Detroit, Motown, The D, Hockeytown, The Motor City. No matter what name you know us by, our city has a rich history, full of culture and growth. Did you know Detroit is the only city in the continental US where you look south to see Canada?

Sports

Detroit is home of the Red Wings, Pistons, Tigers and Lions. We are also one of only four cities in the country whose NHL, NBA, MLB and NFL teams all play within their city limits. More of a soccer fan? Detroit is also home to the Detroit City Football Club. Detroit’s nickname, Hockeytown, was dubbed in the 90s because of our city’s diehard hockey fans. Despite the Lions’ recent track record, Detroit is the third winningest city in the US (behind New York and Boston).

Eastern Market

The Eastern Market Historic District is ~1 mile northeast of downtown Detroit. Founded in 1891, Eastern Market is the largest open-air flowerbed market in the US and the largest historic public market district in the US. More than 150 food and specialty businesses are located within the market district selling all types of goods including produce, meat, spices, jams, flowers and poultry. Surrounded by breweries and restaurants, exploring Eastern Market is a great way to spend a day off. The Dequindre Cut Greenway, an urban recreational path that takes you all of the way down to the Detroit River Walk, runs right through the heart of Eastern Market. This makes Eastern Market the perfect spot to pick up the trail for a walk, run, bike ride, or rollerblading. There is even a large rock climbing gym in the Eastern Market District that many of our residents have been known to frequent together.

Belle Isle

Belle Isle State Park is a 2.5 mile long island located in the international waters of the Detroit River. The park was originally created in the 1880s to make an urban oasis in Detroit, and has since been affectionately named the “Jewel of Detroit”.  With approximately 7 miles of shoreline around the island, there is truly something for everyone. This is a perfect place for running, biking, exploring the woods, kayaking, laying on the beach, sailing, and barbecuing with friends. The fun doesn’t stop there – Belle Isle also has basketball courts, volleyball courts, tennis courts, a driving range, golf course and nature center. This is where we compete in the annual SonoWars competition – check out the resident education page for more info on this event. 

Detroit Institute of Arts

The DIA is located in Midtown Detroit, ~2 miles north of Downtown, and has one of the largest and most significant art collections in the US. This gorgeous museum is home to over 100 galleries consisting of over 65,000 works from all over the world.  The DIA is among one of the most visited art museums in the world and hosts many major art exhibitions. 

Campus Martius

Campus Martius Park is right in the heart of Downtown Detroit. Named the number 1 “Top Public Square” in the US by USA Today, Campus Martius is a gathering place for Detroiters and visitors all times of year. In the winter months you’ll find the square replaced with an ice skating rink. Right next door is the Cadillac Lodge, a holiday staple of Downtown Detroit where you will find large heated tents filled with games, leather sofas, cozy blankets, and up-north ski lodge amenities with holiday cocktails, hot cocoa and other winter favorites. In the summer, the ice is replaced with sand… literally. Over 400,000 pounds of sand plus lounge chairs and live music are brought in so you can enjoy a beach day in the middle of the city all summer long! The Cadillac lodge becomes Cadillac square where you will find food trucks, basketball courts, and even drive in movies. Campus Martius is also where you will find the finish line for the Detroit Free Press Marathon, an international Marathon that takes you to Canada and back.