So you’d like to see some of Detroit’s architecture? No problem. There are lots of groups that offer architecture tours in and around Metro Detroit. I’ll try to highlight a few of them to get you started on planning your trip.
Before that, here’s a few things to keep in mind:
- Most tours are offered in non-winter months (March/April to September/October) and take place regardless of the weather.
- While some motorized tours (i.e. bus, bicycle, and Segway – yes, Segway) are available, most are walking tours. Be prepared to cover a lot of ground in a relatively short period of time.
- Some tours require advance registration and are immensely popular due to their frequency. If there’s a yearly date for the Theater Tour, for example, you better call and reserve a spot.
- Bring cash. While some tours accept checks most will accept only cash and be prepared to pay before the tour starts.
These are in alphabetical order and I haven’t been paid to advertise these!
- Detroit Historical Society – The Detroit Historical Society sometime offers very specific tours of the city. In particular, their Historic Houses of Worship tour is offered monthly but covers different churches each month.
- Detroit Tour Connections – A private company offering multiple ways to learn about the architecture and history of Detroit.
- Diamond Jack’s River Tours – Their boat tours offer a unique perspective of the city’s buildings along the Detroit River.
- Experience Detroit – The site is a collection of self-guided tour information with maps and directions to allow you to proceed at your own pace.
- Inside Detroit – Dedicated to educating the public about Detroit’s history, culture, and livability Inside Detroit provides tours of historical Detroit, best restaurants, and patios.
- Preservation Wayne – Detroit’s oldest and largest preservation organization offers the most robust tour schedule in Metro Detroit. Tours are offered throughout the week and on weekends.
- Neighborhood Tours – Detroit is surrounded by many historical neighborhoods, each with their own strong historical associations. While not all encompassing, Experience Detroit has highlighted a few of these neighborhoods. Cityscape Detroit has a nice map of all the Detroit Neighborhoods if you’re having trouble locating one.
- Specific Venue Tours – Some buildings offer their own tours to the public. Ford Field, Comerica Park, Fox Theater, and GM Renaissance Center are only a handful of the many Detroit buildings offering tours.
Have I missed any? Let me know by leaving a comment below.
