Welcome to Ferndale/Detroit: Local Hotspots and Hidden Treasures
Sightseeing
World famous and renowned as a mecca for art lovers, the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) has a collection of more than 65,000 artworks, spanning the entire length of civilization. Its undoubted centerpiece is Mexican artist Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry murals, which depict the city’s auto laborers across 27 panels.
532 locals recommend
Detroit Institute of Arts
5200 Woodward AveWorld famous and renowned as a mecca for art lovers, the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) has a collection of more than 65,000 artworks, spanning the entire length of civilization. Its undoubted centerpiece is Mexican artist Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry murals, which depict the city’s auto laborers across 27 panels.
Connecting the riverfront with the Eastern Market area for pedestrians, the Dequindre Cut is a revitalized greenway and recreational path popular with residents and visitors alike. Formerly a railroad, it now features a wide pathway and urban art and graffiti. Visitors can rent bikes from WheelHouse Detroit.
57 locals recommend
Dequindre Cut
Dequindre Cut GreenwayConnecting the riverfront with the Eastern Market area for pedestrians, the Dequindre Cut is a revitalized greenway and recreational path popular with residents and visitors alike. Formerly a railroad, it now features a wide pathway and urban art and graffiti. Visitors can rent bikes from WheelHouse Detroit.
Adjacent to the Renaissance Center is the Detroit Riverwalk, connecting a series of areas developed to make the most of the city’s east riverfront. The 3.5-mile (5.6-kilometer) stretch from the Joe Louis Arena to Gabriel Richard Park is 80% complete and offers parks, plazas, and pavilions to enjoy, as well as views of Detroit and Windsor.
142 locals recommend
Detroit River Walk
Detroit RiverWalkAdjacent to the Renaissance Center is the Detroit Riverwalk, connecting a series of areas developed to make the most of the city’s east riverfront. The 3.5-mile (5.6-kilometer) stretch from the Joe Louis Arena to Gabriel Richard Park is 80% complete and offers parks, plazas, and pavilions to enjoy, as well as views of Detroit and Windsor.
Learn the story behind the music and have a damn good time while you’re at it at Hitsville U.S.A. Set inside the record label’s first and main building, including the legendary Studio A, passionate guides will show you where the magic happened and tell you how Berry Gordy turned an $800 loan into one of the most famous labels of all.
243 locals recommend
Motown Museum
2648 W Grand BlvdLearn the story behind the music and have a damn good time while you’re at it at Hitsville U.S.A. Set inside the record label’s first and main building, including the legendary Studio A, passionate guides will show you where the magic happened and tell you how Berry Gordy turned an $800 loan into one of the most famous labels of all.
The Detroit Historical Society’s free museum has been preserving the city’s history for over 85 years. With permanent exhibitions featuring cobblestone streets, an auto assembly line, and a fur trading post from the 1700s, there’s something to enjoy no matter your interests. The museum is closed on Mondays.
90 locals recommend
Detroit Historical Museum
5401 Woodward AveThe Detroit Historical Society’s free museum has been preserving the city’s history for over 85 years. With permanent exhibitions featuring cobblestone streets, an auto assembly line, and a fur trading post from the 1700s, there’s something to enjoy no matter your interests. The museum is closed on Mondays.
This is a drive and in the Upper Peninsula, but worth the visit! No cars are allowed so bring your bike.
276 locals recommend
Mackinac Island
This is a drive and in the Upper Peninsula, but worth the visit! No cars are allowed so bring your bike.
Windsor
Visit Windsor right across the river!
The Heidelberg Project
3600 Heidelberg StIf weird art is your thing.....
A National Historic Landmark and one of the finest Art Deco skyscrapers in the U.S., The Guardian Building was completed in 1929 when Detroit was a global hub. Be sure to go into its amazingly colorful lobby that has been lovingly preserved.
67 locals recommend
The Guardian Building
500 Griswold StA National Historic Landmark and one of the finest Art Deco skyscrapers in the U.S., The Guardian Building was completed in 1929 when Detroit was a global hub. Be sure to go into its amazingly colorful lobby that has been lovingly preserved.
As well as featuring a number of historical markers and statues, including the 27-foot (8.2-meter) sculpture of heavyweight champion Joe Louis’s fist and the Horace E. Dodge and Son Memorial Fountain, Hart Plaza hosts many free events during the summer months and is one of the city’s top riverfront destinations.
