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Tour Detroit

To some, city tours might conjure up images of buses crammed with fanny-packed rubberneckers. But in The D, where urban decay is being buffed away by innovation and opportunity, there's so much more to see beyond the bus window.

And buses aren't the only way to see and learn more about the area. There are multiple opportunities to experience the city with your own individualized twist. So follow your nose and taste buds on a gourmand's pilgrimage through the various bars and breweries in downtown Detroit.

Take in the array of architectural styles while whizzing by on a Segway two-wheel electric vehicle or paddle boat. Or give yourself a more physical challenge with a bike ride or walking tour. Whatever your speed, here's a roundup of some of the best-loved tours that will get you on the road to introducing – or reacquainting – yourself with the Motor City.

1 DAY | 1-3 HOURS

1. car, bus, bike and boat tours.

One of the best ways to experience Detroit is to get out in the fresh air, where the smells and sounds help paint a picture of the city today. In recent years, several local tour companies have sprung up to accommodate growing numbers of tourists and locals alike who are curious about the new face of The D.

Feet on the Street Tours provides walking, car and bus tours for an individual to groups of many. Tours are usually organized around a theme. Prohibition in Detroit explores Detroit’s role in Prohibition and the origins of the legendary Purple Gang. A public tour of Eastern Market includes sampling delicious cuisine along the way. Tours can be customized to your preference as well.

Want to add a workout to your tour? Take in the vistas of the city by bicycle. Wheelhouse Detroit is a local favorite where you can rent cruisers, comfort hybrid and road bikes, as well as kid-friendly bikes and accessories. Tours (starting at $25) include Eastern Market, Corktown, Grandmont Rosedale, southwest Detroit, Hamtramck, Belle Isle, historic churches and public art.

If you’re feeling a little lazy and want someone else to do all the pedaling, take a rickshaw tour with Rickshaw Detroit . You can arrange personalized tours with your pedicab driver.

On a fine summer day, climb aboard the top deck of one of the boats in Diamond Jack’s fleet. Tours include two-hour narrated cruises ($20) on the Detroit River, the world’s busiest international waterway, on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays June through the first week of September. You’ll see the Detroit and Windsor skylines and glimpse some historical wonders along the river.

2. ART & ARCHITECTURE TOURS

The Detroit skyline is dotted with skyscrapers built during the pre-Depression era. In fact, Detroit is one of the only cities in the country so faithfully emblematic of this architectural style.

Names such as Albert Kahn, George D. Mason and Wirt C. Rowland are synonymous with Detroit architecture. Minoru Yamasaki, who later designed the World Trade Center, also got his start here, where he designed buildings including One Woodward Avenue.

To get a comprehensive glimpse of this work, your itinerary should include the vacant, but magnificent Michigan Central Depot; the Westin Book Cadillac Detroit hotel, built in the 1900s and given a $200-million renovation in 2008; the Chicago style-influenced Penobscot Building, which was designed by Rowland and Detroit sculptor Corrado Parducci; the golden orange art deco Guardian Building; and the Fisher and General Motors Building (Cadillac Place), both designed by Kahn and located in Detroit’s New Center area. Check out self-guided tours of Detroit’s historic commercial buildings, churches, estates and neighborhoods. Or contact one of the many bus or walking tour companies to arrange for an architectural tour. Preservation Wayne, Detroit’s oldest and largest architectural preservation organization, offers trips focusing on Kahn’s buildings, downtown skyscrapers and more. Detroit Urban Adventures also offers a tour titled Detroit’s Rise, Fall & Renewal that covers the old and the new.

A tour of the buildings that sprouted up during the city’s heyday will inevitably reveal a few heartbreaking examples of grand structures forgotten. For those with a fascination for urban decay, you can take a web-based tour of some of Detroit’s “fabulous ruins”.

For a more upbeat interpretation on the topic, feast your eyes on Detroit’s Heidelberg Project , which has transformed abandoned houses into works of art – a thought-provoking commentary on decay and rebirth. It was recently announced that the Heidelberg Project will be evolving from a one man art installation to a thriving arts and culture community that will lift the entire neighborhood.

After visiting the Heidelberg Project, you’ll want to continue to get inspired by the beautiful artistic imagination of other metro Detroiters and visiting artists who left their mark all around the city. Visit Joe Louis’ sculpted fist, snap a picture of the Spirit of Detroit statue (sometimes decked out in Detroit Tigers or Red Wings jerseys) or pause to appreciate Detroit’s Pewabic Pottery murals that brighten People Mover stations and Comerica Park.

Also get yourself over to the Detroit Institute of Arts , where you’ll marvel at Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry fresco cycle, inspired by the grind and grit of the city’s manufacturing glory days of the 1930s. Both docent-guided and audio tours are available.

Another worthwhile stop is the Cranbrook Art Museum . While there, architecture fans should stop by the art deco Saarinen House , which was the home and studio of Finnish-American designer Eliel Saarinen from 1930 through 1950.

3. FOOD & WINE TOURS

A great way to get to know a city is through your stomach. Detroit, with its delectable spanakopita, pierogi and Coney dogs, does not disappoint. Foodies should make their way to Eastern Market, the largest historic public market in the U.S., which has been serving up vegetables, breads, cheeses and spices since 1891. Greektown is a treasure trove of great cuisine and another must. You might also want to add the two famous dueling Coney joints on your itinerary: American Coney Island and Lafayette Coney Island . You can then decide who has the best dog and take part in the lively debate that has been taking place between metro Detroiters for years.

In the mood to imbibe? Sample the latest craft brews on a Motor City Brew Tour, with guided bus transportation, tours at local breweries, beer samples and snacks.

The wine crowd will toast to the southeast Michigan Pioneer Wine Trail , which includes Burgdorf Winery in Haslett; Chateau Aeronautique Winery in Jackson; Cherry Creek Cellars in Brooklyn; Parma, J. Trees Cellars in Blissfield; Lone Oak Vineyard Estate in Grass Lake; Pentamere Winery in Tecumseh; Sandhill Crane Vineyards in Jackson (a favorite of our editor); and Sleeping Bear Winery in Parma. Make a weekend out of exploring these award-winning vintners by car and visit pioneerwinetrail.com for upcoming events.

4. HISTORY & MUSIC TOURS

The American Revolution. The Underground Railroad. Birthplace of the automobile. The Civil Rights movement. If you didn’t already realize it, The D’s a goldmine for history geeks.

The best way to explore Detroit’s historic sites is by taking a tour such as the ones offered by Preservation Detroit . The organization offers tours through the city’s Prohibition past, as well as Mt. Elliott Cemetery, which houses the city’s earliest settlers, founding families and other notable figures.

You can also take the self-guided historic sites tour available on experiencedetroit.com , which includes the Ford Rouge factory, Fort Wayne, Sainte Anne de Detroit church, Campus Martius , Motown Historical Museum and Ford Piquette Plant .

The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation is a definite must for history lovers, particularly for those interested in the birth of the automobile and the man whose dream put the nation on wheels. See how the car transformed American life; check out architect R. Buckminster Fuller’s Dymaxion House; view Abraham Lincoln’s rocking chair (from the night of his assassination); and climb on board the bus where Detroiter Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white passenger, sparking the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott. Separate from the museum but also a worthwhile stop, The Henry Ford’s Ford Rouge Factory Tour is the only Detroit automotive plant tour that is available to the public.

The city’s rich African-American history is underscored by the fact that it was a key stop along the Underground Railroad (Detroit’s codename along the legendary route was Midnight) and that Martin Luther King Jr. gave a first version of his I Have a Dream speech here.

The First Congregational Church of Detroit hid refugee slaves en route to Canada in its basement. It now houses the Living Museum and the Underground Railroad Flight to Freedom Program Tour, which gives groups of visitors a simulated experience of what it might have been like to be a runaway slave.

Visit the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History to uncover more of the story of African-Americans in The D. Named for a Detroit physician committed to preserving black history, the museum houses the Harriet Tubman and Coleman A. Young collections, in addition to the permanent exhibit And Still We Rise: Our Journey through African American History and Culture which follows the journey of African-Americans across continents to present-day Detroit.

