An Automotive Tour of Motor City
Detroit remains a mecca for auto enthusiasts, offering a number of unique and historic sites and experiences to enjoy. Museums, tours and other attractions celebrating the past, present and future of the city’s most famous industry draw millions of visitors each year, ensuring the nickname “Motor City” is here to stay.
1. The Henry Ford Museum
Museum
2. Ford Rouge Factory Tour
Museum
Part of The Henry Ford complex, the best place to see an actual assembly plant is on the Ford Rouge Factory Tour. The historic factory underwent huge renovations in the early 2000s, so expect to see plenty of cutting edge technology on this self-guided tour, which features theater experiences alongside the chance to see the working truck plant itself. Tickets can be purchased separately or combined with the rest of The Henry Ford.
3. Automotive Hall of Fame
Museum
Right next to The Henry Ford in Dearborn sits the Automotive Hall of Fame, because where other than Detroit could the Automotive Hall of Fame really be? The idea for it was first conceived at the 1939 New York World’s Fair by a group called the “Automobile Old Timers,” and it celebrates people who have contributed greatly to automotive history across categories including designers, drivers, engineers and dealers. The hall features a number of galleries and exhibitions on all ages of the car industry. It’s open Friday to Sunday in winter, and Wednesday to Sunday in summer.
5. GM Renaissance Center Tour
Building
Explore the iconic GM Renaissance Center and learn more about the history of General Motors in Detroit on its free daily tours. Tours take place at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. on weekdays and last an hour, starting in the Jefferson Lobby. As well as video presentations, interactive experiences and vehicle displays, you can also pick up some Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac swag at the GM store.
6. Detroit Historical Museum
Museum
7. Detroit Institute of Arts
Art Gallery, Museum, University
8. Packard Automotive Plant
Building, Ruins
A historic if sad spot to see, the Packard Automotive Plant was once the world’s most advanced automobile manufacturing facility, and its scale is still something to behold 60 years after it was closed. Destruction and redevelopments have been spoken about for years, so it may be worth a look while you have the chance.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.