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Detroit attractions

Things to Do in Detroit

Island parks, world-class art, the birthplace of Motown and miles of riverfront trail. Whether you just moved here or grew up here, this is the short list worth your weekend.

See Detroit Events Where to eat
  • Free options for residents
  • Organized by interest
  • Neighborhood links for every stop

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Top picks

Detroit attractions locals send visitors to

Belle Isle Park

A 985-acre island state park in the Detroit River with the Belle Isle Aquarium, the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, a swim beach and the giant slide.

About Belle Isle →

Detroit Institute of Arts

General admission is free for residents of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. Bring an ID to the front desk.

Explore the Cultural Center →

Motown Museum

Hitsville U.S.A. on West Grand Boulevard, where guided tours take you into the original Studio A.

Browse neighborhoods →

Detroit RiverWalk

A riverfront path with parks and plazas, connected to the Dequindre Cut greenway and Belle Isle.

Explore Rivertown →

Eastern Market

Detroit's public market holds a Saturday market year round, plus Sunday and Tuesday markets in summer.

Explore Eastern Market →

Michigan Central

The restored train station in Corktown is open to visitors, with tours and events. Check the station's site for closures.

Explore Corktown →
By interest

Things to do in Detroit by interest

Museums and history

The Cultural Center in Midtown puts several museums within walking distance: the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, the Detroit Historical Museum and the Michigan Science Center. The Detroit Historical Society also runs the Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle. In Dearborn, The Henry Ford includes the museum, Greenfield Village and the Ford Rouge Factory Tour.

Music

Motown Museum tours are led by guides and include Studio A, where the label recorded its hits. Hart Plaza hosts the Movement electronic music festival each spring, and the Detroit Jazz Festival fills Labor Day weekend. See our Detroit events calendar for dates.

Parks and the outdoors

Belle Isle has a nature center run by the Detroit Zoological Society, a golf course, fishing, paddling and bike loops. On the mainland, the Detroit RiverWalk links parks like Milliken State Park and Harbor and the Outdoor Adventure Center, and the Dequindre Cut greenway runs north toward Eastern Market. MoGo bike share stations make it easy to ride without owning a bike.

Neighborhood wandering

Spend an afternoon walking Corktown, the mansions of Boston-Edison and Indian Village, or the shops of West Village. The Heidelberg Project, Tyree Guyton's outdoor art environment on the east side, is one of the city's most recognizable art sites.

Free and low cost

Free things to do in Detroit

  • Visit the DIA free if you live in Wayne, Oakland or Macomb County.
  • Ride the QLINE and People Mover. Both are free, and together they cover Woodward Avenue and the downtown loop.
  • Walk the RiverWalk and the Dequindre Cut. Dogs on a leash are welcome.
  • Take the bus to Belle Isle. DDOT's #12 Conant route serves the island, and bus riders do not need a Recreation Passport. Drivers need one for their vehicle.
  • Browse Eastern Market on a Saturday morning.
  • Catch free festivals like the Detroit Jazz Festival, which bills itself as the world's largest free jazz festival.
  • Use your library card. The Detroit Public Library hosts free programs at the Main Library and neighborhood branches.
Plan a day

A one-day Detroit itinerary

  1. 1

    Morning in Midtown

    Start at the DIA or the Wright Museum in the Cultural Center, then grab coffee near Wayne State.

  2. 2

    Lunch and a ride downtown

    Take the free QLINE south on Woodward and grab a coney dog. More ideas on our Detroit dining guide.

  3. 3

    Afternoon on the river

    Walk the RiverWalk east toward the Dequindre Cut, or drive over the bridge to Belle Isle.

  4. 4

    Evening out

    Catch a game, a show or dinner in Corktown or Greektown. Check what is on before you go.

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Detroit homes for sale

Search homes near downtown, the river and the city's historic districts.

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Compare neighborhoods

Home values, character and nearby parks for every Detroit neighborhood.

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Moving to Metro Detroit

Our guide to cities, costs and setting up your new home.

Read the guide →
Questions

Things to do in Detroit FAQ

Most locals would send a first-time visitor to Belle Isle, the Detroit Institute of Arts and the RiverWalk. Add the Motown Museum if you love music.
General admission to the Detroit Institute of Arts is free for residents of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. Bring an ID to the front desk.
Belle Isle is a Michigan state park, and a Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry. You can add it when you renew your license plate through the Secretary of State. People who ride DDOT's #12 Conant bus to the island do not need one.
Walk the RiverWalk and Dequindre Cut, ride the free QLINE and People Mover, browse Eastern Market, visit the DIA as a tri-county resident and catch free festivals like the Detroit Jazz Festival.
The Michigan Science Center, the Belle Isle Aquarium and giant slide, the Detroit Zoo in nearby Royal Oak and the RiverWalk are all family favorites. See our family guide for more.

See what is happening this month

Festivals, parades, races and shows: check the Detroit events calendar before you plan your weekend.

See Detroit Events

Sources

Updated September 2026. Rules and procedures change; confirm with the responsible office before a decision.

Call (833) 313-2434 See Detroit Events