Best Free Sites in Detroit

For those looking for a break from their urban surroundings, the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory offers visitors a beautiful little slice of nature not easily found in Metro Detroit. One of Belle Isle Park's multiple attractions, this conservatory — first built in 1904 — spans over one acre (0.4 hectares) and features an 85 foot (25 meters) high dome. Five distinct sections house a diverse and colorful collection of tropical plants, flowers, cacti, fernery and more, making it an excellent destination for photographers. From the Japanese water garden to the outside sculpture garden, there is an ethereal magic flowing throughout these grounds, which is why it makes for a great day visit for couples, families or just solo-explorers looking for some quietude.

This promenade in Downtown Detroit runs along the Detroit River from the Joe Louis Arena to Rivard Plaza. The RiverWalk is a popular destination for various activities including walking, jogging, and rollerblading. The RiverWalk passes through and by a number of area landmarks, including the Tri-Centennial State Park Lighthouse, the Detroit River and Hart Plaza with its Underground Railroad Memorial. It's a great destination for the whole family, and even includes a spouting fountain for kids and people of all ages to play in on a hot day.

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.

4,357 acres (1,763 hectares) of natural beauty make up Kensington Metropark. Kent Lake is in the center, and offers opportunities for fishing and swimming in the summer. There's also horseback riding, an 18-hole golf course, a nature program, and a working farm for visitors to enjoy. Explore eight miles (13 kilometers) of trails where you can hike, ski cross-country, or bike. Wintertime brings its own diversions with sledding and tobogganing hills. Kensington Metropark does charge a fee for cars, but admission is free if you walk or bike to this lovely park.

For a unique art experience, check out The Heidelberg Project (HP). Started as a way to introduce art to a rundown, underprivileged neighborhood, it is now a growing movement to beautify and add art to local low-income communities. On Heidelberg Street you will find a stretch of painted houses and yards that each take on a different artistic theme. A lot of the homes recycle trash and turn it into art installations. The best way to experience The Heidelberg Project is to park and simply walk the street yourself.

Despite the fact that the city of Detroit was founded in 1701, Corktown, which dates to 1840s, is the city's oldest surviving neighborhood. The area is actually on the National Register of Historic Places. Originally an Irish enclave in the city of Detroit, today Corktown is a charming and blossoming neighborhood popular with locals and tourists. The area is full of restaurants, bars, business and even some old Irish businesses reminiscent of the neighborhood's roots.

Indian Village is a neighborhood of striking architectural work, to the east of Detroit, by prominent artists like Albert Kahn and William Stratton. A lot of homes are very spacious with lovely gardens originally designed by landscape architects. Established in 1895, Indian Village is on the registry of national historic places to visit. This beautiful area should be on your list of places to see if you're a tourist. For all the budding architects, this is one prominent landmark you won't want to miss!