A fascinating feature of the Cultural Center is the main branch of the Detroit Public Library. Opened in 1921 and expanded in 1963, the library is made of white Vermont marble. Designed by Cass Gilbert, architect of the US Supreme Court building, the building is in Italian Renaissance style. Murals and stained glass add to the grand effect. The main part of the library has a wide range of books and documents. It also houses special collections, including the Ernie Harwell Collection, E.Azalia Hackley Collection and the Burton Historical Collection, a wealth of local history and genealogical information.
Resting along the banks of Detroit River, Fort Wayne is the only remaining fort out of the many that once stood along the river. Fort Wayne is an 82-acre (33.18 hectares) site that includes the fort, barracks, a garrison, a huge parade ground, and a restored commander's house. Having aged spectacularly over decades and decades, the fort has been enlisted on to the National Register of Historic Places. Having played an integral role as an instruction camp during the course of the Civil War, this star-shaped fortification has braved many ravages of time, yet standing strong as an important landmark of Michigan. Whispering secrets of its storied past, this historic fort lends stirring insights into the country's long-standing maritime history. The premises are also home to the Tuskegee Airmen National Museum.
Few cities have anything as splendid as this nearly 1000 acre (404.68 hectares) island park. Accessible by the MacArthur Bridge, Belle Isle has been a favorite place for relaxation and recreation, plus it's a great spot to watch the ore freighters gliding down the river. Around the island, there is a beach, a conservatory, formal gardens, an old lighthouse, the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, lagoons, picnic areas, and much more. The Scott Fountain, with its imposing gargoyles, provides a great evening light show. Entry to the park itself is free, however there is a fee for vehicles entering the park.
Located on the banks of Detroit River, the Dieppe Gardens were named so after the members of the Canadian military who died after landing at Dieppe, France during World War II. Besides boasting of monuments to the Canadian Air Force, Navy and Military, the park also features a Peace Beacon. Waterfalls and ponds add to the aesthetic appeal of the gardens as well. Other features of the park include picnic benches and tables, concession stands and a launch site for cruise ships. Whether you are in the mood to soak up the fresh summer breeze, take leisure strolls or simply enjoy scenic river views, head to the Dieppe Gardens.
Spread across 865 acres (350 hectares) of land, the Ojibway Prairie Complex is a beautiful area that features parks and natural reserves. The lush green property is home to several species of plants and animals. Besides, this green complex hosts a variety of workshops and programs on a regular basis. In addition to this, Ojibway Prairie Complex is a heaven for bird watchers and photographers as it houses a wide range of local and migratory birds. So, take some time off from your busy city life and enjoy a relaxing day amidst nature.
The Detroit Zoological Park is one of the nation's oldest and most stately zoos. Its huge main campus is located on land situated in the suburb of Huntington Woods but owned by the city of Detroit. Renovations of many of the zoo's older buildings and new exhibits have modernized the zoo. Popular exhibits include the new Amphibiville, home of the National Amphibian Conservation Center, a Wildlife Interpretive Center and adjacent butterfly/hummingbird gallery, a chimpanzee exhibit, a penguinarium and a model farm. The grounds are large and a free train is often crowded in summer.
Overlooking Paint Creek, Rochester Municipal Park features a number of facilities for various recreational activities. This dog-friendly park is equipped with multiple tennis and volleyball courts, a walkway, a children’s playground, picnic shelters, a pond and clean restrooms. They also offer space to host private events like weddings here. Whether enjoying outdoor sports or leisurely strolls, visitors can immerse themselves in the natural beauty and tranquility of Rochester Municipal Park, making it a cherished destination for both locals and visitors alike.
The Horizon Park is a great photo-opportunity to catch the splendid views of the sunset while sitting comfortably beneath green trees amidst pleasant flowers. There is a war-memorial here and the lake offers plenty of breeze and fresh air. Concerts and other events are also organized here from time to time.
A Michigan institution on Gratiot Avenue, most people in Detroit consider these snack foods to be the best in the entire state. The storefront/factory sells chips, popcorn, chocolate, pork rinds and other savory/sweet sundries, however most locals rave about the chips. In fact, sometimes it seems that it's sacrilege to eat any other chip brand inside Wayne County. For those visiting Detroit, it is a classic city product to try and for those former residents who miss Better Made, they can still order them through their online store.
Hike through a tallgrass prairie at Windsor to make memories of a lifetime. Boasting numerous rare species as part of the flora, the Ojibway Prairie Provincial Nature Reserve is a must-visit for those who wish to see flowers and plants that are not found anywhere else as well as the spread of splendid natural colors. Big Bluestem, Indian Grass and wildflowers that stretch longer than most humans are just some of the amazing plant varieties you can enjoy a glimpse of. The nature reserve also features a bikeway for those who want to cover more ground in less time. If you want to be with nature’s best creations, the Ojibway Prairie Provincial Nature Reserve may just be what you are looking for.
A nature and wildlife education center for both adults and kids, the Ojibway Nature Center is part of the Ojibway Prairie Provincial Nature Reserve and is a must-visit during your time in the reserve. Boasting of a myriad number of educational programs that cover everything birding to nature photography, the center is the place to visit if you are in the mood to learn more about nature. Besides the learning experiences, visitors also get the chance to enjoy a glimpse of Eastern Foxsnake and Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake. Tours with naturalists can also be undertaken with prior appointments. If you are in the mood to learn more about the natural world around you, head to the Ojibway Nature Center for a fun, educational experience.
The Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge is natural treasure trove that preserves islands, shoals, wetlands and much more. The only International Wildlife Refuge in North America, it offers a variety of wildlife-centric recreational activities. Here, you can enjoy beautiful views of Lake Erie and its surrounding landscape, and indulge in activities like photography, hunting, boating and fishing. Apart from recreational activities, the refuge is also an ideal educational excursion site, where visitors can observe rare flora and fauna in their natural habitat, learn more about the regional ecology, and hike through beautiful forests of silver maple, red maple, willow, and cottonwood.