Detroit – the Motor City- is the largest and most populous city in Michigan. The other nickname ‘Motown’ attributed to live music, piques your interest to explore the rich musical heritage of this city. Your visit to this historic city must indulge in appreciating all that goes to make up this place unique.
The first step is to apply for the US visa. The present pandemic situation has made the entry to the US more difficult. All air passengers arriving to the US from a foreign country need to get tested and present the negative result or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 before boarding the flight. So, apply for the visa at least a few months in advance. This will also get you better deals in the flight tickets, accommodation etc.
Here are the topmost things to do in Detroit.
Marvel at the Artifacts at Henry Ford:
You have to visit the Henry Ford Museum of innovation to learn about the innovations brought about by the creativity of America. The artifacts on display will let you experience history, as you would see the early inventions of Edison or the JFK Limo. Go to the Greenfield Village, the outdoor living history museum and explore the working farms. And then have a complete Ford Rouge Factory Tour. Watch the short film on Henry Ford and understand the tragedies and triumph that happened at the Rouge and how the ideas of Ford became realities. From raw material to finished product, a continuous process as envisioned by Ford at the Rouge, it is now an international showcase for modern manufacturing and sustainable environmental design.
Lose Yourself Among the Magnificent Exhibits at the Detroit Institute of Arts:
Having one of the largest art collections, the Detroit Institute of Arts is placed among the top six museums in the US. The diversity of collection includes American, European, African, Asian, Native American, Islamic and Ancient art. You can spend hours trying to absorb the magnificent collection and marvel at the talent and creativity of the various artists. You will find works of Claude Monet, Eugène Boudin, and Edgar Degas, as well as those of Peter Paul Rubens, Albrecht Dürer and Rembrandt van Rijn.
Enjoy the Interactive Tour of the Motown Museum:
Hitsville, USA, the house where Berry Gordy lived and recorded the Motown Hits, is a museum that will take you back to the simpler times with its exhibits of photos, costumes, music and memorabilia. You can explore the latest exhibits, hear interesting stories and see where some of the greatest music was recorded. Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, the Temptations, the Four Tops, etc. are some of those who created Motown Sound. Learn more about the contribution of such legends who created their own brand of music and broke down racial barriers.
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Be Inspired by the Heidelberg Project:
Walk down the outdoor art project on McDougall-Hunt neighborhood in Detroit on the east side and marvel at the creative mind of Tyree Guyton. The Heidelberg Project was a political protest against the deterioration of the neighborhood. The project began by painting bright colored dots and attaching items to the houses. Gradually, the artworks helped to develop the neighborhood into the city’s first indoor and outdoor museum. The Heidelberg Project is recognized as the power of creativity in creating hope and uplifting the people of the neighborhood through art.
Feel Good at Eastern Market:
The Eastern Market is a commercial district with a difference. It operates with a public-private partnership with Eastern Market Corporation and works as a non-profit organization. A wide variety of produce, meat, poultry and other items are available here. You also find art galleries and studios here. Increasing the access to good food and nutrition is the mission of the Eastern Market. Eastern Market Partnership has built the infrastructure to enrich Detroit culturally, economically, and most important, nutritionally. Buy fresh nutritious food and feel good that you are helping Detroit in your own small way.
Rejuvenate Yourself at Belle Isle:
It is an island on Detroit River between the US and Canada. Go walking, jogging or exploring in the beautiful 982 acres lush island. Visit the Belle Isle Aquarium, the Belle Isle conservatory or the Dossin Great Lakes Museum. There is a golf course and a swimming beach here if that is more to your liking. Enjoy the beautiful Belle Isle Nature Centre and the James Scott Memorial Fountain and other attractions. Nature lovers will be thrilled to explore the nature trails that are unique here as the rare wet-mesic forest contains specimens that mimic the ecosystems that existed hundreds of years ago.
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Ride the People Mover:
Go for a ride in the elevated train that runs on a single track encircling Downtown Detroit. This ride is convenient as there are no traffic jams or pedestrian crowds. It is very inexpensive too. Enjoy the ride as it takes you around in a loop around the Renaissance District, between skyscrapers and along the riverfront. You can even get a glimpse of Windsor, Canada, as the People Mover passes around the riverfront. People also ride in it for sheer enjoyment. The stations on the way depict art in different forms.
Many attractions are closed now because of the pandemic and are set to reopen soon. So, keep yourself informed through the websites about the latest status. Enjoy your visit to the Motor City – Detroit.
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