You might have spent your fair share of time in Metro Detroit, but our area is overflowing with attractions. This means that there’s always something new and exciting to discover, even if you feel like you’ve seen all there is to see. The next time you’re searching for a fun way to make marvelous Motor City memories, choose an option from our list of unique things to do in and around Detroit.
- Cross a haunted bridge
Google Reviews/Anonymous Person Whether it’s the Halloween season of the middle of spring, there’s something exciting about checking out a haunted locale—and Detroit has more than its fair share. If you’re a fan of all things spooky, take time to cross the Belle Isle Bridge, also referred to as the MacArthur Bridge. This gem along Jefferson Avenue was built in 1923 and is purported to house the ghosts of people who’ve jumped from it. For all the eerie details, check out our previous article here. MacArthur Bridge, 7200 E Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48214, USA
- Explore a secret park
Google Reviews/Todd Scott You might be familiar with some of Detroit’s more popular parks, including Campus Martius in the heart of downtown and beautiful Belle Isle. If you’re keen on exploring underrated spots, venture to Maheras-Gentry Park on Avondale. This awesome destination offers views of the Detroit river, plenty of space for fishing, greenery, a bike trail, basketball courts, and more. Read more by clicking here.
- Shop at a 90,000 square-foot flea market
Google Reviews/fast movers Ready to shop ‘til you drop? Hop in the car and make the quick journey to Dixieland Flea Market in Waterford Township, which boasts a whopping 90,000 square feet of space and upwards of 200 vendors. Whether you’re on the lookout for something specific or simply in the mood to treasure-hunt, it’s almost impossible to leave empty-handed. Visitors have been shopping here since the mid 1970s and you’ll surely be back for another visit. Details are available by checking out our previous piece here. Dixieland Flea Market, 2045 Dixie Hwy, Waterford Twp, MI 48328, USA
- Step back in time at a historic village
Google Reviews/Flo Schultheiss Detroit and its surrounding areas are home to plenty of history. While you might have read about our storied past in textbooks or visited a few museums, there’s nothing better than exploring an immersive village that brings history to life. Luckily for us, Metro Detroit is home to an assortment of living history villages that make it easy to embrace earlier eras. Some of our favorite local historical villages are listed here.
- Visit the longest beach near Detroit
Facebook/Pontiac Lake Recreation Area When temperatures are warm enough to warrant a day along the shore, many Detroiters flock to Belle Isle Beach. If you’re searching for something slightly outside the city, we recommend heading to Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area in Waterford Township. This amazing spot is home to more than a half-mile of shoreline along Pontiac Lake itself: the longest of its sort near the Motor City. Read more by clicking here. Pontiac Lake Recreation Area, 7800 Gale Rd, Waterford Twp, MI 48327, USA
- Satisfy your sweet potato cravings
Google Reviews/Jesse Brown Eager to support a local business while digging into some of the most delicious fare imaginable? Sweet Potato Sensations in Detroit has been drawing in customers since the ‘90s with its impressive menu full of sweet potato fare. With an impressive combination of both savory and sweet items, this Motor City diner is one family-owned operation that deserves your attention and business. Learn more by reading our previous piece here. Sweet Potato Sensations, 17337 Lahser Rd, Detroit, MI 48219, USA
- Check out one of Detroit’s oldest churches
Google Reviews/Prasanna PRSN You don’t have to be religious yourself to appreciate a breathtaking church, and Ste. Anne de Detroit is a sight to behold no matter what you believe. The physical cathedral, which was constructed in 1886, houses the oldest parish in Detroit: founded in 1701 by French colonists. When you step inside, you’ll be absolutely amazed by the cathedral’s frescoes, stained glass, and historical relics. Details can be found here. Basilica of Ste. Anne de Detroit, 1000 St Anne St, Detroit, MI 48216, USA
- Embrace the macabre at a mortuary museum
Google Reviews/Department of Mortuary Science If you’re not too creeped out by mentions of all things macabre, we suggest heading to Wayne State University for a visit to their Mortuary Science Museum. As its name implies, this destination allows visitors to learn about everything from embalming to funeral history to religious practices surrounding death. You might just be surprised by how much you learn during your experience, so learn more by clicking here. Department of Mortuary Science, 5439 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- Dig into the most creative pizzas around
