M.A.W. Painting

What would Motor City be without Henry Ford and his famous automobile? Learn all about the history of this great American production at the Henry Ford, and then pop over to the Ford Rouge Factory Tour for a chance to see and experience the assembly line. Walk through the industrial production area, see historical artifacts and immerse yourself in the multi-sensory theater.

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.

Art aficionados will not want to miss a trip to the Detroit Institute of Arts, one of the most significant art collections in the country. This gigantic museum covers 658,000 square feet and features over 100 galleries filled with everything from ancient Egyptian artifacts to today’s top contemporary works.

You will also find the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory in Belle Isle Park. This gorgeous greenhouse and botanical garden covers 13 acres. Built in 1904, this conservatory still overflows with beautiful plant life. Formal perennial gardens, annual flowerbeds, a rose garden and lily pond garden surround the domed conservatory, which is filled with exotic tropical and desert plants.