Detroit is a great city to explore, with plenty of exciting places to visit. Michigan has some incredible scenery, too, and offers a lot of opportunities for outdoor activities. If you’re planning on driving to Detroit and Michigan, here are some things the locals take for granted but you need to know.
Before You Head Out On Your Winter Road Trip
Before you hit the road this winter, make sure your car is in good condition. Get a tune-up and oil change to help your engine run smoothly, and check your tires to ensure they have enough tread.
You should also check your car insurance policy to ensure that you have the coverage you need should you end up in an accident caused by winter weather. Liability for car insurance online covers the damage caused to others, so if you want insurance coverage for your own vehicle, then consider upgrading to comprehensive coverage.
You should also pack an emergency kit with items like a first-aid kit, jumper cables, and a shovel. And don’t forget the snacks! A long road trip can be hungry work, so make sure you have plenty of snacks and drinks to keep you going.
Things To Know If You’re Driving To Detroit
Driving to Detroit is an exciting adventure! There are a few things you should know before you begin your journey.
- Be sure to have a map of the area or use an app like Google Maps or Waze. The city was laid out after a massive fire in 1805. The hub and spoke concept is much like Washington, DC. However city can be confusing, and you don’t want to get lost.
- If you see a mile road, that indicates, albeit roughly, the number of miles away you are from the city center. Thus 8-mile road, Detroit’s city limits, is eight miles away from downtown.
- Be aware of the traffic patterns. Rush hour starts early when most of the auto plants start at 6 am and let out at about 3 pm and lasts until 7 pm. It can be very busy, so plan your route accordingly.
- Woodward Avenue splits the city into the east and west sides. Woodward was placed over the Saginaw Trail, an ancient Native American Indian trail that extended from downtown to Pontiac and then to the native villages clustered around Saginaw. Woodward Avenue is also home to the annual Dream Cruise of classic cars held each summer.
- If you want to get somewhere quickly, use the Interstate highways rather than the side streets. I-75 heads northwest, while I-96 heads east and west. I-94 gets you out to the Detroit Metro Airport and on to Chicago.
- If you want to go to Canada, here is a surprise. Windsor is south of Detroit!
Detroit Outdoor Activities For Family Fun
If you’re headed out on a road trip and looking for activities to keep the family busy, there are some great Detroit outdoor activities that everyone is sure to love. There are numerous parks and trails to explore, and the Detroit River provides a beautiful backdrop for many activities.
Kayaking On The Detroit River
The Detroit River is one of the most popular spots in Detroit for kayaking. With its scenic views, diverse wildlife, and opportunity to explore, this activity is perfect for those looking for a little adventure.
There are multiple places along the river where you can rent kayaks and all necessary equipment or take part in guided tours if you don’t feel comfortable exploring alone. You may even spot some of the famous freighter ships that sail up and down the river!
Hiking & Biking Through Belle Isle Park
Belle Isle Park is a 982-acre island park located in the middle of the Detroit River. It offers plenty of trails that are perfect for biking or hiking—depending on how adventurous your family wants to be!
Don’t forget to check out some of the park’s highlights including the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, Aquarium, Nature Center, Great Lakes Museum, and Dossin Great Lakes Museum. Or just relax with a picnic lunch in one of its many grassy areas while admiring beautiful views of Canada across the river.
TreeRunner Adventure Park
At TreeRunner Adventure Park in West Bloomfield, there is something fun for everyone! The park features 45 zip lines, four difficulty levels, and 14 different aerial trails ranging from beginner-level easy lines to more advanced ones that will get your adrenaline pumping!
In addition to zip lining, they also have a variety of other activities such as mini golf for younger kids that will provide hours of entertainment. No matter what kind of adventure you’re looking for, TreeRunner Adventure Park has it all!
Whether you want an exciting adventure or just want to relax outdoors with your family, Detroit has something for everyone.
