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Midwest Discoverers 2020 Spring Rally Planning Things to do in Area Contents Visit the Belle Isle Island ...... 3 See the Detroit Temple ...... 4 Be a bookworm in the ...... 5 Immerse yourself in the history of ...... 6 Get clued up on the city of Detroit ...... 7 Witness the rise of technology in the ...... 8 Step back in time to visit Greenfield Village ...... 9 Learn about African Americans within the city of Detroit ...... 10 Get arty at Pewabic ...... 11 Get funky at the Motown Museum ...... 12 Big Three – GM HQ / Renaissance Centre / Glass House ...... 13 Enter a Tiger’s Lair (or a Lion’s Den) (or a Hawk’s nest) (or a Piston’s cylinder?) ...... 16 Appreciate a varied collection of art in the Detroit Institute of Arts ...... 17 Go Antique Shopping ...... 18 Be a big kid at the Morley Candy Factory ...... 19 Watch a movie in the New Centre Park ...... 20 Learn about beads and more ...... 21 Discover the story of Arab Americans (and food) ...... 22 Tour the ...... 23 Visit Belle Isle and the ...... 24 See the animals of the world in one place ...... 25 Cruise with Diamond Jack or Detroit Princess ...... 26 Eat a Coney Dog ...... 27 Eat Greek ...... 28 Motown and Greentown Casinos ...... 29 Eastern Market ...... 29 The People Mover and Detroit waterfront ...... 30 Mexican Town ...... 30 Fox Theater ...... 30 Breweries ...... 31 The ...... 31 Some of the best bars in the US ...... 31 Go vinyl shopping ...... 32 The Rattlesnake Club ...... 32 The Whitney ...... 32 Metropolitan Building/ Building/Shinola Hotel ...... 33 Campus Martius ...... 34 Dequindre Cut ...... 35 See a Relic – St. Agnes ...... 36 Other obscure things to do in Detroit – Atlas Obscura ...... 37

Visit the Belle Isle Island

Belle Isle Conservatory

Situated in the , Belle Isle is a relatively small island measuring about 3 miles in length and only a mile wide, there is however plenty to keep visitors to the island entertained. The parkland on the island is stunning and is a great pace for hikers to enjoy a long walk, the island also has facilities for a number of other sports.

After enjoying the terrain and the scenery, why not visit the island aquarium or the Great Lake Museum which features models and other artifacts to explore the history of commercial shipping on the Great Lakes. See the Detroit Temple

Masonic Temple

The Detroit is visually impressive. It is the largest of its kind in the world and is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the .

The temple, which is located on Temple Avenue and built from fine Indiana limestone, has three main areas to explore: the ritualistic tower, the so-called Shrine Club and the auditorium.

The temple is presently used for hosting concerts and other events. Be a bookworm in the Detroit Public Library

Detroit Public Library

When the Detroit Public Library first opened its doors in 1865 its collection consisted of 5,000 books, all of which were contained in a room within the old Capital High School building.

The library has now moved and did so almost a century ago in 1921. Since then it has been the one of the prides of Detroit and a popular tourist attraction.

The Library is home to a staggering number of books but the main reason to visit is the building itself, which is as impressive inside at is it imposing outside. Detroit Public Library is rightfully listed on the United States National Register of Historic Places. Immerse yourself in the history of Fort Wayne

Source: flickr

Fort Wayne Officers’ Row

Fort Wayne can be found in West Jefferson and, dating back to 1840, is rightfully named Historic Fort Wayne.

A tour of the site includes exploring the old military barracks, dry moat and tunnel as well as the impressive parade ground and the long stone building which was once the Commanding Officer’s House.

Throughout the year a number of events are held at the fort, particularly in the summer months. Get clued up on the city of Detroit

Detroit Historical Museum

Detroit has had an eventful history and played an important part in the industrial age in the United States.

The perfect place to learn about this history, and other defining events within the city, is the Detroit Historical Museum.

The Museum is situated on Woodward Avenue opposite the Detroit Institute of Arts and features accurate models of old Detroit railways and streets as well as different exhibitions from various periods throughout the city’s history. Witness the rise of technology in Museum

Henry Ford Museum

The Henry Ford Museum, although not entirely focused on Ford himself is still very aptly named as it focuses on the technological and industrial inventions and achievements of the United States throughout history.

