Detroit Michigan: Cool Things To Do // Destinations Explained

today we're talking about an underrated US city that has experienced quite a Resurgence in recent years the Motor City is perhaps the biggest victim of the Midwest that gets a bad rep it's had its share of economic struggles higher than average crime rates and a decline of the traditional industries that once defined its growth however in reality it's not all that different from most towns east of the Mississippi so whether you're a tourist checking out the scene or local seeking some fun let's dive into all the cool stuff that Detroit has to [Music] offer Jacob here welcome to destinations explained a fun series I do that dives into destinations from around the world if you haven't already subscribe to the channel and comment down below any places I miss paleoamericans are believed to have established settlements in a Detroit area around 11,000 Years Ago by the 17th century Native American tribes including the Anisha na dwell in the region referring to it as this word signifying Where the River bends in 1701 some French dude named antoan de la moth Cadillac founded a settlement in Fort on a narrow straight between Lake Erie and Lake hiron naming it Fort ponu train due Detroit the British ceased control of Detroit in 1760 admitted resistance from Native Americans led by Chief Pontiac maintaining Authority until 1796 when it was relinquished to the United States after the American Revolution during the War of 1812 Detroit was scorched by the British despite these challenges the city flourished in the 19th century due to its strategic Great Lakes location and by the 20th century Detroit earned a moniker Motor City serving as the birthplace of the automobile industry however things went downhill fast in just a few decades like most US cities around the time it all started with the Great Depression followed by a little racial segregation a pinch of Urban Decay and two tablespoons of social unrest just absolute economic decline reaching a Tipping Point as recent as 2013 where Detroit filed for bankruptcy making the largest Municipal bankruptcy in US history over the past decade however the city has experienced the Revival attracting new Investments businesses and residents signaling a comeback for the Motor City today Detroit has a population just over 600,000 people with a total metro population around 4.3 million summer temperatures average a high of 83° f to a low average of 64° f while winter temperatures average a high of 32° F to a low average of 19° f yeah I sure hope you're not planning a trip in January cuz half the things on this list won't even be accessible or even open so let's kick things off ever heard of Henry Ford he didn't invent the car but he did shake up the automobile industry over a century ago by perfecting assembly line manufacturing making Detroit the go-to spot for all things American Automotive for the first spot on this list take a peek into the most iconic moments of American manufacturing history at this expansive site featuring numerous attractions sprawled across 250 Acres the Henry Ford the Henry Ford is a history attraction complex and a Detroit suburb of Dearborn it includes the Henry Ford Museum of American innovation which showcases Tech technological and Industrial achievements Greenfield Village a living history museum that recreates an American village from the 19th and early 20th centuries and the Ford Rogue factory tour which provides insights into automative manufacturing where you can witness the assembly line and with some planning or luck catch the workers in action the collective name the Henry Ford encompasses these attractions and serves as a cultural destination that celebrates American history and Innovation it'll cost you around 20 to 30 bucks for each spot so hit up their website for hours tickets and other stuff you might need to know next right in the heart of downtown Detroit we have a small city park at just 1 acre you'd be amazed at the amount of fun they've managed to pack into this place making it a favorite hangout for both the locals and visitors campus marshes Park the park boasts a landmark Fountain sculptures and a green space with stages for live shows during the warmer Seasons there's an ice skating opens 7 days a week including holidays operating from November to March note that there's a fee and that you can rent skates there there's also two restaurants on site one is the fountain Detroit a laid-back open air spot with a full service restaurant bar and fantastic patio featuring an urban Beach the other is Park a fine dining restaurant with a more upscale and Chef driven menu across the street you may notice a colorful eye-catching attraction by the name of the Monroe Street Midway establish lished in 2021 this place is your goto for