When the weekend rolls around, there’s nothing better than hopping in the car with loved ones and heading out for a fun-filled day trip or two. Luckily, Detroit is located in close proximity to all sorts of exciting destinations that you’ll have a blast exploring. Whether you’re searching for a bit of local history, heading out for a refreshing hike, or even venturing to a nearby city for an educational museum experience, you’ll find something to appreciate on our list of the best day trips in Detroit and beyond.
- Greenfield Village (Dearborn)
Flickr/Deb Nystrom If you’re a history buff, you’ll have an absolute blast exploring this unique destination in Dearborn. Located within the Henry Ford Museum, Greenfield Village offers visitors the opportunity to truly step back in time. Ride in a Model T, mingle with historic re-enactors and bask in the charming beauty of this fascinating village. No matter the season, you’ll find something wonderful to admire. Find out more by visiting the Greenfield Village website Greenfield Village, Dearborn, MI 48124, USA
- Frankenmuth
Flickr/Ian Freimuth Want to journey to Europe without leaving the comfort and convenience of Michigan? If so, Frankenmuth is the perfect destination for you. This Bavarian-style town is overflowing with things to do and see — whether you’re shopping, enjoying a few slices of delicious fudge, or dining at Zehnder’s, you’ll adore Frankenmuth. If you’d like to learn more about this destination within driving distance of Detroit, visit the Frankenmuth website. Frankenmuth, MI, USA
- Kensington Metropark (Milford)
Flickr/ellenm1 Venture to the nearby town of Milford for a fantastic experience in the great outdoors at Kensington Metropark. This park contains more than 4,500 acres of natural beauty to explore. During the warmer months, you’ll find ample opportunities to boat, swim, and explore the shoreline of Kent Lake. Throughout the year, the park offers chances to hike, marvel at wildlife, bike, or cross-country ski. For additional information, head to the Kensington Metropark website. Kensington Metropark, 4570 Huron River Pkwy, Milford, MI 48380, USA
- Ann Arbor
Flickr/Ian Freimuth Apart from the bustling University of Michigan, there’s an endless array of activities and attractions to explore in Ann Arbor. Take a stroll through its vibrant downtown area to do a bit of shopping, catch a football game at the Big House, or enjoy the beauty of nature with a walk through Nichols Arboretum. What’s not to love? When you’re ready to plan your day trip, check out Ann Arbor’s official website. Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Hell, Michigan
Flickr/Doug Kerr Don’t let its name fool you: this delightfully strange little town in Michigan is certainly not frightening. With a variety of quirky attractions and Hell-themed eateries, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for photos, fun, and family togetherness. This is one circumstance in which “Go to Hell” isn’t insulting! If you’re eager to learn more, check out the official Hell website. Hell, MI 48169, USA
- Bay City
Flickr/renny67 Tucked away along Saginaw Bay, this lovely and quaint small town is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of life in the Motor City. There’s genuinely something here for every member of the family — whether you opt to do a bit of antique shopping, grab a bite to eat downtown, or stroll alongside the waterfront, you’ll have a relaxing experience during your time in Bay City. For more information about this charming spot, visit the Bay City website. Bay City, MI, USA
- Windsor, Ontario
Flickr/art_inthecity We’re lucky to live just minutes away from Canada — so why not take advantage of this proximity with a quick day trip across the Ambassador Bridge to Windsor, Ontario? Our international neighbor has all sorts of things to do, from gambling at Caesars to getting in touch with your artistic side at the Windsor Sculpture Park. The best part? It’s just a stone’s throw from home. Details about Windsor’s many attractions are available on its official website. Windsor, ON, Canada
- Belle Isle
Flickr/sj carey You don’t have to leave the Motor City to have a fantastic experience. Belle Isle is one of Detroit’s most wonderful attractions, and this island park is overflowing with unique things to do and see. Stop in at the historic Belle Isle Aquarium for some free exploration, catch gorgeous views of the Motor City skyline, or simply marvel at the beauty of the island’s central fountain. For a full listing of what Belle Isle offers, check out the park’s website. Belle Isle, Detroit, MI, USA
- Lansing
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM Our state’s capital city is an amazing day trip destination for Detroiters of all ages. Perhaps you remember visiting Lansing for a childhood field trip, but it’s just as exciting for adult visitors. Take a tour of the Michigan Capitol and glance up at its beautiful rotunda, then venture to nearby East Lansing to peruse the campus of Michigan State University. There’s something here for everyone, no matter how many times you’ve stopped by. For details about this wonderful locale, visit the official Lansing website. Lansing, MI, USA
- Kalamazoo Air Zoo
Flickr/gunner226 While the entire city of Kalamazoo is overflowing with things to do and see, the Air Zoo is worth a drive from Detroit in itself. This aviation museum is a blast for kids and parents alike — featuring everything from flight simulators to chances to get up-close and personal with vintage aircraft. You’ll have fun, learn a whole lot, and enjoy togetherness with the entire family – so hop in the car and head out. Find details by checking out the Kalamazoo Air Zoo website. Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum, 6151 Portage Rd, Portage, MI 49002, USA
Now that you’ve read about some of the best day trips in Detroit and its surrounding communities, it’s time to start plotting your next family adventure. Which of the items on our list is your absolute favorite? Are there any other things to do in Detroit that should be included in a future article? Share your thoughts with us by leaving a Facebook comment or make an official recommendation by completing our nomination form.
