39 Detroit Facts That Will Inspire You To Visit This City

Situated in the state of Michigan, Detroit is a major city that everyone must visit if they happen to be around.

North of Lake Erie, Detroit is a magnificent metropolitan city that once attracted many tourists from across the world. It spans 142 sq mi (370 sq km) and has an average elevation of 656 ft (200 m) above sea level. 

Climate In Detroit

The climate in Detroit varies widely and is slightly unstable.

Located in the Great Lakes region, the climate in this place varies from chilly, cold winters to hot, summer days.

Summers in Detroit are usually hot and sunny. They are frequented by thunderstorms in the afternoon.

July and August happen to be the hottest months, with temperatures as high as 83°F (28.3°C).

During these summer days in Detroit, remember to stay hydrated and carry bottles of water wherever you go. 

During winters, the temperature can drop down as far as 31°F (-0.5°C), with January being the coldest month.

The days are short, cold, and snowy, with heavy snowfalls occurring during the wintery nights.

Plan a visit to Detroit during May and September when the city, especially Downtown Detroit, is bustling with activities.

During these months you get to experience the spring and fall season, which makes it the best time to soak in the beauty of nature.

Economy Of Detroit

Being the largest city in Michigan, Detroit plays a crucial role in increasing the national ranking of Michigan in various fields, including advanced manufacturing, life sciences, medical sector, and IT.

When it comes to high-tech employment, Michigan holds fourth place in America, with the majority employed in the auto industry. 

The automobile industry makes up most of the economy in Detroit.

Even after losing around 40% of manufacturing jobs during the '80s, it still reigns as the leading industry giving its nickname 'Motor City.'

Detroit also boasts of what is America's oldest known soda called Vernor’s Ginger Ale.

Though this place faces an unemployment rate of more than 9%, the job market witnessed an increase of 0.7% during the last few years. The job market is expected to rise in the upcoming years.

History & Culture Of Detroit

The history and culture of Detroit have long been colorful and industrially friendly. Here are some insights.

In 1701, the French colonist, Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac, founded this region and named it Detroit, meaning 'strait' in French.

During the 19th century the city expanded and became a significant industrial hub with settlers residing around the Great Lakes region.

The booming automotive industry and immigration during the 20th century made Detroit a world-class industrial powerhouse in the U.S.

In addition to that, this motor city is also known as a major cultural center due to its impressive contributions in the field of architecture, design, art, and music.

Mixing Vernor's Ginger Ale with ice cream creates the popular Boston Cooler: a drink named after a Detroit boulevard and not a Massachusetts city.

Backed by both international and local influence, the city's diverse culture, especially in music, has given rise to various genres, including techno music.

Tourist Attractions In Detroit

Here is a quick peek into a few of the best attractions that this populous city has to offer.

From a wide range of eateries to world-class museums, this culturally inspired town is one of the best places in America to visit and explore.

Detroit is a city that echoes a past infused with modernization.

The Henry Ford is a large historical museum situated within the suburbs of Detroit City.

The museum contains collections of presidential limousines and numerous other significant historical exhibits.

The Detroit Institute of Arts has one of the most significant art collections and spans over 658,000 sq ft (61130 sq m) with more than 100 galleries.

Belle Isle Park is an island park located in the center of the Detroit River.

Covering an area of around 1000 acres (405 ha), it is home to the Belle Isle Nature Center, the Belle Isle Aquarium, the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, a municipal golf course, the Belle Isle Conservatory, and various other attractions. 

The Marriott hotel located at the Renaissance Center is the tallest hotel in this locality. 

Detroit River is a strait that connects Lake Erie to Lake St. Clair. 

The Detroit salt mine covers large acres of land and is operated by the Detroit salt company. 

Midtown is the best place for professionals as you will find Wayne State University, Cultural Center, Avalon International Breads, and the Detroit Medical Center.

Detroit is fondly called the 'Motor City' for many good reasons. It is home to the world’s first urban freeway, the first-ever four-way three-color traffic light, and even the first long mile of concrete highway.

The Detroit Zoo lies towards the north of the Detroit area and displays naturalistic exhibits. This makes Detroit Zoo a haven for more than 235 species.

The Museum of African-American History by Charles H. Wright showcases the historical role and position of the black community in Detroit city.

Besides exhibits, this historic museum hosts many events that focus on various issues.

Detroit also has the largest island park in the U.S.! This 982 acre (397 ha) park called Belle Isle Park boasts a museum, baseball fields, basketball courts, and a golf course.

Woodward Avenue, otherwise known as 'Michigan-1' or 'M-1,' is a south-north state trunkline highway located across the Metro Detroit area in Michigan.

This very highway is also known as 'Detroit's Main Street,' and runs from north-northwestern Detroit and heads to Pontiac.

Detroit is easily the most populous city in Michigan, with more than 5 million people calling it home.

Incredible innovations and shadows of disappointment from the past have made their marks on this iconic city.

FAQs

What are the tourist attractions in Detroit?

Located in downtown Detroit, the Fox Theatre is an incredible arts center with a seating capacity of more than 5000, making it the largest theater in the region.

Is Detroit a safe area?

Detroit is considered safe to visit for tourists; however, it's best to avoid specific neighborhoods where the crime rate is high. Drivers are advised to stick to major roads to prevent the danger of carjacking.

Also, tourists must avoid taking public transportation at night to avoid violent crimes. There aren't many concerns regarding natural disaster risks, but you need to be careful about scams while visiting famous tourist destinations.

Is Detroit a dying city?

Recent reports claim that population decline resulted in fiscal problems caused due to the loss of revenue and tax base. Yet, it is still on the road to recovery, battling against some of the ongoing problems such as violent crimes, poverty, drugs, and shootings.

What food is Detroit known for?

Being the birthplace of many culinary creations, Detroit is known for cooking and coming up with plenty of amazing foods that give a taste of its culture. Some iconic foods like Coney dogs, Dinty Moore sandwich, Detroit-style pizza, and Double-Baked Rye Bread have garnered national attention and happen to be a must-eat if you visit this city.

Why did Detroit go downhill?

It was found that the elected officials and those in charge did not manage finances properly. The poor political and economic decisions resulted in financial ruin of the city, which could have been prevented. This resulted in a huge exit of the population to neighboring states, thus disrupting tax revenues. 

What are some fun facts about Detroit?

Detroit ranks first in the U.S. when it comes to potato chip consumption.

This iconic city has the most registered bowlers in America.

What is the city of Detroit known for?

Detroit is popularly known as the historic district and center of the American automobile industry. Also, the primary three automobile manufacturers: Ford, Stellantis North America, and General Motors have their headquarters in Detroit.

How old is Detroit?

Detroit, the largest metropolitan city in Michigan, was founded by French colonists on July 24, 1701, and was later incorporated on September 13, 1806.

Is Detroit poor?

In recent decades, this motor city has gone through a major demographic and economic decline, with corruption crumbling the overall infrastructure of Detroit. Furthermore, the poor state of the city arises due to the ongoing battle between the State of Michigan, The Detroit City Council, the Mayor of Detroit, and Wayne County as to whom should run this city.