The 17 Absolute MUST Things To Do in Downtown Detroit [2024]
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Being someone who is enamored with city travel, the downtown district of Detroit is undeniably my favorite neighborhood of the city!
While Detroit neighborhoods like Mexicantown or Corktown have amazing things to offer, downtown is where my fellow city travelers will want to go first.
Just by exploring downtown, you'll immediately see just how beautiful of a city Detroit really is. Not only is there so much to do in downtown alone but you'll also encounter dreamy architecture, imaginative public art pieces, and much more!
I feel lucky to live so close to such a captivating city!
Whether you're a first time visitor looking for Detroit's most touristy things to do or a local looking to reconnect with the city, this guide was written with you in mind!
- 01 // The Spirit of Detroit
- 02 // The Joe Louis Fist
- 03 // Dodge Fountain
- 04 // Transcending
- 05 // The Renaissance Center
- 06 // The Guardian Building
- 07 // The Countdown Clock
- 08 // Campus Martius
- 09 // The Waiting statue
- 10 // American Coney Island or Lafayette Coney Island
- 11 // Stevie Wonder mural
- 12 // The BELT
- 13 // The tiger statues at Comerica Park
- 14 // Detroit Institute of Arts
- 15 // Detroit Historical Museum
- 16 // Ride the People Mover for free
- 17 // Detroit Riverwalk
For 2024, here are the 17 absolute MUST things to do in downtown Detroit...
01 // Spirit of Detroit
Coming to downtown Detroit and not seeing the legendary Spirit of Detroit statue would be like not seeing The Gateway Arch in St. Louis or the Firebird statue in uptown Charlotte.
Built in 1958, the Spirit of Detroit was the largest sculpture designed for a city since the Renaissance. Despite the grandeur of the project, the architect who designed the sculpture refused payment for the art piece.
The Spirit of Detroit is located on Woodward Avenue-- which is the busiest street in downtown Detroit. What's exceptionally convenient is that this iconic sculpture is in very close proximity to the next three things to do on this list.
Address: 2 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48226
Hours: 24/7
02 // The Joe Louis Fist
Detroit is a city who is very fond of their sports.
And yet, this distinguishable art piece isn't in homage to the Red Wings, Pistons, Tigers, nor the Lions-- but rather, to a boxer!
The gigantic dangling metallic fist statue was built in honor of late boxer Joe Louis. Albeit the storied athlete having been born in Alabama, he was raised in Detroit. Before he commenced his career in boxing, Louis worked for a renowned Michigan employer: Ford Motor Company.
One of Louis' stellar athletic achievements was defending his title as the world heavyweight champion a record 25 times.
Louis passed away in 1981 and in 1986, the city of Detroit paid for this art piece to honor the legendary fighter.
Address: 5 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48226
Hours: 24/7
03 // Dodge Fountain
Source: Shutterstock.
Hart Plaza is often used to host for outdoor events, making it one of the most visited locations in downtown Detroit.
That being said, when you plan your visit, if you want to walk close up to the fountain, be sure to check there isn't an event going on. When events are held in Hart Plaza, the grounds are typically fenced off and you can't enter without purchasing a ticket for that event.
Hart Plaza is home to two really cool sculptures you must see when visiting downtown: the first of them being the Horace E. Dodge Fountain-- colloquially known as the Dodge Fountain.
Dodge Fountain first appeared in downtown Detroit in 1976. However, Dodge Fountain ran into difficulties operating in the late '70s and early '80s. In the following decades, the fountain was patchy if it'd work at all.
I never recall Dodge Fountain working when I visited in the 2000s. The fountain was inactive for over a decade due to the city's bankruptcy.
Newcomers to the city, you are in luck, because it was as of summer 2024 that Dodge Fountain began pouring water again. Dodge Fountain was redesigned following a multi-million dollar investment of federal funds.
For a dreamy view of the Dodge Fountain, be sure to visit it at night! After the sun goes down, the fountain is illuminated by colorful LED lights!
Address: 101 W Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
Hours: 24/7
04 // Transcending
As you are likely noticing already, Detroit is home to some spectacular sculptures. In fact, Detroit is so well known for this that I devoted an entire article to covering the most beautiful sculptures in Detroit.
The second art piece you must see in Hart Plaza, besides Dodge Fountain, is this silver loop sculpture, whose name is Transcending. The sculpture stands at an impressive 63 feet tall.
Transcending was introduced to downtown Detroit in 2003. At the top, you'll notice the loop is broken. This is intentional and not due to vandalism.
Transcending is supposed to represent progress in the Michigan labor movement. The reason for the intentional break at the top of the loop is to indicate there is still more progress to be made.
Address: 199 W Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
Hours: 24/7
05 // Renaissance Center
In addition to some of the most memorable sculptures you'll ever see in a U.S city, Detroit also has some spectacular skyscrapers with remarkable architecture.