Visit Surrounding Cities While You’re In The Detroit Area
There are plenty of great cities near Detroit to visit while you’re in the area. For example, Lansing, Michigan’s capital city is just an hour away. There’s plenty to see and do there, from exploring the state capitol building to walking through the beautiful parks and museums.
Ann Arbor is only a short drive from Detroit if you’re looking for a city with a more lively nightlife. This college town has a great music scene, with plenty of bars and clubs to enjoy.
And of course, no trip to Michigan would be complete without visiting its largest city, Chicago. Just a few hours from Detroit, this metropolis offers endless things to see and do, from shopping on Michigan Avenue to exploring world-class museums like the Art Institute of Chicago.
Whatever your interests may be, there’s sure to be something in the cities near Detroit for you to visit.
Is Detroit A Safe City To Visit At Night?
Is downtown Detroit safe at night is an often-asked question. The quick answer is that it is as safe as any other big city. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when exploring downtown Detroit at night.
- First, stick to well-lit areas and avoid dark alleyways.
- The areas around Campus Martis, Hart Plaza, Greek Town, and New Center tend to be safe and well-patrolled by police and private security.
- In large crowds, it is best not to carry a purse or backpack
- Second, be aware of your surroundings and don’t leave your drink unattended.
- Finally, trust your gut; if something feels off, it’s probably best to head back to your hotel or car.
With a little extra attention to your surroundings, you can enjoy all that downtown Detroit has to offer after dark.
Things To Know When Driving To Michigan
If you’re planning a road trip to Michigan, there are a few things you should know before you hit the open road.
Photo from Unsplash
- The state is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, from the beaches of Lake Michigan to the forests of the Upper Peninsula.
- Michigan is home to a variety of attractions, from world-renowned museums to family-friendly amusement parks.
- Michigan is a great place to enjoy a variety of activities, from hiking and camping to fishing and kayaking.
So whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an action-packed adventure, Michigan has something to offer everyone.
What Are The Best Michigan Roadside Attractions To Look Out For On My Road Trip?
Michigan is known for its picturesque scenery, and there are plenty of Michigan roadside attractions to enjoy on a road trip.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
If you’re looking to take in some stunning scenery, then Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is the place to go. This spectacular stretch of coastline along Lake Superior is full of stunning rock formations and breathtaking views. From boat tours and fishing trips to hikes and kayak trips, there’s something here for everyone.
The Henry Ford Museum
If you’re interested in exploring America’s industrial heritage, then don’t miss the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn. This remarkable museum houses some of the most iconic artifacts from American history including the Wright Brothers’ plane and President Lincoln’s limousine as well as interactive exhibits that allow visitors to experience life during different eras.
Mackinac Island
No visit to Michigan would be complete without a visit to one of Michigan’s beaches, Mackinac Island. This idyllic island off the coast of Michigan has been drawing visitors since the 19th century thanks to its pristine beaches, charming Victorian-era buildings, and car-free streets. Spend the day exploring Fort Mackinac or take a horse-drawn carriage tour around town—the choice is yours!
Visiting Michigan in Winter
Looking for somewhere to escape the cold this winter? Michigan winter getaways are a great place to start your research, with plenty of activities to keep you busy no matter what your interests are.
Photo from Pixabay
If you’re looking for a romantic getaway, why not cozy up in a cabin in the woods? Or if you’re looking to hit the slopes, there are several ski resorts within driving distance.
And of course, there’s always the option of exploring one of Michigan’s many charming towns and cities. Wherever you decide to go, you’re sure to find plenty to do in Michigan this winter!
Detroit and Michigan are beautiful destinations any time of year, but they really come alive during the winter months. Whether you’re looking for an adventure in the snow or a relaxing escape from the cold, Detroit and Michigan have something to offer everyone.
With everything from picturesque lakeshore views to world-famous museums and car-free islands, you’ll find plenty of unique experiences to enjoy during a winter road trip in Michigan. So why not plan your next getaway today?
