Okay, so I'm going to spend a few days in Detroit

[TexasBushwhacker]

I want to see the Diego-Kahlo exhibit at the art institute. So what are the other must sees for someone who has never been there?

[MichMan]

1. The Henry Ford

The Henry Ford and companion Greenfield Village . One of the countries top historical museums.

Fantastic automotive collection (all manufacturers) agriculture, Lincoln artifacts, Rosa Park bus and Civil Rights displays, actual Wright Bros shop, Edison laboratory, Slave cabins, All the buildings were dismantled and reconstructed.

[auntAgonist]

7. A must see ! n/t

[etherealtruth]

2. The exhibition is phenomenal !!!!

[MichMan]

3. Rouge Ford plant

You can also tour the Ford Rouge plant and see vehicles bring built.

[TexasBushwhacker]

4. Should I stay downtown and take cabs

or stay further out and rent a car. Anyone been to the Raven Lounge and Restaurant? I'm a bit of a blues nut as well.

[MichMan]

5. Car

Personally, I would stay further out and rent a car. Make sure you try a Michigan Coney Hot dog while you are here.

[TexasBushwhacker]

6. We have James Coney Island here

and they look similar to your Michigan Coneys - chili and onions. They started in 1923. Every summer you can buy as many as you want on the third Thursday of the month for the number of years they've been in business. This year they're 92 cents. I love 'email.

[demmiblue]

8. The day you are going to the DIA, I would also consider going to...

The Detroit Film Theater (in/connected to the DIA. Beautiful.)
http://www.dia.org/detroitfilmtheatre/14/DFT.aspx

The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
http://thewright.org/

The Detroit Historical Museum
http://detroithistorical.org/detroit-historical-museum/plan-your-visit/general-information

If you park behind the DIA ($7), all three museums are within close walking distance. Protip: try to get to the DIA early. The small parking lot fills up fast due to the exhibit.

(The Detroit Public Library is across the street if you want to pop your head in.)


Other ideas:

Belle Isle
http://belleisleconservancy.org/

Detroit Riverwalk
http://www.detroitriverfront.org/

Eastern Market (Crazy busy, though. For someone who doesn't know the area, parking will be difficult.)
http://www.easternmarket.com/

Boat tour (Never taken the tour, but have always wanted to.)
http://diamondjack.com/

Walking tour of Detroit (I can't vouch for this company...I have never been on one of their tours. It is free, though!)
http://www.puredetroit.com/index.php/architecture/pure-detroit-schedule-for-october-286.html

People Mover (I have always boarded at Greektown. You can also visit Greektown and the casino here. Plenty of parking and restaurants. If you love pizza, go to Pizza Papalis for some deep dish. Also in the Greektown area is The Old Shillelagh, if you want to get your Irish on! )
http://www.thepeoplemover.com/

Pewabic Pottery (Uniquely Detroit/Michigan. You will see a lot of Pewabic tiles/artwork all over the city.)
http://www.pewabic.org/visit/

If you go to the Renaissance center, make sure to ride the glass elevator!