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Best Rainy Day Activities In Metro Detroit

The weather in Detroit isn't always the greatest. While the Motor City may not get as many rainy days as Seattle or London, Motown does get its share. But just because it's wet and soggy outside doesn't mean that you can't have a great time in the Detroit area. There's a wealth of great things to do, regardless of the weather. Here's a list of some of the best options for when the bad weather blues get you down.

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The Detroit Institute of Arts
5200 Woodward Ave.
Detroit, MI 48202
(313) 833-7900
www.dia.org

What could possibly be better on a rainy day than spending time among some of history's greatest treasures? And where better to do that than one of the country's most well-loved art museums: The Detroit Institute of Arts. The DIA has faced some tough challenges since the city declared bankruptcy, including possibly losing some of its most-treasured peaces, but philanthropists and art lovers alike have joined and formed a foundation to save the world-renowned art. Also, admittance is now free to residents of the tri-county area, thanks to new legislation passed. All you need to do is bring your state-issued photo I.D. and you can experience a great (and cheap) day when the sky starts falling.

Motown Museum
2648 W. Grand Blvd.
Detroit, MI 48208
(313) 875-2264
www.motownmuseum.org

How many times have you listened to the sweet sounds of Detroit's own Motown music on the radio? Most likely, the number is countless. When the rain starts to fall, head down to the Motown Museum located in Detroit's historic corridor just outside of downtown. The museum was founded in 1985 by Esther Gordy Edwards, relative of the famous inventor of the "Motown sound," Barry Gordy. These hallowed halls have recorded the likes of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, The Temptations and many, many more. The museum also has on display the actual restored grand Steinway piano that many artists used to record some of Motown's biggest hits, thanks to the generous donation from one of music's biggest stars, Sir Paul McCartney.

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Detroit Public Library 
5201 Woodward Ave.
Detroit, MI 48208
(313) 481-1300
www.detroit.lib.mi.us

Growing up, they told us that rainy days were meant for reading. So, in that spirit, we suggest you take a trip to the downtown main branch of the Detroit Public Library, housed in one of the most beautiful and famous buildings in the downtown area. The historic early Italian Renaissance-style building, which was built back in 1921 just after World War I, houses many different themes that will guide you and your friends or family to something fun and exciting. Two of the most popular exhibits are the famed genealogy department, which can give interested patrons a peek into their pasts, and the Ernie Harwell Sports Collection, with many fine items from the many years Ernie spent as the broadcasting voice of the Detroit Tigers.

Related: Best Bowling Alleys For A Night Out In Metro Detroit

Palazzo di Bocce
4291 S. Lapeer Road
Orion, MI 48359
(248) 371-9987
www.palazzodibocce.com

Are you more in the mood to do something physical with a group of friends or family? Then try the Palazzo di Bocce. Here, people can play everyone's favorite backyard lawn game, bocce, inside on an actual lawn setting. To help make a day of it, the Palazzo di Bocce also has a full-service bar and an Italian restaurant to help you lose those foul weather blues. Reservations can be made up to a week in advance. Please visit the website for more information on pricing and specials.

The River Rouge Factory Tour
The Henry Ford
20900 Oakwood Blvd.
Dearborn, MI 48124
(313) 982-6001
www.thehenryford.org/rouge

Ever been curious to see just how each Ford F-150 is actually made? What better time to do so than on a rainy day? The Henry Ford Museum offers visitors the rare opportunity to take a self-guided tour through one of America's oldest and most important historical achievements: the assembly line. For just $15 per adult and $11 per child for non-members (or lower prices for museum members), visitors will be able to see just how complicated and laborious the action of putting together America's most popular truck actually can be. Not only is this an incredible learning experience, but one that will help to transport you and your fellow visitors to a far-away place in history - far away from the rain and weather outside. Please see the website for more information on hours and pricing.

Related: Best Hotels And Halls For Weddings In Metro Detroit

Michael Ferro is freelance writer and a graduate of Michigan State University where he majored in Creative Writing and received the Jim Cash Creative Writing Award. Born and bred in Detroit, he currently resides in Ypsilanti Township. Additional writing can be found at Examiner.com.
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