The city of Detroit is in its recovery stage. With the new construction of the Detroit Red Wings hockey stadium, the Pistons possibly moving to the city, and a ton of new restaurants opening their doors, it’s great to finally see more tourists traveling here rather than the same old big cities. Whether you are just visiting or a native Detroiter, the city also has quite a few hidden gems you must see. Check out these hidden gems you have to see all throughout the city of Detroit before you die:
1. Guardian Building
Walking inside the Guardian Building is like walking into a work of art. Look up and see intricate designed ceilings that are as high as three stories. This gem is known as Detroit's Cathedral of Finance and it's open for tours. It is located at 500 Griswold St, Detroit, MI 48226.
2. Belle Isle Aquarium
Belle Isle Aquarium opened in 1904 and was the oldest running aquarium in North American until it closed its doors in 2005. The aquarium reopened in 2012 and features large arched green glass ceilings that make you feel like you are underwater. The aquarium is located at 900 Inselruhe Ave, Detroit, MI 48207.
3. Whitney Manor
Whitney Manor is easy to spot, but not many people know about this beautiful building. It was built in the late 1700s and was home to one of Detroit's wealthiest men, David Whitney Jr. Today, tourists and Detroiters are welcome to dine inside the Whitney and learn a little bit of history about the manor. The Whitney is located at 4421 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201.
4. Two James Distillery
Two James Distillery is located in one of Detroit's oldest neighborhoods: Corktown. Visitors are welcome to check out the tasting room and sip on fine cocktails and flights with all their spirits created right in the building. Two James is located at 2445 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216.
5. Fox Theatre
Fox Theatre is one of the largest surviving movie theatres of the 1920's. The building's architecture is dazzling and exquisite and gives off an old Hollywood feel. You can still catch shows here and see your favorite musicians play. The theatre is located on 2211 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201.
6. Green Dot Stables
Green Dot Stables serves some of the best sliders in Detroit. What is unique about this restaurant is that they always have a mystery slider which can be anything from alligator to camel! Green Dot Stables is located on 2200 W Lafayette Blvd, Detroit, MI 48216.
7. Henry the Hatter
Henry the Hatter is the oldest hat retailer in the United States. Come on in and check out the wide array of hats the store offers and get to learn some history about Detroit native Henry Komrofsky, who established Henry the Hatter in 1893. The hat store is located on 1307 Broadway St, Detroit, MI 48226.
8. Heidelberg Project
Tyree Guyton wanted to make Detroit's forgotton urban neighborhoods more lively and did so by creating the Heidelberg Project – an outdoor art installation where visitors can see houses painted in all different colors and shapes. You can find the art installations in the McDougall-Hunt neighborhood on the city's East side. Located on 3600 Heidelberg St, Detroit, MI 48207.
9. Astro Coffee
Everyone has his or her go-to coffee shops, but Astro Coffee in Detroit is one spot you have to check out yourself. It's a small cafe located in historic Corktown and features a variety of roasters from across the country and delicious chocolates from Vietnam and Paris. They are located on 2124 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216.
10. The Skip
Check out The Skip this summer and it'll be your favorite outdoor bar in Detroit. The Skip offers frozen drinks on hot summer days and an awesome wine and beer selection. Don't forget to check out the art that literally covers the walls inside and outside this bar. The Skip is located in the Belt Alley, Detroit, MI 48226.
11. The Keep
The Keep was located in the basement of the Tokyo Club making it rather secretive. With its new location, it is still a must-do when visiting Detroit. With creative cocktails and plenty of beer, you and your friends will definitely love this place. The Keep is located on 140 Cadillac Square, Detroit, MI 48226.
12. Motown Museum
Motown was founded in Detroit so it makes sense to visit the Motown Museum and get a chance to see where it all began. If you are interested in Detroit's vast history, checking out the Motown Museum is especially important. The museum is located on 2648 W Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48208.
13. African Bead Museum
The African Bead Museum is located in an old townhouse and is home to a collection of beads, sculptures and textiles. You are welcome to purchase jars of beads with some single beads going for one hundred dollars! The museum is located on 6559 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48204.
Have you visited any of these hidden gems in Detroit? Share your experiences with us! If you’ve already checked out these 13 hidden attractions, take a look at these 11 fun summer pastimes all throughout Michigan!
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