The motor city is lively in the summer with walkers, bikers, hikers, swimmers, visitors, locals, and a community that cares about the automotive industry’s impact on Detroit’s future. Detroit auto attractions add to the Detroit community’s pride in its history and the future.
This summer has been a ride, but it’s not over yet! Luckily, the spirit of Detroit is alive through all the seasons of life. Detroitisit rounded up a list of Detroit auto attractions to ride off into this summer season’s close.
PRIVATE ANTIQUE CAR TOUR OF HISTORIC BELLE ISLE
PHOTO FORD MODEL A / PINTEREST
Several of our Detroitist “It Lists” feature Detroit’s iconic Belle Isle. This gem makes people feel like they can distance themselves from the busy city life while also still enjoying the beautiful city views. If you haven’t had a picnic at this historical island park, you definitely should while the warmer seasons last. It’s a place for the public to commune. Looking for a little more private experience? Visitors and locals can all tour Detroit in style in a 90-year-old Model A Ford with the top down for Motown’s version of time travel that highlights interesting architecture. Read more about the 2+ hr Private Antique Car Tour of Historic Belle Isle HERE. Bottled water is included.
DETROIT AUTO SHOW
The North American International Auto Show (aka Detroit Auto Show) unveiled a peek behind the curtain of its first-ever indoor-outdoor fall auto show, including plans for evolutionary vehicle activations, and free community activities downtown. Scheduled for Sept. 14 – 25, 2022, at Huntington Place in Detroit, the auto show rolls in after a multi-year absence due to the pandemic. Celebrate the release of new models in the fall, merging technologies in Detroit, and community spirit! Tickets for Charity Preview are priced at $400 each or $700 a pair and just went up for sale. The main show floor at Huntington Place is sold out. Click HERE for show details, ticket prices, entertainment updates, and more.
PHOTO THE HENRY FORD / PINTEREST
FORD ROUGE FACTORY TOUR
The automobile legacy spreads throughout Detroit and the metro areas. There are always Detroit auto attractions to take the family to, especially at The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn. The Ford Rouge Factory Tour is one of four options presented to visitors upon arrival at The Henry Ford. It is a self-guided, five-part modern experience that includes the Legacy Theater, Manufacturing Innovation Theater, Observation Deck Tour, Ford F-150 truck Assembly Plant Walking Tour, and Legacy Gallery. America’s greatest manufacturing experience is immersive and inspires the innovator inside us all. Click HERE to get tickets or become a member and save.
Located at 20900 Oakwood Boulevard, Dearborn, MI. 48124‑5029 PHONE: 313-982-6001
FORD PIQUETTE AVENUE PLANT TOUR
The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant also known as the birthplace of the Model T (as well as Models B, C, F, K, R, N, and S), is recognized as one of the most “significant automotive heritage sites in the world”. It is typically open for tours by appointment only; however, during the auto show dates, it is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. What better way to feel more in touch with Detroit’s cultural history than a hands-on experience of Ford’s iconic Model T? Visitors get an insight into the enriching history of the car as well as its makers. At the museum, visitors get to know how the car came into being, right from the concept stage. Explore incredible exhibits of vintage car models as well as engines of the time. Private tours are available. Click HERE for more information.
Located at 461 Piquette St, Detroit, MI 48202.
DETROIT’S HISTORICAL MUSEUM
PHOTO DETROIT HISTORICAL MUSEUM / GENE ULLERY-SMITH
Detroit auto attractions can be just as interesting as the first visit. Head over to America’s Motor City exhibition at the Detroit Historical Museum to dive into the car production process in metro Detroit. Learn how metro Detroit built cars as well as why Detroit became the “Motor City”. Beginning with the Automotive Showplace exhibit at its entrance, it is a must-see for Detroiters, as well as those visiting. Summer plans in Detroit are rooted in Detroit history. Click HERE for tour information and join the excitement!
Located at 5401 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202. PHONE: (313) 833-1805
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