Learn about the rich history of this metro area at the Detroit Historical Society as you study 300 years worth of artifacts. Located in Midtown Detroit’s Cultural Center Historic District, this 80,000-square-foot museum has been around since 1928, making it both America’s largest and oldest museum dedicated to a metropolitan history. The exhibits and attractions here are both interesting and engaging.
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.
Originally a central point of early Detroit lost in the reconfiguration of roads and traffic, the famous Campus Martius Park was re-established as a Renaissance City focal point in 2003. Located in the heart of downtown, this urban park was designed to resemble New York City’s Rockefeller Center with its sculptures, monuments, fountains, bistros, patches of greenery and skating rink hemmed in by towering buildings and other downtown attractions.
Spend an evening at the “world’s oldest jazz club.” Baker’s Keyboard Lounge has acted as a nightlife hotspot ever since 1934. Hear local and major acts present the ever-so-smooth stylings of blues, bebop and, of course, jazz while you dine on the best traditional soul food available.