If you’re interested in Holocaust history, visit the Holocaust Memorial Center Zekelman Family Campus in Farmington Hills for guided tours, which may include an opportunity to speak with a Holocaust survivor.

The Detroit Historical Museum is one of the oldest and largest museums dedicated to metropolitan history in the U.S., encompassing more than three centuries of metro Detroit history. Check out an assembly line, a 19th century street scene and more. Rotating exhibits focus on various themes in Detroit’s past, such as major retailers, Vietnam veterans and the Underground Railroad.

The D is called Motown for good reason. Music lovers visiting the area will be richly rewarded when they fill their itineraries with historic sites and fill their ears with the sweet sounds that defined generations – and continue to influence music today.

No audiophile’s journey to Motown is complete without a visit to the Motown Museum , the unassuming little building that launched some very big careers. (Allow us to name-drop: Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, the Temptations, Diana Ross, the Jackson 5… We could go on and on and on, but there isn’t enough space here.)

Catch even more Motown music fever with a Motown dinner cruise on the Detroit Princess riverboat. Docked in downtown Detroit, the Detroit Princess offers food, drink and live renditions of Motown favorites just about every weekend in the summer and fall.

Fast forward a few decades and you’ll find that The D is also the home of one of the most contemporary music forms, as the birthplace of techno music. The annual Movement electronic music festival celebrates the experience of electronic music every May in Hart Plaza.

Turn a few heads and class up your tour with a luxury vehicle – a limousine, luxury SUV or limo bus with Top Notch Bus and Limousine.

5. BEHIND THE SCENES TOURS & MORE

While you’re out and about, you’ll also want to check out the following behind-the-scenes tours at:

• Comerica Park
• The Parade Company
• Pewabic Pottery
• The Fox Theatre
• Morley Candy & Sanders
• Westview Orchards & Adventure Farm

Here are even more tours you may be interested in:

• Detroit Princess Riverboat
• Historic Indian Village
• Edsel & Eleanor Ford House
• Meadow Brook Hall
• Elmwood Historic Cemetery
• The GM Renaissance Center
• Historic Boston-Edison

Some tours require a minimum number of guests. Please call ahead for details.

Mentioned Attractions And Venues

Eastern Market Russell Street between Mack Avenue and Gratiot Avenue, 2934 Russell St. Detroit, Michigan 48207

Russell Street between Mack Avenue and Gratiot Avenue, 2934 Russell St. Detroit, Michigan 48207 (313) 833-9300 Website

Diamond Jack's River Tours 1340 E. Atwater St. Detroit, Michigan 48243

1340 E. Atwater St. Detroit, Michigan 48243 (313) 843-9376 Website

Detroit Institute of Arts 5200 Woodward Ave. Detroit, Michigan 48202

5200 Woodward Ave. Detroit, Michigan 48202 (313) 833-7900 Website Find A Room

Preservation Detroit 8801 Woodward Ave. Detroit, Michigan 48202

8801 Woodward Ave. Detroit, Michigan 48202 (313) 284-9278 Website

American Coney Island 114 W. Lafayette Blvd. Detroit, Michigan 48226

114 W. Lafayette Blvd. Detroit, Michigan 48226 (313) 961-7758 Website

Lafayette Coney Island 118 W. Lafayette Blvd. Detroit, Michigan 48226

118 W. Lafayette Blvd. Detroit, Michigan 48226 (313) 964-8198 Website

Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History 315 E. Warren Ave. Detroit, Michigan 48201

315 E. Warren Ave. Detroit, Michigan 48201 (313) 494-5800 Website

The Henry Ford 20900 Oakwood Blvd. Dearborn, Michigan 48124

20900 Oakwood Blvd. Dearborn, Michigan 48124 (313) 982-6001 Website

Motown Museum 2648 W. Grand Blvd. Detroit, Michigan 48208

2648 W. Grand Blvd. Detroit, Michigan 48208 (313) 875-2264 Website

Campus Martius Park 800 Woodward Ave. Detroit, Michigan 48226

800 Woodward Ave. Detroit, Michigan 48226 (313) 962-0101 Website

Ford Piquette Avenue Plant / Model T Automotive Heritage Complex 461 Piquette Ave. Detroit, Michigan 48202

461 Piquette Ave. Detroit, Michigan 48202 (313) 872-8759 Website

The Basilica of Ste. Anne de Detroit 1000 St. Anne St. Detroit, Michigan 48216

1000 St. Anne St. Detroit, Michigan 48216 (313) 496-1701 Website

Comerica Park 2100 Woodward Ave. Detroit, Michigan 48201

2100 Woodward Ave. Detroit, Michigan 48201 (313) 471-2000 Website

The Parade Company 9500 Mt. Elliott St., Studio A Detroit, Michigan 48211

9500 Mt. Elliott St., Studio A Detroit, Michigan 48211 (313) 923-7400 Website

Pewabic Pottery 10125 E. Jefferson Ave. Detroit, Michigan 48214

10125 E. Jefferson Ave. Detroit, Michigan 48214 (313) 626-2000 Website Find A Room

Ford House 1100 Lake Shore Road Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan 48236

1100 Lake Shore Road Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan 48236 (313) 884-4222 Website

GM Renaissance Center 100 GM Renaissance Center Detroit, Michigan 48243

100 GM Renaissance Center Detroit, Michigan 48243 (313) 567-3126 Website

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City Tour Detroit - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Souvenir and Gift Shop hours: 11 am to 5 pm daily, noon – 5 pm on Sundays. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

See The D: Downtown Detroit Walking Tour

Fun and informative overview of Detroit

Small Groups

Detroit's most comprehensive walking tour

Discover Downtown Detroit’s Must-See Spots

Discover downtown Detroit, the heartbeat of the Motor City, and experience stunning riverfront views, architectural masterpieces, riveting history, and all the local must-see sights. On this outdoor adventure, knowledgeable guides deliver memorable tours of Detroit, a historic city that has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past few years and continues to evolve today. This popular walking tour offers visitors and locals an exciting opportunity to see Detroit up close and personal.

Peek inside an art deco masterpiece some say is Detroit's most beautiful building

See Michigan's tallest building, a foreign country, and the "Best Riverwalk in America"

Stroll through historic districts, visit an urban beach, and learn all about Detroit's vast history

Enjoy excellent photo opportunities in front of iconic statues, inside activated art alleys, and other Insta hotspots

Click the tabs to find out more

Trip details.

Adult: $49 Youth: $16 (8-17) 6% booking fee assessed on tickets booked online (you can avoid the booking fee by purchasing tickets via phone).

Departure time

Varied – Please see the booking calendar for scheduled times

Meeting point

Inside The Guardian Building, 500 Griswold Street, Suite 250, Detroit MI 48226

Availability

2024 Season Open!

Private tours available by request year-round. Get in touch to schedule yours !

3 minimum, 12 maximum

(Want to make sure tour is a go? Purchase 3 adult tickets or 2 adult and 2 youth tickets).

Requirements

• This is a walking tour covering approximately 2 miles at a fairly brisk pace.
• Minimum of 3 adult attendees required for tours.
• Advanced registration required.
• Please check text messages and email 24 hours prior to tour start so you don’t miss notice of cancellation.

Fun, informative and narrated tour

10% discount in the City Tour Detroit Souvenir & Gift Store

Not included

Guide gratuity

What to bring

Dress for the weather and wear comfy walking shoes

Cancellation policy

No refunds on tickets purchased unless tour is cancelled by tour operator.

Experience the excitement of Detroit firsthand! On this tour, you’ll witness the revitalization of a major post-industrial American city many had written off and learn about its fascinating past. Join us on this intimate tour of the city that put the world on wheels and discover the amazing history of innovation, philanthropy, social justice and culture.

Detroit is an old city where the flags of three nations have flown. Its European roots date back over three centuries, and Native American heritage transcends 1000 years. Discover how the past influences the city’s identity today.

