Michigan

Kid-Friendly Detroit (Yes! Detroit!)

Last updated 15th November 2017

Google “Detroit” and you’ll quickly discover that this is a city that’s had it rough. Scrolling through images of abandoned neighborhoods and derelict homes, it’s hard to believe this was once America’s great industrious city. Detroit crumbled so dramatically that it was eventually declared bankrupt, in 2013.

None of this exactly screams family vacation. But for families looking for authentic and soul-stirring travel experiences, this once again up-and-coming city is the perfect home base for a vacation to Michigan.

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A triumph of local spirit: Detroit’s Eastern Market

 

For a taste of the real Detroit, head to the 150-year-old Eastern Market, which is the oldest open market in the US. Meander through the high-roofed sheds, which have recently been rebuilt from the ground up, where stalls sag under the weight of fresh flowers and local produce, including some truly enormous veggies.

Local vendors share uplifting tales about how the market has expanded in recent years, thanks to a scheme that helps local people set up small businesses by making food and crafts at home and selling them at the market. On Sundays, the place transforms into a sprawling flea market where local musicians perform against a backdrop of colorful murals that have been paid for by sponsorship from local businesses. There are schemes and projects like these springing up in every corner of Detroit, including tax breaks designed to encourage young people to move to the city. These initiatives seem to be working. In the wake of Detroit’s collapse, it seems something special is happening.

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Detroit’s once desolate streets are being resurrected

Touchdown

If there’s one thing Detroiters love, it’s their sports. Embrace the all-American experience by watching an NFL game at the Ford Field football stadium. The city People Mover (monorail) is a quick and easy route to the stadium and squeezing into a carriage full of blue-faced Detroit Lions fans is the best way to feel the buzz. Lions fans are known for being especially passionate. With cheerleaders, fireworks and live music these games are as much about the atmosphere and socializing as they are about the sport. You and the kids will have a blast waving your foam fingers and cheering with the home crowd.

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The atmosphere at an NFL game is hard to beat

Local Hero

Car fans or not, a visit to the Henry Ford site is a highlight of any trip to Detroit. With airplanes hanging from the ceiling, row upon row of cars, monstrous farm equipment and steam engines, the Ford museum is literally full to the rafters with 150 years of vehicle history. Peer at the chair Lincoln was shot in (still bearing a grisly blood stain) and the car Kennedy rode in as he was assassinated. For kids learning about the civil rights movement in school, sitting inside the bus where Rosa Parks started her boycott will bring their history lessons potently to life.

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The house where dreams came true and history was made: Hitsville USA

The Soundtrack to the City

Detroit’s soul is rooted in music. Follow in the footsteps of Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross and Marvyn Gaye and make your way to Hitsville USA, a house on Westgrand Boulevard where Berry Gordy built the famous Motown record label. The tour costs less than $12 and ends with a group singalong to “My Girl” in world famous Studio A. Don’t forget to stop in the gift shop on your way out. The smooth sound of Detroit provides the perfect soundtrack as you leave the city and head upstate.

 

The Lowdown

Where to Stay: The beautiful Dearborn Inn is less than 15 miles from downtown Detroit.

To be closer to the action, the Detroit Marriott soars 70 floors above the Detroit River.

Where to Eat: To feast on baby-back-ribs, mac-n-cheese and the best BBQ in Detroit, head to Slows Bar Bq.

Tucked away in the basement of an elegant 19th century building, formerly the North Michigan Asylum, is PepeNero. Enjoy Italian food while waiters regale you with spooky stories of former residents.

For something special, dine at the winery and inn Chateau Chantal.

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