Detroit isn't just coming back. It's roaring back. The Motor City has transformed itself into one of America's most exciting urban destinations, where historic landmarks stand alongside cutting-edge developments and world-class entertainment. Downtown has been reimagined from the ground up. The QLINE streetcar glides along Woodward Avenue, surrounding The District Detroit, the new beating heart of the city.
Any discussion of Detroit would be incomplete without mentioning its vibrant music scene. This is the birthplace of Motown, where Hitsville U.S.A. became a sound that changed the world. Today, the Motown Museum preserves that legacy, but the music hasn't stopped. The Detroit Symphony Orchestra performs at the stunning Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center, with programming that ranges from timeless symphonies to contemporary jazz.
The Fox Theatre, a National Historic Landmark, hosts premier shows weekly and is regularly regarded as one of the best theaters in the nation. Comedians, rock legends and Broadway-caliber shows all grace this stage. The Fisher Theatre brings touring musicals and dramas to life, while the Detroit Opera House delivers opera, dance and concerts inside an architectural masterpiece.
Summer brings the city outside. Hart Plaza becomes festival central, hosting everything from the Movement electronic music festival to the legendary Detroit Jazz Festival. Here, visitors can catch a show at the Aretha Franklin Amphitheater, which offers waterfront views and open-air summer concerts that make the most of those warm summer nights.
Detroit is also renowned for its amazing museums, with institutes dedicated to celebrating the arts and history being right in the city's center. The Detroit Institute of Arts ranks among the top six art collections in the United States. Diego Rivera's Detroit Industry Murals command attention, but they're just the beginning. Major traveling exhibits regularly rotate throughout the year, and the museum stays open until 9 p.m. on Fridays with special activities and live music.
Pewabic Pottery, a National Historic Landmark and one of America's oldest continuously operating potteries, functions as both a working studio and education center, with ceramic sculptures, jewelry and tiles being crafted daily.
The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History celebrates African American history and culture through powerful exhibits that educate and inspire, while the Detroit Historical Museum brings the region's past to life with exhibits like "Streets of Old Detroit" and "America's Motor City." Here, the history of the city comes to life and feels just a little like the past.
Auto history buffs make pilgrimages to the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant, the actual birthplace of the Model T, where guided tours reveal how Henry Ford revolutionized manufacturing. For families looking for all-ages fun, the Michigan Science Center hosts interactive galleries, a planetarium and an IMAX dome that makes science thrilling for all ages.
Of course, it should go without saying that Detroit is the place for sports fans in Michigan. Comerica Park delivers Tigers baseball under summer lights. Ford Field roars with Lions football, while Little Caesars Arena hosts Red Wings hockey and Pistons basketball alongside world-class concerts.
When you're feeling lucky, three major casinos combine fine dining and entertainment with slots and table games. MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino and Hollywood Casino at Greektown offer all the excitement of a night where anything can happen.
It's impossible to pin down what it's like to visit Detroit. With the wide variety of sights to see and experiences to attend, you could spend a month wining, dining and exploring the city without ever getting bored.
Indian Trails offers several easy ways to get you to Detroit. We run regular bus routes to and from the city from locations throughout Michigan. Buy a ticket and enjoy a stress-free trip to this incredible destination. Traveling with a group? Charter a bus and build your own custom tour of the Motor City. If you are flying into Detroit, you can also take DAX to the heart of downtown for only a few dollars. DAX buses depart every hour. The service is operated by Michigan Flyer, a subsidiary of Indian Trails. Whatever option works best for you, start your Detroit adventure with Indian Trails.