This tour not only takes you to some of the city’s architectural gems, but also includes ample photo stops in front of our iconic landmarks. You’ll visit an art deco masterpiece so spectacular it’s called the “Cathedral to Commerce” and witness where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. first delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech.

Believe it or not, the Motor City is transforming into a pedestrian-friendly place with an abundance of popular outdoor spaces such as Campus Martius, Spirit of Detroit Plaza, Capitol Park and the Detroit RiverWalk (yes, you can see Canada from here). You’re guaranteed to enjoy great views, an urban beach (or ice skating rink depending upon the season), fun food and retail pop-ups, public art, and more.

The Belt and Parker’s Alley are a couple other pedestrian-friendly places you’ll visit. These repurposed alleys feature funky murals, boutiques and numerous places to grab a cocktail or bite to eat. Our guides are well-versed in the ever-evolving dining and drinking scene. They’ll point out many of the legendary establishments and trendy new hotspots along the way.

NOTE: The book A History Lover’s Guide to Detroit , written by our founder, is the perfect complement to this tour. Purchase it online at major bookstores before your visit to acquaint yourself with the city. Or, purchase an autographed copy as a souvenir when booking your tour and receive the special price of $16 (down from $21.99, the regular retail price).

Check out what our guests are saying

Akmeek | august 2019.

Thank you Nancy from City Tour Detroit! 3 adults & 4 tweens spent a wonderful morning learning about Detroit. A native, who repatriated after 8 years away, I wanted some how to show my guests this amazing city, and Nancy was spot on! Read more

Charles B. | August 2019

On behalf of Eden’s Garden Club, I would like to thank Karin Risko and City Tour Detroit for organizing the Aug 8 “Gardens of Detroit” bus tour which served as a fundraiser for our organization. Read more

likane77 | July 2019

Entered and shot the interior of buildings we would have never found on our own. Well worth the money and time. Photographers’s heaven! Read more

Rebecca G. | September 2019

To be honest, I didn’t have the best impression of Detroit before visiting but Pat at City Tour Detroit changed all that! She was a wonderful tour guide that had so much passion and love of Detroit…it was definitely contagious! I learned so much from her — she had great facts about all the locations we visited. 10/10 Read more

heideu | October 2019

We had an informative and entertaining tour “See the D”. Nancy was our tour guide. She is very enthusiastic about Detroit and presented just the right mixture of history, stories, places to eat and general information. If you decide to go to Detroit, this is the right way to get to know about the city. Read more

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Idea: The Hop-On Hop-Off Detroit Bus Tour

In most of the books I’ve read about startups and small business, the one thing they repeat in nearly in all of them is to talk to your customer frequently, find out what they need and deliver that. If you keep talking to people, you’ll make your service better and better.

With that in mind, I’d like to hear your feedback on an idea we’ve been developing for a while. We’ve realized that the “designing exceptional experiences” thing is always easier and more fun when you’re involved.

We want to start a Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour similar to what runs in other major cities. The basic idea is our buses would run in a continuous loop through all of Detroit’s major neighborhoods. Riders would buy one pass to last them all day. They can get on and off the bus as frequently as they like so people can make their own itinerary. Each bus would be staffed with a knowledgeable tour guide sharing with you the meaning behind the locations as they go by and what guests should think about doing.

Our guided 4 hour experiences are great, but it’s our assumption that in coming years people will want to discover the city on their own accord and getting between neighborhoods with useful information and storytelling at your disposal is critical. We’d supply guests with an Adventure Kit jammed packed full of useful information on things to do, discounts for neighborhood businesses and helpful resources in case they get stuck or lost.

We love public transit and we love getting to tell the story of Detroit, so this does both! It’s our mission to make public transit better for Detroiters which we do through our Ride for Ride program , where we give a Detroit kid a safe ride to school or after school program for every tour ticket sold. That mission would extend to this service. Meanwhile, folks living around or visiting Detroit will have a fun new way to go experience the whole city without being confined to a single central neighborhood.

Most major cities have a great Hop-on Hop-off bus tour that allows tourists and locals alike to get around without needing to rent a car or take Lyft everywhere.

The Extras:

There are about a million little things we are thinking about to add to this tour as it develops, but some of the quick ideas are as follows:

• Being able to buy tickets on your phone or at neighborhood pickup locations.
• Actual streetside bus stops clearly marked for boarding.
• Live GPS Tracking on all the buses (They already do this!)
• An All-Access Pass to Detroit’s cultural institutions.
• Printed informational maps available at all local area businesses.
• Audio story experiences on your phone at select stops about local history.
• Express buses from suburban pickup locations so people can get down to the city and back without a car.
• Bike racks on the buses!
• WiFi on the buses.
• Additional walking and bike tours that leave from some of the bus stops.

The Questions:

We value your feedback very highly! There is a lot of work to be done with this, but here’s the four main points of feedback we need. Either comment on this post below, comment on our Facebook thread or send us an email to [email protected] with your answers, please!

• Would this be something you’d use?
• Would this be something you’d recommend to people if it was fun?
• What issues do you see with this idea?
• Where should the route go?
• How can we make this idea better?

Thank you for your help! We’re excited to make this a reality!

PSST! Interested in: sponsoring this tour? [email protected] having your organization partner with us about this tour? [email protected] investing in this tour experience financially? [email protected] working with us for a career? Click here. other tours we offer? Click here.

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12 replies on “ Idea: The Hop-On Hop-Off Detroit Bus Tour “

Denise sheldon.

Hi. I love Detroit and think this is a great idea. However, like many others, I’m handicapped. Has any thought been given to accomodate this population?

Conor Chamness

My name is Conor Chamness and I am with a nonprofit called Venture for America and we are working on a project to improve transportation services for Detroit’s disadvantaged and handicapped. Would love to set up a time to chat with you about how we could help better address your needs. If you would like to chat, give me a call at (419) 960-5658.

Excellent ideathe charles wright museum is a must a clorful cotton tote bag and try to work in cooperation with the excellent family reunion commitee for detroit please send me ten marketing or promotional items i can mail to family reunion leaders i think they should love this

That is an awesome idea! Every time we have traveled to a new city we always looked for the hop on hop off tours. My daughter and I did your Halloween tour a couple years back and we had a blast!

Keep up the good work promoting and helping the great City of Detroit!!!

Cindy deRosier

As someone who blogs about educational travel and who will be visiting Detroit this summer for the first time, I say an emphatic YES! We always try to start with a hop-on-hop-off (our family calls them ho-ho’s) when we visit a city for the first time.

Bryan Hamburger

Absolutely we need this! I live in Detroit and am a Detroit info nerd. I am very passionate about the city’s comeback and would love to help in anyway possible to get this going, please feel free to contact me .

My wife and I always use a Hop On, Hop Off bus tour when available in cities we visit. We are going to Detroit to visit the Ford Museum and if their were a Hop On tour we would certainly use it.

Rita Guerra

Grait idea!

Hi We got a 10hr layover in Michigan and would love to see a bit of the city or maybe a hop and off tour bus. Firstly, we need to know the best way to get there from the airport then check on the tour buses around the city then back to the Airport again. It’ll be surely stressful but a bit of Detroit would be great than waiting 10hrs at the Airport:-) Does anyone has better suggestions? Would appreciate very much! Thanks. Happy Holidays

Sharold Lewis

Great idea. Make sure The Wright Museum, Motown & DIA are included in the bus tours.

We have taken the Hop On / Hop Off in Savannah, Ga., New Orleans, St. Augustine, FL., and Vancouver, BC, Canada. It is how we become introduced to a new city. We support your idea and suggest that you partner with agencies who are leading the reconstruction effort like the City of Detroit, Private investors, and those who would benefit the most. I could picture a linkage with suburban bus lines (e.g. Erie Transit in Monroe County) to bring folks from the suburbs to Detroit who would then have a full day to see the sights. Good luck with your endeavor.

