Detroit is one of the most famous and picturesque cities in the country, located on the flat plains of southeastern Michigan. Once a powerful industrial and cultural center, at the end of the 20th century it endured difficult times. But today, Detroit is a resurgent ghost town that is regaining its former significance.
Insanely interesting, and even dangerous, it’s considered to be one of the most notable places in the US Midwest. Travelers head there for supernatural footage of abandoned skyscrapers, iconic American architecture of the 1950s, and a renaissance vibe. If you also want to experience it then pick up Budget car rental DTW airport and enjoy your road trip to Detroit.
A rental car will allow you to easily get anywhere in the city, and, if necessary, find even more interesting places outside of it. Here’re some of Detroit’s top attractions that are great starting points to explore the city…
- Henry Ford Museum
Undoubtedly, the Henry Ford Museum is the heritage of Detroit. It’s located in its suburb, Dearborn, so you can easily find it in your rental car.
On an area of about five hectares, you’ll discover tens of thousands of exhibits connected with the name of the famous American inventor. The main part of the museum is occupied by cars. So, the first car produced by Henry Ford back in 1896 is still kept there. It’s similar to modern cars, perhaps, only in the number of wheels, but in the end, this is the first vehicle in the chain of automotive evolution.
The collection of limousines in the museum is also very interesting. At one time, American presidents traveled on them. However, the Henry Ford Museum surprises not only with cars. For example, you’ll also admire the first American steam locomotives, airplanes, and recreational vehicles.
- Detroit Zoo
The local zoo is a perfect place to relax after driving a rental car in Detroit. This is especially true in the summer when it’s incredibly hot on the streets of big cities.
It doesn’t matter if you are traveling with children or just an adult company, the inhabitants of the Detroit Zoo will win the hearts of everyone. Who can you see there? Bears, tigers, rhinos, kangaroos, crocodiles, penguins, and a whole family of snakes, frogs, and turtles are the most popular animals there. Of course, this is not a complete list of the inhabitants of the Detroit Zoo.
There’s even a separate section for only butterflies. You can freely photograph animals at the Detroit Zoo, but without a flash. By the way, you’ll be able to feed giraffes. For this, you need to buy special food at the entrance. The zoo also has entertainment venues, including a riding simulator, a 4D cinema and various carousels. Please note that you should pay $8 to park your rental car at the Detroit Zoo.
- Ambassador Bridge
The Ambassador Bridge in Detroit is like the Tower Bridge in London. It’s the symbol and pride of Michigan. The Ambassador Bridge dates back to 1929. For a long time, it was considered to be the longest suspension bridge in the world. Today this status is held by the Japanese giant Akashi Kaikyo. The length of the Ambassador Bridge is more than two kilometers, and the longest span is over 500 meters.
There are two ways to admire the Ambassador Bridge. The first is on the water, by taking a boat ride. The second one is by driving directly across the bridge in a rental car. Note that the entrance to the Ambassador Bridge is paid. For a car, the tariff is $5 per vehicle.
- Belle Isle
Belle Isle is a natural kingdom in the heart of industrial Detroit. It’s hard to believe, but the picturesque island has existed perfectly in the neighborhood with car corporations and factories for more than a decade. If time permits, be sure to visit it, or better stay there for a couple of days.
In addition to unspoiled nature and beautiful landscapes, you can find many interesting sights there: there’s a botanical garden, a yacht club, a zoo, and even a conservatory. You can get to Belle Isle via the bridge by rental car. However, for this, you will need to pay an entry fee of $11.
You can diversify your vacation in such a unique place by going fishing or hunting. Keep in mind that you can do this after purchasing the appropriate license. A fishing permit for non-residents is available at $10 for 24 hours.
- Detroit Institute of Arts
This is one of the largest museums not only in Michigan, but throughout America. The Detroit Institute of Arts includes over a hundred galleries, displaying exhibits from antiquity to the present day. The museum fund includes tens of thousands of objects of decorative and applied arts, painting, and sculpture. The collection of the Institute of the Arts in Detroit contains works by Diego Rivera and Van Gogh.
If you have some free time, be sure to take part in exciting workshops or watch a concert at the Theater of Detroit Institute of Arts. Also, you can dine well in local cafes.
How to Rent a Car in Detroit?
It’s better to book your car in advance by choosing Detroit Airport as a pick-up location. You can do this either online through the Internet browser, or via the budget car rental app, which provides great deals at an affordable price.
