10 Historical Landmarks You Absolutely Must Visit In Detroit
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Marika Kazimierska
Author
These monuments, buildings and museums are what make the Motor City unique and an incredible place to live. As Detroiters, we think it’s important to us we visit the historical landmarks scattered throughout the city! Check out these ten landmarks for a well-rounded taste of our city’s fascinating history.
The history of Fort Wayne stretches back to the year 1000 A.D. and it played an important role as a primary induction center for Michigan troops in every U.S. conflict from the Civil War to the Vietnam War. Today, you can visit the original 1848 limestone barracks building, the original 1845 star fort, the restored Commanding Officer house, the Spanish-American War guard house, an ancient Native American burial mound, and the Tuskegee Airmen Museum.
The Spirit of Detroit is a monument representing the city created by sculptor Marshall Fredericks. The large bronze statue overlooks Woodward Avenue and is a Detroit icon dedicated to those who love the Motor City and the people who live here.
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The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant holds remarkable history and there are a number of cars detailing the successes (and failures) of Henry Ford both before and after the famous Model T. You'll feel like you've traveled through time while on this amazing tour!
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Hitsville U.S.A. is known as Motown's first headquarters. It has produced music for top artists like the Jackson 5, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross & the Supremes, Stevie Wonder, and a ton of other influential musicians. It also houses Michael Jackson's iconic black fedora and and studded white glove, as well as many other important items related to Motown music.
Detroit is home to the world's largest Masonic Temple. The enormous, gorgeous building houses three theatres, three ballrooms, and banquet halls. The ritual building has 16 floors and its beauty dominates the Cass Corridor skyline.
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The Guardian Building was built in 1928 and is an excellent example of Art Deco architecture. The skyscraper's facade is stunning and the interior will take your breath away. The three-story lobby is decorated with marvelous Pewabic and Rookwood tile, while the buildings ceiling, color, and stained-glass give it a cathedral-like feel.
Campus Martius was a major gathering area for Detroiters, but was sadly lost in the 1900s to accommodate traffic. Hart Plaza was initially designed to replace Campus Martius, but it was never a true park space for Detroit residents Thankfully, the park was rebuilt and has been a beautiful space for residents to enjoy.
Comerica Park replaced Tiger Stadium in 2000 and, with its perfect location overlooking Detroit’s stunning skyscrapers, the baseball stadium is a major landmark here in Motor City. Every single seat in the ballpark offers fans an incredible view of downtown and there are also six full-sized statues honoring some of Tigers greatest players.
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This beautiful sculpture honors soldiers and sailors killed during the Civil War. The lowest portion of the monument is topped with eagles with raised wings, while the second section is surrounded by figures depicting Navy, Infantry, Cavalry, and Artillery, branches of the U.S. Army. On above the soldiers sit four female figures - Victory, History, Emancipation, and Union. The very top of the monument features the heroic "Amazon figure," a female holding a sword in her right hand and raising a shield in her left, as if ready for an attack.
The Grand Army of the Republic Building is Detroit's castle. Now that two restaurants call this place home, we are lucky enough to see its stunning interior and beautiful renovations. It is just one of dozens of beautiful buildings scattered along the city that we need to stop and see.
Have you visited all ten of these historical landmarks in Detroit? What other historical places in Detroit that should be mentioned? Let us know in the comment section below!
If you’re a history buff, you’ll love looking at these old photos of Detroit that show how the city has progressed over the years!
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