This is one of the must see buildings on the historical detriot tourist list! The Guardian Building…read moreis one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. It was completed in 1929 during the city's automotive boom. It is also often referred to as the Cathedral of Finance. It's a breathtaking Art Deco design inside and out. Make sure to take time to appreciate the detail, that makes it so special. The bold colors, the amazing tile work, and vaulted lobby are stunning. It history and beauty makes it so much more than "office building". We lucked out and found street parking but would have paid for a garage. It is absolutely worth stepping inside to look around. Website: www.guardianbuilding.com

It opened in 1929 as the world's tallest masonry structure. It was a cathedral of finance, a 40…read morestory red brick building with green & white accents. The interior is a colorful explosion of marble, mosaic & murals that draws from the Aztec, Art Deco & local influences.

The Fisher Building was completed in 1928 honored with a silver medal in architecture in 1929 by…read morethe Architecture League of New York. Currently, it's an office building with a theater showing Broadway quality shows, and some shops and restaurants on the ground floor. One of the most recognizable sights on Detroit's skyline, the building is also known as "The Golden Tower." The original gold-leaf tiles on the tower were covered with asphalt during WWII for fear of bombing. Following the war the damaged gold tiles were replaced with green terra cotta tiles that are illuminated gold at night.

Sunday, May 17, 2026. Broadway In Detroit - #BroadwayInDetroit - The #FisherTheatre and more! and…read moremore! Detroit. #hamilton I have been planning this moment since I'd been informed that Hamilton was coming back in March -- and I don't think I fully understood the depths of my devotion to making it happen until I saw my mother's face. She had surgery just days before. She couldn't clap too hard. None of that stopped her from being completely, uncontainable, childlike giddy. It is not often that adult children get to see their parents that way -- eyes dancing, joy uncontained. I got to see it Sunday night. The cast -- predominantly Black and brilliant. Culturally, that matters deeply to me and my former Black Panther mother. I want to be clear, however: everyone on that stage gave everything. The dancers. The vocals. The lighting. The set. Collective excellence. That's what live performance does -- it doesn't let you just watch. It makes you witness. And then there's the #FisherBuilding itself. I love theatres. I see grand architecture as art. Every time I enter a building -- big or small -- I stop at the door and take it all in. The Fisher is what I imagine true opulence looks like: 40 kinds of marble, crystal and bronze, green terra cotta tiles, light that gives the whole space a warm, illuminated gold effect -- earning its name as "Detroit's largest art object." The staff moved with the same coordinated energy as the performers. Dennis (Head Usher and my old Detroit Opera House colleague) greeted me with a big hug and put Mommie in her wheelchair with care, walking her straight to dashing security -- who told her she looked like royalty -- an African Queen. Raul was assigned to her for the entire night and showed up like family. The bartenders argued -- warmly, playfully -- over who got to take care of her. And I cannot even discuss all of the examples of kindness from the patrons to me and each other, because this post will be longer than it already is. The usher at the door walked me through my QR code, and managed that entire line with authority and warmth. I told my sisters -- watching our mother's face glow that night, opened something in me I cannot name. I am addicted now. Addicted to chasing that look on their faces. For as long as I have breath and means, I will keep finding ways to put you all in rooms that make your eyes dance. Some nights just settle into you differently. This is one of them. Thank you, Fisher Theatre & Fisher Building for giving me one of those nights.

The Spirit of Detroit isn't just a statue--it's the symbol of the city, and honestly, it hits…read moredifferent when you see it in person. Standing front and center downtown, this massive green figure holds a sphere in one hand and a family in the other, representing God and the people--basically everything Detroit stands for at its core: strength, unity, and community. It's one of the most photographed spots in the city, but it's way more than just a photo op. This is the heart of the 313. What makes it even more special is how connected it is to the people. Whenever Detroit sports teams make a run, you'll see the statue repping jerseys. Big moments, big celebrations, big comebacks--the Spirit of Detroit is always part of it. It's not just watching the city grow, it's growing with it. There's also so much history behind it. Installed in 1958, this piece has stood through every chapter of Detroit's story--the highs, the struggles, and the comeback. And through it all, it's remained a constant reminder of what the city stands for. You don't just look at it--you feel what it represents. The location makes it even better. Right near Woodward, surrounded by the movement of downtown, it feels alive. People gathering, taking pictures, passing by--it's always part of the action, just like Detroit itself. But more than anything, it's the pride. Real Detroit pride. The kind you can't fake. The Spirit of Detroit represents resilience, hustle, and heart--the things that make this city what it is. If you're in Detroit, you have to stop here. Not just for the picture, but for the feeling. This isn't just a statue--it's Detroit in its purest form. 313 forever.

