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MotorCities National Heritage Area

· Detroit, MI

Why you should go…

MotorCities National Heritage Area is a National Park Service affiliated heritage area covering portions of 16 counties in southern and southeastern Michigan, centered on metro Detroit. It commemorates the history of the automobile industry and labor movement through partner sites such as The Henry Ford, the Automotive Hall of Fame and Michigan International Speedway. The organization funds preservation, education and heritage tourism programming across the region rather than operating a single site.

  • #automotive history
  • #road trip
  • #heritage
  • #museum
  • #detroit

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to MotorCities National Heritage Area, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sightseeing
    Date Night

    Detroit Princess Riverboat

    $50+

    The Midwest's largest dinner riverboat cruises the Detroit River with live shows and skyline views.

    0.4 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History

    Under $25

    One of the world's largest and oldest independent museums dedicated to African American history and culture.

    2.0 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Shopping
    Local Gem

    Polish Art Center

    Free

    A Hamtramck emporium of Polish stoneware, amber jewelry, folk art, and imported goods.

    4.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Shopping

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Michigan Renaissance Festival

    $25–$50

    Seasonal Renaissance-era fair in Holly with jousting, costumed performers, artisan vendors and themed food, rain or shine.

    44 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Put-in-Bay

    Free

    A lively Lake Erie island village on South Bass Island, reached only by ferry or plane.

    48 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Toledo

    Free

    Ohio's Glass City on Lake Erie, home to a world-class art museum and a lively riverfront.

    54 mi awayMore like this