PURE MICHIGAN: EXPLORE THE BEAUTIFUL RIVERFRONT, GREAT MUSEUMS, RESTAURANTS, CASINOS, & SHOPPING

Detroit and Metro Detroit area have a lot to offer! Below is a selection of places located within a short distance from Westin Book Cadillac Hotel.   

Photo: Downtown Detroit from Windsor, Ontario. Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Enjoy the Views of the City From People Mover and Qline

People Mover (2.94-mile monorail, launched in 1987) is an automated transport system that provides an elevated ride through Downtown Detroit. Look for brightly-colored cross beams signs. The closest station to Westin Book Hotel is Michigan Avenue (two blocks west). https://www.thepeoplemover.com  Photo: People Mover. 42-BRT, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Both lines connect at Grand Circus Park station/stop.  

Qline, one of the newest Detroit attractions, is a 3.3-mile-long streetcar system that runs along the main thoroughfare of the city, Woodward Avenue (M-1). Stops are approximately every other block. Look for Q signs. The closest station to Westin Book Hotel is Campus Martius (two blocks east) 

https://qlinedetroit.com Photo: Qline Streetcar. Michael Barera, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons 

Take the Qline to the Museum District (New Center) and to Famous Historic Buildings  

Guardian Building: a remnant of the golden age of Detroit and a landmark skyscraper in the U. S. - 40 floors, the roof height 496 feet, the spire reaches 632 feet. Art Deco/Mayan Revival architecture. Completed in March 1929. Open 24/7.  

500 Griswold St.; People Mover station: Financial District;  Qline stop: Congress Street; Photo: Guardian Building. Funnyhat at English Wikipedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Detroit Institute of Arts: one of the top six museum collections in the United States, with more than 65,000 works - American, European, African, Asian, Native American, Oceanic, Islamic, Ancient, Modern and Contemporary.  

5200 Woodward Avenue (313) 833-7900 https://dia.org; Qline stop: Warren Avenue Photo: Detroit Industry. Rivera Court. Timsox6, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History: one of the world's oldest independent African American museums. Located in the state-of-the-art,125,000 squarefoot facility, the museum champions the stories of African Americans. Also home to Tuskegee Airmen National Museum, the largest collection of Tuskegee Airmen artifacts in the world.  

315 E Warren Ave. (313) 494-5800 https://www.thewright.org; Qline stop: Warren Street  

Photo: Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. Quick fix, CC BYSA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

 

Detroit Historical Museum: from the 18th century fur trading, cobblestone streets, 19th century stores, the auto assembly line, and toy trains, the museum chronicles the history of the city and showcases its present.  

5401 Woodward Ave. (313) 833-1805 https://detroithistorical.org/detroit-historicalmuseum

Qline stop: Ferry Street  Photo: Detroit Historical Museum. Streets of Old Detroit Exhibit. Michael Barera, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

 

Fisher Building: known as “Detroit’s largest art object,” the 441-foot tower is one of the greatest works by legendary architect Albert Kahn with its three-story arcade adorned with spectacular frescoes, mosaics, marble, and brass, the gorgeous Peacock Room, a cafe, coffee shop, pharmacy and convenience store, full-service salon, Detroit merchandise and clothing boutiques for men and women. Open 24/7. 

3011 W Grand Blvd https://www.fisherbuilding.city

Qline stop: Grand Boulevard (one block west) Photo: Fisher Building Lobby. Dig Downtown Detroit, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons  

 

Other Museums and Places of Interest in Downtown and Midtown  

Motown Museum: located in the original headquarters and music recording studio for Motown Records, the museum is home to an extensive array of authentic company artifacts, photographs, costumes and other valued memorabilia.  

2648 Berry Gordy Jr. Boulevard 

2648 W Grand Blvd, (313) 875-2264; https://www.motownmuseum.org Photo: Motown. Blob4000 at English Wikipedia Later versions were uploaded by FuriousFreddy at en.wikipedia., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

 

The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant: the original Model T factory, the oldest auto plant open to the public anywhere in the world. Almost unchanged since Henry Ford's day, the plant is a three-story New England-style mill building.  

461 Piquette Avenue (313) 872-8759 

https://www.fordpiquetteplant.org  Photo: Ford Piquette Avenue Plant. Jackdude101, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

 

Pewabic Pottery: a famous ceramic studio and school. Founded by Mary Chase Perry Stratton in 1903, the studio is known for its iridescent glazes. Tour and shop for unique tiles, vases, and ornaments. Tip: check out People Mover Cadillac Center Station for beautiful Pewabic tile decor.  

10125 E Jefferson (313) 626-2000 https://www.pewabic.org  Photo: Pewabic Pottery. Andrew Jameson, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons 

 

The Heidelberg Project: an outdoor art project in the McDougall-Hunt neighborhood on Detroit's east side, just north of the city's historically African-American Black Bottom area. Created in 1986 by the artist Tyree Guyton, who was assisted by his wife, Karen, and grandfather Sam Mackey. In 2005, the Heidelberg Project was awarded the Rudy Bruner Award for Urban Excellence silver medal.  

3600 Heidelberg St, (313) 458-8414; https://www.heidelberg.org  Photo: The Heideklberg Project. Irn, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

 

DNR Outdoor Adventure Center: located in the historic Globe Trading Company Building, the Center gives you a taste of Michigan’s great outdoors in the heart of the city. Walk behind and touch a waterfall, step into a fishing boat and reel in a big fish, hit the trail on a mountain bike or snowmobile. Discover all there is to explore with hands-on activities, exhibits and simulators.  