66 locals recommend
Hart Plaza
1 Hart PlazaAs well as featuring a number of historical markers and statues, including the 27-foot (8.2-meter) sculpture of heavyweight champion Joe Louis’s fist and the Horace E. Dodge and Son Memorial Fountain, Hart Plaza hosts many free events during the summer months and is one of the city’s top riverfront destinations.
Detroit’s foremost alternative musical export of the past 15 years may have moved to Nashville, but Jack White’s label Third Man Records was founded in Detroit. And one of only two physical stores sits off the Cass Corridor. Alongside the record store, there is a performance space, novelties lounge, and a recording booth, where you can record and press up to two minutes of audio.
28 locals recommend
Third Man Records Cass Corridor
441 W Canfield StDetroit’s foremost alternative musical export of the past 15 years may have moved to Nashville, but Jack White’s label Third Man Records was founded in Detroit. And one of only two physical stores sits off the Cass Corridor. Alongside the record store, there is a performance space, novelties lounge, and a recording booth, where you can record and press up to two minutes of audio.
Part of the Wayne State University campus, The Wright Museum, founded in 1965, explores and celebrates African American culture and history. Home to over 35,000 artifacts, the museum’s core exhibit is the largest display on African American history in the world. Rotating exhibitions, events, and educational resources are all available to enhance your visit.
109 locals recommend
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
315 E Warren AvePart of the Wayne State University campus, The Wright Museum, founded in 1965, explores and celebrates African American culture and history. Home to over 35,000 artifacts, the museum’s core exhibit is the largest display on African American history in the world. Rotating exhibitions, events, and educational resources are all available to enhance your visit.
Cranbrook Art Museum
39221 Woodward AveFood scene
Imperial
22828 Woodward AveBest Street Tacos and Margaritas!
Anita's Kitchen
22651 Woodward AveLebanese Food in Ferndale
Detroit Fleat
1820 E 9 Mile RdFood Trucks/Bar in Ferndale
Selden Standard
3921 2nd AveThe Apparatus Room
250 W Larned StA Coney Island is a hot dog covered in chili and onions, and it’s also a Detroit institution. The two most famous places to get one just happen to be next door to each other on W Lafayette Blvd, and they share a historic rivalry. The only way to know where your loyalty lies is to try both.
14 locals recommend
American Coney Island
114 W Lafayette BlvdA Coney Island is a hot dog covered in chili and onions, and it’s also a Detroit institution. The two most famous places to get one just happen to be next door to each other on W Lafayette Blvd, and they share a historic rivalry. The only way to know where your loyalty lies is to try both.
The Whitney
4421 Woodward AveIconic Mansion serving drinks and food.
Detroit Vegan Soul
8029 Agnes StVegan Soul Food
Bobcat Bonnie’s
240 W Nine Mile RdLocal Favorite in Ferndale
Toast
23144 Woodward AveBest Brunch in Ferndale!
Red Hook Cafe
220 W Nine Mile RdCoffee and Amazing Bakery in Ferndale
Otus Supply presents a uniquely communal offering, where the simplicity of ingredients combines with the highest quality of craftsmanship along with a fresh and diverse mix of musical entertainment to provide patrons an all-too-often-unavailable opportunity to have dinner and take in a show all under one roof!
14 locals recommend
Otus Supply
345 E 9 Mile RdOtus Supply presents a uniquely communal offering, where the simplicity of ingredients combines with the highest quality of craftsmanship along with a fresh and diverse mix of musical entertainment to provide patrons an all-too-often-unavailable opportunity to have dinner and take in a show all under one roof!
Ernie's Market
8500 Capital StMust Visit Sandwich Shop
Noble Fish
45 14 Mile RdSome of the best sushi served in an Asian market.
Como's Restaurant
22812 Woodward AvenueDetroit Style Pizza and an
Awesome Patio.
Pita Cafe
25282 Greenfield RdBest Middle Eastern
Norma G's
14628 E Jefferson AveCaribbean Restaurant in Detroit
Lady of the House
1426 Bagley Street
The Jamaican Pot
14615 M-102No frills, Jamaican Carry Out.
This destination for seafood lovers is located off the main Nine Mile drag on a residential street. Customers at Voyager can count on the raw bar with one of the freshest rotating selections of oysters around. Order a few to accompany dishes such as peel-and-eat shrimp with Old Bay and comeback sauce or the smoked fish dip with scallion bread. The building is small and seating is very limited, so arrive early or expect a wait.
