Hundreds of thousands of fans are coming from across the country to pay a visit to Detroit for this weekend's NFL Draft.
While the draft is certainly the main draw — and there will be plenty to do and check out inside the Draft Experience — visitors will be looking to see the other things the city has to offer.
Here's a list of seven can't miss spots in Detroit, recommended by WWJ's loyal listeners.
Detroit People Mover
Sure, the Detroit People Mover gets more than its fair share of hate. Afterall, it's an endless loop that doesn't really take you anywhere but Downtown Detroit. But it also comes in handy, especially on a weekend like this.
But the People Mover does more than just… move people. Making a roughly three-mile loop around downtown — for free — it shows off some fantastic views of the city and its architecture. From the Detroit River (and Canada on the other side), to views of Woodward Avenue and beautiful neighborhoods, it's a great way to see the city in a short amount of time. MORE DETAILS HERE
Detroit Institute of Arts
Recently named the best art museum in the country by USA Today, the Detroit Institute of Art — or the DIA, as we call it here — has one of the largest collections in the U.S. with more than 65,000 pieces.
And that's not to mention the gorgeous architecture, which itself is worth a visit. The DIA sits along Woodward, accessible by the QLine at the Warren Avenue stop, and is in the ever-popular Midtown neighborhood. The DIA is close to just about any type of restaurant you can imagine, multiple award winning bars, Wayne State University, and many more attractions. MORE DETAILS HERE
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Detroit Riverwalk
It wouldn't be a trip to Detroit if you didn't walk along the riverfront. And while many will be checking it out at some point with Draft Experience events at Hart Plaza, the Riverwalk goes beyond that.
Home to several parks and paths, there's plenty of room to get outside and enjoy the weather — as well as the views. MORE DETAILS HERE
Belle Isle
A "true jewel of Detroit," Belle Isle is a state park on an island situated in the middle of the Detroit River. With more than 1.5 square miles of space, Belle Isle has great spaces for taking a walk or going for a run. But it's also home to the famous Scott Fountain, the Belle Isle Aquarium, a golf range, beaches and more.
And perhaps best of all, Belle Isle offers fantastic views of the Detroit skyline, particularly great for photos at sunset. MORE DETAILS HERE
Eastern Market
Home to incredible Detroit Lions tailgates at every home game in the fall, Eastern Market is best known for its Saturday markets, with hundreds of vendors selling everything from fresh produce and meats to handmade jewelry and art.
But there's plenty to check out in the neighborhood aside from the market, whether you want to grab a famous slice from Supino Pizzeria, or a bite to eat at a number of other restaurants. (P.S. Any Premier League fans looking for a place to watch games Saturday morning will want to check out Thomas Magee's Sporting House at Russell and the Fisher Service Drive. Trust us!)
While the market will be open normal hours (6 a.m. to 4 p.m.) on Saturday, there will be a special Eastern Market Night Market from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, this weekend only. MORE DETAILS HERE
Motown Museum
Yes, Detroit is best known for being "the city that put the world on wheels." But it's also got a heck of a history when it comes to music — especially the beloved "Motown sound."
Located in the original headquarters and music recording studio for Motown Records, the Museum is home to "an extensive array of authentic company artifacts, photographs, costumes and other valued memorabilia" from artists like Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, The Temptations and more. Hitsville U.S.A. is a can't-miss for visitors. MORE DETAILS HERE
MORE: Find everything you need to know about the NFL Draft in Detroit here!
Detroit Historical Museum
Detroit has more than 300 years of history to show off, and the Detroit Historical Museum has a little slice of just about everything. From cars, music and sports to food, culture and society, there's lots to learn about the city's past.
A special exhibit on Detroit's NFL Draft history will be open this weekend only in the Kresge Lobby to celebrate the draft coming to town. MORE DETAILS HERE
That's just a short list of some of the best the city has to offer, but there's plenty more to check out in Detroit and the surrounding areas. Popular spots outside the city limits include the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village in Dearborn, the Fowling Warehouse in Hamtramck — think a mix of football, beer pong and bowling — and fun downtown areas in suburbs like Royal Oak, Ferndale, Birmingham and more.