Google Reviews/Pie-Sci Pizza Detroiters are no strangers to great food, and we’re especially fond of pizza. While square Detroit-style pizza certainly tops our list, Pie-Sci is a must-visit spot here in the Motor City. This small but mighty restaurant is home to some of the most inventive and delicious pizza creations, including a BLT pizza, a kimchi option, and so much more. You can dive into the details by reading our previous article here. Pie-Sci Pizza, 5163 Trumbull, Detroit, MI 48208, USA
- Stroll through a hidden garden in the city
Google Reviews/Jeremy Brewer You might not be familiar with Indian Village Centennial Garden, but we’re confident that it will soon be one of your new favorite destinations within Detroit. This underappreciated gem along Charlevoix Street within the Indian Village historic district, offering a full corner lot with lush greenery, carefully maintained flowers, a walking path, and more. If you’re interested in finding out more, read our feature piece here. Centennial Garden, 8299 Charlevoix St, Detroit, MI 48214, USA
- Go retro at an arcade bar near Detroit
Google Reviews/DangeRuss G If you ever find yourself longing for the good old days, we’ve got just the destination. 1Up Arcade Bar in Farmington is an exciting destination where visitors can embrace all things retro, including more than 30 arcade games. Try your hand at Mr. Pac-Man or sip a few beers while partaking in a Mario Kart tournament. Does it get much more thrilling than this? To check out our full piece about 1Up, click here. 1Up ARCADE BAR, 33316 Grand River Ave, Farmington, MI 48336, USA
- Do some shopping in a converted Motor City post office
Google Reviews/Arthurious There’s something fascinating about exploring a business that sits within a history-rich building, and Post is one such spot in Detroit. This lovely store, which features all sorts of home goods and creative pieces, is located within a former 1940s post office in the Motor City. Peruse wares made by Michigan artisans, a significant percentage of whom are Detroit-based women, as you appreciate the unconventional setting. To learn more about Post, check out our previous article by clicking here. POST, 14500 Kercheval St, Detroit, MI 48215, USA
- Get happily lost among the trees at an aerial adventure park
TripAdvisor/KDStr Are you ready to get some major air while taking in some stunning woodland scenery? We’ve got just the place for you. TreeRunner Adventure Park in West Bloomfield is a family-friendly destination that’s home to everything from aerial trails to zip lines, each with its own unique challenges and vantage points. If you’re up for a real adventure, there’s no better place to spend the afternoon. Learn more by clicking here. TreeRunner Adventure Park West Bloomfield, 6200 Drake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, MI 48322, USA
Did we include any of your favorite Detroit destinations or attractions on our list? Are there any other spots that should have been added? We’re always eager to hear from readers, so be sure to drop us a line in the Facebook comments with your top recommendations or fill out our official nomination form by clicking here.
Google Reviews/Anonymous Person
Whether it’s the Halloween season of the middle of spring, there’s something exciting about checking out a haunted locale—and Detroit has more than its fair share. If you’re a fan of all things spooky, take time to cross the Belle Isle Bridge, also referred to as the MacArthur Bridge. This gem along Jefferson Avenue was built in 1923 and is purported to house the ghosts of people who’ve jumped from it. For all the eerie details, check out our previous article here.
MacArthur Bridge, 7200 E Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48214, USA
Google Reviews/Todd Scott
You might be familiar with some of Detroit’s more popular parks, including Campus Martius in the heart of downtown and beautiful Belle Isle. If you’re keen on exploring underrated spots, venture to Maheras-Gentry Park on Avondale. This awesome destination offers views of the Detroit river, plenty of space for fishing, greenery, a bike trail, basketball courts, and more. Read more by clicking here.
Google Reviews/fast movers
Ready to shop ‘til you drop? Hop in the car and make the quick journey to Dixieland Flea Market in Waterford Township, which boasts a whopping 90,000 square feet of space and upwards of 200 vendors. Whether you’re on the lookout for something specific or simply in the mood to treasure-hunt, it’s almost impossible to leave empty-handed. Visitors have been shopping here since the mid 1970s and you’ll surely be back for another visit. Details are available by checking out our previous piece here.
Dixieland Flea Market, 2045 Dixie Hwy, Waterford Twp, MI 48328, USA
Google Reviews/Flo Schultheiss
Detroit and its surrounding areas are home to plenty of history. While you might have read about our storied past in textbooks or visited a few museums, there’s nothing better than exploring an immersive village that brings history to life. Luckily for us, Metro Detroit is home to an assortment of living history villages that make it easy to embrace earlier eras. Some of our favorite local historical villages are listed here.