seasonal outdoor fun they've got it all mini golf basketball courts an arcade amusement park like attractions and more for the lowdown of what's Happening throughout the year make sure to check out their website and socials heading south through downtown to the Detroit river which separates the US from Canada you'll find a stunning City Riverfront that has been undergoing ambitious improvements for two decades it's just now reaching completion offering an incredible experience for visitors the Detroit Riverwalk spanning miles along the Detroit River connecting downtown to the soon to be mentioned Bell Isle the Riverwalk invites you to walk run bike and spend quality time with family and friends you'll find attractions such as Parks Pathways and expansive open green spaces with amazing views of the Ambassador Bridge and a towering Skyline begin your journey at Hart Plaza a wellestablished Riverfront destination adorned with fountains and monuments and a captivating setting from there you can hop on a MoGo Bike Share to make your trip down the Riverwalk both easy and enjoyable with everything now seamlessly connected and ready to be explored there's no better time to visit than now if you stroll down the Riverwalk and cross the MacArthur Bridge you'll hit this fantastic 985 acre Island Park on the East end it's packed with cool stuff to do sightseeing touristy things and plenty of fun recreational options Bell Isle from first off there's a 5.4m trail that wraps around the whole island taking you past a bunch of neat attractions and offering some killer views of the city in the park there's the James Scott Memorial Fountain a large magnificent Fountain and a jewel of Bell Isle there's also a few Beach spots for swimming and hanging out in the sand like the Bell Isle Beach with nearby parking restrooms and food trucks on site as well as other cool things like an aquarium conservatory and kayak and paddle board rentals and hey you may have heard of their viral slide best described by this guy it was terrifying but it was awesome there were some groans there were some there were some pops and snaps in the body too there are people being flung into the air Unfortunately they fixed it so now you have to enjoy it without getting injured feeding Detroit since 1891 this next spot just Northeast of downtown is a year-round Market open every Saturday as well as Tuesdays and Sundays during summer months in a historic commercial District of the same name the Eastern Market here in the largest historic Public Market District in the US you'll discover hundreds of Market vendors showcasing their goods you will find all your usual suspects like fruits veggies and flowers to Art coffee and meat vendors plus the surrounding district is just a stroll away from various restaurants bars and enjoyable stores some standouts to me are Frank Stellian grill a casual space for breakfast and lunch Vios a bar and grill with with famous bloody Maries and muscles tossed in different flavors or the Eastern Market Brewing Co for some craft beers and spacious seeding did I miss anything if you know any other cool tourist things to do in Detroit make sure to comment them down below if you're familiar with my channel you'd know I have some repetitive go-tos In My City Guides typically I keep my eyes peeled for top tier Ramen slightly pricey cocktail joints and day trips that demand a rental car and of course never passing on a converted Railroad line walking trail and guess what Detroit's got one just south of the Eastern Market the dequinder cut formerly a grand trunk Western railroad line This 2m Greenway stretches in a straight line with various entry points for Walkers joggers and bikers while strolling you'll encounter Urban and Commercial zones local parks and numerous captivating graffiti artworks along the way some interesting stops include William G mikin state park for sightseeing Anthology coffee for a refresh and a freight yard an outdoor Beer and Wine Garden built from repurposed shipping containers don't forget you can find helpful links and other information down in a description below outside of Detroit you may be wondering what else does Michigan have to offer well if you zoom out and take a good look at the state you'll clearly see where it gets its nickname The Great Lake State from Lake Huron to Lake Michigan there's always something worth taking a day trip for across this glove shaped land let's start with lakes St Clair Metro Park here you'll discover recreational activities to suit every interest whether you're into ice skating kaying biking or swimming they've got you covered no matter the season during the winter the lake freezes completely transforming it into a winter wonderland perfect for ice skating hockey and fishing if you're here in the summer take a plunge into the lake or