Perhaps the most distinguishable skyscraper in Detroit's skyline is the Renaissance Center. This building also happens to be my favorite skyscraper in the United States.
The full name for this skyscraper-- including the adjacent buildings-- is the General Motors Renaissance Center. However, moving forward in 2025, the car company will no longer use the Renaissance Center as its headquarters.
Most people refer to the Renaissance Center as the 'Ren Cen'.
The center cylindrical building of the Renaissance Center is the tallest skyscraper in Detroit-- standing at a height of 727 feet.
Visitors are welcome to enter the Renaissance Center for free. On the first floor is an exhibit of General Motors vehicles. Like I mentioned earlier, this may change starting in 2025.
Other floors in the Renaissance Center include retailers, clothing stores, and restaurants.
Address: 400 Renaissance Center, Detroit, MI 48243
Hours: (depends)
06 // Guardian Building
The Renaissance Center is my favorite skyscraper in the U.S-- and the Guardian Building is certainly a favorite ediface as well!
The Guardian Building has been part of Detroit's skyline since 1929. It is sometimes referred to as the 'Cathedral of Finance'. The 632 foot tall (with its spire) burnt orange ediface has a stunning exterior with an interior to match.
The Guardian Building is a prime example of Art Deco architecture.
Visitors are welcome to enter the Guardian Building for free 24/7! This is seriously a wonderful opportunity, especially for budget travelers, to see the interior of this Art Deco masterpiece for no money at all!
If you happen to visit Detroit on a Sunday, there are two free tours offered where you visit the 32nd floor, an executive board room, and bank vaults in the basement. You'll have a great time seeing downtown Detroit from such a tall height on the 32nd floor.
These free tours are offered at 12:00 p.m. or 1:30 p.m. on Sundays.
Address: 500 Griswold St, Detroit, MI 48226
Hours: 24/7
07 // Countdown Clock
The Countdown Clock was originally constructed as a device to count down to the NFL Draft, which Detroit famously hosted in spring 2024. I'm personally glad that the city didn't get rid of this after the draft.
Like the Spirit of Detroit, it's a sculpture I notice that tourists love having their picture taken.
The Countdown Clock is brilliantly shaped like a tire, paying homage to Detroit's history as a power player in the automotive industry.
The graphical display, which is under the letters 'E', 'T', 'R', 'O', and 'I', is like a small billboard, cycling through advertisements and current events. For instance, in August, the display featured many slides promoting Team USA because of the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Address: Just type in Campus Martius, as they are so close.
Hours: 24/7
08 // Campus Martius
The news periodical USA Today has shown Detroit a lot of love this year. Campus Martius, a gorgeous public square in downtown, was rated by USA Today to be the best public square in the country!
So, just what is so captivating about Detroit's Campus Martius?
As you can view from the image above, you can see two of Detroit's finest skyscrapers in the background: the Art Deco brilliance of the Guardian Building and Penobscot Building. From a different spot in the park, you can also admire the chilling gothic architecture of Ally Detroit Center.
Campus Martius also houses Detroit's oldest statue: the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, as well as accomodating the two newest public art pieces to downtown: the Countdown Clock and 'Waiting'.
A gorgeous marble fountain for everyone to sit by adds to the beauty of Campus Martius.
The Q-Line, a streetcar system which debuted in 2017 and travels down Woodward Avenue, passes by Campus Martius.
Campus Martius is a cozy and visually stunning spot for people to relax.
Address: 800 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48226
Hours: 6AM-10PM
09 // Waiting
Another fine art piece included in Detroit's public art collection is the 'Waiting' statue.
The two humanoid mouse figures instantly reminded me of Mickey Mouse. I did a little research and the Mickey Mouse resemblance is no coincidence. The sculptor who designed these two figures previously worked for Disney as an animator.
Everytime I walk by this eye-catching statue, I can't help but snap a few pictures of it. Easily my favorite statue in all of downtown Detroit!
Address: 1000 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
Hours: 24/7
10 // American Coney Island or Lafayette Coney Island
On my blog, I don't provide hardly any food recommendations unless the food is commonly associated with a particular city. Regarding Detroit and foods it is known for, start with coney dogs. You'll find two amazing restaurants in downtown adjacent to one another on W Lafayette Boulevard.
As you'll see in the image above, the names of the restaurants are Lafayette Coney Island and Americn Coney Island.
If you're unsure what a 'coney dog' is, it's a hot dog topped with chili, chopped onion, and mustard.
For such a signature food, coney dogs are highly affordable and both restaurants serve them very fast.
Between the two restaurants, is there one that is better? I like the aesthetic more of American Coney Island, as it somewhat resembles the look of a classic American diner. However, Lafayette Coney Island is open later into the night than American Coney Island.