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Thank you for all information

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Detroit Tigers Bus

June 8 @ 10:30 am - 8:30 pm.

Detroit Tigers vs Milwaukee Brewers Bus Trip Featuring: Detroit’s Greektown District

Sold out – RSVP below to get on the waitlist… If you are unable to get the “GOING ” Button to work, please email me: [email protected].  I will need you name, phone, email address, and number of seats you are looking for.

Get down to Comerica Park with Davison Travelers in 2024. We will start off with a couple hours down in the Greektown District. This has been a hit with our groups! Grab a bite to eat or a drink at one of the local establishments, visit the Casino, and grab an ice cream cone at Stone Cold Creamery or a Pastry at Astoria’s Pastry Shop. There’s a little something for everyone down at Greektown. After that, we’ll get back on the bus to head on over to the game as a new era is about to begin with the Detroit Tigers as they face the Milwaukee Brewers. Take me out to the Ball Game!

Saturday, June 8th, 2024

Price: $94.00 Per Person

Trip Includes: – Round trip motor coach transportation to Detroit, MI – Trip Escorted by John Henry of Route 23 Tours – Fun games and Tigers Themed Prizes on the Bus – Lower Level seating to the Game – Free time in Detroit’s Greektown District

Itinerary: 10:30 AM – Report Meijer Davison (Lot H) 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM – Greektown District 2:45 PM to After the Game – Comerica Park 8:30 PM – Return to Davison

If you have a group of 30+, you can book your own group at: https://route23tours.com/mi-bus-fundraisers/detroit-tigers-bus-trip-fundraiser/

Full Payment Due Upon Sign-Up – Limited tickets available! – Limited tickets available. – Tigers tickets are still printed.  They will be handed out at the bus. – Payment due upon sign-up – No cancellations or refunds on this trip after April 30th, 2024 – Trips canceled before April 30th, 2024 can only be refunded if a replacement is found* *If a replacement can be found there will be an $5.00 per person cancellation fee. (covers credit card fees)

BOOKING INFORMATION: (Please read) 1. Go to the ticket below and put down the number of attendees in your group. 2. The first Attendee is you if you are attending. (We Need your Name, Cell, and Email Address of attendee 1)* *If you are part of a group registering separately, please put down in additional comments who you want to sit next to. 3. Just put down the names of the other attendees and then check out 4. At checkout enter your billing information and payment information and submit. 5. You will receive a ticket for each attendee (not the game ticket).  This is just an extra confirmation.  It’s not an official ticket. 6. Check-in with your names at the bus the day of the trip.  I’ll have your game tickets at the bus.

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NFL draft in Detroit: Your guide to what's happening downtown, including full schedule

It's more than an nfl draft; it's an experience. here's what's happening in downtown detroit this week, including transportation, parking, where to eat and drink, how to follow the draft and more..

The 2024 NFL draft in Detroit is finally here.

Just as excitement around the Detroit Lions is at an all-time high, following a thrilling run to the NFC championship game, the NFL world descends upon the Motor City today through Saturday for one of sports' biggest spectacles.

The 2024 NFL draft is in downtown Detroit , a moment at least two years in the making . Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to be there , with fans of all 32 teams looking to celebrate their teams' draft picks near the stage at Campus Martius and checking out the NFL Fan Experience at Hart Plaza.

If you're traveling to Detroit for the draft , here's a guide to make your draft experience easy and unforgettable. Information on registration, parking, travel, street closings, and draft day activities are all below.

When is the 2024 NFL draft?

The 2024 NFL draft is April 25-27 . The rounds break down as follows:

• 8 p.m. Thursday, April 25: Round 1
• 7 p.m. Friday, April 26: Rounds 2-3
• 12 p.m. Saturday, April 27: Rounds 4-7

Where is the 2024 NFL draft?

The 2024 NFL draft is in Detroit , spanning from Campus Martius to Hart Plaza in downtown with additional events in Beacon Park, Capitol Park, Grand Circus Park, Harmonie Park, and along Woodward Avenue. It's a big moment for Detroit as it hits the national stage.

2024 NFL draft registration, tickets, sign-up

The 2024 NFL draft is free to attend and open to the public. If you're planning to attend, though, you will need to register using the NFL OnePass app or online through the website .

Registering for the event only guarantees you the NFL draft footprint in downtown Detroit. You must buy tickets separately for the actual draft theater.

Ticket packages are available for purchase for the second and third rounds starting at $950 per person — the fourth through seventh rounds start at $550 per person as well. Please be wary of potential ticket scams .

• Your guide to the NFL OnePass app: How to download, what it will tell you

2024 NFL draft map

Looking to get a sense of where everything is downtown? Use this map. ( Tap here if you can't see the map below.)

NFL draft weather forecast

You might want to bring a jacket , at least for Thursday. Expect partly sunny skies, with potentially high pollen levels, and a high of 55 degrees on Day 1 of the NFL draft. On Friday, it warms up to a high of 66 degrees and with some sun, then clouds in the afternoon. Then Saturday, it warms even further to 75 degrees, with mostly cloudy skies and a potential shower or thunderstorm.

Of course, this is Michigan weather, so keep your eyes on the latest forecast to stay up to date.

Downtown Detroit transportation

Detroit has multiple public transportation options to get around downtown. The city has a streetcar , an elevated rail system , bike share , and bus system to get you where you need to go.

These include:

• The   Detroit People Mover , which will operate 24 hours a day from 7 a.m. April 25 through midnight April 28.
• The  QLINE   along Woodward Avenue, which will run from 8 a.m. to midnight April 25 through April 27. The stops include Harper Ave., 116 Lothrop St., 6540 Cass Ave., John R & Piquette and 6230 John R St.  
• Bus service: SMART will have park-and-ride services from various points in metro Detroit, including Great Lakes Crossing, several Meijer store locations and Oakland County Community College. It also has its FAST service on Gratiot, Woodward and Michigan Avenue. DDOT services will operate with modified downtown routes because of road closures.
• Shuttles and drop-offs: There will be designated shuttle and ride-share drop-off points throughout downtown on Woodward, Jefferson and Fort Street. Detroit Air Xpress, or DAX, is a nonstop coach bus service connecting downtown Detroit to Detroit Metro Airport, and  D2A2  is an express coach bus that connects downtown Detroit to downtown Ann Arbor.

Fan shuttle locations:

• Bagley Mobility Hub , 1501 Wabash St.  
• River East Garage , 214 Rivard St.  

Fan shuttle hours: 11 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. Thursday and Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday

• More: Service details released about Detroit public transit options

Detroit parking for 2024 NFL draft

If you decide to drive  downtown , make a plan and prearrange parking . Many off-street lots and garages are booked, and street parking will be limited or restricted in the area. Parking regulations will be enforced; vehicles may be towed. Those planning to park downtown are encouraged to arrive by 10 a.m. You may find off-street parking options on the Park Detroit app or on Park Whiz.

You can pay for metered parking through Park Detroit's website or app. There are also options for private parking throughout the city.

2024 NFL draft parking: You better have a plan if you're coming to downtown Detroit

Detroit road closures for 2024 NFL draft

The City of Detroit conducted six phases of road closures leading up to and during the 2024 NFL draft. It started March 29 and will go through May 7. Be mindful of these closures as you're perusing downtown this weekend.

Here's a detailed look at each phase of road closures in downtown Detroit.

Security, bag policy at the 2024 NFL draft

Detroit police say they've got a safety plan in place that includes increased police presence downtown, weapon detectors and video monitoring .

Detroit police have partnered with the NFL and local businesses on the security plan, as well as state and federal law enforcement, according to 3rd Precinct Cmdr. Matthew Fulgenzi.

The NFL will have weapon detectors installed that attendees must walk through at the gates of the event, which will take place at Cadillac Square, Campus Martius, Hart Plaza and a portion of Woodward Avenue. The NFL has a clear bag policy to enter the draft area, Fulgenzi said. 

Here's more on security measures and policies at the 2024 NFL draft in Detroit.

