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What To Do With One Day In Detroit

Riverwalk
(credit: Michael Ferro)

So you have one day off and want to head out and find something interesting to do in Detroit.

Well there is plenty to do from a walk through history, tasting unique foods or taking in some of the best art exhibits in the world.

Detroit has all you need for a single day of fun.

Greenfield Village
20900 Oakwood Blvd.
Dearborn, MI 48124
(313) 982-6001
www.thehenryford.org/village

There are few places in the country were you can walk through 300 years of history, but Greenfield Village at the Henry Ford is one of those places. There are 83 historic buildings to tour, from the original lab of Thomas Edison to the bicycle shop of the Wright brothers. There is so much to see in the 250-acre village, so plan on the whole day to take it in. There is the historic train to take around the village, rides in horse-drawn carriages and the chance to see just how some of the biggest names in American history lived and made their marks on the world.

Related: Best Weekend Getaways In The Detroit Area

The Henry Ford Museum
20900 Oakwood Blvd.
Dearborn, MI 48124
(313) 982-6001
www.thehenryford.org/museum

Also located at the Henry Ford is the Henry Ford Museum where you will find a collection of historic exhibits that include the bus on which Rosa Parks made her historic stand against segregation to the chair President Lincoln was seated in when he was assassinated. You will also find one of the best exhibits of some of the largest steam engines to ever roll on the rails and a look at the past, present and future of transportation. It is truly a place where you can walk back in time and into the future, all in one building.

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

The Detroit Institute of Arts is perhaps the best value in southeast Michigan as it is free for those living in the tri-county area. The Institute is home to collections ranging from classic American to that of Oceana, Africa and of the Islamic world. There are also more modern exhibits like the Performing Arts Collection that illustrates some of the most unique performance styles to be seen, photo galleries and it is also home to the General Motors Center for African American Art. It is truly a place to go when you want to find out about the world around.

RiverWalk
Beginning at Hart Plaza
www.detroitriverfront.org

If you are in the mood to take a walk along the Detroit River in downtown Detroit, then head over to the River Walk, which stretches along this international border and takes in some of the best sights the city has to offer. Stop off at the hand-crafted Cullen Family Carousel at the Rivard Plaza or rent a bike at the Wheel House Bike Rental to take a bit of a two-wheeled tour. Further to the east is the William Milliken State Park, the first urban park in Michigan. You will find a replica of the Tawas Point lighthouse, picnic areas and wildlife observation trails. When you are done for the day on the RiverWalk, think about taking the People Mover over to the next venue, Greektown, for a bite to eat, a little shopping and possibly some fun in the casino.

Greektown
Monroe St. between Randolph and the Chrysler Freeway
www.greektowndetroit.org

If you have lived in the Detroit area for any amount of time and have not taken the time to go to Greektown, the time is now. Filled with restaurants, that of course feature authentic Greek foods, you will find nourishment and entertainment galore. If you feel a bit lucky, you can wander into the Greektown Casino where there are multiple restaurants and many games of chance. The Greektown district is one of the last remaining areas of the city that along with being a thriving commercial district, you will find Victorian-style architecture where restaurants and shops have done business since the first influx of Greek immigrants came to Detroit.

Related: Best Sangria In Detroit

Award winning freelance writer and photographer Lawrence DiVizio is based in Southeast Michigan and works to convey in words and images the world around us. His work can be found at Examiner.com.

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