Detroit's Hidden History Guided Walking Tour
Active
1h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Ready to venture beyond the history books and uncover the hidden past of Detroit? Join our historian-led, 90-minute tour and dive into the Motor City’s most gripping tales—stories that shaped a legend, told as you stroll through North America’s most stunning architectural gems.
- Intimate small-group atmosphere and plenty of time for questions
- Tour is perfect for history buffs and first-time visitors
- Walking tour lets you get to know the city intimately
- Hear 8 unique historical stories from Detroit’s past
For those hungry for more, an optional 30-minute extension reveals Detroit’s strangest and most enigmatic legends—mysteries that linger in the shadows, waiting to be explored.
Available options
Standard Tour + Extension
Duration: 2 hours<br/>Extended Tour: An extra 30 minutes at the river's edge investigating shipwrecks, an evil curse, and pyramid symbolism.
Standard Tour
What's included
Stories to fascinate and delight
A knowledgeable local guide
Well researched history
Detailed itinerary
1
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.
2
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?
3
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.
4
Stop 4
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.
5
Stop 5
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.
What's not included
Gratuity for the guide
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.8
23 reviews
5★
21
4★
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3★
0
2★
1
1★
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Tripadvisor
5.0
21 reviews
5★
21
4★
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3★
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1★
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Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
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.
About Detroit
Detroit, Michigan, is a vibrant city known for its rich automotive history, influential music scene, and cultural landmarks. As the heart of the U.S. automotive industry, Detroit offers a unique blend of industrial heritage, artistic innovation, and urban revitalization.
Top Attractions
The Henry Ford
A world-renowned museum complex showcasing American innovation and history, including the famous Rosa Parks Bus and the Wright Brothers' bicycle shop.
Museum
4-6 hours
Moderate ($25-$50 per person)
Detroit Institute of Arts
One of the top art museums in the U.S., featuring an impressive collection of artworks, including Diego Rivera's Detroit Industry Murals.
Museum
2-3 hours
Free for residents of Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties; $14 for non-residents
Belle Isle Park
A beautiful island park in the Detroit River, featuring a conservatory, aquarium, and scenic views of the city skyline.
Nature
1-2 hours
Free (some attractions may have fees)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Coney Dog
A hot dog topped with a beef chili sauce, onions, and mustard, a Detroit classic.
Snack
Contains meat
Detroit-Style Pizza
A thick, square-shaped pizza with a crispy crust and cheese all the way to the edges, topped with tomato sauce.
Dinner
Contains dairy and gluten
Pasty
A savory pastry filled with meat and vegetables, originating from the city's Cornish immigrant population.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains meat and gluten
Popular Activities
Hiking in Metroparks
Biking trails
Kayaking on the Detroit River
Spa treatments
Picnicking in Belle Isle Park
Strolling along the RiverWalk
Visiting museums
Attending concerts and performances
Best Time to Visit
Summer (June to August)
Summer is the peak tourist season with warm weather, numerous festivals, and outdoor activities. The city comes alive with events and concerts.
18-30°C
64-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish, Arabic, Detroit has a diverse population, and many languages are spoken.
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
GMT-5 (Eastern Time Zone)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution
Detroit has made significant improvements in safety in recent years, but some areas still have higher crime rates. Visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Important Precautions:
- • Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
- • Use reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps.
- • Avoid displaying valuables in public.
Getting there
By air
- Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport • 32 km (20 miles) from city center
By train
Detroit Amtrak Station
By bus
Greyhound Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) operates a network of buses covering the city. The system is affordable and covers most major attractions.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Downtown
Midtown
Greektown
Day trips
Henry Ford Museum
32 km (20 miles) • Full day
A world-renowned museum complex showcasing American innovation and history, including the famous Rosa Parks Bus and the Wright Brothers' bicycle shop.
Huron-Clinton Metroparks
32 km (20 miles) • Half day to Full day
A collection of 13 parks along the Huron and Clinton rivers, offering a variety of outdoor activities and scenic views.
Ann Arbor
64 km (40 miles) • Full day
A charming college town known for its vibrant arts scene, historic architecture, and excellent dining options.
Festivals
Detroit Jazz Festival • Late August to early September
Woodward Dream Cruise • Mid-August
Noel Night • First Saturday in December
Pro tips
- Visit the Detroit Institute of Arts on a weekday to avoid crowds.
- Explore the city's street art scene in Midtown and Corktown.
- Try a Coney Dog at Lafayette Coney Island, a Detroit institution.
- Take a tour of the Motown Museum for a behind-the-scenes look at the birthplace of Motown Records.
- Attend a Detroit Tigers or Lions game for a taste of the city's sports culture.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
