What to Do in Detroit: Detroit's Museums

We've all seen the reports on the news about how terrible Detroit is. All of the poverty, money mismanagement, and failing schools. So why would anyone want to visit Detroit? Well for starters, Detroit gets such a bad rap. Don't get me wrong, there are many parts of Detroit that are not particularly safe or pretty. However there is actually a lot to do within the city of Detroit. There are also a lot of hidden gems that not many people are aware of. So take a ride with me as we tour some of those great hot spots in Detroit and eventually throughout the great state of Michigan! First up, the museums in and around the Detroit area.

The Detroit Children's Museum has recently been renovated. It has a multitude of hands on activities for children. The museum is designed to build knowledge and curiosity in children. Exhibits include a planetarium, tiny tike's area, a history and world knowledge area. The focus of the museum is for children ages preschool to grade 6. You can find additional information online through the Detroit Science Center website www.detroitsciencecenter.org which has a link to the children's museum.

This historical museum opened it's doors in 1997. It is to date the largest museum of African American history in the world. It is an amazing exhibit of the history of slavery in the United States from the ships that brought slaves over to the struggles on the plantations to their road to freedom.  There are thousands of artifacts and visual images of prominent African Americans.  Special Exhibits are featured on a rotating basis so check the museum for the current feature.  Many of the exhibits are interactive including an alphabet of African American history.  I had the pleasure of taking my students there a couple of years ago and it was an unbelievable experience.  I was truly speechless when I left.  It is definitely not one to be missed.

"I've got sunshine on a cloudy day." Motown Museum, otherwise known as Hitsville USA. This is a true gem in the heart of Motown.  It was opened in 1985 and shares the history of how Motown records was started by Barry Gordy, Jr. and the empire that he built.  The memorabilia includes artwork, costumes, records, and more.  There is a fully restored apartment that had served as Gordy's home and office in the early years.  The gallery has photographs from the height of the Motown era.  It is a stop that every music enthusiast will love and appreciate.

With thousands of pieces of art on display, the Detroit Institute of Arts is a joy to visit for any seasoned or blossoming art enthusiast.  Collections include European art, African, Indigenous American, and Oceanic art.  The paintings and drawings include highlights from Degas, Rivera, and Thomas Cole.  As with most museums they often feature special exhibits.  Another great feature is the Friday night live with live music and art making opportunities.  There is also a family focus with Family Sundays.  These Sundays feature a different focus each time that range from storytelling to family performances to art making.  A great treat for the whole family.  For more information about special events, check out the website at www.dia.org.

The Detroit Historical Museum will transport you back in time. You will feel like you have just stepped out of a time machine as you travel the cobblestone streets of Detroit. It is a great replication of what life was like in the 1840s, 1890s, and early 1900s. There are plenty of interactive displays and includes hundreds of artifacts to view. Children and adults alike will be mesmerized by the history that this museum has to offer. There are also special exhibits that are chaged througout the year. Check with the museum for the most current offers. The special exhibits are included in the cost of admission.  For additional tips and information check out the website at www.detroithistorical.org.

The great thing about this stop is the enormity of your options. Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village is really two stops in one and truly both cannot be done in one day if you are to do each of them any justice. The museum features some amazing icons of Americana. From a huge collection of cars, including the limo that held President John F. Kennedy on that fateful day to the bus that changed history when Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat. There is a flight exhibit, an exhibit that explores the changes in cars over time, and an agricultural display. There are many interactive features and there is usually a special exhibit featured which is usually running for a limited time and is an extra fee. The museum also houses an IMAX theater with a screen that is 8 stories wide and 6 stories tall. It features both 2D and 3D films which change frequently so check for current movies. Many are educationally based and others are just fun. There is an extra charge for the movie so plan for that if you are going to see one. They also sell refreshments.

The village will send you back into history. The workers are dressed in period clothing and on the streets you will find Model T cars and horse and buggies. You can ride in both for a fee. There is a train which is available for you to ride. Attractions include a real working farm, old school houses, slave quarters, Edison's workroom, and so much more! There is a merry go round and a steam boat for you to enjoy. All of these things are additional costs. There are several souvenir shops complete with penny candy. There are also several places to stop for food. For additional information or to check out the interactive maps go to www.thehenryford.org

As you will see, most of the museums are within very close proximity to each other. Some of them are actually within walking distance. The only one that is not located near the others is the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village. As I stated earlier, the museum and village are actually located in Dearborn and not in Detroit. To visit this museum you will need to travel just a bit, but trust me, it is well worth your time and efforts!

Please be sure to contact the museums to double check times, cost, and for any special exhibits that they may be featuring during that time. Most of the museums have a store for souvenir purchases and some sort of cafe for meal or beverage purchases. Also check before you purchase your entrance tickets to see if there are any special rates or discounts that they are offering during that time. There are often rates for larger groups if you are with many people, don't hesitate to ask.   If you live in the Metro Detroit area and you have a library card check out the Museum Adventure passes at your local library.  Many of these great museums and some others offer free admission just by checking out the pass at your local library.  A great deal for any family, especially one on a budget!  Enjoy your museum tour and check back to let everyone know what you enjoyed the most!