Detroit is packed with history, culture, and dynamic local experiences. The city offers the ultimate experiences for rental- from art to outdoor activities. Whether you’re new to the area or have lived here for years, there’s always something exciting to discover. This blog post will walk you through ten activities to help you get to know your neighborhood, its people, and the best-kept secrets in Detroit.
1. Detroit Institute of Arts
Detroit is home to one of the most comprehensive art museums in the country: the Detroit Institute of Arts. This highly regarded cultural icon houses a collection of more than 65,000 different works of art, accumulated over centuries from all corners of the world. For renters curious about Detroit’s artistic heritage and those who seek family fun, a visit to the DIA is pretty much a must. Here, you will find masterpieces by Van Gogh, Rembrandt, and Diego Rivera; the latter’s famous Detroit Industry Murals pay homage to the city’s industrial heritage.
2. Walk the Riverfront and Dequindre Cut
The best way to get to know Detroit is through its outdoor spaces, and one of the greatest areas in which someone can get started is the Detroit Riverfront. This riverfront, extending along the Detroit River for over five miles, will display parks, scenic overlooks, and public art installations. You can enjoy a leisurely walk or an easy bike ride along the riverwalk with the fresh breeze and amazing views of Detroit and Windsor, Canada, just across the water.
3. Shopping at Eastern Market
One of the largest public markets in the United States, Detroit’s Eastern Market has a rich history, dating back to 1891. Being a renter, visiting the Eastern Market allows you to support local farmers and other artisans with small businesses. On Saturdays, the place is a beehive of vendors with fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and handmade crafts. From the cacophony of smells to the many tastes, it’s an assurance that you are getting connected to the local food scene.
4. Take a Stroll in Belle Isle Park
For renters who love outdoor pursuits, Belle Isle Park is Detroit’s own island oasis in the middle of the Detroit River. Planning to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city without going too far? This 982-acre park will cater to all of your needs. Anything from taking in the sights at the oldest public aquarium in the country, the Belle Isle Aquarium, to taking a leisurely stroll through lush Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory.
You can have a relaxing day at the beach, rent a kayak, or take in the sights on one of the island’s wooded trails. The isle gives an awesome view of the Detroit skyline and Canadian shores, making it a point of good perfect to have a picnic.
5. Immerse Yourself in History at The Henry Ford Museum
Although technically just outside Detroit in Dearborn, The Henry Ford Museum is an essential stop for the history- and innovation-loving renter. This is a huge museum that allows the visitor to become immersed in American culture-from early autos to the history of the civil rights movement. As someone wanting to learn more about the history of your community, you’ll see relics and icons, such as, but not limited to, the Rosa Parks bus and the limousine in which President John F. Kennedy was traveling on that fateful day in Dallas, among many other artifacts that made modern America.
6. Attend a Concert at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra
Detroit is widely regarded around the world as a city that loves its music, and right at the heart of it all is the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Renters with a love for live performances will love to see the symphony go into action at the Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center. The DSO offers everything from traditional classical concerts to modern compositions with visiting artists from across the world.
7. Explore the Vibrant Street Art of Detroit
Detroit’s become a canvas for some of the most striking street art in the country. You’ll find yourself surrounded by murals, graffiti, and public art installations that tell the story of the city’s evolution. Areas like Eastern Market, the Dequindre Cut, and the Grand River Creative Corridor are hotspots for street art, featuring works from both local and international artists. Exploring these areas on foot or by bike allows you to appreciate the diversity of artistic expression that defines Detroit.
8. Catch a Game at Comerica Park
Catching a Detroit Tigers game at Comerica Park is a classic Detroit experience for sports fans. This stadium sits at the hub of downtown and has so much more to offer than baseball. With its ferris wheel, carousel, and family-friendly activities, Comerica Park is one of the best spots for renters to enjoy an afternoon or evening of fun-whether you’re a die-hard Tigers fan or just looking for a lively atmosphere.
9. Check Out the Detroit Coffee Scene
There has been a surge of new, independent coffee shops popping up all around town as Detroit gets in on the coffee scene. These places could be your home away from home-be it doing remote work, meeting up with friends, or just having a quiet moment with a book. The most popular ones include Astro Coffee in Corktown, The Red Hook in Midtown, and Anthology Coffee in Eastern Market; each of them offers unique blends in the coziest environments. These cafes mostly offer community center functions, such as open mic nights, art shows, and pop-up shops.
10. Motown Museum
No list of Detroit activities is complete without the Motown Museum, which is a small but mighty museum occupying the house where Berry Gordy, Jr. founded Motown Records. For every music lover, it is a pilgrimage to this small but famous museum in Detroit. You have the chance to explore the history of the legendary label that launched the careers of artists like Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, and Marvin Gaye.
Renters Tip: As you go your way in exploring what Detroit has in store for you, it’s also critical that you take practical steps necessary to protect your home base. While renting an apartment is very promising, having renters insurance for your apartment in Detroit will be a wise way to protect all of your belongings. It’s one simple way to ensure a smooth Detroit experience, protected from unexpected mishaps.
Conclusion
From world-class museums to outdoor adventures, an abounding arts scene, and rich historical landmarks, Detroit joins those cities that indeed offer endless possibilities for renters to get outside and enjoy their neighborhoods. Whether you find it in culture, nature, or even just the local coffee scene, Detroit is a city of options for all tastes. So, maximize your time in this pulsating city, which is filled with experiences unique to Detroit’s charm and character.