Some of the most notable exhibits within the museum are the very first steam , built in 1829 by George Stephenson, the in which John F Kennedy was assassinated and of course the first ever Ford car. Step back in time to visit Greenfield Village

Greenfield Village

Technically part of the Henry Ford museum but deserving of its own mention, the Greenfield Village in Detroit is a unique experience and certainly a must-visit attraction when visiting the city of Detroit.

Located near the Henry Ford Museum on Oakwood Boulevard, the museum houses almost 100 historic buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries in an open air museum environment.

The buildings within the museum are from various places throughout the United States and have been rebuilt in Greenfield.

The most notable buildings include the building in which Henry Ford was born and the bicycle factory of the pioneering Learn about African Americans within the city of Detroit

Museum of African-American History

The Museum of African-American History tells the story of blacks within the city of Detroit and the state of .

The museum has a wide range of exhibits from various periods throughout history. One of the most memorable exhibits is the underground railway that gave slaves a means of escape from Michigan to Canada. Get arty at

Source: flickr

Pewabic Pottery

Founded in 1903 by Mary CP Stratton and , Pewabic Pottery ran successfully for almost 60 years until the death of Stratton in 1961.

Today Pewabic Pottery is a great place to learn about the history of ceramics in Detroit and the United States as well as viewing the impressive gallery workshop and maybe even trying your hand at making your own piece. Get funky at the Motown Museum

Motown Museum

This small museum on West Grand Boulevard packs in a lot of history. Between the years of 1957 and 1972 Motown records were produced here and the studio was home to many a legend including Marvin Gaye who recorded a number of hits here.

The museum itself pays homage to the founder of the studio as well as telling the story of the Motown genre and the artists that made it so popular. Big Three – GM HQ / Renaissance Centre / Glass House

GM HQ / Renaissance Centre

Although there are many impressive and large skyscrapers lining the river in Detroit, the Renaissance Centre is without a doubt the skyscraper epicenter of the city. It was bought by GM years ago and converted into their global HQ. The original GM building is still standing and used by the State of Michigan. You can see that and the historic in the New Center Area of Detroit.

Detroit's Largest Art Object continues to impress as Detroit's most iconic skyscraper. Built in 1928 by the Fisher Brothers as a gift to the city and designed by , this stands out as Kahn's masterpiece. The mosaics and frescoes were designed by Geza R. Maroti and represent transportation, commerce, music, and drama.

The gold top can be seen in the night sky as a beacon in New Center. Home to the Fisher Theatre, you can wander through the lobby anytime. Pure Detroit offers guided tours on the weekends.

You can also see the “Glass House” of the Ford HQ in Dearborn and the Chrysler HQ in Auburn Hills. Pop in to Henry and Clara Ford’s former home

Henry Ford Estate

The Ford’s settled into their home, in Dearborn, in around 1915 and lived together here until their deaths in 1947 and 1950.

A tour of the estate is a great way to spend a few hours whilst in Detroit and offers a chance to see the man-made lake, pony house, five hundred birdhouses and the impressive hydropower station which allowed the estate to create and use its own power. The property itself is currently undergoing restoration work. Enter a Tiger’s Lair (or a Lion’s Den) (or a Hawk’s nest) (or a Piston’s cylinder?)

Comerica Park

A Detroit Tiger that is. The baseball team play in but aside from watching a game of baseball, there are plenty of other reasons to visit Comerica Park whilst in Detroit.

The park has a museum of baseball history which is a must see for any fans of the sport, there is also a and ferris wheel situated here to entice anybody who is not a fan of baseball.

There is also where the Lions play as well as where the Redwings and Pistons play. Appreciate a varied collection of art in the Detroit Institute of Arts

Detroit Institute of Arts – Diego Rivera Mural

The Detroit Institute of Arts, located on Woodward Boulevard has an extensive and varied collection of art which spans the earliest human cultures to present day works.

The permanent collections here explore many different countries and continents including works from Africa, the Americas and Oceania.

There are also a number of European masterpieces housed within the Institute including works by Van Gogh and Picasso. Whether you are an art aficionado or not, this museum is highly recommended. Go Antique Shopping

Detroit Antique Mall

Detroit is a paradise for antique lovers. Whether you are a serious dealer or just a part time bargain hunter, Detroit has a number of places to shop for collectibles and memorabilia.

The Detroit Antique Mall is widely regarded as the best spot for antique shopping in the city while The Detroit Mercantie Company and Eastern Market are aso very popular.

There is something for everyone at each of these locations and the phrase “one man’s junk is another man’s treasure” will never be far from your thoughts. Be a big kid at the Morley Candy Factory

Morley Candy Factory

Morley Candy Makers are the people responsible for delicious Sanders Candy and the free factory tour is not only entertaining but obviously great value too.

After a short film about how the company got started, guests move on to the 150-foot long Observation Hallway to view the creation of candy such as Pecan Torties and Coconut Custers.

There is, of course, plenty of free samples to enjoy before the tour concludes in the obligatory gift shop, which has candy and ice cream souvenirs and plenty more samples. Watch a movie in the New Centre Park

Detroit New Centre Park

The New Centre Park can be found opposite the Fisher Building in Detroit on the corner of West Grand Boulevard and Second Avenue.

Open from around 8am until dusk, the park is a great hangout spot in the summer when free film screenings and live music take place regularly.

The park also has a bar and grill, giving guests the opportunity to refuel without leaving the serene park setting. Learn about beads and more

MBAD African Bead Museum

The MBAD African Bead Museum is situated on Grand River Avenue in Detroit and houses a large and intriguing collection of African Artifacts ranging from sculptures and pottery to textiles and beads.

The various pieces date back hundreds of years and are from many different fascinating cultures.

A guided tour of this museum is highly recommended in order to fully understand and appreciate the art and cultures housed here. Discover the story of Arab Americans (and food)

Arab American National Museum

Located in Dearborn, about 8 miles from , is the Arab American National Museum, which endeavors to tell the story of Arab Americans as well as highlighting their contributions to society during the history of the United States.

The museum is the only one of its kind in the country and contains wonderful multi-media exhibits that ensure visitors are fully immersed and enthralled by the Arab-American story.

The museum is open Wednesday through to Sunday and closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

The Detroit area is said to have the largest population of Arabs outside the Middle East. Also in Dearborn you’ll find dozens of the best Middle Eastern restaurants, bakeries, and shops anywhere in the US. Tour the Automotive Hall of Fame

Automotive Hall of Fame

There is no doubt that the city of Detroit has played an important role in the development of the automobile but this is just one of the reasons to visit the Automotive Hall of Fame in Dearborn.

The museum tells the story of the development of the motor vehicle through history as well as the pioneers who made it happen.

The many exhibits in the Hall of Fame include interactive visual displays as well as artifacts from automotive history. Visit Belle Isle and the Belle Isle Aquarium

Belle Isle Aquarium

Located in the heart of Downtown Detroit, the aquarium used to be open all year round and housed an impressive collection including stunning coral reef fish and electric eels. See the animals of the world in one place

Red Pandas at the

Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak has not been closed down and, as well as being the temporary home for the sea creatures from Belle Isle Aquarium, it is a great day out in the city of Detroit.

The 125 acres of city zoo imitates various animal habitats from around the globe and includes enclosures such as the Arctic Ring of Life and Great Apes of Harambee.

Take some spare cash along as walking around the vat zoo is hungry work and there are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat. Cruise with Diamond Jack or Detroit Princess

Diamand Jack, Detroit

Head to Downtown Detroit for an affordable and entertaining river cruise courtesy of Diamond Jack or the Detroit Princess.

The sightseeing tours last around two hours and are narrated by knowledgeable and interesting staff. Large groups can be accommodated and even weddings are possible on the cruise.

The Detroit Princess has lunch and dinner cruises available.

This is a great way to relax but see many of Detroit’s landmarks and iconic buildings. Eat a Coney Dog

Detroit Coney Dog

This iconic Detroit food is an absolute must when visiting the city. Although you have most likely eaten a hot dog previously in your life, Coney Island is the birthplace of this famous food and arguably has the best Dogs going.

Either Lafayette or American Coney Island are seen as the best places to get a Coney Dog. If authenticity is key however, American Coney Island is known to be the first place in the city to serve the mighty Coney Dog. Eat Greek

Greektown

The food in Detroit keeps getting better and better and on your visit to the city you will not be short of places to eat. However, Greektown deserves a special mention.

Due to the high number of Greek immigrants that moved to Detroit in the 20th Century, the amount of quality Greek restaurants is staggering. All of the restaurants offer traditional Greek fare in a lively, authentic atmosphere which could easily be mistaken for Greece itself.

Greektown is not just a good place to eat but a great experience and night out. Some of the best Greek restaurants in the city, with great food and Greek charm, are Cyprus Taverna and Parthenon. For an authentic (and tasty) Greek bakery experience try the renowned Astoria. Motown and Greentown Casinos Eastern Market

A trip to Eastern Market is a tour of historic Detroit; the late 19th- and early 20th-century architecture shows a city that was once on the verge of a boom, and you can shop there for everything from antiques to the best cuts of meat in town. On Tuesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays (and some Thursday evenings), the open-air market explodes with fresh (seasonal) produce, meats, flowers, trees, coffee, sweets -- all locally produced, and all for sale at fair prices. There are also excellent dining options if you’re into pizza or BBQ.

The People Mover and Detroit waterfront

Mexican Town Fox Theater

Located on Woodward Avenue in downtown Detroit, the is a historic theater that opened in 1928. With more than 5,000 seats, the Fox Theatre is the largest surviving movie palace from the 1920s. It was designated as a National Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The theatre is rather grandiose; there are three levels of seating, and the interior is ornately decorated with Burmese, Chinese, Indian, and Persian themes. During its long history, several acclaimed performers have graced the theatre with their presence, including famous entertainers like Shirley Temple, Elvis Presley, and Frank Sinatra. Today, the Fox Theatre is as beautiful as ever, as it was completely restored in 1988.

John K. King Used & Rare Books - An iconic used bookstore in Detroit, operated by its namesake owner since 1971. The bookstore, which was originally opened in Dearborn and was temporarily housed within Detroit's renowned Michigan Theatre building, found its permanent home within the city's four-story Advance Glove factory building on West Lafayette Boulevard. Today, used and rare books of all sorts spill over into the adjacent Otis Elevator factory building and the facility's basement, including special collections related to topics ranging from African- American history and international interests to botany, horology, and the Michigan logging industry. More than a million books in total are housed at the store's main location and its two outposts, one at the city's Cultural Center and one in Detroit suburb Ferndale. Breweries

Bell’s Two-Hearted, Atwater Brewery, Jolly Pumpkin, Founders, Motor City Brewing Works, Batch Brewing Works, Hopcat The Guardian Building

This is more of a self-guided pop-in than a formal tour, but you get the picture. The Guardian Building is a reflection of the style of the Roaring '20s, as well as of Detroit’s affluence and prominence as an international commercial powerhouse during that time. The 40-story building was completed in 1929 and features impeccable craftsmanship and exquisite tilework that honor the artistic stylings of Native Americans and Aztecs. Some of the best bars in the US

Detroit’s known for its rich spread of classic dives, like Jumbo’s, Whiskey in the Jar, or the oldest bar in Detroit, The 2-Way Inn, which has been open since 1876. We’ve got our share of creative cocktail bars as well, such as Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails, Standby, and The Sugar House. Or go to The Ghost Bar for an excuse to check out the insanely lavish interior of the Whitney. We’ve highlighted the best of the best watering holes in our Detroit bar guide -- there’s bound to be a place you haven’t tried on there, so go ahead and try it already! Go vinyl shopping

If there’s one thing Detroit’s not lacking, it’s music addicts -- specifically, vinyl addicts. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more knowledgeable and well-rounded group of music snobs and elitists than the ones you’ll see digging through the crates at places like UHF, Hello Records, Found Sound, Peoples Records, Record Graveyard, Dearborn Music, or Stormy Records; I’d write more, but it’s a never-ending list. The Rattlesnake Club

Located in the Stroh complex, The Rattlesnake Club is a 25-year-old Detroit institution that serves superb food you can enjoy while admiring the view of the Detroit River. When weather permits, visitors can feel a nice breeze on the spacious terrace. The restaurant maintains a policy of only serving the highest quality seasonal and sustainably harvested foods. The kitchen uses locally harvested produce, certified prime Angus beef, and not-from-farms finfish and shellfish in all their dishes. The wine selection is extensive and there are also many locally brewed beers. During the summer, Executive Chef Chris Franz occasionally offers grill- inspired hands-on instruction and demonstrations. Sometimes he even shares his tips and tricks on the Club’s Garden Terrace. Keep in mind that this fine dining establishment has a slightly formal/business casual dress code. The Whitney

Visiting the Whitney in Detroit is a special treat, whether you are dining with a client, enjoying high tea at the Katherine McGregor Dessert Parlor, treating friends to drinks and a bit of adrenaline at the Ghostbaror having a special celebration in the Whitney's exquisite Gardens. Located in an iconic Romanesque revival built in 1894 by the lumber baron David Whitney Jr., the Whitney takes full advantage of its elegant, lavish setting and offers its guests refined contemporary American cuisine focusing on veal, beef, lamb, fish and seafood. Treat yourself with their Beef Wellington, a beef tenderloin stuffed with prosciutto, mushrooms and spinach, wrapped in puff pastry and served with veal cabernet sauce. Enjoy the restaurant's excellent wine cellar, it has something for everyone. Metropolitan Building/Wurlitzer Building/Shinola Hotel

Detroit has a new hotel district. The Siren Hotel opened in the once-crumbling Wurlitzer Building last spring. The Metropolitan Building recently opened its doors for the first time in nearly 40 years, with the Element Detroit Hotel opening as the only extended-stay hotel in the city. And the Shinola Hotel, which takes over most of the block across the street, is now open. Check out Parker’s Alley, along with the new restaurant and retail offerings in and around the hotel. Campus Martius

Campus Martius Park has been around in some shape or form since it was a military training ground in 1788. Located in the heart of downtown, the park has a different activity set up all year round. The park is known as the Point of Origin for Detroit, as all major avenues radiate from there. Now visitors can easily walk from the park to the Riverfront from the esplanade along Woodward and plaza. Dequindre Cut

Once a Grand Trunk Railroad Line, the Dequindre Cut Greenway is now a paved path for bike riders, walkers, joggers, and art lovers. Murals and paintings cover much of the concrete in the underpasses, leading many to slow down and enjoy the view. The path spans from the Riverfront all the way through Eastern Market to Mack. It’s one of the best public spaces to enjoy in Detroit. See a Relic – St. Agnes

By the time St. Agnes was built, there were only a handful of houses in the area. Detroit had, however, grown rapidly in the early 20th century and when the construction was finished in 1924, the church was in the middle of a densely populated area. It took roughly two years to finish the gothic-inspired building, designed by the firm of Van Leyen, Schilling, Keough, and Reynolds.

The church and the community surrounding it thrived in the mid-20th century. By their 50th anniversary, the church had grown to three priests, 22 nuns, and 180 students enrolled in the Catholic girl’s school adjacent to the church. But things would take a turn for the worse for the community, and the parish.

A police raid on an after-hours drinking establishment in the area stirred tensions that grew to civil unrest, with most of the buildings along 12th Street being burned to the ground. St. Agnes Church did go relatively unharmed through these events, but the community never recovered, and people started moving from the area. In 1986 there were only 162 families still worshiping there and it was not enough to cover the high operating costs for such a large church.

The building was put up for sale by the Detroit Archdiocese but the congregation buying it never took possession, allowing the space to fall into ruin. It only took a few years for scavengers to steal the metal pipes from the organ and most of the decorations. After that, weather and vandalism had their turn. Even though St. Agnes was not the most important or beautiful of Detroit’s churches, it was still, for some time, a big part of a thriving neighborhood. Unfortunately, the community never recovered from the 1967 rebellion and declined over the years. In the end it was no longer possible to keep the church running and it met, what might have been, its inevitable destiny.

The church and school are at the corner of LaSalle Gardens and Blvd., a few blocks east of LaSalle Park.

Tyree Guyton grew up in a Detroit that was still a thriving city, and his house was in a growing, middle-class neighborhood. But in 1967, when Tyree was 12, he witnessed the destructive effects of the 1967 Detroit riots, the result of social unrest over discrimination sparked by a police raid on a bar which left 43 dead and 467 injured. Other obscure things to do in Detroit – Atlas Obscura https://www.atlasobscura.com/things-to-do/detroit-michigan