14 locals recommend
Voyager
600 Vester StThis destination for seafood lovers is located off the main Nine Mile drag on a residential street. Customers at Voyager can count on the raw bar with one of the freshest rotating selections of oysters around. Order a few to accompany dishes such as peel-and-eat shrimp with Old Bay and comeback sauce or the smoked fish dip with scallion bread. The building is small and seating is very limited, so arrive early or expect a wait.
Pop's For Italian
280 W Nine Mile RdModern Italian Food/Pizza in Ferndale
Parks & Rec Diner
1942 W Grand River AveBrunch in Detroit!
La Dolce Vita
17546 Woodward AveMust Visit Italian in Detroit- also serving brunch.
The Corner Grill, Bar + Game Room
344 W Nine Mile RdFood and Axe Throwing in Ferndale
Sakana Sushi Lounge
22914 Woodward AveSushi in Downtown Ferndale
New York Bagel Baking
23316 Woodward AveBest Bagels/Breakfast Sandwich in Ferndale
Drifter Coffee
770 Woodward HeightsLocal Coffee Shop and Baked Treats
Coriander Kitchen and Farm
14601 Riverside BoulevardMumma Maria's House
8122 Kercheval AvenueThe Goblin Detroit
2547 Bagley StreetKorean Food Reimangined
Grey Ghost Detroit
47 Watson StShopping
Western Market
447 W Nine Mile RdGreat Local Grocery/Speciality Store
Somerset Mall
2800 W Big Beaver RdUpscale Shopping
Eastern Market
Farmers Market
The Rust Belt Market
22801 Woodward AveLocal Artisan Market selling handmade and unique treasures.
Shinola Detroit Store
441 W Canfield StIconic Detroit Watch Maker
Live Music
Baker's Keyboard Lounge
20510 LivernoisThis is one of the oldest jazz clubs in the U.S.
After a long day of exploring the city, you’re going to need a drink. And what better to accompany that drink than some live music. Cliff Bell’s is a legendary jazz club, dating all the way back to the 1930s, and it still carries that roaring vibe with its nightly performances and classic cocktails.
60 locals recommend
Cliff Bell's
2030 Park AveAfter a long day of exploring the city, you’re going to need a drink. And what better to accompany that drink than some live music. Cliff Bell’s is a legendary jazz club, dating all the way back to the 1930s, and it still carries that roaring vibe with its nightly performances and classic cocktails.
Sneakers Pub
22628 Woodward AveDive Bar and Live Music
Neighborhoods
Greektown
Corktown
Detroit Downtown
Indian Village
Visit the Vintage Mansions of Detroit
Palmer Woods
More Mansions of Detroit
West Village
Cute Shops and Restaurants with a bohemian vibe.
Take a stroll and visit Downtown Ferndale at the intersections of 9 Mile/ Woodward Ave. You’ll find shops, restaurants and plenty of bars.
45 locals recommend
Ferndale
Take a stroll and visit Downtown Ferndale at the intersections of 9 Mile/ Woodward Ave. You’ll find shops, restaurants and plenty of bars.
Mexicantown - Southwest Detroit
Parks and Rec
Belle Isle is a leafy 982-acre island on the Detroit River between the U.S. and Canada. The island contains a state park, a free aquarium open on weekends, a conservatory, and the Detroit Yacht Club. Walking, biking or jogging the many miles of trails is a great way to see the island and enjoy views of the city and its Canadian counterpart, Windsor.
388 locals recommend
Belle Isle Beach
2 Inselruhe AveBelle Isle is a leafy 982-acre island on the Detroit River between the U.S. and Canada. The island contains a state park, a free aquarium open on weekends, a conservatory, and the Detroit Yacht Club. Walking, biking or jogging the many miles of trails is a great way to see the island and enjoy views of the city and its Canadian counterpart, Windsor.
Campus Martius Park
800 Woodward AveHeart of Downtown Detroit
Kensington Metropark
4570 Huron River PkwyGeary Park
1198 Earle BlvdLocal Park in Ferndale featuring a Skate Park
Victory Park
My favorite park for kids!