Flickr/Deb Nystrom
If you’re a history buff, you’ll have an absolute blast exploring this unique destination in Dearborn. Located within the Henry Ford Museum, Greenfield Village offers visitors the opportunity to truly step back in time. Ride in a Model T, mingle with historic re-enactors and bask in the charming beauty of this fascinating village. No matter the season, you’ll find something wonderful to admire. Find out more by visiting the Greenfield Village website
Greenfield Village, Dearborn, MI 48124, USA
Flickr/Ian Freimuth
Want to journey to Europe without leaving the comfort and convenience of Michigan? If so, Frankenmuth is the perfect destination for you. This Bavarian-style town is overflowing with things to do and see — whether you’re shopping, enjoying a few slices of delicious fudge, or dining at Zehnder’s, you’ll adore Frankenmuth. If you’d like to learn more about this destination within driving distance of Detroit, visit the Frankenmuth website.
Frankenmuth, MI, USA
Flickr/ellenm1
Venture to the nearby town of Milford for a fantastic experience in the great outdoors at Kensington Metropark. This park contains more than 4,500 acres of natural beauty to explore. During the warmer months, you’ll find ample opportunities to boat, swim, and explore the shoreline of Kent Lake. Throughout the year, the park offers chances to hike, marvel at wildlife, bike, or cross-country ski. For additional information, head to the Kensington Metropark website.
Kensington Metropark, 4570 Huron River Pkwy, Milford, MI 48380, USA
Apart from the bustling University of Michigan, there’s an endless array of activities and attractions to explore in Ann Arbor. Take a stroll through its vibrant downtown area to do a bit of shopping, catch a football game at the Big House, or enjoy the beauty of nature with a walk through Nichols Arboretum. What’s not to love? When you’re ready to plan your day trip, check out Ann Arbor’s official website.
Ann Arbor, MI, USA
Flickr/Doug Kerr
Don’t let its name fool you: this delightfully strange little town in Michigan is certainly not frightening. With a variety of quirky attractions and Hell-themed eateries, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for photos, fun, and family togetherness. This is one circumstance in which “Go to Hell” isn’t insulting! If you’re eager to learn more, check out the official Hell website.
Hell, MI 48169, USA
Flickr/renny67
Tucked away along Saginaw Bay, this lovely and quaint small town is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of life in the Motor City. There’s genuinely something here for every member of the family — whether you opt to do a bit of antique shopping, grab a bite to eat downtown, or stroll alongside the waterfront, you’ll have a relaxing experience during your time in Bay City. For more information about this charming spot, visit the Bay City website.
Bay City, MI, USA
Flickr/art_inthecity
We’re lucky to live just minutes away from Canada — so why not take advantage of this proximity with a quick day trip across the Ambassador Bridge to Windsor, Ontario? Our international neighbor has all sorts of things to do, from gambling at Caesars to getting in touch with your artistic side at the Windsor Sculpture Park. The best part? It’s just a stone’s throw from home. Details about Windsor’s many attractions are available on its official website.
Windsor, ON, Canada
Flickr/sj carey
You don’t have to leave the Motor City to have a fantastic experience. Belle Isle is one of Detroit’s most wonderful attractions, and this island park is overflowing with unique things to do and see. Stop in at the historic Belle Isle Aquarium for some free exploration, catch gorgeous views of the Motor City skyline, or simply marvel at the beauty of the island’s central fountain. For a full listing of what Belle Isle offers, check out the park’s website.
Belle Isle, Detroit, MI, USA
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
Our state’s capital city is an amazing day trip destination for Detroiters of all ages. Perhaps you remember visiting Lansing for a childhood field trip, but it’s just as exciting for adult visitors. Take a tour of the Michigan Capitol and glance up at its beautiful rotunda, then venture to nearby East Lansing to peruse the campus of Michigan State University. There’s something here for everyone, no matter how many times you’ve stopped by. For details about this wonderful locale, visit the official Lansing website.