This muscular man near the Detroit River is the Spirit of Detroit. It is cast bronze with a green…read morepatina that could be copper but isn't. He's 26 feet tall and was dedicated in 1958. At the time, it was the largest cast bronze statue since the Renaissance. In his left hand, he's holding a gilded sphere radiating rays, symbolizing divinity. In his right hand, a family, representing human relationships. Behind him, the marble wall is a quote from 2 Corinthians 3:17, "Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." He seems to get a few people posing in front of him, mimicking his style and pose. I opted not to do that and waited to get clear pictures. [Review 699 of 2025 - 406 in Michigan - 24260 overall]

Wow. Detroit is back!!! An eyesore for years - what an amazing transformation of this classic…read moretrain station. Easy to park close to the station. The interior is stunning!!! Has a few shops. Super comfortable seating with free wifi where you can just relax on a lazy rainy weekend. Rumour has it it may become Detroits main train station in the future for Amtrak!!!

Last Friday, I braved the cold and attended the inaugural Fridays at the Station event. It was…read moreabsolutely phenomenal! Being the first of the series, I went in tempered expectations. It was staffed well, and they were very friendly, attentive, and accommodating. I was happy to see plenty of seating available. They even brought out more throughout the evening as the crowd grew. There were 2 food vendors and a bar available. But the music was in the driver's seat. Detroit House Collective and Sean Blackman were the perfect compliments to each other. I had planned to only stay for half of the time. But I found myself having such a great time that I decided to stay and dance the night away. Can't wait to enjoy the upcoming dates.

I saw the huge black fist sculpture & after reading another one of Bruce's informative reviews…read moreunderstand it's a tribute to the boxer Joe Lewis. This monument represents the power of Lewis' punch both inside & outside the ring. Because of Louis' efforts to fight Jim Crow laws, the fist was symbolically intended as a statement against racism.

"The Fist" is a sculpture tribute to the great legendary boxer Joe Louis, well known as the "Brown…read moreBomber." A gift from the Sports Illustrated magazine to the people of the City of Detroit, it was installed near Hart Plaza in 1986. The 24-foot-long bronze forearm and clenched fist is suspended from a 24-foot-high pyramidal frame and weights an amazing 8000 pounds! Joe Louis was World Heavyweight Champion from 1937 to 1949. His 1938 victory over German boxer Max Schmeling was seen as a symbolic blow to Nazi ideology. There might be other "Fist" monuments in the world. This one is the best. [Round number review 700 of 2025 - 407 in Michigan - 24261 overall]

This plaza is dedicated to Philip Hart, the senator for Michigan. This 14-acre plaza opened in…read more1975 and has a capacity for about 40,000 people. At the center of the It is in downtown Detroit, along the river where Antoine Laumet de La Mothe, sieur de Cadillac landed in 1701 when he founded Fort Pontchartrain du Détroit, the settlement that became Detroit. It was quiet & looked clean on a Thursday afternoon except for the men that were passed out on benches.