2024 NFL Draft Experience

The 2024 NFL Draft Experience is at Hart Plaza on Thursday through Saturday. The hours:

• Thursday: Noon to 10 p.m.
• Friday: Noon to 10 p.m.
• Saturday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Activities include a Pro Football Hall of Fame exhibit and an autograph signing opportunity with current and former NFL players, as well as a 40-yard dash, vertical jump, deep throw accuracy challenges, and more. There will also be a collection of Detroit-based food trucks for participants who attend.

Use the NFL OnePass app to find more on what's planned and when throughout the NFL draft blueprint.

Other NFL draft activities

Here are more ideas on what to do at the 2024 NFL draft:

• NFL draft watch parties: District Detroit, Greektown, hotels, restaurants and more
• Celebrations: Parties, tours and panel discussions to watch for
• At Ford Field: Lions to host NFL draft event for season ticket holders
• NFL Shop: Where to find the NFL's pop-up store in downtown Detroit
• Art and murals: Detroit's DCLEATED exhibit across town … plus 8 downtown murals to see
• Roller skating and games: Next Level by RollerCade set to open right near the draft

Things to do in Detroit during the 2024 NFL draft

Detroit is a city rich with museums, restaurants and activities throughout . If you're interested in exploring the area outside of the draft, you can go to the Motown Museum, the Michigan Science Center, check out golf-rich southeast Michigan , and even catch a Detroit Tigers game on April 26, 27 or 28 when they host the Kansas City Royals. And get a souvenir while you're in the city.

Looking for ideas? Check out these guides we put together for you:

• Where to eat: Your guide to breakfast, lunch and dinner in Detroit , plus our Best Restaurant Guide
• Where to shop: 7 places to get Detroit souvenirs , plus a guide to special pop-ups
• Where to see concerts: Big Sean, Detroit Youth Choir lead list of performers
• Where to golf: The top 10 golf courses to play near downtown Detroit
• Where to take your kids: Top kid-friendly events to check out at the NFL draft
• Where to take photos: Iconic Detroit places where you can snap photos while you're here
• Must-see attractions: Where to go in Detroit while you're here

What else is Detroit doing for the NFL draft?

Here's a list of other attractions and events planned for Detroit and the 2024 NFL draft:

• The Detroit "Hollywood-style" sign is constructed along eastbound Interstate 94. Here's how to scope it out .
• Prayer halls will be geared up for worshippers of the Muslim faith.
• There are five "Welcome to Detroit" signs going up on other stretches of highways.
• Detroit City Distillery has several NFL draft events planned .
• Circuit Court at Detroit city hall will suspend in-person services during NFL draft week.
• Verizon i s deploying multiple networks to boost connectivity and service downtown.

Download the NFL OnePass app to stay up to date on what's happening during the draft.

And lastly, what about the NFL draft itself?

Glad you asked: The Free Press sports team is all over the NFL draft, day and night. The Lions pick No. 29 overall in the first round, but there's always the possibility of trading down . We rounded up mock drafts from all over the web to see what the Lions might do this week. Here are 6 players they could target if they choose to stay at No. 29.

Head to our Lions page for full coverage. And stay on top of freep.com for live updates from downtown as we follow the spectacle all three days!

Celebrate the Lions' epic season with the Detroit Free Press' new commemorative book : “From Grit to Glory: The Epic Story of the Detroit Lions’ 2023 Renaissance." Order now at Lions.PictorialBook.com !     

Follow the Detroit Free Press on Instagram ( @detroitfreepress ), TikTok ( @detroitfreepress ), YouTube ( @DetroitFreePress ), Twitter/X ( @freep ),   and  LinkedIn , and like us on Facebook ( @detroitfreepress ).

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2024 NFL Draft in Detroit: Ticket info, event hours, maps

Tickets, street closures, hours, transportation and more for the nfl draft.

Ken Haddad , Digital Managing Editor

The 2024 NFL Draft takes over Detroit this week, with more than 400,000 expected to descend on Campus Martius and beyond.

The NFL Draft will be open on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, well before the actual draft starts. There’s a ton to do for visitors. But there’s also a lot of information you should know before attending.

Recommended Videos

The NFL and Visit Detroit have compiled a long list of FAQ for the draft right here , but we’ll break down some of the big stuff below.

When is the 2024 NFL Draft?

The NFL Draft in Detroit takes place April 25-27, 2024, in Campus Martius, through Hart Plaza on the Detroit Riverfront.

Security screenings start at 12 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and at 9 a.m. on Saturday.

Draft Theater Hours:

• Thursday: 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• Friday: 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• Saturday: 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

All three days of the 2024 NFL Draft will take place at the Draft Theater adjacent to Campus Martius Park. Commissioner Goodell and other special guests will be announcing the player selections of each of the 32 NFL teams.

NFL Draft Experience Hours:

• Thursday: 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Friday: 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Saturday: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Fans of all ages will be able to participate in interactive games, take photos at exhibits including The Vince Lombardi Trophy, free player autograph sessions and appearances, and more.

The **NFL Clear Bag Policy** will be in effect for the NFL Draft.

Where is the 2024 NFL Draft?

The Draft Theatre is situation in Campus Martius Park in Downtown Detroit, while the NFL Draft Experience is just south in Hart Plaza.

---> Find a map of the event here

Do I need tickets to the NFL Draft in Detroit?

All NFL Draft events, from the draft stage in Campus Martius to the NFL Experience in Hart Plaza, are completely free . But you can’t just walk in. Here’s what you need to know.

To get into any event, you’ll need to register yourself on the NFL OnePass.

NFL OnePass gives you access to all event information, gives you the chance to get involved with tons of activities, and is your go-to guide for NFL events! Please note that NFL OnePass is required to participate in any interactive games on-site.

You won’t need a ticket - just register on the NFL OnePass to enjoy the Fan Experience. Just search for it in your mobile app store.

Once you register, you’ll have a QR code available in the app that can get you in wherever you go.

You can also register on the website here.

How to get to the 2024 NFL Draft

From Detroit Airport

From DTW, you can take I-94 East directly for about 20 miles and get downtown.

From the North

If you’re coming from northern Oakland County, the most direct route would be I-75 South. To get to Detroit from Macomb County take I-94 West right into Detroit before hopping on I-75 South to get into downtown.

From the West

From southern Oakland County, the best route is via I-696 East and M-10 South (known to locals as John C. Lodge Freeway or simply “The Lodge.”) If you’re coming from the Ann Arbor area, or you can hop on M-14 East or take I-94 East.

From the South

If you’re coming from Toledo or the downriver area, you can take I-75 North through to downtown Detroit.

From Windsor

Transit Windsor will be operating enhanced tunnel bus service for fans during the NFL Draft with service every half hour through the Detroit-Windsor tunnel. Service starts at 10am each day and visitors must purchase tickets in advance.

NFL Draft Detrostreet closures map

(This map can also be accessed here)

NFL Draft parking and shuttles

Visitors to the NFL Draft are strongly encouraged to plan ahead and to pre-arrange parking if they plan to drive downtown. We anticipate a high demand for traffic and parking downtown during the NFL Draft event.

We have several Park and Ride options (including fan shuttles , QLINE , and buses ) available that we encourage fans and visitors to utilize.

We discourage people from driving into the Central Business District. If you do choose to drive and park downtown into the Central Business District, we encourage you to prebook your parking and arrive early in the day by 10am.

You can find available off-street parking options on the Park Detroit app or on Park Whiz .

Accessible Parking

There is ADA-friendly parking available at the River East Garage - 214 Rivard St. - $15 per car ( prepay here )

There is a designated ADA-friendly drop-off in front of the Renaissance Center, in the horseshoe.

Fan shuttle locations

$10 per car - WSU Structures 1 (first come, first served) - 450 W. Palmer Ave $15 per car - Bagley Mobility Hub, 1501 Wabash Street. Prepay here . $15 per car - River East Garage, 214 Rivard Street. Prepay here .

