Detroit is known as the Automotive Capital of the World for a reason. The Henry Ford, also known as the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village or the Edison Institute, explores the city’s rich history and contributions to the world of transportation. This indoor and outdoor museum complex showcases many significant items that influenced the Industrial Revolution, shaped American history and changed the world.
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.
The ornate Fox Theatre stands out as one of Detroit’s most spectacular performing arts centers. Originally built as a movie palace in 1928, this enormous theater underwent a redesign in the 1980s and reemerged in the public eye as the crown jewel in the Grand Circus Park Historic District. See everything from concerts to Broadway plays in this 5,048-seat entertainment venue.
The most popular park in Detroit, the gigantic Belle Isle Park is actually an entire island. Wonderful for people of all ages and activity levels, this island park has something for everybody. Visit the Dossin Great Lakes Museum; go swimming at the beach; hike along the lovely wooded trails; plan a pleasant picnic outdoors; and much, much more!