As for coney dog quality, I can hardly taste a difference between the two.
Address: 114 W Lafayette Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226 (American Coney Island)
Hours: M-Th 10AM - 7PM, F 10AM-12AM, S 11AM-12AM, Su 11AM-7PM
11 // Stevie Wonder mural
Detroit has an impressive history in the music industry. While the Motor City's music scene has churned out such big names like Eminem and The White Stripes, Detroit is perhaps most remembered for its Motown label. One of the label's most famous acts is Stevie Wonder.
Stevie Wonder, a musical prodigy, signed with the legendary record label at the age of only 11 years old. In his music career spanning over six decades, Wonder has released 23 studio albums, four live albums, three soundtrack albums, and a whooping 91 singles.
Like music legend Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder is also blind.
You will find a huge mural in downtown Detroit on Brush St honoring Wonder by a parking lot. It is one of Detroit's most popular murals and finest pieces of public art throughout the city.
Address: 1434-1436 Brush St, Detroit, MI 48226
Hours: 24/7
12 // The BELT
The BELT is an artistic alley adorned with street art. There are also a few entrances to restaurants available in the BELT as well.
The BELT has two entrances: one off Grand River and one off Gratiot.
Address: 1274 Library Street, Detroit, MI 48226
Hours: 24/7
13 // The Tiger Statues at Comerica Park
Detroit is home to four sports teams: the Red Wings (hockey), Pistons (basketball), Lions (football), and Tigers (baseball).
Comerica Park, the stadium where the Tigers play, has large tiger statues outside the entrances for visitors to admire. Of the four teams, these decorations help distinguish Comerica Park from Ford Field and Little Caesars Arena.
The campus to the Comerica Park is easily accessible from Woodward Avenue.
Address: 2100 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
Hours: depends on when the games start
14 // The Detroit Institute of Arts
Admission to the Detroit Institute of Arts is free to Michigan residents who live in Macomb, Wayne, or Oakland county.
The Detroit Institute of Arts is one of the most renowned art museums in the country, in the same league as other esteemed art museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City and the Art Institute of Chicago.
In 2023 and 2024, USA Today deemed the Detroit Institute of Arts to be the best art museum in the United States.
The Detroit Institute of Arts is the largest art museum in the midwest, with an impressive size of 658,000 square feet and containing over 65,000 art pieces.
For my personal selection of what I think are the best art pieces to see in the Detroit Institute of Arts, I encourage you to click here to read more!
Admission to the Detroit Institute of Arts for visitors who don't live nearby is $18.
Address: 5200 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202
Hours: M closed, T-Th 9AM - 4PM, F 9AM-9PM, S-Su 10AM - 5PM
15 // The Detroit Historical Museum
Little Caesars. Motown. Ford Motor Company. Rosa Parks. The 2024 NFL Draft.
Come to the Detroit Historical Museum to learn much more about the many people, events, and enterprises that have given Detroit its glory and fame!
My favorite exhibit in the Detroit History Museum is located in the basement. It is a reconstruction of Detroit from over a hundred years ago called "Old Streets of Detroit".
The Detroit Historical Museum is conveniently located across the street from the Detroit Institute of Arts.
Admission to the Detroit Historical Museum is $10.
Address: 5401 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202
Hours: M-T closed, W-S 10AM - 5PM, Su 1PM - 5PM
16 // Ride the People Mover for free
In 2024, the People Mover became free to ride.
The People Mover provides you a comfortable and elevated view of downtown. The whole ride takes about 12 minutes to complete.
From above, you'll have an incredible perspective to admire downtown Detroit's gorgeous architecture as well as get some lovely views of the riverfront.
17 // Detroit Riverwalk
The last item on this list you must check out while exploring downtown is the Detroit Riverwalk.
Regarded as one of the most beautiful riverwalks in the country-- with USA Today rating it #1 in 2021, 2022, and 2023-- it's something every Detroit visitor must check out.
The Detroit Riverwalk overlooks the Detroit River and spans 3.5 miles-- commencing in downtown near Hart Plaza and terminating at Belle Isle Park.
One attribute that makes the Detroit Riverwalk unique is the ability to see the Canadian city of Windsor from across the river.
Conclusion
Taking pictures in front of the Spirit of Detroit, the Tiger statues in Comerica Park, and the Countdown Clock are among the most fun things to do in downtown Detroit.
Downtown Detroit offers tourists and locals plenty to do and in such a gorgeous location.
I love Detroit and if you enjoy your visit(s) to the Motor City as much as I do and want more to check out on future visits, I invite you to check out my longer guide on things to do throughout the entire city!
Thank you for reading! Like... seriously. So many people just skim sh*t and don't read anything past the headline. You're one of the good ones!
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