The Rise and Fall of America‘s Richest City: A Detroit Walking Tour

Once America‘s richest city, Detroit – or ‘Motor City’ – was right at the center of the automotive industry boom in the early 1900s. But despite the glitz and glamor of its golden years, Detroit was not immune to economic challenges like de-industrialization and urban decay. On this walking tour, you‘ll find out how the spirit of this Midwestern ruler-turned-relic has outlived its era of decline.

Our tour begins at the theater district’s centerpiece: Grand Circus Park. You‘ll traverse historic Woodward Avenue to hear about entrepreneurs and early businesses, as well as contemporary brands that bolstered Detroit‘s economy. Taking a break off Woodward brings you to Griswold Street, with its outstanding collection of Art Deco giants, including the Guardian Building and Penobscot Building. Across the Detroit River, you’ll head to the futuristic GM Renaissance Center, built by the incredibly gifted architect John Portman in 1977, where you‘re invited to learn about the history of the automotive industry that made Detroit famous. Finally, you‘ll pass through Greektown to return to the theater district, close to where the tour began.

On this three-mile Detroit walking tour, you‘ll also:

• Pass the impressive 5,000-seater Fox Theatre and hear its history
• Learn what it costs to ride the People Mover, Detroit’s public transit system
• Stroll through Hart Plaza and discover the giant artwork, Fist
• Get to know the difference between American Coney Island and its rival, Lafayette Coney Island
• Wander through Campus Martius Park, where you‘ll find an unexpected beach bar
• Learn about the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF), an independent fraternal organization, and see its former Detroit headquarters
• Discover The Fillmore, the jewel of Detroit’s theater district
• Hear about the era in which Detroit was the wealthiest city in the nation

This walking tour through Downtown Detroit covers the city‘s rise and fall within the Rust Belt. It‘s a testament to Detroit‘s enduring spirit and community, showcasing a city constantly rebuilding, despite hardship.