the Olympic-sized swimming pool complete with water slides and a huge spray ground for a refreshing experience there's seriously so much much to do from a mini golf course to a playground tennis basketball volleyball and so much more the parks open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. every day and cost $10 to get in per vehicle just less than an hour from Detroit you can go from a chill Summer Lake trip to hitting the slopes for some winter fun while the premier ski resorts are located hours away in the northern region of Michigan this next spot provides a convenient and cost effective option for enjoying the slope Mount Holly Ski and Snowboard Resort from November to March you can experience slopes catering to all skill levels if you've been taking a good look at the map animations in this video you'd realize that Michigan is relatively flat even though Mount Holly leans more towards being a hill rather than a mountain it's still worth a visit with its impressive 1,350 ft in elevation with 18 ski trails and 14 ski lifts in operation you've got plenty of options to mix things up like most ski resorts still provide boards skis and helmets but you'll probably have to stop somewhere along the way if you need to rent something like goggles jackets or bibs next up on the tip of the Michigan thumb we have a popular destination for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts offering beautiful beaches Scenic views and unique attractions situated approximately 2 and 1/2 hours north of Detroit this delightful coastal town offers a little something for everyone Port Austin the town has shops restaurants a farmers market and features a break wall extending into Lake hon providing Scenic views of the lighthouse there's also Port Crescent State Park just 5 minutes west of town with walking trails a beach and Campground popular for its sunsets and stargazing however the crown jewel of Port Austin is the famous turnip Rock a geological Wonder that's basically Michigan's version of the Eiffel Tower you can only get to the rock with a canoe or kayak but there's local shops where you can rent them if you're not a kayaking regular maybe sit this one out cuz it's a bit of a paddle at about 5 m round trip however the shallow Waters around turnup brck let you hop out and enjoy the area and no you cannot climb the rock unless you want to be posted on one of those public shaming accounts on social media for our final nature and recreational destination let's Venture 3 hours West of Detroit to Lake Michigan home to one of the best state parks in the midwest there's miles of trails running through forests along the beach and even sand dunes with some elevating over 200 ft tall sagatuck Dunes State Park the park encompasses 2 and 1/2 Mi of the Lake Michigan's Shoreline and boasts a network of 13 Mi of trails there's four trails that lead visitors through the rolling terrain and Sandy paths that take them to Lake Michigan the shortest Trail is just under a mile while the longest Southern Trail stretches to 2 mies or you can take a detour off the beaten path that winds all over this this landscape however even though the elevation climb isn't crazy dealing with the Sandy surface can make even a little uphill a bit of a challenge after that you can reward yourself with a visit to the town of sakat a small quaint village with restaurants and shops along a lake the whole state of Michigan has more than 300,000 Acres of sand dunes along its vast Coast so check out the link in the description if you want to see more you can also enjoy exploring Michigan's other major cities along the way or back such as Grand Rapids and Arbor and Lancing the capital I mentioned this neighboring City earlier when I talked about the Henry Ford but there's more to it it's also the largest Muslim population per capita in the US with about 40% of his residents identifying as a Muslim and is even home to the largest mosque in North America so what does that have to do with the restaurant part of the video well it means that if you want to try the absolute best Middle Eastern restaurants bakeries and markets on this continent then you need to head to Dearborn Michigan honestly there's too many to choose from so I'll just rapid fire through some options there's alamir a super popular spot dishing out Lebanese and other Middle Eastern Delights featuring fantastic schwarma and their famous stuffed lamb alab dishes out Syrian Cuisine featuring standout kebabs especially their cherry one or you could check out alaras for a taste of Yemen their seafood and lamb Entre are topnotch and just a tip for for any Middle Eastern or Indo Pakistani spot in general if they have lamb chops on the menu grab a plate for the table the new Yasmine Bakery is a cool Neighborhood Grocery spot and they've got a massive