QLINE will be offering Park and Ride services, available on a first-come, first-served basis for $5 per vehicle from the following locations:

• WSU Lot 12 – Harper & Woodward - near the Amsterdam station
• New Center Garage – 116 Lothrop - near the Grand Blvd station
• Cass Garage – 6540 Cass Ave - near the Baltimore station
• John R & Piquette – 6230 John R. - near the Amsterdam station

Private coach and shuttles

Private coaches and shuttles should utilize the following locations for pick-up and drop-off of visitors coming downtown for the NFL Draft Bus Drop Off Locations

• Fort/Cass (on Cass) People Mover Station (Close to Entrance 3 and People Mover)
• Bricktown People Mover Station (Close to Greektown)
• I-75 Service Drive west of Woodward by Little Caesar’s Arena (Close to DDP Draft Day in the D)
• South side of Ren Cen (Close to Entrance 1)

Bus Layover Information Coaches and shuttle buses will not be permitted to layover downtown in the Central Business District. The City has designated the following locations as bus layover locations that allow for easy access to the pick-up & drop-off locations.

• Rosa Parks between Bagley and Lafayette
• W. Lafayette between Rosa Parks and 16th Street
• NB Chrysler Service Drive between Russell and Eliot
• St. Aubin between Vernor and Antietam

How to watch the 2024 NFL Draft

The 2024 NFL Draft will be televised nationally by NFL Network, ABC , ESPN and ESPN Deportes. Make sure to tune-in to NFL Network for exclusive insider access that takes you behind-the-scenes in Detroit.

On-air coverage of the 2024 NFL Draft presented by Bud Light will begin at the times listed below:

April 25 (Thursday): 8 PM ET /7 PM CT – NFL Network, ABC, ESPN, ESPN Deportes (Spanish)

April 26 (Friday): 7 PM ET / 6 PM CT – NFL Network, ABC, ESPN, ESPN Deportes (Spanish)

April 27 (Saturday): Noon ET / 11 AM CT – NFL Network, ABC, ESPN, ESPN Deportes (Spanish)

Are the NFL Draft concerts free?

Yes. FREE concerts will be hosted prior to Round 1 on Thursday, Round 3 on Friday, and following Round 7 on Saturday, live on the Draft Theater stage following each night of the Draft as part of the NFL Draft Concert Series. Concert viewing is on a first-come first-served basis and standing room only.

CONFIRMED PERFORMANCES:

Thursday April 25: Big Sean 6:15pm

Friday April 26: Detroit Youth Choir 6:00pm

Saturday April 27: Bazzi post Round 7/approx. 7:00pm

---> 2024 NFL Draft: 5 things out-of-towners need to see in Detroit

---> More FAQ on the NFL Draft

Copyright 2024 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.

About the Author

Ken Haddad has proudly been with WDIV/ClickOnDetroit since 2013. He also authors the Morning Report Newsletter and various other newsletters, and helps lead the WDIV Insider team. He's a big sports fan and is constantly sipping Lions Kool-Aid.

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Detroit News Staff: 5 things to do while not at the NFL Draft

Detroit — While visiting Michigan's largest city, there are more opportunities than one even has time for. That's why members of our staff, who spend the most time in the city, have gathered recommendations of what to do in Detroit for the NFL Draft.

But first, a bit of history for new visitors.

Detroit is known as the Motor City, but its roots run much deeper. The city was once upon a time called the "Little Paris of the Midwest," attributable to its French colonial era when it was established in 1701 by Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac, a French military leader and trader. The area had been known by many names to various Indigenous peoples, including the Waawiiyaataanong, meaning "where the river bends."

By the 1910s, an influx of workers from around the world came to Detroit to work in high-paying factory jobs. They, along with native Detroiters, organized unions to fight against unfair labor practices, and the United Auto Workers union was born. As the 20th century progressed, the shape of the city changed. New neighborhoods sprang up around new factories in outlying communities. 

Few know Detroit was the last stop on the Underground Railroad to Canada, where civil rights activist the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his first rendition of his legendary "I Have a Dream" speech, and was home to bootleggers during the Prohibition era. The 1967 uprising was the culmination of decades of institutional racism and entrenched segregation. The crisis is still remembered as the largest civil disturbance of the 20th century in America, which resulted in 43 deaths, hundreds of injuries, almost 1,700 fires, and more than 7,000 arrests.

Still, the city is famous for making great cars and even better music, including Motown, techno and rock. Detroit reps as home of Aretha Franklin, the Supremes, the Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, MC5, the Stooges, the White Stripes, Madonna, Bob Seger, Kid Rock, Insane Clown Posse and its own rap style championed by Eminem, Big Sean, J Dilla and Royce Da 5'9, just to name a few.

The city resurrected, but fast-forward to July 2013, and Detroit filed the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history. A decade later, the city has undergone a dramatic, unrecognizable transformation. It has also financially recovered with surpluses, and its credit rating returned to investment-grade status earlier this year. Detroit's Mayor Mike Duggan has spent the last year talking about how the draft will be a "re-introduction of Detroit to America" and that he hopes travelers who used to come for "ruin-porn" tours will be surprised to find fewer abandoned spots.

This history is reflected in the present-day bustling distillery and brewing scene, iconic churches, brick roads, monuments, stunning architecture and new factories alongside blighted ones. Take a tour on foot, by bike, by bus or by boat. Here's also Bedrock's field guide in the Draft downtown footprint.

The Spirit of Detroit will undoubtedly be the monument most visitors notice. Currently, it is fitted with a Honolulu Blue Lions jersey, but we encourage visitors to look above it to notice the seals encrusted on Detroit's City Hall where two Latin mottos read Speramus Meliora and Resurget Cineribus, meaning "We hope for better things" and "It will rise from the ashes," which was written by Fr. Gabriel Richard after the Great Fire of 1805.

5 events happening simultaneously

• Detroit Tigers vs. Kansas City at Comerica Park on Friday at 1:10 p.m. and Saturday at 6 p.m. Tickets here .
• 15th Anniversary of Sneaker Con Saturday at Huntington Place.
• Musical acts — Rich Amiri and Good Kid perform Thursday and Friday at El Club. Tickets here .Night of Soul with Anthony Hamilton at the Detroit Opera House. Tickets here .Night of Country Hits Thursday and Friday at Orchestral Hall. Tickets here .
• Classic Cars & Coffee : Gateway of Classic Cars in Dearborn, 9 a.m. - noon Saturday.
• "Detroit Draft in Color Fine Art Show,” by Umoja Fine Arts with live demonstrations from Detroit artists like Rosemary Summers. There will also be raffles, panel discussions and the opportunity to win a pair of Lions tickets. This popup at 719 Griswold will be open 10 a.m. -7 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

5 must-see institutions

Take the QLine from the NFL Draft footprint to Midtown's Cultural Center. Stepping off Woodward, these are the institutions we encourage visitors to check out:

• Detroit Institute of Arts and Michigan Science Center (for kids)
• Detroit Historical Museum
• Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
• Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit
• Detroit Public Library Main Branch

Louis Aguliar (Wayne County reporter on where to take selfies)

