Built in 1928 as the Wilson Theatre, the modern Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts has been a staple to the live performance industry in Detroit since its creation. The oldest continuously operating live theater in the city, this 1,700-seat entertainment venue was renovated in the 1970s and remains one of Detroit’s most vital players in the performing arts sector.
Surround yourself with the beauty and tranquility of nature when you visit the University of Michigan Matthaei Botanical Gardens. The outdoor gardens are open for free to the public, although the conservatory itself requires an admission fee. Outside, you can wander around over a dozen different gardens, including a rock garden and a labyrinth, as well as walk along five different nature trails. And there’s even more on the inside!
Lace up your roller skates or rollerblades and head on over to the Northland Roller Rink, one of Detroit’s largest roller rinks, for a fun time. Skate during the public sessions to some of your favorite oldies as well as a few of the more current songs. Or, opt for a skating class or laser tag game.
Bibliophiles rejoice! John K. King Books in downtown Detroit boasts four above-ground floors and a basement full of rare and used books for the public to peruse and purchase. The largest independent bookseller in the state, this enormous collection (over 1 million books) accounts for most of the store’s business–but true book collectors will want to make an appointment to view the rarer antiques next door.