Visit Detroit, Michigan!

Diverse Collection Detroit Institute of Arts

Over 65,000 Works of Art

The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) was founded in 1885 and was known as the Detroit Museum of Art.  In 9127, it was moved from its original location on Jefferson Avenue to its current location on Woodward Avenue. 

Imagine seeing over 65,000 works from around the world, including some from the 1600s.  The DIA houses an extensive American art collection, the Detroit Industry collection, an African American art collection,  community art, and more.

• Guided Tours
• Over 100 Galleries
• 1,200-Seat Theater
• 658,000 Square Feet

Automobile History Motor City

American-Made Cars

The city of Detroit played a major role in the automotive industry and became known as Motor City (or Motown). Innovators like Henry Ford, who lived in the Detroit area, and Ransom Olds, who lived in Lansing, built some of the first vehicles in the U.S.  The 1896 Ford Quadracycle Runabout was the first vehicle Henry Ford developed in Detroit. 

1901, Oldsmobile (Olds Motor Works) created the gas-powered Curved Dash Oldsmobile.  Many notable car companies were created following the invention of the first American cars, including Cadillac, Lincoln, Buick, and Dodge.

The auto manufacturing industry began leaving the area in the years leading up to Detroit declaring bankruptcy in 2013.  Today few cars are built in the U.S., but Detroit will always be known as Motor City.

Fun For The Whole Family Belle Isle Park

987-Acre Park

When visiting Detroit, your whole family will appreciate all that Belle Isle Park offers.  This large park is actually an island that features the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, Belle Isle Nature Zoo, Dossin Great Lakes Museum, the Belle Isle Aquarium, and more!

The park includes 150 wooded acres, three lakes, and amazing views of Detroit.  You can rent bikes, watercraft, and snow sports equipment and grab a bite to eat too.

• Zoo
• Golfing
• Museum
• Fountain
• Giant Slide
• Lighthouse
• Conservatory
• Sports Fields
• Swimming Beach

Historic Buildings Detroit's Largest Art Object

Visit the Fisher Building in the New Center Neighborhood

The city of Detroit boasts historical architecture, and the Fisher building is an excellent place to experience it.

Albert Kahn, a legendary architect, designed this 441-foot skyscraper.  The Fisher Building features 52 different types of marble from around the world.  Look for incredible brass doors and plates, bronze, hand-painted ceilings, mosaics, and more.

The Fisher Building also serves as a community gathering place with symposiums, performances, art exhibitions, markets, and more.

Let's Explore!  Activities In & Around Detroit

There are so many activities and sites to see in Detroit:

• Ford Field
• Belle Isle Park
• Comerica Park
• Eastern Market
• Fisher Building
• Motown Museum
• Detroit RiverFront
• The Guardian Building
• Detroit Institute of Arts
• Detroit Historical Museum