20 things to do in Detroit that are not Downtown

By Metro Times editorial staff on Fri, Nov 11, 2016 at 8:52 pm

The narrative in Detroit lately is how great Downtown is — and it totally is! There are new restaurants and bars popping up, weird 10-person bicycle bars that you can get drunk on, and endless amounts of concert venues and sports arenas. But Detroit has always been awesome, especially areas that are not downtown. So here is a list of 20 fun, educational, and exciting things to do in Detroit in some of its other neighborhoods.

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Michigan Science Center
5020 John R St, Detroit
313-577-8400
If your kids are bored on a rainy Saturday afternoon, then taking the to the Michigan Science Center is a fantastic way to cure the boredom and educate those little minds. The planetarium is badass, and they always have new exhibits.
photo via IG user @camera_jesus

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Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
315 E Warren Ave, Detroit, MI
313-494-5800
Another amazing museum in Detroit that celebrates the heritage of the city. They always have awesome exhibitions that explore black identity, and public speakers and performances that are entertaining and very informative.
photo via IG user @artbywak

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El Club
4114 Vernor Hwy, Detroit
Located right in Mexicantown, El Club is one of Detroit’s newest venues, and man do they know how to book a band. The shows are usually on the cheap side, and luckily so are the drinks. They also host Latin nights every so often to celebrate the heritage of the Southwest neighborhood. They also have really great food, too.
photo via IG user @brettmorrismusic

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Bumbo’s
3001 Holbrook Ave, Hamtramck
313-285-8239
One of our favorite dive bars in Detroit, Bumbo’s has become a weird hangout for artists in Detroit to gather at with lots and lots of beer.
Photo via IG user @deargolden

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Planet Ant
2357 Caniff St, Hamtramck
313-365-4948
If you need a good laugh (and boy, don’t we all) then please see a show at the Planet Ant theatre in Hamtramck. There are fantastic shows happening all the time, and they even have a training center for comedians that don’t know they are comedians yet.
Photo via @hotpicofjames

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Palmer Park
910 Merrill Plaisance St, Detroit No better way to spend a beautiful weekend afternoon than in Palmer Park. Bring a blanket, a lunch, and relax.
Photo via IG user @inohssivad

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Atwater Brewery
237 Jos Campau, Detroit
313-877-9205
They brew some of the best beer in town, and they have delicious food, too. They also have a spot in Grosse Pointe, and Grand Rapids. The spot in Detroit is a great place to spend a Saturday afternoon. Plus, they have a great trivia night on Monday’s hosted by BLAC’s Editor, Aaron Foley.
Photo via IG user @jstem03

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Eastern Market
2934 Russell St, Detroit
When you really want to shop local, this is the best place to do it. Even going through the sheds alone will fill an afternoon of shopping and fun.
Photo via IG user @maureenabood

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Bar Crawl in Corktown
Michigan Ave, Detroit
Corktown has some of the best bars in Detroit, and most of them happen to be on one street. You can hit up UFO Factory, McShane’s, Nemo’s, P.J’s, Nancy Whiskey, and so many more.Mbr> Photo via IG user @theonethird

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Well Done Goods
1440 Gratiot Ave, Detroit
313-404-2053
From the minds behind Cyberoptix, the funky tie designs, Well Done Goods just opened in the Eastern Market and they are selling way more than just ties. The store features men and women’s accessories, as well as pillows and vintage trinkets.
Photo via IG user @welldonegoods

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Detroit Public Library
5201 Woodward Ave, Detroit
There are a couple public libraries in Detroit, and they are all marvelous. Tons of books, history, and a quiet space for reflection.
Photo via IG user @2amandawake

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City Sculpture Park
Corner lot on Alexandrine Street at Lodge Service Drive
Artist Robert Sestok created 29 welded steel structures in a corner lot near the Cass Corridor and they are truly remarkable. Each structure is unique in its own way, yet they tell a very interesting story.
MT photo.

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Krakus
12900 Joseph Campau Ave, Detroit
313-368-4848
The hidden gem on Polish food in Hamtramck. Yes, the Polish Village Café is more well-known, but Krakus is equally as tasty, and the wait to eat at the joint is nothing compared to the others. You’ll impress your friends when you take them to eat here.
MT photo

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DIA
5200 Woodward Ave, Detroit
313-833-7900
Most metro Detroiters have probably been to the DIA, but it’s a great place to take an out-of-towner who is visiting you. And there is something there for everyone: paintings, sculptures, photography, amazing exhibitions, and a nice little bar in Kresge Court.
Photo via Instagram.

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Elmwood Cemetery
1200 Elmwood St, Detroit
313-567-3453
Going to a cemetery may not be for everyone, but during the light of the day they can be super peaceful and beautiful The Elmwood Cemetery is one of Detroit’s most special cemetery’s with the likes of Fred ‘Sonic” Smith and Coleman Young.
Photo via @elsuperbob

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Henry Ford Museum
20900 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn
313-982-6001
So this is technically in Dearborn, but it’s a museum that you must check off your bucket list. Not only is it super fascinating to see the history of the cars, but you learn a ton about the Ford family themselves.
Photo via IG user @therealriteshsharma

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Germack
2509 Russell St, Detroit
313-566-0062
Germack may be known as the nut store in the Eastern Market, but man do they have so much more. Delicious coffees, treats, and yummy chocolate.
Photo via @thanks4beingthere

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Dabl’s Gallery
6559 Grand River Ave, Detroit
313-898-3007
The artist Dabl created an outdoor museum that is truly remarkable and beautiful. Celebrating African culture, the museum is full of sculptures and art installations that draw visitors from all over the world, including Quentin Tarantino. Dabl also has an amazing collection of African beads, too that are on display.
MT photo

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Mexicantown Bakery
4300 Vernor Hwy, Detroit
313-554-0001
The deliciousness that comes out of the Mexicantown Bakery is like nothing you've ever experienced. The breads, sweets, everything.

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Motor City Brewery Works
470 W. Canfield St, Detroit
313-832-2700 If you haven’t tried the Ghettoblaster beer than you truly haven’t lived. Oh, and they have amazing pizza. What are you waiting for?

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