dessert case with all kinds of awesome treats to dive into and lastly for coffee try harz coffee shop an up andc coming coffee chain named after the ancient Villages of the harz mountains which many consider the birthplace of coffee so you bet they've got fantastic Brews in Middle Eastern Specialties if you're visiting from a place that doesn't have a lot of Lebanese Mediterranean or Halal options then you need to make Dearborn a top priority when visiting next there's this cool Vietnamese spot that started off as a weekend popup in an old Coney Island joint back in 2016 fast forward a few years and now it's a full-blown restaurant dishing out some of the tastiest and most unique grub you'll find in Detroit flowers of Vietnam Chef George AAR a native with p inian Roots Blends his fine dining expertise seamlessly with a deep love for a Vietnamese cuisine drawing inspiration from both his Heritage and travels open exclusively for dinner from Thursday to Sunday the menu extends Beyond just Bon mes and Fu a must try starter is definitely their Korean fried caramel chicken wings crispy flavorful and perfectly seasoned there's also the papaya salad which is even better with an added protein like grilled pork or Skull Island prawns as for the main course considered a shaky beef crafted from Prime ribey cap Honestly though you can't go wrong with anything on this concise menu they even have killer dessert and craft cocktail options too so definitely throw this place on your list and maybe snag a reservation to be safe just a mile away we have more Asian inspired Cuisine particularly Thai in Southeast Asian flavors funny enough this place also started as a popup and eventually earned itself its own spot around the same time as the last restaurant tooy here they even have a popular papaya starter too or start with one of their other spicy and tangy salads but don't miss their fantastic Entre either especially their noodle dishes even though it's tempting to go for those crispy barbecue spare ribs or dive into a Thai style five piece Fried Chicken be sure to leave some space for your own bowl of Curry like their bestselling cow soy a coconut milk curry noodle dish with stewed chicken leg lime mustard greens shallots cilantro and roasted chili paste and don't forget about their one-of-a-kind cocktails such as the sexy bath featuring nordon pink aquavit sweet for MTH select a pair ofo leachy black tea and cacao nip now that's reason enough to pay them a visit there's probably going to be a wait but you'll be next door and across the street from other cool bars so you can just go hang out there while you wait for your table now locals watching this video might give an eye roll at this one but you can't skip this Detroit staple when crafting a city guide for the Motor City I'm not sure how this business has managed to survive selling concession stand food at concession stand prices but after a century of slinging wieners this place just won't quit Lafayette Cony Island now this wouldn't be the first time that Greek immigrants left their mark on the local food scene of a major US city if you seen my Salt Lake City video you'd know what I mean but no need to get into all that let's just say that the the kiro's Family secret recipe for the Coney Island chili sauce is what sets this place apart and we'll leave it at that look this is a laid-back inexpensive spot that's been dishing out hot dogs Burgers and Fries for over a century the classic Coney Island dogs are topped with beef chili yellow mustard and chopped white onion grab a few of those some fries and you're good to go and don't be afraid to put ketchup on it it's not like Chicago where it's basically illegal to say the k word nestled in the Corktown neighborhood we have the ultimate destination for delectible Cuisine biodynamic wines and Specialty coffee all presented in a Charming Cafe setting open from 9 to 3 6 days a week folk is a must visit spot for brunch enthusiasts as a cafe folk serves as an ideal setting for a date or a solo coffee outing whether you're in a mood for a specialty latte or regular coffee the atmosphere is inviting plus the incredible food is a highlight all sourced locally like everything else in a restaurant you've got to try their Crunch Wrap with egg futata tostada Chipotle aoli and jack cheese on a spinach wrap with housemade salsa verde any of their waffles are amazing too whether it's a single a stack or a waffle egg sandwich you won't be disappointed and their menus are subject to change daily so keep an eye out on my favorites like their melts and sandwiches you'll notice that they add a 20% gratuity to everything as well now I'm all for giving the service industry a livable wage but for the love of God stop with the social responsible BS and just raise the prices of your menu and use that money to pay your workers better I'm just starting to notice this trend in a lot of cities around the country and it's not a good one now don't get me wrong I love a good hearty meal but Chicago style pizza is like ordering an entire bread filled swimming pool it's really a spectacle for tourists and a questionable life choice for the locals however the troit style pizza doesn't conform to the traditional round shape it Rebels with its rectangular thick deep dish Glory but not too deep and you'll find some of the best at Pi Side Pizza you may have heard of Detroit style pizza from some bigger chains like Little Caesars or Pizza Hut but you really need to visit the Midwest to get the good stuff yet over the past decade Detroit style pizza joints have sprung up Across the Nation each putting its own spin on the pan pie the square shaped Pizza proves to be incredibly versatile welcoming an array of toppings but if you're not ready to join a rectangle cult they also have Normie round pies ready to go check out some of their unique pizza toppings like their brunch pie the Netflix and Chile kiles with salsa verde mozzarella fried corn tortilla strips queso fresco OV easy egg cilantro and a lime wedge or their pickle Rick with red sauce mozzarella ground beef red onion bacon cheddar cheese and sliced pickles now for the original Detroit style pizza experience you'll need to head to Buddies where you'll find the original location on conet north of downtown where they've been doing it since 1946 for coffee let's get out of the urban sprawl and check out this fantastic Community spot housed in a century old church and they've got everything from bruise to booze and Cafe bites honestly this may be the coolest coffee shop in the whole country the congreg ation this place is downright stunning they went all out restoring the original stained glass double hung Windows the classic Maple flooring and even a 150-year-old organ they've got some killer coffee game too with Specialties like the orange spice espresso tonic or the sasparilla Shak orado an Italian style shake and ice coffee with their doors open till 9:00 p.m. on most days it's the perfect spot to snag some Cafe grub along with their house cocktails mocktails and boo coffee drinks and whatever's hot on a seasonal menu next let's indulge in a Detroit classic for dessert a gem that originated back in the' 70s when two lovebirds struck a sweet deal at the Thanksgiving table this legendary treat transformed into an iconic Detroit Bakery just a quick 20-minute ride from Detroit it's well worth the trip to experience the most unforgettable sweet potato desserts you'll ever taste at sweet potato Sensations they've got everything for your sweet tooth Cravings sweet potato pies cookies cake cheesecake and even ice cream they offer Hardy 9-in servings for their classic sweet potato coconut and pecan pies along with individual sized portions they also have amazing sweet potato cheesecake sweet potato cookies and walnut raisin or walnut chocolate chip and like I said sweet potato ice cream there's even a Savory menu with sandwiches soups and gretas if you're visiting on an empty stomach and if you don't want to make the trip all the way up there there's a good chance that you'll find their booth at the aformentioned Eastern Market returning to Cork town it's time to delve into the dynamic night life and bar scene of the droit first up we have a Chic cocktail bar renowned for its ever evolving seasonal menu showcasing a collection of unique and signature house cocktails the Sugar House they offer a comprehensive menu known as the 101 Classics showcasing a wide array of traditional cocktails additionally they regularly update their seasonal menu to keep things fresh one of their most recent menus presented the wistful winners menu featuring 17 inspired cocktails that celebrate the winter season no worthy among them is the south for the holidays a distinctive concoction blending rum barrel-aged Jin cranberry blood orange lime ferum cinnamon all spice and Bitters overall it's a trendy and inviting space with fantastic mixed drinks definitely a must visit for anyone into cool and stylish atmospheres this place is pretty popular so you'll definitely need to to make reservations especially on a weekend moving closer to downtown we have my favorite Brewery in Detroit offering a familiar Texas Vibe with plenty of outdoor seating beneath an open a pavilion as well as trendy indoor interior offering a lot more than just craft beer batch brewing company apart from being a cool Brewery and a great hangout they started the Feelgood tap organization where you pick any beer tossed in an extra buck and help out local nonprofits some pop beers here include the beer garden beer a German helis slightly multi with floral Noble Hops or try their French