Exploring Detroit....
Walking
Quick walk...hungry? Fort Street Galley, 140 W. Fort Street; four tasty restaurants in food hall. Yum!
Who makes the best Coney dog? Join the debate--over 100 years in the running--and try a Coney dog from the neighborhood rivals, Lafayette Coney Island (cash only; open late) and American Coney Island. Chase the Coney dogs down with a Motor City classic--a Faygo Pop.Detroit Riverfront Conservancy Down Griswald towards the water, check out the Guardian Building, known as Cathedral of Finance. With unconventional grandeur, this art deco National Historic Landmark has Native American, Aztec, and Arts & Crafts influences. These photographs from HistoricDetroit.org will entice you to grab a friend and walk to the Guardian Building.
From the Riverfront...
Dequindre Cut, a biking and walking path from East Riverfront to Eastern Market, with artistic graffiti along the way. A former railroad track, there are historic buildings along the route for a glimpse of early-Detroit. Rent a bike////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////Public Transit - Q-Line Trolley
Board the Q at Campus Martius to find shops, attractions, & eateries along the route. Jump off at Midtown’s Mack Ave Station for Whole Foods and many pubs. Ferry Station is close to Detroit Institute of Arts; Warren Station is stop for Michigan Science Center.) Map showing 3.3 mile Q-line circuit and People Mover route.
From the hotel’s front entrance on Washington Blvd, turn left on Michigan Ave; walk 3 blocks; turn left on Woodward. The Q-line stop is on Woodward north of Michigan Avenue.
Download QLINE Detroit app to purchase tickets on your iPhone or Android or use credit card at QLINE stations. Cash purchases can be made on-board.
Some stops off the Q-Line....
Midtown is a happening spot with eateries for all. With beer a way of life in the Midwest U.S., you'll find Michigan's largest tap selection -- 130 craft beer taps at HopCat. Jump on the Q-line to get there.Special dining...The Whitney. This romanesque revival mansion, the 1894 home of lumber baron David Whitney, offers sophisticated dining. Note the Tiffany windows and Thomas Edison light fixtures. On the Q-line.Visit the Beaux Arts style Detroit Institute of Arts (closes 4pm Wed) with over 65,000 objects and two eateries. Get a FREE educator pass (allow two weeks) that also gives 20% off museum shop purchases. Diego Rivera's industry mural (gift by Edsel Ford) depicting the Rouge River plant is said to represent the best of Mexican mural art in the U.S.The Charles Wright Museum of African American History is in the same block, as is the Michigan Science Center. Directly across the street is the majestic Italian Renaissance Albert Kahn-designed Detroit Public Library with its eye popping art, including a huge collection of Pewabic Pottery tiles. See some tilework on the Storytime Fireplace in teen area. Check out the third floor ceilings! Some of these ceilings are replicas of those in European palaces; the same ceiling in the Art & Music Reference room was commissioned for the U.S. Supreme Court Building. Wheelchair access is via the Cass Avenue entrance.
The Charles Wright Museum of African American History, a Detroit icon, with over 35,000 artifacts is a leading institution of African American experience. Its interactive exhibit, And Still We Rise: Our Journey Through African American History and Culture, is the largest single exhibition on African Americans in existence. See exhibits detailing Detroit's labor movement; also see collections of both Harriet Tubman and Blanche Coggin's Underground Railroad.
Their mission "is to open minds and change lives through the exploration and celebration of African American history and culture." Their "vision is of a world in which the adversity and achievement of African American history inspire everyone toward greater understanding, acceptance and unity!"
Places near the Q-Line (travelling up Woodward Ave to "New Town".)
"Step into an era of musical magic.... Tour Hitsville U.S.A., the birthplace of the Motown Sound. Stand where the Temptations, Four Tops, Miracles and Supremes—and many more of your favorite Motown artists and musicians—recorded their famous songs."
With "authentic, inspirational and educational experiences,", Motown Museum shares a vision, "That all generations will come to know, be inspired by and celebrate the true Motown Story, Legacy and Sound,"
2648 West Grand Boulevard (under a mile from Woodward Avenue's Q-line Station: Grand Blvd.) Accessibility
Discover the Fisher Building, 3011 W. Grand. Called Detroit's "largest art object", sign up for a free tour of this Albert Kahn masterpiece. With industrial might and classic beauty, this building was named the most beautiful commercial structure in the world. Find The Peacock Room inside the Fisher for fun glam/vintage-inspired shopping. A quick walk from Q-line Station: Grand Blvd.
Find many more stops off the Q-Line
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Detroit People Mover
Scoot to Greektown and more with an elevated ride on the People Mover.
From the hotel’s front entrance on Washington Boulevard, cross Michigan Avenue and turn right, walking west on Michigan one block to the People Mover station. You’ll need change for the .75 fare.
Some Stops off the People Mover
Greektown Historic District, known for food and shopping, is on the National Historic Register. Go via People Mover to the Greektown Station (stop is 3rd level of Casino). Flaming cheese at Pegasus catches your eye!
People Mover, with pretty night views, travels a downtown circuit including the towering Renaissance Center, River Walk, Joe Lewis “Fist”, and Greektown.
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With Your Pre-Arranged Transportation (Taxi, Lyft, Uber)Pewabic Pottery is one of our nation's oldest continuously operating potteries. At this National Historical Landmark, they want to enrich the human spirit through clay. They believe in the "alchemy of earth and fire," and they believe "beer tastes better in a handcrafted pint." Open daily for shopping and self-guided tours.
10125 E. Jefferson Ave. Get there via your own arranged transit. Hungry? Walk 10 minutes to Rosie's Fine Food; this little cafe has vegan options.Belle Isle Park, about a mile from Pewabic Pottery. Pay the Michigan State Park admission. Visit the aquarium free; it's the oldest aquarium in the U.S. (Conservancy closed for renovation.) From the Park, situated in the Detroit River, view freighters in the international waters and enjoy the skyline views and unbeatable sunsets.
Eastern Market (Get there via your own arranged transit.)
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Apps
Artown Detroit, Go Detroit!, DetroitCity App, Moovit
This information on this page is subject to change. It is provided as a convenience to conference attendees and is not intended as endorsement.