We have just listed a few of the most notable areas of interest here. If you have a passion for something, drop us an email and we’ll let you know where to go while you’re here. If you are planning on crossing the border into Canada remember your passport and driver license.
Attractions | Shopping | Physical Activities
Labor Day Weekend Happenings |
Attractions
The Henry Ford
America’s Greatest History Attraction. Ford founded his museum to document the genius of ordinary people by collecting objects they created and used in everyday life. Today, it’s the largest collection of its kind.
Greenfield Village: On the grounds outside the museum provides an opportunity to experience life as it was in the 17th through the early 20th centuries. Walk through neighborhoods and step inside homes, workshops, stores, and more. Tours available on the weekends.
Ford Rouge Factory: You can see a truck being built, take a virtual reality trip, and visit the environmentally friendly “living roof.” Tours depart from the museum.
The Henry Ford
20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn
313-271-1620
Holocaust Memorial Center
A stunning documentation of the Holocaust, Jewish culture, and the Jewish people’s contribution to society are resented in order to create intercultural understanding.
www.holocaustcenter.org
28123 Orchard Lake Rd., Farmington Hills
248-553-2400
Not open during Shabbot.
Cranbrook
This campus features an art museum, the widely renowned Academy of Art, striking modern architecture, and the Institute of Science, which houses Michigan’s only full-size tyrannosaurus rex. Check out the fascinating laser shows and sky shows in the planetarium. Also visit the Cranbrook House and Gardens.
www.cranbrook.edu
39221 Woodward, Bloomfield Hills
877-GO-CRANBROOK
The Detroit Zoo
More than 100 acres of large animal exhibits, including the Polk Penguin Conservation Center, the most extraordinary center for penguins in the world. Other notable areas include the Arctic Ring of Life, where polar bears swim right over your head, and the Australian Outback Adventure, where you walk amongst kangaroos. $11-$22, parking $8.
www.detroitzoo.org
8450 W. 10 Mile Rd., Royal Oak
248-541-5717
The Detroit Institute of Arts
The DIA features a wide-ranging, high-quality collection with multicultural and multinational scope, from history to modern times, including works from Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Matisse, and Picasso. No one who visits the DIA should miss the Rivera Court, where Diego Rivera’s “Detroit Industry” fresco cycle adorns the walls. Friday nights the museum stays open until 9 p.m. with concerts and activities for kids.
www.dia.org
5200 Woodward Avenue, Detroit
313-833-7900
The Automotive Hall of Fame
The Hall of Fame presents entertaining and enlightening stories of the people who shaped the world-wide automotive industry. Many interactive exhibits, a high-impact video theater, and one-on-one demonstrations are there for you to enjoy.
www.automotivehalloffame.org
21400 Oakwood Boulevard, Dearborn
313-240-4000
The Detroit Historical Museum
Here is your opportunity to stroll through the famous “streets of old Detroit” and experience how people actually lived in the 1840s, 1870s and early 1900s. Permanent exhibits include Frontiers to Factories and Glancy Trains.
www.detroithistorical.org
5401 Woodward Avenue, Detroit
313-833-1805
The Museum of African American History
The world’s largest museum of its kind dedicated to documenting, preserving, and educating the public on the life and culture of African Americans.
The Charles H. Wright Museum
315 E. Warren Ave., Detroit
313-494-5800
The Arab American Museum
The museum collects, documents, and preserves objects that help illustrate the Arab American Experience. The permanent collection includes art, three-dimensional artifacts, documents, personal papers, and photographs that were created by, owned, primarily used by, or that illustrate the Arab American experience. $8. Warning: Rumor has it that proceeds go to disreputable organizations in the Middle East.
www.arabamericanmuseum.org
13624 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn
313-429-2535
The Henry Ford Estate
The estate was the riverside home, powerhouse, laboratories, and gardens of the automotive pioneer Henry Ford and his wife Clara from 1915-1950. Note: Estate closed for renovation, gardens still open.
Henry Ford Estate Fairlane
1 Fair Lane Drive, Dearborn
313-593-5590
Edsel and Eleanor Ford House
Edsel Bryant Ford was the only child of Clara Bryant and Henry Ford, founder of Ford Motor Company. Take a tour of 60-room estate and stroll the grounds.
www.fordhouse.org
1100 Lake Shore Rd., Grosse Pointe Shores
313-884-4222
Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
Visitors of all ages can enjoy more than 250 interactive exhibits, each with a different focus to bring physics, geology, math, music and more to life.
www.aahom.org
220 E. Ann St., Ann Arbor
734-995-5439
Michigan Science Center
It’s a child’s hands-on dream come true. Completely remodeled and reopened in 2001, the science center offers a huge 110,000 square feet of scientific exploration. Located downtown, reciprocal memberships accepted. Formerly the Detroit Science Center.
www.mi-sci.org
Hitsville USA
Detroit is one of the top five cities contributing music artists to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame – 23 Detroit artists/groups have been inducted. At Hitsville visitors can spin back in time with exhibits, costumes and “Studio A” where Motown greats recorded so many hits.
www.motownmuseum.org
2648 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit
313-875-2264
Eastern Market
This market has been serving Detroiters and suburbanites for over 160 years. Fresh produce, meat products, herbs, cheeses, nuts, candies, and condiments are all supplied by retailers and wholesalers spread over a 43-acre area. The market is open Monday through Saturday.
