Detroit Travel Guide

Detroit's population has fallen below the 1,000,000 mark to 970,000, 48 percent below its 1950 peak of 1,850,000. It is now the 11th largest city in the United States. From 1905 to 1924 immigrants rushed to Detroit, making it one of the most diverse cities in the Midwest. Detroit is home to more Arab-Americans than any other city in the United States. It also has a high population of African-Americans, Albanians, Belgians, Maltese, and Poles. Mayor Dennis Archer replaced the combative Colman Young in 1994 and has helped the city start its revival in housing, commerce and arts. Detroit celebrated its 300th year aniversery in 2001. The current Mayor, Kwame M. Kilpatrick has picked up where Archer left off.

Mayor Kilpatrick is the youngest mayor in the history of the City of Detroit. Before his election as mayor, Kilpatrick was the first African American in the history of Michigan to lead any party in the Legislature. Serving as the Leader of the Democratic Caucus, Kilpatrick has earned praise from across the state for his ability to form coalitions to get things done.

Detroit is the automotive capital of the world and the auto industry continues to dominate the city's economy. Many of the attractions in and around Detroit have to do with the role Detroit plays in the car manufacturing industry. In Dearborn visitors can find the Automotive Hall of Fame and the Henry Ford Museum, while Flint has the Sloan Museum with its many historic automobiles.

Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village and IMAX Theatre (now called "The Henry Ford") is a great place to spend a summer day! Start off in The Henry Ford Museum and take a look at America's cultural history, from JFK's limo, the chair Lincoln was shot in, the bus Rosa Parks refused to move to the back in, as well as other artifacts of Americana. Then move on to Greenfield Village and step into the past. Visit period homes moved from across the US to Dearborn. Homes like Daniel Webster's residence, Thomas Edison's laboratory, Henry Ford's birthplace, The Wright Brother's workshop, and more are all here for you to explore. Also, the village contains a real, working, farm tooled with period farming impliments and workmanship. In the evening, catch a movie in Detroit's only 3-story IMAX screen.

Detroit has a fascinating cultural scene as well. The Detroit Institute of Arts is one of the world's top art museums. Medieval suits of armor line the hallway that leads to Diego Rivera's stunning mural that encompasses the main gallery. Other popular Detroit attractions include the Hart Plaza, Renaissance Center, Cobo Hall, Greektown & Trappers Alley, Eastern Market, Fox Theater, Museum of African American History, the New Detroit Science Center, The Henry Ford, State Theate, three different casinos, Comerica Park, Ford Field, and Indian Village.