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!
Learn a little about the history of fun at Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum in Farmington. Besides his fondness for alliteration, Marvin also has a strong affection for vintage coin-operated machines. This unusual, unique museum exhibits his vast collection of everything from arcade games to mechanical dummies and many other oddities.
Right beneath the Magic Stick, you’ll find the Garden Bowl. The oldest still-operating bowling alley in the country, this historical landmark is a blast to visit. Open until 2AM Monday through Sunday, the Garden Bowl offers an excellent alternative to the traditional bars. Enjoy drinks and the tunes from a jukebox as you show off your bowling skills.
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.