Eastern Market
The Parade Company
Detroit’s Thanksgiving Day Parade a.k.a. America’s Thanksgiving Parade® is one of the country’s largest and most spectacular parades! Every November something magical happens on Detroit’s Woodward Avenue, a holiday tradition dating back to 1924. Take your behind-the-scenes tour of The Parade Company and discover the city’s most hidden treasure. Reservations typically necessary.
www.theparade.org
9500 Mt. Elliott, Studio A; Detroit
313-923-7400
Casinos
MotorCity Casino: www.motorcitycasino.com
Hollywood Casino at Greektown: www.hollywoodgreektown.com
MGM Grand Casino: www.mgmgranddetroit.com
Greektown
With over 20 restaurants, ranging from fine dining to casual and authentic Greek cuisine, Greektown has something for everyone! This high-energy district is located mere steps from the casino, professional sporting arenas, the theatre district, and Michigan’s largest convention centers.
500 Block of Monroe St, Detroit.
Windsor, Ontario
Visit the city across the Detroit River. Enjoy area attractions along with fantastic dining opportunities in Windsor’s Little Italy.
www.citywindsor.ca
Meadow Brook Hall
The 110-room, 88,000 square foot Tudor Revival-style mansion was once the residence of Matilda Dodge Wilson, widow of auto pioneer John Dodge. The manor is complete with vast original collections of art and furnishings. The grounds were designed by noted landscape architect Jen Jensen.
www.meadowbrookhall.org
Oakland University, Rochester
248-364-6200
Shopping
Shopping Malls
Somerset Collection
Includes four major department stores- Macy’s, Nieman Marcus, Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue. The Collection also offers distinctive merchandise and a delightful ambience for all lifestyles.
www.thesomersetcollection.com
2800-2801 W. Big Beaver, Troy
248-643-6360
Twelve Oaks
Includes Nordstrom, JCPenney, and Macy’s along with many other big name stores.
www.shoptwelveoaks.com
27500 Novi Rd., Novi
248-348-9400
Fountain Walk
An outdoor experience where shopping, food and fun come together! Available activities include Putting Edge (Glow-In-The-Dark Mini-Golf), Chuck E. Cheese’s (Family Dining and Fun), Emagine Theatre, Full Throttle Adrenaline Park and more.
12 Mile Crossing at Fountain Walk
44075-44275 W 12 Mile Rd., Novi
248-679-1000
The Village of Rochester Hills
The Village of Rochester Hills provides shoppers with tree lined boulevards, convenient parking and nationally recognized retailers.
thevorh.com
82 N. Adams Rd., Rochester Hills
248-375-9451
Shopping Districts
Berkley
The downtown is pedestrian-friendly, revitalized in 2002 with bricked crosswalks, newly constructed sidewalks, trees and benches. From Coolidge to Greenfield on 12 Mile and between 11 Mile and 12 Mile on Coolidge.
Greater Berkley Chamber of Commerce: www.berkleychamber.com
248-414-9157
Birmingham
Includes an eclectic mix of boutiques, regional and national stores, art galleries, restaurants, coffee shops, bars and movie theaters. N. Old Woodward just south of Oak Street.
Chamber of Commerce: www.bbcc.com
248-644-1700
Farmington
A vital downtown shopping district along with more than 500 acres of open space for use as public parks and athletic facilities. Intersection of Farmington and Grand River.
www.ffhchamber.com
248-473-7276
Northville
A picture-perfect, turn-of-the-century American town with varied retail and businesses. West of I-275, on Main and Center between Seven and Eight Mile.
Northville Chamber of Commerce: www.northville.org
248-349-7640
Plymouth
A historic downtown that includes restaurants, shops and businesses. West of I-275, intersection of Main and Ann Arbor Trail.
Downtown Plymouth
734-455-1453
Rochester
A friendly, family-oriented city filled with shops and restaurants. The city hosts many successful seasonal activities featuring music, food, and art. Plenty of public parks as well. From Diversion to Woodward and Elizabeth to Helen.
Rochester DDA: www.downtownrochestermi.com
248-656-0060
Royal Oak
Includes restaurants, outdoor cafes, clubs, coffee bars, galleries, and specialty shops. Woodward between I-696 and 14 Mile, and downtown centered on Main Street (Livernois) from Lincoln to 11 Mile.
Royal Oak: www.romi.gov
248-246-3280
Physical Activities
Golf
Search for golf courses in Oakland County
Waterford Oaks Water Park
Wave pool. Note: Open summer only.
Waterford Oaks
1702 Scott Lake Rd., Waterford
248-858-0918
Bicycle Motorcross at Waterford Oaks BMX
1702 Scott Lake Road
Between Dixie Highway and Watkins Lake Rd., Waterford
248-858-0915
Waterford Oaks BMX
Climbing at Planet Rock
Fifty-foot walls for beginners and more experienced climbers. Instruction and equipment are available.
1103 W 13 Mile, Madison Heights;
82 Aprill Dr., Ann Arbor; 734-827-2680
www.planet-rock.com
Horseback Riding at Maybury Riding Stables
There are more than 11 miles of trails in a Maybury State Park.
20303 Beck Road, Northville; 734-260-8314
www.mayburyridingstable.com
Labor Day Weekend Happenings
Michigan State Fair
Traditional fair has been discontinued. Reborn.
Detroit Tigers Baseball Game
Comerica Park
2100 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 248-258-4437
Detroit Tigers
Hamtramck Labor Day Festival
It’s all things Polish at this annual fall event including music, food, and drink. Along Joseph Campau
Detroit International Jazz Festival
A great time to see hot jazz acts on six stages on the riverfront, Detroit; 313-887-8501
Detroit Jazz Fest
Arts, Beats & Eats
The streets are overrun with food, art, and big-name music acts. Now in Royal Oak. www.artsbeatseats.com
twoZs.com 