• So many downtown riverfront places, including Windsor, Canada . Many places along downtown Detroit's Riverwalk are enjoyable. Beyond downtown, great backdrops can be found at Riverside Park, 3085 W. Jefferson Ave., in southwest Detroit. The park is in the shadow of the Ambassador Bridge , and it gives the park a Brooklyn-type vibe. But my advice is to flee to Canada if you have the time. Take the Detroit-Windsor Tunne l next to the GM Renaissance Center, or the Ambassador Bridge, and you'll end up in Windsor. A few minutes away from both is Windsor Riverside park on Riverside Drive.  It's a fabulous skyline shot of downtown Detroit. 
• Monument to Joe Louis , AKA "The Fist," intersection of Woodward and Jefferson avenues, downtown.  Detroit is a legendary tough town; may as well pose next to a huge bronze sculpture of a fist. 
• Cafe D'Mongo's Speakeasy , 1439 Griswold St., in downtown's Capitol Park.  An eccentric little place owned by Larry Mongo, a man so charming he ended up in the Ryan Gosling-directed film "Lost River." (Gosling became a D'Mongo's patron while filming in The D).  In the early '90s, the place was known as Wax Fruit Rhythm Cafe, where a young Kid Rock spun records on Thursday nights. Reporter Sarah Rahal seconds this choice, recommending everyone try the "White Boy Rick " grilled cheese sandwich. Also, not a place for those that avoid tight spaces but great for live music.
• Detroit Industry Murals at the Detroit Institute of Arts , 5200 Woodward Ave., in Midtown. An auto factory will never look more colorful and poetic than the one depicted in Mexican muralist Diego Rivera's homage to Detroit.  The murals fill a big, sunlit courtyard at the heart of the museum and are priceless.
• The former Stanley Hong's Mannia Cafe , 265 E. Baltimore Ave., New Center/Milwaukee Junction.  Designed by pioneering Black architect Nathan Johnson, the building is a former Chinese restaurant and still has loopy "Googie-style" allure. The building has been empty far too long — a common plight of Detroit buildings. The place has a music history, too.  A young Eminem participated in rap battles during hip-hip shows here in the '90s. Honorable mention: The new Detroit sign on Interstate 94 between Central and Cecil Avenues. Police say, "Don't stop on the highway to take selfies, travel to the left side across the service drive for the best view.

Rod Beard (Sports editor who loves neighborhood vibes)

• Belle Isle: It's a hidden gem in plain sight in the city, highlighted by the serenity and calm of a morning walk on the small 2.5-mile island between Detroit and Canada. With a golf course, beach and plenty of places for a small cookout, Belle Isle is a must-see.
• Palmer Woods neighborhood: With all the attention that some of Detroit's decaying neighborhoods have gotten, Palmer Woods is a shining locale of about 300 sprawling and picturesque homes and estates. There's private security that patrols the neighborhood, but a leisurely drive-through is worth your time.
• Mexicantown: If you like good food — and who doesn't? — make a visit to almost any of the outstanding restaurants in the area.
• Corner Ballpark : Detroit's PAL Stadium will serve as the hub of all youth activities at the draft and will be an extension of the activities at the main draft site at Hart Plaza and Campus Martius park. The Park is the former site of Tiger Stadium, longtime home of the Detroit Tigers.
• Bike, skate, ride down the Dequindre Cut. Equipment is available for rent at Wheelhouse Detroit . Or get active at Lexis Velodrome : This cycling, skating and fitness center has everything.

Melody Baetens (Restaurant critic, who has a separate list for food recs)

• Third Man Records: There’s no centralized one-stop-shop for Detroit’s rock and roll history, but Jack White’s Third Man Records store, venue and pressing plant is a must-visit for anyone who loves rock, punk, garage and soul, not to mention vinyl, books and apparel. They give scheduled tours of the state-of-the-art vinyl pressing plant on Fridays, and Japanese rock trio TsuShiMaMiRe is set to perform there Thursday night. 441 W. Canfield, Detroit. (313) 209-5250. thirdmanrecords.com/pages/detroit-store .
• Eastern Market: A food-lovers’ paradise, this is where many of the great dishes you’ll find in restaurants around the city start with ingredients purchased at this historic marketplace. Eastern Market is also home to colorful murals, shops and a fantastic array of bars and restaurants, including Detroit City Distillery, Cutter’s Bar & Grill (get the burger or the steak tips) and Bert’s Marketplace, home to live comedy, jazz, barbecue and pizza. Saturday’s market is open year-round with more than 200 vendors 6 a.m.-4 p.m. easternmarket.org .
• Motown Museum: A must-visit for music fans of any music genre as well as history buffs. It's small now but an expansion is in the works. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. 2648 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit. (313) 875-2264. motownmuseum.org .
• John K. King Used Books: Get lost in the sights, smells and textures of this massive, quiet, four-story book store. If you’re looking for something specific among the 1 million titles they have, good luck finding it (kidding, just ask a staff member). It’s more fun to pick a direction and find a treasure you never knew you needed. Closed Sundays. 901 W. Lafayette Blvd., Detroit. (313) 961-0622. johnkingbooksdetroit.com .
• Feather bowling: The Cadieux Cafe bar, restaurant and music venue is a little slice of Europe on Detroit’s east side. The historic spot has changed hands a few times throughout the decades, but it’s always been a place for authentic Belgian food, beer and the unique sport of feather bowling. Players roll what look like wooden cheese wheels down a sandy lane, each one hoping to get closest to a single feather. Call ahead to rent a lane in advance if you want to play, or just show up and enjoy live blues, classic rock or jazz. Be sure to stay for dinner where the house specialties are the Belgian onion soup, mussels forte dei marmi and Sander’s cream puff sundae for dessert. 4300 Cadieux, Detroit. (313) 882-8560. Cadieuxcafe.com .

More: Coming to downtown Detroit for the NFL Draft? Here's your food and drink guide to the city

Adam Graham (Film critic turned late-night foodie)

• Batch Brewing Co .: Corktown Biergarten with a wonderful selection of house-brewed beers and a delicious menu of brewpub favorites. 1400 Porter St. (313) 338-8008. batchbrewingcompany.com .
• Sweetwater Tavern : Best wings in town. 400 E. Congress St. (313) 962-2210. sweetwatertavern.net .
• Checker Bar Detroit : Everyone converges at this downtown dive with a full kitchen and bar. 124 Cadillac Square. (313) 961-9249. checkerbar.com .
• Mootz Pizzeria + Bar : Grab a slice on the go or sit down and take a break at this downtown pizza spot and bar. 1230 Library St. (313) 243-1230. mootzpizzeria.com .
• Lafayette vs. American Coney Islands: Right near Campus Martius, stumble upon America's first Coney Island and its next-door rival. The chili recipes, key to the Coney dog, differ: American makes its own chili, which is said to be spicier than the beefier chili of Lafayette, made from a family recipe. The dispute has been featured on several food television shows, including "Food Wars" and "Man v. Food." Graham prefers Lafayette. Both classic Detroit coney spots are open late, and the later you go, the better the experience. 118 W. Lafayette Blvd.

Sarah Rahal (city reporter wants you to see everything, especially Detroit's borders)

• Downtown architecture tour . Step inside the orange Guardian Building, One Campus Martius, which has the "Waiting" by Kaws statue outside and one of Michigan's largest indoor fountains inside. Visit Grand Circus Park where there’s the Russel A. Alger Fountain and Millenium Bell. Hop on the QLine to Campus Martius' Michigan Soldiers and Sailors Monument. Keep walking and you'll see the Spirit of Detroit and the Joe Louis "Fist." Cross to Hart Plaza and see the large circular figure known as "Trancending," a tribute to Detroit's labor union history. Closer to the convention center, there's the new MLK statue and closer to the river, there's a statue memorial to the Underground Railroad pointing to Canada. The Fisher Building in New Center is also known as Detroit's largest art object, a 440-foot tower by legendary architect Albert Kahn.
• Tour Detroit's street art. The city has one of the largest collections of blight turned to beauty with murals on abandoned and commercial buildings. The best places to see this are Eastern Market, Grand River Creative Corridor standing out with nearly 100 murals between Rosa Parks Boulevard and Warren Avenue, the Library Street Collective and Heidelberg Project, 3600 Heidelberg St., Detroit. Download the CANVS app to track murals and learn more about them.
• Classic and new brands: Flagship stores for Carhartt and Shinola are right in Midtown, or there's the Shinola Hotel near the theater district. No one should leave Detroit without a trunk full of Vernors, Faygo, Better Made Chips and Sanders Bumpy Cake. Find these at any local grocery. Newer dessert staples include trying Bon Bon Bon, Sister Pie and a Hummer Cocktail or Boston Cooler, which accidentally became Detroit classics. I like Mercury Burger Bar for both.
• Fowling Warehouse: It's not a typo. It's football and bowling. Grab a team and enjoy this easy game founded here. For $15, it's all you can play from 4 p.m. to midnight. Watch a video of it . Located at 3901 Christopher St., Hamtramck.
• Outside Detroit, but only by 15 minutes. Visit Dearborn. One of the biggest concentrations of Arab Americans in the nation and home to automotive pioneer Henry Ford and Ford Motor Co. Visiting the Arab American National Museum, Greenfield Village, Henry Ford's Automobile Museum and grabbing a shawarma from Hamidos are non-negotiable.

