Life here in Metro Detroit is certainly never boring. After all, our city and its surrounding areas are full to the brim with cultural activities, unique restaurants, natural gems, and so much more. While times are far from normal as of late, there’s no bad time to start planning for future adventures. Here are nine awesome places to visit in and around Detroit that you should keep in your back pocket for later.
1. Belle Isle (Detroit)
There’s something for everyone on Detroit’s beloved island park, whether you’re a lover of the great outdoors or a fan of marine life. Check out a wonderland of plants at Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory or stroll through the halls at Belle Isle Aquarium, which offers free admission. If you’re looking for something more serene, simply stroll along the shoreline and enjoy fantastic city views.
2. Eastern Market (Detroit)
During typical times, Eastern Market bustles with activity and offers unique shopping opportunities for the entire family to enjoy. This is anything but an ordinary farmers market: in fact, Eastern Market comprises an entire neighborhood, where you’ll find everything from produce stands to cheese shops.
3. Dexter-Huron Metropark (6535 Huron River Drive, Dexter)
Hoping to rent a canoe for the day? Searching for a fun place to hike? In the mood for a family picnic? You’ll find all these options and more at Dexter-Huron Metropark, which can be reached from downtown Detroit in approximately an hour. As with most of the area’s metroparks, Dexter-Huron is home to biking and hiking trails, fishing spots, athletic fields, and so much more.
4. TreeRunner West Bloomfield (6600 W Maple Road, West Bloomfield Township)
For an adventure that you’ll never forget, consider a trip to TreeRunner West Bloomfield Adventure Park. This amazing recreation center allows visitors to explore a forested wonderland from high above the ground in a ropes course that consists of unique platforms and bridges. Round it all out with a ride on the zip-line.
5. Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum (31005 Orchard Lake Road, Farmington Hills)
No matter how many times you’ve checked out this eclectic locale, you’ll always find something new to appreciate. This Farmington Hills wonderland is a true feast for the senses, housing a plethora of vintage video games, toys, coin-operated dummies, signage, and so much more. You could spend hours upon hours at Marvin’s and never see everything it has to offer.
6. The Henry Ford (20900 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn)
Whether you’re a history buff, an art fan, or simply a curious explorer, you’ll enjoy this Dearborn destination. The museum itself is home to a vast array of fascinating exhibits, ranging from Civil Rights-era artifacts to selections from Detroit’s automotive heyday. Add an extra layer of fun by checking out Greenfield Village, a living history park that will take you on a virtual journey through time.
7. Diamond Jack’s River Tours (Detroit and Wyandotte)
Looking for a new way to see and appreciate the Motor City? Diamond Jack’s offers several tour options that will take you on a guided journey through the Detroit River. Whether you hop onto a sightseeing boat or pay for a private charter, this company promises to enhance your love for Metro Detroit while offering a unique chance to spend time with loved ones.
8. Detroit Institute of Arts (5200 Woodward Avenue, Detroit)
Whether or not you’ve visited the DIA in years past, this incredible Motor City museum belongs on your list of future must-see spots. After all, there’s always something new to see at the DIA, which houses fascinating collections from throughout the generations. Drop in for a date night or spend a solo day perusing room after room of art pieces - you’ll want to return time and time again.
9. Red Oaks Waterpark (1455 E Thirteen Mile Road, Madison Heights)
Is there any better way to have a blast with the family than by venturing to a waterpark? When the weather is hot, Red Oaks Waterpark in Madison Heights makes for a perfect destination and offers water slides, a wave pool, a 990-foot lazy river, and plenty of space to relax. When a sense of normalcy returns to Metro Detroit, Red Oaks will certainly be at the top of our must-visit list.
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