Detroit Past and Present: Exploring the Motor City

Detroit, Michigan, emerges as a vibrant city, inviting you to uncover its rich history and diverse culture. This city sparks my curiosity with its growth and potential. Despite remnants of abandoned structures, Detroit is transforming through revitalization and economic development efforts. Detroit is making waves in the travel world as it reinvents itself with great places to eat, drink, and explore

With its thriving automobile industry, Detroit earned the name “Motor City” and became the world’s automotive capital. It is also renowned for its distinctive Motown music sound from the 1960s, its rich tapestry of diverse ethnic backgrounds, and the lasting influence of Henry Ford, who began his journey there in 1896.

Fellow travel writer Veronica from Hip Grandma Life joined me on a two-day adventure in Detroit. When planning our visit, I included these essential destinations in our itinerary. These places will take you on a captivating journey through the heart of Detroit’s past and present!

Disclaimer: Blog posts may contain affiliate links and ads. If you click on these links, I may earn a small commission. This helps keep the blog running and supports me – at no cost to you. If you have any questions, please read my disclaimer and privacy policy. Visit Detroit hosted my visit to the museums; however, all opinions in this article are my own. 

The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation

The Henry Ford complex has four distinct attractions: The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, the Ford Rouge Factory Tour, The Greenfield Village, and the Giant Screen Experience. The museum was my main reason for visiting, and I was pleasantly surprised to discover unexpected exhibits inside. Among the museum’s 9 acres of exhibits, you’ll find permanent displays that bring to life the stories of influential innovators, industrialists, and visionaries who shaped our world. These include Driving America, The Presidential Vehicles, Dyacion House, Heroes of the Sky, Railroads, Racing America, and the iconic Rosa Parks Bus.

A connection to the past unfolds amid the iconic marvels and historical artifacts. Stand in awe before the legendary Model T, a vehicle that revolutionized transportation and shares a special bond with Richmond, Indiana. Step into the Liberty And Justice For All exhibit, where you can sit on the same bus where Rosa Parks made her courageous stand and listen to her inspiring story and the journey of the bus’s restoration. Additionally, see the chair in which Abraham Lincoln was assassinated, its fabric still bearing the blood stains of this sad historical tragedy. 

The iconic Lamy’s Diner stands in the middle of the museum, a testament to the nostalgic diner charm. Experience an authentic 1940s dining adventure with period menus, paper straws, and a classic counter. Treat yourself to their popular items like pies, Faygo floats, and frappes (an authentic Northeastern milkshake). One of my favorite parts of visiting was enjoying sandwiches and milkshakes here for lunch. 

Ford Piquette Avenue Plant Museum

Experience the history of automotive innovation at the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant, a preserved U.S. National Historic Landmark. Initially constructed in 1904, this former automobile factory was the birthplace of the iconic Model T Ford. Saved from demolition in 2000, it is a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship that revolutionized mass production.

You can take a guided tour (or self-guided) through the factory’s second and third floors and witness firsthand the assembly line that transformed the automotive industry. Exhibits honor the leaders of automotive history and showcase the groundbreaking vehicles that changed the world, including the craftsmanship that went into creating the Model T Ford (with ties to Richmond, Indiana). 

Visiting Tips: Please note that the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant doesn’t have air conditioning. To mitigate this, fans are placed throughout the exhibits to provide some relief from the heat during the summer.

Motown Museum

In 1985, Esther Gordy Edwards, former Motown Records executive and sibling of Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown, established the Motown Museum. The museum is located in the original headquarters and music recording studio for Motown Records. The recording studio introduced the world to musical talents, including Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Smokie Robinson, Michael Jackson, the Temptations, and Diana Ross. These artists, who either grew up or gained fame in Detroit, have left a legacy on the music industry. 

Exhibits showcase iconic artists, producers, and songwriters who created timeless hits. You can see Michael Jackson’s iconic sequin glove and hat on display, and you can sing and dance in the Hitsville U.S.A. recording studio, where legends recorded their chart-topping songs.

Hidden Gems and Culinary Delights in Detroit

These museums offer a glimpse into the many historic treasures in Detroit. With its diverse offerings and landmarks, the Motor City has something for everyone, whether you are a history buff, a car, or a music enthusiast. Check out the other places we visited while in Detroit: 

• Dinner at Frita Batidos was among the best spontaneous visits in Detroit. Cuban-inspired street food offerings + fresh ingredients make for an incredible foodie experience. We indulged in fresh juice, plantains and avocado spread, coconut-ginger rice, Frita bowls, and delicious churros. 
• The Congregation is a coffee shop and cocktail bar in the Boston Edison community. The building is a 1920s church, formally home to several churches and civil rights warriors. A 150-year-old organ still maintains its original place in the church and the original stained glass windows and maple flooring. The bar is made of old pews, and an outside deck, green space, and bleacher-style seating make way for concerts. 
• As a city of artists, taking a self-guided Detroit Mural Tour is easy when you can find a mural on every street. Over 1,000 murals adorn city building walls, alleys, and structures. 
• Hamilton’s at the newer The Godfrey Hotel is named one of the best restaurants in Detroit. We enjoyed breakfast with friends, feasting on specialties like the Breakfast Wrap with a spicy maple aioli and hot lattes. 
• JoJo’s ShakeBAR is an 80s/90s-inspired restaurant and bar in District Detroit. It is the go-to spot for enormous milkshakes and Milk & Cookie Flights. Millennials and Gen Xs will feel nostalgic with its arcade game tables, throwback television shows, and memorabilia. 

Nearby Things To Do:

• Put-in-Bay, Ohio in a Day!
• Escape to the Charming Lakeside Chautauqua
• An Ohio island & Lake Erie getaway in the Midwest!

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