Ian Ransley
Flickr/gab482 This legendary performance hall is one of Detroit’s crown jewels, and it’s easy to see why. No matter how many concerts you’ve enjoyed at the Fox, there’s still something totally breathtaking about stepping into its lobby or auditorium. This Detroit icon is the very definition of opulence, and we’re lucky to call it our own.
- Detroit Industry Murals at the Detroit Institute of Arts (5200 Woodward Avenue)
Flickr/Quick fix
Flickr/onasill Renowned Mexican artist Diego Rivera painted these massive frescoes between 1932 and 1933, and his work has become a major point of pride for the Motor City. These are no ordinary paintings — they fill up an entire section of the DIA from floor to ceiling. You could spend hours perusing the murals and never examine each and every beautiful detail.
- Ambassador Bridge
Flickr/John Hardwick
Flickr/cmh2315fl This one is a no-brainer. The Ambassador Bridge is, first and foremost, one of Detroit’s most useful tools. It connects our beloved city to Windsor, Ontario, thus providing an easy link to our international neighbors. But the bridge in itself is a modern marvel — it was constructed in the late 1920s and spans an incredible 7,500 feet across.
- Masonic Temple (500 Temple Street)
Flickr/Aidan Wakely-Mulroney
Flickr/Joy VanBuhler Built in 1920, Detroit’s Masonic Temple is the largest of its kind in the world. It towers 210 feet above the ground and brings a distinct neo-gothic style to the Motor City. With a fascinating history and an even more fascinating architectural design, the Masonic Temple is an unforgettable Detroit landmark.
- The Joe Louis Fist (Woodward Avenue)
Flickr/changa19
Flickr/Kyle J. Schultz “The Fist,” officially known as the Monument to Joe Louis, is a symbolic sculpture constructed in homage to Detroit’s beloved boxing legend. While the fist can be read simply as a reference to Louis’ boxing prowess, it also symbolizes the icon’s work to defeat racial injustice outside the ring.
- Spirit of Detroit Statue (Woodward Avenue)
Flickr/Jason Mrachina
Flickr/Maia C. Since 1958, this gorgeous bronze statue has been a stoic reminder of Detroit’s enduring spirit. While the monument is inscribed with a Bible verse and holds deep religious meaning, that doesn’t mean it can’t be used to have a bit of fun. Throughout the years, excited fans have dressed the statue in jerseys representing the Red Wings, Tigers, and other Detroit sports teams.
- Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory (900 Inselruhe Avenue)
Flickr/Maia C.
Flickr/Maia C. While Belle Isle in its entirety is a stunning spot to spend a few hours, the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory is particularly scenic. Plant-lovers and nature enthusiasts can stop in at the botanical garden and conservatory year-round to appreciate its peaceful atmosphere and calming beauty. There’s no better place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life in the Motor City.
- View from the Renaissance Center
Flickr/James Marvin Phelps
Flickr/Maia C. If you’ve never taken in a view of Detroit from atop the Renaissance Center, you’re truly missing out. This modern marvel is gorgeous in itself, but there’s nothing like looking out at the city we all love from 73 floors above the Detroit River. It’s easy to forget the beauty of the Motor City when we’re going through the motions of everyday life — but a trip to the Ren Cen will quickly renew your Detroit pride.
Are there any other Detroit marvels that should have been included on this list? Do you have a favorite spot in the Motor City? We’d love to hear your thoughts and stories in the comment section below.
Flickr/Aidan Wakely-Mulroney
Flickr/Jonathan Haeber
This Detroit landmark is nothing short of stunning, and you can’t call yourself a true-blue Detroiter until you’ve seen it for yourself. Boasting 40 floors and an incredible art-deco style, you’ll be absolutely awestruck by the beauty of the Guardian. With towering ceilings and marvelous frescoes, you might wonder if you’ve been transported to a European cathedral.
Flickr/Ian Ransley
Flickr/gab482
This legendary performance hall is one of Detroit’s crown jewels, and it’s easy to see why. No matter how many concerts you’ve enjoyed at the Fox, there’s still something totally breathtaking about stepping into its lobby or auditorium. This Detroit icon is the very definition of opulence, and we’re lucky to call it our own.
Flickr/Quick fix
Flickr/onasill
Renowned Mexican artist Diego Rivera painted these massive frescoes between 1932 and 1933, and his work has become a major point of pride for the Motor City. These are no ordinary paintings — they fill up an entire section of the DIA from floor to ceiling. You could spend hours perusing the murals and never examine each and every beautiful detail.
Flickr/John Hardwick
Flickr/cmh2315fl
This one is a no-brainer. The Ambassador Bridge is, first and foremost, one of Detroit’s most useful tools. It connects our beloved city to Windsor, Ontario, thus providing an easy link to our international neighbors. But the bridge in itself is a modern marvel — it was constructed in the late 1920s and spans an incredible 7,500 feet across.
Flickr/Joy VanBuhler
Built in 1920, Detroit’s Masonic Temple is the largest of its kind in the world. It towers 210 feet above the ground and brings a distinct neo-gothic style to the Motor City. With a fascinating history and an even more fascinating architectural design, the Masonic Temple is an unforgettable Detroit landmark.
Flickr/changa19
Flickr/Kyle J. Schultz
“The Fist,” officially known as the Monument to Joe Louis, is a symbolic sculpture constructed in homage to Detroit’s beloved boxing legend. While the fist can be read simply as a reference to Louis’ boxing prowess, it also symbolizes the icon’s work to defeat racial injustice outside the ring.
Flickr/Jason Mrachina
Flickr/Maia C.
Since 1958, this gorgeous bronze statue has been a stoic reminder of Detroit’s enduring spirit. While the monument is inscribed with a Bible verse and holds deep religious meaning, that doesn’t mean it can’t be used to have a bit of fun. Throughout the years, excited fans have dressed the statue in jerseys representing the Red Wings, Tigers, and other Detroit sports teams.
While Belle Isle in its entirety is a stunning spot to spend a few hours, the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory is particularly scenic. Plant-lovers and nature enthusiasts can stop in at the botanical garden and conservatory year-round to appreciate its peaceful atmosphere and calming beauty. There’s no better place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life in the Motor City.
Flickr/James Marvin Phelps
If you’ve never taken in a view of Detroit from atop the Renaissance Center, you’re truly missing out. This modern marvel is gorgeous in itself, but there’s nothing like looking out at the city we all love from 73 floors above the Detroit River. It’s easy to forget the beauty of the Motor City when we’re going through the motions of everyday life — but a trip to the Ren Cen will quickly renew your Detroit pride.
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Address: Detroit, MI, USA
