Many people ask, "What are some American cities that are still on your bucket list?" Although I have lived in Midwest, East Coast, Alaska, and Hawaii, there are several that still remain: Portland, Santa Fe, Knoxville, Savannah, and Detroit. Since I have only flown in and out of Motor City on connecting flights, I thought it fitting to get some insight from a peer travel writer, Michelle Smith. She will share how to make the most out of our trips to Detroit, Michigan.
The floor is yours, Michelle!
When it comes to travelling to the US, most people automatically opt for a handful of major cities. New York City, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Orlando, and San Diego all score pretty highly when it comes to tourist numbers. Of course, each of these places is world-renowned for good reason. They have a whole lot to offer the avid traveller who is eager to take in major sights. But if you’re planning on really getting to know America, why not opt for a lesser-visited city? For now, let’s focus on Detroit, often referred to as “Motor City”.
A Little More About Detroit
Detroit is the largest and most populous city in the state of Michigan. It is located pretty close to the US-Canadian border and is well known for its contributions to music, art, design, and architecture. So it’s by no means a tiny town that few people will have heard of. If you’re wondering where it gets its nickname, it’s generally considered home to the USA’s automotive industry, with three major manufacturers - General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler - all having their head offices located in Metro Detroit.
Where to Stay
If you’re planning on heading to Detroit, it’s generally best to get the formalities and necessities out of the way first. There’s so much to do that you don’t want to spend precious time sourcing out somewhere to leave your belongings and rest your head each night while you’re actually there. Book up in advance into a hotel near MGM Grand Detroit. This will place you near the center of all the action!
Things to Do
Of course, there’s a seemingly never-ending list of things to do in Detroit. Many people who have lived in the city their entire lives still haven’t exhausted everything that it has to offer. But here are a few highlights that you might want to incorporate into your travel plan!
The Guardian Building
We all like to see a good skyscraper. The Guardian Building is a landmark US skyscraper within Detroit’s financial district. It is renowned as a timeless depiction of creativity and accomplishment, representing Detroit’s many cultures. It’s so stunning, in fact, that it has received an honor from the National Park Service - it is an officially designated National Historic Landmark.
Detroit Institute of Arts
If you’re into art, Detroit’s Institute of Arts houses some of the finest collections in the United States. Showcasing exhibits from mummies to modern art, there’s bound to be something to suit everyone’s tastes inside.
Motown Museum
Motown sound is said to originate in Detroit and this museum will take you on a trip through the iconic sound through the ages. The Motown Museum is actually the original house where Berry Gordy lived and recorded many Motown hits.
While you might not have considered visiting Detroit before, hopefully, you will now add it to your travel bucket list! It really does have a whole lot to offer, so there’s no reason to skip by it without checking in!
**Post contributed by Michelle Smith who is originally from the U.K. but has spent the last several years in the Midwest, including Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota.**
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