1801 Atwater St, Detroit, MI 48207 844-622-6367 

https://www.michigan.gov/oac  Photo: The Globe Trading Company Building. Fishtoes2000 at English Wikipedia, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons  

 

Belle Isle: a 985-acre island park, located in the Detroit River near downtown Detroit, is rich with natural beauty and historical and cultural resources. The park provides spectacular views of Detroit to the North and Canada to the south. It is home to James Scott Memorial Fountain, Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, Belle Isle Aquarium, and Dossin Great Lakes Museum.  

The bridge to enter Belle Isle Park is located at the intersection of Jefferson Ave. and East Grand Blvd. 

Photo: Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory. SigmaIota, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

 

Greektown: one of the last surviving Victorian-era commercial streetscapes, located just northeast of the heart of downtown. A popular cultural and entertainment district, with authentic Greek and other restaurants, a casino, and a vibrant nightlife.  

People Mover Station: Greektown  

https://www.greektowndetroit.org  Photo: Greektown. PDru2014 from Detroit, United States, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

 

Eastern Market: spanning over 48 acres, Eastern Market is the largest historic public market district in the U. S., with more than 150 foods and specialty businesses. It is located on the city's central east side (approximately one mile northeast of the city's downtown).  

Adelaide St. and Gratiot Ave. Intersection. https://easternmarket.org  Photo: Eastern market, Adelaide Street. Andre Carrotflower, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons   

 

Riverfront (People Mover Station: Riverfront)   

Photo: Detroit Riverwalk, Milliken State Park. Fredlyfish4, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Spirit of Detroit (1958) is the iconic 26-foot-tall bronze statue created by famous Michigan sculptor Marshall Fredericks, located at the intersection of Woodward and Jefferson Avenues, across the street from Hart Plaza. As one of Detroit's most easily identifiable landmarks, a sketch or depiction of the statue appears as the central element of most of the logos of Detroit's city departments and services  

2, Woodward Ave.  Photo: The Spirit of Detroit. JJonahJackalope, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons 

Hart Plaza: the plaza marks the location where Antoine Laumet de La Mothe, sieur de Cadillac, landed in 1701 when he founded Fort Pontchartrain du Détroit, the settlement that became Detroit. Today it is a popular site for festivals and public events. Horace E. Dodge Memorial Fountain in the center of the plaza was designed by Isamu Noguchi and Walter Budd in 1978.  

1, Hart Plaza Immediately south of the intersection of Woodward and Jefferson Avenues  

Photo: The Detroit skyline from Hart Plaza at the Detroit International Riverfront. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, photographer not specified or unknown, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

 

"The Fist": located near Hart Plaza, at the intersection of Jefferson and Woodward Avenues, the Monument to Joe Louis ("The Fist") pays tribute to famed boxer Joe Louis (sculptor Robert Graham; dedicated on October 16, 1986). In 1938, Louis defeated German boxer Max Schmeling. His win was considered an American win during World War II. The Joe Louis Fist was a gift from Sports Illustrated Magazine.

Photo: Monument to Joe Louis (The Fist). Walter Powers, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons  

 

Gateway to Freedom International Memorial to the Underground Railroad: located on the riverfront of Hart Plaza, the commemorates Detroit's role in the Underground Railroad ( sculptor Edward Dwight; dedicated on October 20, 2001). 

Photo: Gateway to Freedom International Memorial to the Underground Railroad. Ken Lund from Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

 

GM Renaissance Center (completed 1981) is a group of seven connected skyscrapers, owned and used by General Motors as its world headquarters. The central tower, the Detroit Marriott, is the third tallest skyscraper in the Western Hemisphere (73 floors, 727 feet). The lower floors include a shopping center, restaurants, and banks. Do not miss the Wintergarden - a five story glass atrium overlooking the Detroit River, with shops and restaurants.  

400 East Jefferson Ave. (313) 567-3126 

https://gmrencen.com; People Mover Station: Renaissance Center  Photo: Renaissance Center. JJonahJackalope, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons  

Old Mariner's Church (c.1849): the oldest Gothic stone church in Michigan. Because it was built for sailors – not a wealthy lot - the church kept the doors open by renting out its bottom floor to tenants. It was a place where sailors could not only worship, but sleep, wash up, and grab a bite.  

170 E Jefferson  Photo: Old Mariner's Church, FARMER (1884), Detroit, p. 821. Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

 Casinos

 

MGM Grand Detroit Casino and Hotel: the top ranking casino in the city, earning the highest number of online reviews. One of the biggest and best casinos in Michigan, with nearly two dozen table games and around 3,500 video slots and video poker machines across its giant casino floor  

1777 3rd Ave; https://mgmgranddetroit.mgmresorts.com  Photo: MGM Grand Detroit Casino. Mikerussell at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

 

MotorCity Casino and Hotel: a car-themed casino features nearly 3,000 slots, a poker room and 59 gaming tables. There's an upscale restaurant, a buffet eatery, and a classic diner. Additional amenities include vibrant bars and lounges with live entertainment, as well as a spa and a 24-hour fitness center. 

2901 Grand River Ave; https://www.motorcitycasino.com  Photo: MotorCity Casino. Mikerussell at en.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

 

Hollywood Casino and Hotel at Greektown: a contemporary, 30-story casino hotel, with 3,000 slot machines, baccarat, table games, a sportsbook, poker room and more.  

1211 Chrysler Dr People Mover Station: Greektown

https://www.hollywoodgreektown.com  Photo: Hollywood Casino at Greektown Casino. Mikerussell at en.wikipedia, CCBY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons