Detroit's Hidden History Guided Walking Tour

Detroit, US
100% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (46 reviews)

Included

  • inclusion
    A knowledgeable local guide
  • inclusion
    Stories to fascinate and delight
  • inclusion
    Well researched history

Excluded

  • exclusion
    Gratuity for the guide

Meeting Point

We meet at Grand Circus Park on Woodward Ave, right across from the People Mover Station. Your guide will be waiting at the stone pillar at the corner of Woodward and Park Ave.

Meeting point

1601 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226 , United States

End point

End Point

The 90 minute tour ends with a final story in front of the Spirit of Detroit Monument overlooking the Detroit River, mere steps away from the Q-Line and People Mover stations. From there your guide can recommend several dinning options and well wishes for the remainder of your night.

Meeting point

2 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226 , United States

End point

What to expect

1
Grand Circus Park

Our tour begins at Grand Circus Park, in the center of Downtown Detroit. We will introduce our tour and familiarize you to one of the most impressive bearded statues in Detroit. We will also discuss potatoes.

Duration 10 minutes
2
Michigan Theater Building

When a relentless tinkerer rolled his first horseless carriage out of a Detroit garage, he couldn’t have foreseen the revolution he’d ignite. Henry Ford crowned Detroit the Motor City—but did his legacy also sow the seeds of its unraveling?

Duration 7 minutes
3

Capitol Park

When Thornton Blackburn and his wife arrived in Detroit they probably assumed the worst was behind them. Little did they know a slave hunter was hot on their trail and the ensuing struggle for freedom would push a city already on the edge into destruction.

Duration 7 minutes
4
Campus Martius Park

Augustus Brevoort Woodward was nobody’s idea of normal – naming himself after a Roman Emperor was just one example – but he had a vision to turn Detroit into the greatest city in the world. Unfortunately the most powerful men in Michigan had other ideas.

Duration 7 minutes
5
The Spirit of Detroit

When Detroit’s own Joe Louis faced off against the undefeated German Max Schmeling in their second iconic bout, Americans—Black and White alike—saw more than a boxing match: it was a clash of freedom against fascism. Fewer know what unfolded after the final bell, when a rivalry became one of sports history’s most unexpected and enduring friendships.

Duration 7 minutes

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Service animals allowed
  • Additional information
    Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Provided by Detroit's Hidden History Tours

What our experts say

  • icon
    Wear comfortable walking shoes.
  • icon
    Check out nearby Café Zola for lunch.
  • icon
    Visit the Detroit Institute of Arts after.
  • icon
    Bring a camera for great photo ops.
  • icon
    Explore the historic Greektown area nearby.

More About this Experience

Introduction

Detroit's Hidden History Guided Walking Tour offers an immersive experience delving into the captivating past of a city known for its innovation, resilience, and cultural significance. As you wander through the streets of Detroit, you'll uncover the untold stories and hidden gems that have shaped this iconic city for over three centuries.

What to expect?

Embark on a journey through Detroit's rich history guided by a knowledgeable local expert. You can anticipate fascinating stories of visionaries, inventors, and warriors who have left their mark on the city. Dive deep into Detroit's past, feeling the heartbreak and hope that define its spirit. This tour is a unique opportunity to go beyond the surface and truly understand the soul of Detroit.

Who is this for?

This tour is perfect for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and anyone with a curiosity for the stories that make a city come alive. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a longtime resident, this experience will offer new insights and perspectives on Detroit's legacy. Come with an open mind and a thirst for knowledge, ready to uncover the hidden history of the Motor City.

Why book this?

Detroit's Hidden History Guided Walking Tour is not your typical sightseeing experience. It goes beyond the usual tourist spots, offering a deeper dive into the lesser-known aspects of Detroit's past. With well-researched history and captivating storytelling, this tour will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the city's resilience and spirit. Book this tour to step off the beaten path and discover the heart of Detroit.

Good to know

Before embarking on the tour, remember to bring comfortable walking shoes and a curious mind. The tour ends in front of the Spirit of Detroit Monument, where your guide will share final stories and insights. Please note that gratuity for the guide is not included, so consider showing your appreciation for their expertise and passion.

Reviews

Travelers who have experienced Detroit's Hidden History Guided Walking Tour rave about the depth of knowledge shared by the guides and the immersive storytelling that brings the city's past to life. Many have expressed how this tour provided a new perspective on Detroit, highlighting its resilience and cultural significance. Overall, feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with visitors recommending this tour for anyone eager to uncover the hidden gems of the Motor City.

Select Currency