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Activities You Wouldn't Think To Do In Detroit

A little tired of movies and mini golf? Southeast Michigan offers some unique activities you might not have thought of. Consider hanging out with some bats at Bat Zone or ghoul it up at Haunted Fort Wayne.
Bat Zone
(credit: science.cranbrook.edu)

Bat Zone

Cranbrook Institute of Science
39221 Woodward Ave.
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48303
(248) 645-3200
science.cranbrook.edu

These furry flying creatures are misunderstood, underappreciated and furiously fascinating. Visit the Organization for Bat Conservation at Cranbrook Institute of Science to see award-winning LIVE bat programs that explore the fascinating world of bats, how to attract them and more. Bat Zone is home to over 150 bats from around the world! Meet vampire bats, large fruit bats (with 4 to 6 foot wingspans) and others up close and in person. Programs are given at special times every weekend and on special occasions.

Haunted Detroit
(credit: hauntedfortwaynedetroit.com)

Haunted Fort Wayne

(810) 853-8573
www.hauntedfortwaynedetroit.com

Throughout the years stories have been told of encounters with ghostly forms and unexplainable activity on the grounds of one of Detroit's hidden jewels, Historic Fort Wayne. These tours offer visitors a rare chance to explore this fantastic site as few have before.  Your guides will detail for you the history of the fort, as well as some of the most notable unexplained events that have been reported over the course of the fort's more than one-hundred and fifty years. Haunted Fort Wayne tours are only offered a few times a year and they sell out fast, so check the website often and get on the mailing list for tour date updates.

Detroit Opera House
(credit: motopera.org)

Detroit Opera House

1526 Broadway
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 237-SING
www.motopera.org

It's not just for the Queen and Julia Roberts. There is live opera in Detroit and you are invited.  The Detroit Opera House is the home of Michigan Opera Theatre, the State of Michigan's premiere opera company, producing the very best professional productions from the grand opera, opera, operetta, musical theater and ballet.  If you think you just won't "get it," you may be in for a surprising experience.  One more note: If the show's not sung in English, this venue offers "Supertitles" above the stage, so you won't miss a thing. Still not sure yet? Join the Opera House Ambassadors for a backstage tour of the Detroit Opera House. Learn about the history of the Opera House and its restoration. Meet the people behind the scenes, tour the stage and see how it operates.

Color Tour
(credit: michigan.org)

Michigan Fall Color Tours

888-78-GREAT
www.michigan.org

This is certainly something worth seeing, and it won't cost you more than the gas money. Beginning mid-September and stretching through the end of October, the colors of autumn peak at varying times in the state.  Use the peak color map listed above to find the current color report. You can also call and select the pre-recorded messages for a weekly color update report. Sign up for Fall Color email updates at this link.

Detroit Skyline
(credit: insidedetroit.org)

Inside Detroit Tours

Downtown Detroit Welcome Center
1253 Woodward Avenue
Detroit, MI 48226
 (313) 962-4590
www.insidedetroit.org

Whether you're in town for a short time or have lived here forever, these scheduled tours will introduce you to the best of what Detroit has to offer. Check the schedule for walking tours, bus tours, bar tours, themed tours focused on architecture, history and more.

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