Facebook/Pontiac Lake Recreation Area
When temperatures are warm enough to warrant a day along the shore, many Detroiters flock to Belle Isle Beach. If you’re searching for something slightly outside the city, we recommend heading to Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area in Waterford Township. This amazing spot is home to more than a half-mile of shoreline along Pontiac Lake itself: the longest of its sort near the Motor City. Read more by clicking here.
Pontiac Lake Recreation Area, 7800 Gale Rd, Waterford Twp, MI 48327, USA
Google Reviews/Jesse Brown
Eager to support a local business while digging into some of the most delicious fare imaginable? Sweet Potato Sensations in Detroit has been drawing in customers since the ‘90s with its impressive menu full of sweet potato fare. With an impressive combination of both savory and sweet items, this Motor City diner is one family-owned operation that deserves your attention and business. Learn more by reading our previous piece here.
Sweet Potato Sensations, 17337 Lahser Rd, Detroit, MI 48219, USA
Google Reviews/Prasanna PRSN
You don’t have to be religious yourself to appreciate a breathtaking church, and Ste. Anne de Detroit is a sight to behold no matter what you believe. The physical cathedral, which was constructed in 1886, houses the oldest parish in Detroit: founded in 1701 by French colonists. When you step inside, you’ll be absolutely amazed by the cathedral’s frescoes, stained glass, and historical relics. Details can be found here.
Basilica of Ste. Anne de Detroit, 1000 St Anne St, Detroit, MI 48216, USA
Google Reviews/Department of Mortuary Science
If you’re not too creeped out by mentions of all things macabre, we suggest heading to Wayne State University for a visit to their Mortuary Science Museum. As its name implies, this destination allows visitors to learn about everything from embalming to funeral history to religious practices surrounding death. You might just be surprised by how much you learn during your experience, so learn more by clicking here.
Department of Mortuary Science, 5439 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
Google Reviews/Pie-Sci Pizza
Detroiters are no strangers to great food, and we’re especially fond of pizza. While square Detroit-style pizza certainly tops our list, Pie-Sci is a must-visit spot here in the Motor City. This small but mighty restaurant is home to some of the most inventive and delicious pizza creations, including a BLT pizza, a kimchi option, and so much more. You can dive into the details by reading our previous article here.
Pie-Sci Pizza, 5163 Trumbull, Detroit, MI 48208, USA
Google Reviews/Jeremy Brewer
You might not be familiar with Indian Village Centennial Garden, but we’re confident that it will soon be one of your new favorite destinations within Detroit. This underappreciated gem along Charlevoix Street within the Indian Village historic district, offering a full corner lot with lush greenery, carefully maintained flowers, a walking path, and more. If you’re interested in finding out more, read our feature piece here.
Centennial Garden, 8299 Charlevoix St, Detroit, MI 48214, USA
Google Reviews/DangeRuss G
If you ever find yourself longing for the good old days, we’ve got just the destination. 1Up Arcade Bar in Farmington is an exciting destination where visitors can embrace all things retro, including more than 30 arcade games. Try your hand at Mr. Pac-Man or sip a few beers while partaking in a Mario Kart tournament. Does it get much more thrilling than this? To check out our full piece about 1Up, click here.
1Up ARCADE BAR, 33316 Grand River Ave, Farmington, MI 48336, USA
Google Reviews/Arthurious
There’s something fascinating about exploring a business that sits within a history-rich building, and Post is one such spot in Detroit. This lovely store, which features all sorts of home goods and creative pieces, is located within a former 1940s post office in the Motor City. Peruse wares made by Michigan artisans, a significant percentage of whom are Detroit-based women, as you appreciate the unconventional setting. To learn more about Post, check out our previous article by clicking here.
POST, 14500 Kercheval St, Detroit, MI 48215, USA
TripAdvisor/KDStr
Are you ready to get some major air while taking in some stunning woodland scenery? We’ve got just the place for you. TreeRunner Adventure Park in West Bloomfield is a family-friendly destination that’s home to everything from aerial trails to zip lines, each with its own unique challenges and vantage points. If you’re up for a real adventure, there’s no better place to spend the afternoon. Learn more by clicking here.
TreeRunner Adventure Park West Bloomfield, 6200 Drake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, MI 48322, USA
Searching for even more Motor City excitement? Read about these seven waterfront destinations around Detroit.
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Address: Detroit, MI, USA