Hart Plaza has a Stargate! Not really. It's the Transcending Monument, a powerful tribute to…read moreMichigan's labor movement designed by artist David Barr and architect Sergio De Giusti. The plaza is located next to the iconic GM Renaissance Center and is the site where Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac landed in 1701, founding Fort Pontchartrain du Détroit - the settlement that eventually grew to become the City of Detroit. The site was a bustling waterfront hub filled with docks, warehouses, and ferry terminals until the mid-20th century. In the 1970's, it was reopened as this mixed concrete and grass plaza that serves as a central spot for Detroit's festivals and gatherings. I was here around the time of the Independence Day fireworks display so it was crowded and busy and interesting. Several other monuments here that are worth seeing including the Cadillac Statue, the Horace E. Dodge and Son Memorial Fountain and the Gateway to Freedom Memorial. [Review 701 of 2025 - 408 in Michigan - 24262 overall]

Okay, quick. Without asking the Internet, name five brands of tires…read more This was my list: Michelin, Firestone, Pirelli, Goodyear, Continental. How did you do? Was Uniroyal on your list? Uniroyal was founded 1892 as the United States Rubber Company in Connecticut as part of the merger of nine separate companies which was one of the biggest corporate consolidations at the time. They became a major supplier for General Motors as an OEM manufacturer. In 1985, Uniroyal merged its tire operations with B.F. Goodrich, forming the Uniroyal Goodrich Tire Company and they were later acquired by Michelin in 1990, ending its run as an independent company. And I can't remember ever having a Uniroyal on my many vehicles. The Uniroyal Giant Tire was built for the 1964 New York World's Fair as a Ferris wheel styled structure. It was moved here to Allen Park and remains a symbol of their legacy. You can't miss it just off I-94. [Review 680 of 2025 - 388 in Michigan - 24241 overall]

If you're driving into Detroit- you can't miss the tire!…read more It's large and right along the highway. You can't get too close, as it lines the highway but also has a fence around the base of it. We didn't make a special trip to visit the tire but just acknowledged it's existence and size.

The Ambassador Bridge connects Detroit, Michigan to Windsor Ontario, Canada. It's the second time…read morethat I have been on this bridge and you get a great view of the skyline. It's a nice and smooth ride while you're on the bridge. They check passports entering Canada and coming back into the US. It's a $9 toll each way for using the bridge. Upon leaving Canada they have a duty free store at the border. I didn't find things that were that cheap. I did pick up a candy bar. Last time, I got myself a perfume.

I've never done the Ambassador Bridge before but have always wanted to since I moved back to…read moreDetroit. It's a long standing part of the Detroit skyline and I finally got to cross it yesterday. The ride was smooth but let me tell you, they have barricades up and it can be slightly confusing as to where to go. I almost followed two trucks to the truck zone! The customs agents are fine and they have a border shop on the Canadian side for purchases of alcohol, purses, jewelry and other items. I think it's all tax free! I love the skyline view when crossing the bridge because you can see the rencen and the updated train station that was reopened over the summer. You can pay cash when entering the US, which is weird because going through the tunnel on the way to the border you could only pay by card. I also enjoyed the large Canadian and American flags huge from above to show which country you're in.

Honestly thought this place was going to be interesting and fun but it was very small located in…read morethe heart of Hamtramck and very unique but could tell they had kind of let the place fall apart. But still a experience at least stop by and see for yourself. Does have a strong artistic vibe.

Hamtramck ain't really the best neighborhood. Nonetheless, it's an opportunity for folks to learn…read moremore. They've got the Disneyland art installation that's def worth seeing. My GPS led me right in front of the house. Head out back. It stretches only across two backyards. You'll see lots of random things, like an old TV, the top half of a mannequin, paintings, an airplane, etc. Not sure what it all means. At the end of the day, we could invest more in neighborhoods like this.

The National Theatre is the only survivor from Detroit's first theater district and the only…read moretheater known to be designed by renowned architect Albert Kahn. The National opened Sept. 16, 1911, as a vaudeville house. Its exterior is a Baroque-Moorish-Beaux-Arts hybrid with a Moroccan or Egyptian flavor. There isn't anything else like it in the city's friendly confines. It's been a long, crazy road for the National, from vaudeville to movies to burlesque to porn to abandonment. There have been several plans pitched to save this neglected gem. Fortunately, it was spared from demolition with the rest of the Monroe Block about 25 years ago. The Civil War-era buildings that lined Monroe have sat undeveloped and vacant ever since. Still, without a developer with a vision, it's likely the National will continue to fall into even greater disrepair and Detroit will lose an irreplaceable piece of its past. For more on the National: http://buildingsofdetroit.com/places/national