Day trip to Detroit (Lansing, Dearborn: rentals, mover, hotel)

[ultravioletfly]

Hello all,

I'm a college student studying Urban Geography at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Even though Milwaukee is so close to thriving metro areas like Chicago and the Twin Cities, I really want to spend a day in Detroit, just because I find it so intriguing. Ideally I would take an Amtrak there and back, and I would go with a few friends--but I may end up having to go alone. What are the best, safest, most tourist-y areas where I can learn about and appreciate Detroit's vibrant history? Is the Amtrak station in a sketchy area?

Thanks in advance for your responses!

[animatedmartian]

Not really. The area the Amtrak station is in is the New Center area and it's pretty okay aside from wandering homeless folk. The Fisher Building and Caddilac Place would be the first huge buildings you'd see coming out of the station. You can go inside both buildings and have a look around. Down the street towards the west is the Motown Museum. It's about a 15 minute walk if you're interested. The DIA and Detroit's Main Library are 15 minutes walk south of the Amtrak station. The Detroit Historical museum is right across the street from the library and that's where you'll probably learn most about the city's history.

And most definitely check out the Guardian Building downtown if you can and be sure to try out Coney Island when you grab something to eat! You'll most likely have to use the bus since each location is somewhat spread out. Just keep in mind that the buses might not be 100% reliable (especially DDOT buses). They might be late or crowded depending on which day you come. Otherwise I would think that you'd enjoy your trip here.

[Coldjensens]

Explore mid-town, take a long walk to downtown and jump on the people mover.

[MS313]

Downtown has alot of great things: casinos, riverwalk, greektown, 2nd largest theater district in the country, ect
Midtown- Wayne State University, museums, ect
Dearborn has the Henry Ford/ Greenwich Village museum (you will probably spend alot of time there)
Entertainment like Bars, Clubs, and restaurants... best place would be downtown for tourist. You could probably find some entertainment at Wayne State since your in college also if you meet a couple people from there.
Depending on what day your coming you could go to Eastern Market, a sports game, concert, ect.

You can go to this website Downtown Detroit | Destination Districts | Visit Detroit | Detroit Michigan they tell you about alot of stuff. There is also a visitor packet that you can fill out on that site and I guess they will send you info, might be a good idea before you come.

[detwahDJ]

The Henry Ford Museum - it's not just cars. Lots of historical relics relating to Detroit And the Nation.
Exhibits
Large Arab community in Dearborn. Shops and restaurants.

Dearborn, Arab Capital of America - YouTube

[boulevardofdef]

Just tried to create a thread with this title but C-D told me it already existed, so I'll bump this one instead.

I just booked a week-long trip to Michigan in July. My wife is originally from East Lansing and I visit once every couple of years. I've been to Detroit a few times, though not for six or seven years now. I actually don't think I've ever been to Detroit for anything other than a Tigers game, though I've seen a thing or two beyond the ballpark.

In the years since I've been, Detroit has been getting some positive attention, and I think it's time that I really checked it out. I'd like to spend a day there, in the city, not the suburbs. Unlike the OP, I think I'll have a (borrowed) car. There are some good ideas above for things to do -- the DIA, RiverWalk, Greektown, maybe Eastern Market? I might have a 6-year-old with me, so no casinos and no nightlife. I know a lot has changed since 2011. What I'm really looking for is vibrant, walkable, safe urban areas and things to see within them. Interesting and/or unique shopping is a plus, and bonus points for anything that attracts hip young people (though I myself was never hip and no longer qualify as particularly young). Also looking for good places to eat. I was thinking Gold Cash Gold just for the name, but Google Maps seems to suggest it's a little isolated, and that's not what I want.

[belleislerunner]

Detroit Historical Museum - It's free and across the street from the DIA. Much more interactive and fun for a six year old. Multiple levels and hands on exhibits. Detroit Historical Museum | Detroit Historical Society

Penguin Exhibit - Detroit Zoo. The world's largest penguin exhibit opens today so if the six year old is around that would be a huge hit. Free with zoo admission. Home - Polk Penguin Conservation Center

Beach at Belle Isle - July will be ideal for swimming in the Detroit river, hitting up the beach and/or driving range on Belle Isle for a lazy day in the sun. You can go down the giant slide for $1 or enjoy the 1/2 mile of sand and surf.
http://belleisleconservancy.org/visi...s-attractions/

If you want to park and walk for shopping/bars/restuarants - park in Midtown by University Towers. You can walk to Jolly Pumpkin, Hopcat, Motor City Brewing, Third Street Bar, Old Miami, Sweet Lorraine's and scores of other places. Little mom/pop shops all around with knick knacks, gifts, clothes etc.

If you haven't booked a hotel yet - the El Moore hotel in Midtown and their four rooftop cabins - with balconies overlooking Detroit is probably your coolest option. I've stayed there and it's walking distance/baller to everything in Midtown. Complete with secure gated parking. Rooftop Urban Cabins

[Coldjensens]

Campus Martius is pretty neat, especially around Lunch time. They have food trucks from arious restuaurnts around Detroit and the metro area. Sometimes there is a truck from Slows Barbecue. They als have various little attractions (ping pong or corn hole, or . . . ). Right now there is a musical swing set that plays discordant notes unless everyone swings together then it play harmonious notes. They are still setting up the beach, but that is more of an adult thing anyway. I am not sure when they start, but at some point they have several bands playing around campus Mauritius in the summer.

Out on bell isle there is a neat maritime museum where you can go into the front of a freighter. They also have an aquarium and a zoo.

On Riverwalk at the end of the dequindre cut (about a mile form Ren Cen is the DNR outdoor center. It is really neat for kids. they have a Kayak simulator, a trail bike simulator and some other neat outdoor oriented things (but it is indoors). They also have an indoor archery range, but I am not sure if it is open yet.

Half way between the outdoor center and the ren cen is an outdoor food bar. They have mostly quick foods like hot dogs and things, but they emphasize Michigan products and the food it pretty decent. You can sit by a fountain and eat your lunch. You can also rent bicycles there.

Somewhere they have Segway rentals too.

IN the ren cen, you can take the elevator up to Coach insignia restaurant at the top of the tallest building in Michigan. Jsut get desert, The food at Coach insignia is expensive and not very good.

[belleislerunner]

There's now a Panera Bread in the Ren Cen in the Wintergarden - so that's a perfect spot for a snack/lunch if on the Riverwalk and very affordable. Even open on weekends 7AM-9PM on Sat and 8AM-6PM on Sunday. GMRENCEN

[boulevardofdef]

These are great tips -- thanks a lot! Glad I asked. I won't be able to do all of them, but I've got some great options now.

Originally Posted by belleislerunner

The world's largest penguin exhibit opens today so if the six year old is around that would be a huge hit.

I was going to say that I'd rather not do things I can just do at home, like a zoo (we've got an acclaimed one 15 minutes from my house), but the 6-year-old LOVES penguins.

Originally Posted by belleislerunner

If you haven't booked a hotel yet - the El Moore hotel in Midtown and their four rooftop cabins - with balconies overlooking Detroit is probably your coolest option.

We're staying with family in East Lansing and driving in for the day, so no hotel necessary.