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Self Guided "Detroit's Spirit and History" Solo Walking Tour

Self Guided "Detroit's Spirit and History" Solo Walking Tour

Overview

You will discover Detroit’s hidden gems, artistic Alleys, funky food spots, golden era buildings and world class parks. Go at your own pace, your own schedule and stop and go as you please. This is a Self Guided Tour navigated by your smart phone on the WalknTours app. The technology is so good visitors say "It's like walking with Rick Steve's".

Detroit is a city on the rise. Not long ago this was a different city, today it’s thriving and the people of Detroit are carving out a culture that is authentically D Town. Discover how Detroit is changing, and see how it's past changed world history.

The tour starts at Buddy’s on Broadway, the shop that invented Detroit Style Pizza. So, grab a slice and let’s get this party started.

City: Detroit

Fri 20 Jun

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $9.75

Make a reservation

Fri 20 Jun

Starting at $9.75

Make a reservation

Oregon Tours

Transfers & Transportation (4) Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises (3) Good for Small Groups (3) Seasonal & Holiday Tours (11) Walking Tours (11) Outdoor Activities (7) Wildlife Activities (3) Solo Travelers' Tours (7) Food & Drinks (1) Travelers recommend (5) Good for Groups (1) Top Activities (3) Art, Culture & History (4) Limousine Transfers (1) DSA non-compliant (3)

What's Included

Virtual walk you can take after taking the in person tour

Smartphone Guided Walking tour on the WalknTours app

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

What To Expect

The Belt

The Belt is named after the alleyway's location in the former garment district which was shaped like a belt. It is part of a larger project by the Library Street Collective to reimagine underutilized spaces throughout the city.

Campus Martius Park

This park was created in 2004 and is a main hang out in Detroit. It was even named a “Top 10 Public Square” in the USA by USA Today. Not bad for an area that few people felt safe enough walking into 20 years ago.

Penobscot Building

When it was built in 1928, it was the 4th highest building in the United States and 8th highest in the world. It soars above you like the edge off a cliff with a series of setbacks at the top.

The Guardian Building

The Guardian building is one of the finest art deco skyscrapers in the United States. It was completed in 1929 and was originally called the Union Trust Building. It also had the rather cute nickname of the Cathedral of Finance.

The Spirit of Detroit

The sun-like thing on the right is meant to symbolize the rays emanating from God, and the people in his other hand are supposed to represent all human relationships. The Spirit is widely recognized and well-loved and you can find the image all over the city.

Joe Louis Monument

oe Louis didn’t just throw his weight around in the boxing ring. He fought against segregation and Jim Crow laws and encouraged young African American men to join the US Army during World War II despite the fact that it was still racially segregated. When he was asked why he did it, he famously replied "Lots of things wrong with America, but Hitler ain't going to fix them."

Show 3 more stops

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (29)

420dennyg

Nov 2024

Great brief history of so much downtown! The tour was well paced and we could walk comfortably. Good idea to start at Buddy’s pizza!

krtman

Oct 2024

The tour worked just fine by listening to it on my phone speaker for my wife and I, even in downtown traffic. The tour was mostly architectural but the art deco buildings were just amazing. You could enter several of them in the interiors have been maintained perfectly. The tour included other famous locations in downtown such as Joe Louis's statue. Pro: the directions and narration were perfect. The guide was well informed. The tour is a good way to learn about downtown Detroit which is quite vibrant. Con: The tour was a little short, it only briefly mentioned the Detroit River, for example, when the tour ended near it. The river would be a good stop.

ANGELIKA M

Sep 2024

We enjoyed the walk and learn more about Detroit. Stopping app and starting later was a bit cumbersome. Otherwise it was fine.