Detroit, Michigan may not be the first place people think of for a weekend escape (particularly in winter!), but we were pleasantly surprised with the city. Even in winter we found plenty to do and see and via bundling up and lots of indoor stops, we felt like we covered quite a bit of ground. Here’s what my other half and I got up to during our February visit to Detroit.

Things To Do & See

Eastern Market – Eastern Market is a historic market that opened in its present location in 1891. The market is spread across several buildings and covered structures. This is one of the most interesting markets I have been to due to the massive variety and quantity of vendors. We went in the morning and enjoyed a hot coffee at one stall and a pastry for breakfast at another. The area around the market also has several murals which are worth checking out. In winter, Eastern Market is open on Saturday from 7am to 4pm and from June to September they are also open on Tuesday and Sunday.

Guardian Building – The Guardian Building in downtown Detroit was built in the 1920s and is known for its Art Deco architecture. The building’s lobby is open to visitors and there is a small gift shop inside as well. This was a worthwhile stop to see the stunning interior.

Motown Museum – The Motown Museum aka “Hitsville U.S.A” tells the story of Barry Gordy Jr.’s Motown record label, artists, and music. I loved learning about and seeing the property that so many famous artists have recorded at and been a part of. You visit the museum via a one hour tour – make sure to book tickets in advance as the museum is small and they do sell out.

Belle Isle – Belle Isle is an island in the Detroit River that is accessible via the MacArthur Bridge. The island itself has several attractions including trails, an aquarium, a museum, a conservatory, and more. We chose to visit the aquarium during our trip. The Belle Isle Aquarium opened in 1904 and is free to enter. It is a single gallery room with a variety of aquatic life and a beautiful green glass tile ceiling that is intended to give an underwater feeling. After visiting the aquarium we went for a walk on the island and walked back across the bridge into the city.

Spirit of Detroit Statue – The Spirit of Detroit statue was commissioned and installed in the 1950s and bears the seals of the City of Detroit and Wayne County as well as a Biblical inscription. The statue is a community symbol and will don the jersey of professional Detroit sports teams during the playoffs. I really liked how powerful of a statement this statue seemed to make.

Monument to Joe Louis “The Fist” – Near the Spirit of Detroit Statue and Memorial to the Underground Railroad (below), the Monument to Joe Louis statue is a memorial dedicated to boxer Joe Louis. Joe Louis was an professional boxer who competed from 1934 to 1951, and is regarded as one of the best boxers of all time. Joe Louis spent part of his youth with his family living in Detroit and had ties to the community.

International Memorial to the Underground Railroad – While we were in Detroit, I learned that the city was a significant stop on the Underground Railroad. The city was know as “Midnight” as it was the final stop before reaching Canada, which did not allow slavery. The International Memorial to the Underground Railroad statue stands along the Detroit River and shows slaves looking across the river towards freedom in Canada. The memorial also includes facts and names involved in the Underground Railroad’s presence in the city.

Where We Ate

American Coney Island or Lafayette Coney Island – Detroit is known for a food delicacy called Coney Island hot dogs. These hot dogs arrived in Detroit over a century ago via Greek immigrants who passed through New York. A Coney Island is a hot dog that is topped with chili, white onions, and mustard. Two popular places get these hot dogs, which are right next to each other, are American Coney Island and Lafayette Coney Island. I greatly enjoyed my Coney Island hot dog from American Coney Island – next time I’m in Detroit I’ll have to try Lafayette Coney Island’s version!

Detroit style pizza – While in Detroit, this pizza-lover had to try Detroit style pizza. Detroit style pizza is characterized by its square shape and crunchy, cheesy corner slices as well as for its thicker, airy crust. There are several pizza shops that offer Detroit style pizza; we chose to go to popular Buddy’s Pizza at their downtown Madison Building location. The pizza did not disappoint!

Where We Stayed

We stayed at this AirBnB in the North Corktown area. The AirBnB was very clean, had good Wi-Fi, and was an easy Uber ride into downtown Detroit.