Top Detroit Historical Tours

Learn about the history of Detroit—and uncover more than you would alone—with this engaging walking tour. Designed for history enthusiasts, the route covers key landmarks such as the Hart Plaza and the Guardian Building. Along the way, your guide will share stories of Detroit’s past—from Henry Ford’s legacy to the city’s impressive architecture—making this the perfect introduction for first-time visitors. Plus, entry tickets to all attractions are included.

Explore spooky spots around Detroit on a walking tour that brings you to fascinating places off the beaten path that are hard to find on your own. Visit haunted houses and buildings, speakeasies, old theaters, and more as your local guide shares murder tales, spooky ghost stories, and creepy historic details. Stops include Grey Ghost, the Whitney, Orchestra Hall, and Masonic Temple.

Savor the sweet side of Downtown Detroit on this guided donut and pastry tour. Starting at a local bakery, this tour takes the hassle out of planning, with tastings and stops arranged for you. Sample Detroit's best donuts, artisanal chocolates, and more. Along the way, you’ll listen to insider facts and explore hidden gems you might struggle to find on your own. Choose from morning and afternoon tours.

Many people overlook Detroit's charm and impressive buildings, but there is a lot to explore if you know where to go. This Detroit Architecture Walking Tour takes you to well-known areas and hidden gems to see some of the city's architectural must-sees like Hart Plaza's Horace E. Dodge Fountain. Plus, you'll even access buildings where entry is exclusive to this tour.

Discover the tumultuous history of Detroit as you embark on a self-guided walking tour. Follow the route on the app to see the main highlights and hidden gems of the city. Walk past historic buildings, through artistic alleys, across world-class parks, and stop at fun food spots, learning about each location from your information app.

This tour will be provided by a local tour guide who has a lifetime of knowledge of Michigan and the Detroit area. Also, your guide will spend the day maximizing your Detroit area visit with a high level of client care.

Tour the vestiges of French Detroit, an American City, that began as a French colonial outpost. It was founded as Fort Pontchartrain and as a trading post in 1701. It remained an outpost of the French Empire through 1760, when it became a part of the British Empire. It remained British until 1795, when it became American. Throughout those changes, Detroit retained its French identity and remained a French speaking city into the 1840's. Most of that French history is lost, forgotten, and seldom taught in history books. On this tour you will learn of the preservation efforts of what remains of the cultural heritage of French Detroit. This tour brings that history to life. After you download this tour, you can listen to the narration in the comfort of your home or hotel room. You can then decide if you want to visit all of the places in one day, or to focus on a few. Once you are close to each of the points of interest, the SmartGuide app will alert you and begin to play the narrative.

Enjoy a more interactive alternative to a traditional walking tour—a scavenger hunt. Work as a team to answer questions and complete challenges to work your way around Detroit Midtown. Along the way, discover hidden gems that are off the typical tourist trail and race against the clock to finish the game. Key sights passed on the tour include The Majestic Theatre, and the Detroit Institute of Arts.

Explore downtown Detroit on this 2-hour guided walking tour, discovering the city’s rich history, architecture, and riverfront landmarks. Starting at Campus Martius Park, the tour connects iconic sites that highlight Detroit’s growth, resilience, and culture. Highlights include: • Spirit of Detroit • Joe Louis Monument & Labor Legacy • Sculptures at historic Hart Plaza • Cadillac, Lincoln & MLK memorials • Book Tower, Guardian Building & Grand Circus Park Experience Detroit’s past and present in one memorable and engaging walk.

Get ready to walk, taste, and discover your way through the heart of the Motor City on this food tour. Over the course of three flavorful hours, you’ll sample Detroit’s most iconic eats while soaking up the stories and spirit of the city that created them. From historic eateries to buzz-worthy newcomers, this fully-narrated tour brings Detroit’s food scene to life with every bite. Savor a slice of Detroit-style pizza, bite into a classic Coney dog, sip on local fizzy favorites, and indulge in sweet traditions of the Motor City – first at a local chocolatier and then at an iconic downtown restaurant. On this must-do walking tour, your guide will share fascinating stories of the people and places behind the flavors, all while leading you past some of Detroit’s most recognizable landmarks and photo-worthy backdrops.

Discover Detroit’s highlights with your friends during a private mobile scavenger hunt. Using your smartphone, your team follows clues to landmarks including Comerica Park, Library Park, Hart Plaza, and Campus Martius Park. Along the way, learn about local history, art, and culture. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or call the Motor City home, this is the perfect way to get to know Detroit at your own pace.

Whether you’re new to Ann Arbor or want to mix up your typical routine, a mobile scavenger app is the perfect way to add some excitement to your time in the city. Using a smartphone, your team will solve challenging questions that lead you to the next clue. Along the way, see and learn about some of the city's most famous and lesser known landmarks.