Lansing, MI, USA
Flickr/gunner226
While the entire city of Kalamazoo is overflowing with things to do and see, the Air Zoo is worth a drive from Detroit in itself. This aviation museum is a blast for kids and parents alike — featuring everything from flight simulators to chances to get up-close and personal with vintage aircraft. You’ll have fun, learn a whole lot, and enjoy togetherness with the entire family – so hop in the car and head out. Find details by checking out the Kalamazoo Air Zoo website.
Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum, 6151 Portage Rd, Portage, MI 49002, USA
Hoping to explore without breaking the bank? Read about some of our favorite free things to do in Detroit.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Day Trips In Detroit March 23, 2022 Sophie Boudreau Are there any other unique day trips in Detroit? While we’ve covered some of the best day trips in Detroit, there’s always more to discover throughout the area. If you’re feeling adventurous, you might just want to read another list of our favorite things to do during a day off in Metro Detroit, which features everything from the Dequindre Cut to the small town of Dexter. Of course, the real fun comes about when you make your own adventure – so we recommend heading out to see Detroit for yourself and keeping an open mind! What are some of the best activities for kids in Detroit? Even if you’ve spent a lifetime in Metro Detroit, there’s always more to discover throughout the area. If you’re looking for family-friendly activities in Detroit, read our list of the nine most underrated spots in the Motor City. This article details options like a bridge tour, a little-known zoo, an even a 19th century church that’s full of history and architectural beauty. No matter what your little ones are interested in, you’ll find something awesome to enjoy. Are there any hidden gems in Detroit? Longtime Detroiters might have already visited most of the day trips listed in our article above, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing new to uncover here in the Motor City and its surrounding areas. After all, there are all sorts of hidden gems around Detroit – including longstanding restaurants, brilliantly designed buildings, public art, and so much more. You’ll feel like a bonafide Detroit expert after reading about these well-kept secrets in the city.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Day Trips In Detroit
March 23, 2022
Sophie Boudreau
Are there any other unique day trips in Detroit? While we’ve covered some of the best day trips in Detroit, there’s always more to discover throughout the area. If you’re feeling adventurous, you might just want to read another list of our favorite things to do during a day off in Metro Detroit, which features everything from the Dequindre Cut to the small town of Dexter. Of course, the real fun comes about when you make your own adventure – so we recommend heading out to see Detroit for yourself and keeping an open mind! What are some of the best activities for kids in Detroit? Even if you’ve spent a lifetime in Metro Detroit, there’s always more to discover throughout the area. If you’re looking for family-friendly activities in Detroit, read our list of the nine most underrated spots in the Motor City. This article details options like a bridge tour, a little-known zoo, an even a 19th century church that’s full of history and architectural beauty. No matter what your little ones are interested in, you’ll find something awesome to enjoy. Are there any hidden gems in Detroit? Longtime Detroiters might have already visited most of the day trips listed in our article above, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing new to uncover here in the Motor City and its surrounding areas. After all, there are all sorts of hidden gems around Detroit – including longstanding restaurants, brilliantly designed buildings, public art, and so much more. You’ll feel like a bonafide Detroit expert after reading about these well-kept secrets in the city.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
While we’ve covered some of the best day trips in Detroit, there’s always more to discover throughout the area. If you’re feeling adventurous, you might just want to read another list of our favorite things to do during a day off in Metro Detroit, which features everything from the Dequindre Cut to the small town of Dexter. Of course, the real fun comes about when you make your own adventure – so we recommend heading out to see Detroit for yourself and keeping an open mind!
What are some of the best activities for kids in Detroit?
Even if you’ve spent a lifetime in Metro Detroit, there’s always more to discover throughout the area. If you’re looking for family-friendly activities in Detroit, read our list of the nine most underrated spots in the Motor City. This article details options like a bridge tour, a little-known zoo, an even a 19th century church that’s full of history and architectural beauty. No matter what your little ones are interested in, you’ll find something awesome to enjoy.
Are there any hidden gems in Detroit?
Longtime Detroiters might have already visited most of the day trips listed in our article above, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing new to uncover here in the Motor City and its surrounding areas. After all, there are all sorts of hidden gems around Detroit – including longstanding restaurants, brilliantly designed buildings, public art, and so much more. You’ll feel like a bonafide Detroit expert after reading about these well-kept secrets in the city.
