Page 31 - Michigan RV and Campgrounds

Michigan Association of Recreation Vehicles and Campgrounds
MARVAC
Michigan Southeast Region
Road Trip: Historical Detroit • Total Driving Time: 38 minutes • Mileage: 13 miles
There are few places in Michigan with as rich of a history as Detroit. Practically everywhere you turn there is a significant building or landmark with a fascinating backstory. Battles and tumultuous fighting for ownership of the city made up the early 1800s, followed by the American Industrial Revolution, and eventually the flourishing of the auto industry. Sprinkled within these significant events are tales of innovation and cultural influencers.
Go to www.broadwayindetroit.com to see what shows are playing during the time of your visit!
Stop #4. Michigan Central Station
Head south for 3.6 miles to check out Michigan Central Station. This once-bustling train station, massive and stately, met its demise with the rise of the auto industry. For the last few decades the building has been a bit of an eyesore for the city, but recent renovations – over 1,000 windows were replaced – are working to restore some of its former beauty.
● Historical Landmark Nearby: Spirit of Detroit and the Monument to Joe Louis – The Spirit of Detroit and the Monument to Joe Louis are roughly 200 feet apart and are visual reminders of the strength of the city. Be sure to get out of your vehicle and walk to these two sites before you head to Belle Isle.
Stop #5. Belle Isle Park
An island located on the Detroit River is where we’ll end our tour. Belle Isle Park, accessed by the Douglas MacArthur Bridge, is a 982-acre public park full of historic landmarks. Stop by
the Belle Isle Aquarium or the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory. Maybe you’ll spot one of the island’s many species of birds perched in
a tall red oak. Be sure to pick up a Recreation Passport at the island entry booth – $11 a car for Michigan residents, $31 for out-of-state travelers – to drive on the island. For more information on the island, visit www.belleisleconservancy.org.
● Historical Landmark Nearby: James Scott Memorial Fountain – Located on the western end of the island, the James Scott Memorial Fountain is an impressive site. The main bowl
is over 500 feet around and features over 100 different waterspouts, spraying water 40 feet
in the air. Visit the fountain between June and September, when the
water is running,
to witness the
show for yourself.
This driving tour highlights a very small portion of Detroit’s historical buildings and landmarks. These are just a few ideas to get you started. Plan to make multiple visits to the Motor City and make detours as necessary.
Visit www.historicdetroit.org for a more detailed list of places to see and why these sites are important to the city’s past.
Stop #1. Detroit Public Library
Since its doors opened on Woodward Avenue in 1921, the Detroit Public Library has been a prominent fixture in the city. The grand, white marble exterior of this architectural beauty is certainly a sight worth seeing. Housing millions of pieces of literature, hundreds of people walk through the doors daily, borrowing books and using public computers. Grab a novel, relax into a nook, and escape into another world. Visit www. detroitpubliclibrary.org for more information about the library as well as a calendar of events. ● Historical Landmark Nearby: Max Jacob House – Located just a block away from the library, on Cass Avenue, is the Max Jacob House, which now serves as the Wayne State University’s President’s house. A Mediterranean-style mansion that is just as impressive today as it
was in 1915.
Stop #2. Ford Piquette Avenue Plant
Less than a mile away is our next stop, the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant. Also known as the birthplace of the Model T, this three-story brick factory was once a booming production plant. Thanks to the hard work of the Henry Ford
Heritage Association and many volunteers, the building was saved from demolition and pains- takingly restored to its original glory; it is now open to the public for tours and events. Walk on the original plant floor, step inside Henry Ford’s office, and see rare Model T’s on display. For more information on the tour, visit their website www.fordpiquetteavenueplant.org.
● Historical Landmark Nearby: Clara and Henry Ford Home, 140 Edison Avenue – Located just a short distance from the Ford Piquette Plant is one of the Ford’s earlier homes – before they moved to Dearborn. Located in the historical Boston-Edison neighborhood, take a leisurely stroll along the streets where Detroit’s most prominent families of the time resided. Visit www.historicbostonedison.org to download a free walking or driving tour map.
Stop #3. Motown Museum
Founded in 1959 by Berry Gordy, Motown Records brought us some of America’s greatest hits. Tour the studio and learn how it all started. Hitsville, USA is open Tuesday – Sunday, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM. Child and Senior tickets are $10 and Adult tickets are $15. Learn more about the museum and purchase your tickets online by visiting, www.motownmuseum.org.
● Historical Landmark Nearby: Fisher Theatre – Originally opened in 1928 and later renovated in 1961, the Fisher Theatre
is home to Detroit’s Broadway. The deep reds and vibrant golds used throughout the theater work to create a visually royal experience
that rivals that of the performances on stage.
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