Honorable mentions from other staff members included:

• Next Level by RollerCade  at 1201 Woodward Ave.
• Tie Dye something at Detroit Dye House in Corktown.
• Visit the historic Masonic Temple, which also has events this week .
• For children, GEOcaching is a scavenger hunt for random objects and the city is still a great place to look for Pokemon.

Your guide to 2024 NFL draft in Detroit: Registration, map, parking, things to do and more

T he NFL world descends up Detroit this week , just months after the Detroit Lions earned their first playoff wins in decades and made an incredible run to the NFC championship game.

The 2024 NFL draft is in downtown Detroit this Thursday through Saturday . Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to be there, with fans of all 32 teams looking to celebrate their teams' draft picks near the stage at Campus Martius and checking out the NFL Fan Experience at Hart Plaza.

If you're traveling to Detroit for the draft , here's a guide to make your draft experience easy and unforgettable. Information on registration, parking, travel, street closings, and draft day activities are all below.

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When is the 2024 NFL draft?

The 2024 NFL draft is April 25-27 . The rounds break down as follows:

• 8 p.m. Thursday, April 25: Round 1
• 7 p.m. Friday, April 26: Rounds 2-3
• 12 p.m. Saturday, April 27: Rounds 4-7

Where is the 2024 NFL draft?

The 2024 NFL draft is in Detroit , spanning from Campus Martius to Hart Plaza in downtown with additional events in Beacon Park, Capitol Park, Grand Circus Park, Harmonie Park, and along Woodward Avenue. Here's how Detroit got the NFL draft .

2024 NFL draft registration, tickets, sign-up

The 2024 NFL draft is free to attend and open to the public. If you're planning to attend, though, you will need to register using the NFL OnePass app or online through the website .

Registering for the event only guarantees you the NFL draft footprint in downtown Detroit. You must buy tickets separately for the actual draft theater.

Ticket packages are available for purchase for the second and third rounds starting at $950 per person — the fourth through seventh rounds start at $550 per person as well. Please be wary of potential ticket scams .

• More on NFL OnePass: How to download the app, what it will tell you

2024 NFL draft map

Downtown detroit transportation.

Detroit has multiple public transportation options to get around downtown. The city has a streetcar , an elevated rail system , bike share , and bus system to get you where you need to go.

These include:

• The   Detroit People Mover , which will operate 24 hours a day from 7 a.m. April 25 through midnight April 28.
• The  QLINE   along Woodward Avenue, which will run from 8 a.m. to midnight April 25 through April 27. The stops include Harper Ave., 116 Lothrop St., 6540 Cass Ave., John R & Piquette and 6230 John R St.  
• Bus service: SMART will have park-and-ride services from various points in metro Detroit, including Great Lakes Crossing, several Meijer store locations and Oakland County Community College. It also has its FAST service on Gratiot, Woodward and Michigan Avenue. DDOT services will operate with modified downtown routes because of road closures.
• Shuttles and drop-offs: There will be designated shuttle and ride-share drop-off points throughout downtown on Woodward, Jefferson and Fort Street. Detroit Air Xpress, or DAX, is a nonstop coach bus service connecting downtown Detroit to Detroit Metro Airport, and  D2A2  is an express coach bus that connects downtown Detroit to downtown Ann Arbor.

Fan shuttle locations:

• Bagley Mobility Hub , 1501 Wabash St.  
• River East Garage , 214 Rivard St.  

Hours: 11 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. Thursday and Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday

• More: Service details released about Detroit public transit options

Detroit parking for 2024 NFL draft

If you decide to drive  downtown , make a plan and prearrange parking . Many off-street lots and garages are booked, and street parking will be limited or restricted in the area. Parking regulations will be enforced; vehicles may be towed. Those planning to park downtown are encouraged to arrive by 10 a.m. You may find off-street parking options on the Park Detroit app or on Park Whiz.

You can pay for metered parking through Park Detroit's website or app. There are also options for private parking throughout the city.

2024 NFL draft parking: 2024 NFL draft parking: You better have a plan if you're coming to downtown Detroit

Detroit road closures for 2024 NFL draft

The City of Detroit is conducting six phases of road closures leading up the 2024 NFL draft and during it. It started March 29 and will go through May 7. Be mindful of these closures as you're driving downtown.

Here's a detailed look at each phase of road closures in downtown Detroit.

Security, bag policy at the 2024 NFL draft

Detroit police say they've got a safety plan in place that includes increased police presence downtown, weapon detectors and video monitoring .

Detroit police have partnered with the NFL and local businesses on the security plan, as well as state and federal law enforcement, according to 3rd Precinct Cmdr. Matthew Fulgenzi.

The NFL will have weapon detectors installed that attendees must walk through at the gates of the event, which will take place at Cadillac Square, Campus Martius, Hart Plaza and a portion of Woodward Avenue. The NFL has a clear bag policy to enter the draft area, Fulgenzi said. 

Here's more on security measures and policies at the 2024 NFL draft in Detroit.

2024 NFL draft schedule of events, parties

2024 NFL draft day activities are from noon to 10 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. On Saturday, events go from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Use the NFL OnePass app to find more on what's planned and when throughout the NFL draft blueprint.

Activities include a Pro Football Hall of Fame exhibit and an autograph signing opportunity with current and former NFL players, as well as a 40-yard dash, vertical jump, deep throw accuracy challenges, and more. There will also be a collection of Detroit-based food trucks for participants who attend.

Here are more ideas on what to do at the 2024 NFL draft:

• NFL draft parties: District Detroit, Greektown, hotels, restaurants and more
• At Ford Field: Lions to host NFL draft event for season ticket holders
• NFL Shop: Where to find the NFL's pop-up store in downtown Detroit
• Art and murals: Detroit's DCLEATED exhibit across town … plus 8 downtown murals to see
• Roller skating and games: Next Level by RollerCade set to open right near the draft
• Check out the lights: Detroit's People Mover will light up for the draft

Things to do in Detroit during the 2024 NFL draft

Detroit is a city rich with museums, restaurants and activities throughout. If you're interested in exploring the area outside of the draft, you can go to the Motown Museum, the Michigan Science Center, check out golf-rich southeast Michigan , and even catch a Detroit Tigers game on April 26, 27 or 28 when they host the Kansas City Royals. And get a souvenir while you're in the city.

Looking for ideas? Check out these guides we put together for you:

• Where to eat: Your guide to breakfast, lunch and dinner in Detroit
• Where to shop: 7 places to get Detroit souvenirs , plus Somerset Collection and Born In Detroit pop-ups
• Where to see concerts: Big Sean, Detroit Youth Choir lead list of performers
• Where to golf: The top 10 golf courses to play near downtown Detroit
• Where to take your kids: Top kid-friendly events to check out at the NFL draft
• Where to take photos: Iconic Detroit places where you can snap photos while you're here
• Must-see attractions: Where to go in Detroit while you're here

What else is Detroit doing for the NFL draft?

Here's a list of other attractions and events planned for Detroit and the 2024 NFL draft:

• The Detroit "Hollywood-style" sign is constructed along eastbound Interstate 94. Here's how to scope it out .
• Plus, there are five "Welcome to Detroit" signs going up on other stretches of highways.
• Country star Jelly Roll is planning an intimate "Night Before" concert at Fillmore Detroit on April 24.
• Detroit City Distillery has several NFL draft events planned .
• Circuit Court at Detroit city hall will suspend in-person services during NFL draft week.

Download the NFL OnePass app to stay up to date on what's happening during the draft.

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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Your guide to 2024 NFL draft in Detroit: Registration, map, parking, things to do and more