Ale Beer de Noel which is medium bodied with Aromas of caramel they've also gained Fame for their beer slushies I know it sounds kind of gross but it's truly amazing and Incredibly refreshing especially during the summer they constantly rotate flavors offering unique options like the marara blueberry and more there is even a full kitchen open from Wednesday to Sunday too go for the hand pulled pretzel it's a game changer so you know how many US cities shut down streets every night or on the weekend for a wild night out well Detroit has something of their own that's fun whether it's day or night but instead of a street it's an alley featuring colorful murals hidden bars and a vibrant nightlife let's talk about the belt here you'll discover two bars operated by the same owners there's the skip a laid-back outdoor bar and its somewhat more refined counterpart standby the skip is an open air cocktail bar with Island Vibes serving fun Frozen tropical drinks and craft bruise there's creative cocktails small bites and one of the best frozen Irish coffees I've ever had standby boasts a touch of sophistication encouraging reservations and offers equally impressive cocktails along with a more diverse selection of food both bars aren't open every day but when they are they're open late so check out their socials for hours and other information next we have an intimate list in lounge and bar where authentic vinyl records from Blues Jazz R&B Rock and more set a nostalgic tone guests can enjoy drinks in a cozy setting enhanced by a state-of-the-art sound system for an immersive Music Experience Grio music Lounge the vibe is chill and laid-back perfect for a cozy chat or just kicking back in a relaxed setting with great music on Wednesdays they take a trip down memory lane with some old school Tunes or you can Groove to R&B soul on Thursdays and experience the Perfect Blend of R&B neo soul and jazz on Friday and Saturdays don't forget to grab their renowned cocktail the Grio featuring premium vodka infused with the city's sweetest organic Pineapples complemented by a blend of strawberry and pineapple juice and you can expect something new anytime you visit with their weekly Gourmet specialty drinks this is definitely the place to go if you've outgrown The Nightlife party scene and are seeking a more mature and relaxed atmosphere wrapping up this list let's explore a bar I haven't highlighted on his channel before an authentic Belgian Pub from Feather bowling to an array of Belgian beers and bowls of piping hot muscles featuring a place like this in one of my guides is a long overdue kaju Cafe here you can enjoy a fun game of feather bowling which is like rolling cheese- shaped wooden balls towards a feather in a ground the goal is to get your balls closer than your opponents similar to curling or botch ball and kaju Cafe is one of the only few locations in the world outside of Belgium that host any actual league and they allow public play as well if you want to try for yourself you can dive into a feast of Belgian treats from tasty muscles to live music and sip on a variety of Belgian and Global beers from around the world don't miss out on their specialty events either like they're all you can eat muscles every Monday and karaoke fun every Wednesday so yeah the Motor City is making a comeback in 2024 Detroit will welcome a host osed of new hotels green spaces and cultural attractions not to mention the NFL draft expected to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors that's a quote from Kus traveler who put Detroit in a short list of places to go in North America this year cuz let's face it the days of calling Detroit the armpit of America are over by clicking the join button on my channel page you can now become a member and gain exclusive access to my Discord server not only will you be able to show support and help me create more awesome content content but you'll also have the opportunity to chat with me and other members of the community on Discord plus you'll get the weigh in on what you want to see more of on this channel thanks for watching don't forget to like this video and while you're at it comment down which city we should do [Music] [Music] next

Channel: Venture Addicts

Views: 6,832

Keywords: what to do in detroit, what to do in detroit michigan, things to do in detroit, things to do in detroit in winter, things to do in detroit mi, things to do in detroit this weekend, things to do in michigan, things to do in michigan in winter, things to do in michigan in summer, things to do in michigan in october, things to do in michigan in november, fun things to do in detroit, detroit, detroit michigan, detroit michigan downtown, detroit michigan documentary, mi, det, 313, pizza

Id: yjPD_Io5wfI

Length: 29min 1sec (1741 seconds)

Published: Thu Feb 29 2024