Seeing sights that are free reduces the cost of a vacation. In the city of Detroit there is much to see and do that doesn't cost a penny. Whether you want to see oddities of a bygone era or tour downtown, the Motor City has something free for you.
Pewabic Pottery is a piece of Detroit known around the United States. The company made its name during the arts and crafts movement of the early 20th century. Installations from the company can be found in churches all over Michigan. Currently the building where it began houses a museum and education center. Tour the museum to see a piece of cultural and artistic history specific to Detroit.
Pewabic Pottery
10125 E. Jefferson Ave.
Detroit, MI 48214
313-822-0954
pewabic.com
The Michigan Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument commemorates Michiganians who lost their lives in the Civil War. The statue was funded by private donations at the request of Gov. Austin Blair in 1865 and sculpted by Randolph Rogers, who also sculpted Civil War monuments in Rhode Island and Ohio. The statue displays members of the Navy as well as Army infantry, artillery and cavalry units.
Hart Plaza is named for the late Sen. Philip Hart and occupies the former site of a coal yard. The Dodge Fountain occupies the center of the plaza, named after one of the famous Dodge brothers. The plaza includes a skating rink and monuments such as the International Memorial to the Underground Railroad. A number of events occur at Hart Plaza each year.
Hart Plaza
1 Washington Blvd.
Detroit, MI 48226-4420
The Renaissance Center--known to locals as the RenCen--offers a free tour that takes about an hour to complete. The tour ends in the restaurant atop the building where visitors can look out on all of Detroit and across the river to Windsor, Ontario. The tours run at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. weekdays.
Renaissance Center
200 Renaissance Center
Detroit, MI 48243-1312
313-568-0020
gmrencen.com
Greektown is the Greek area of Detroit which still preserves many of the qualities that made this neighborhood distinctive. It's not uncommon to hear traditional Greek music being played in the eight-block area of Greektown, and the smell of Greek cuisine wafts through the air. The neighborhood business association hosts a party in the spring known as Glendi, and in the summer the Greektown Arts Festival.
Greektown
visitgreektown.com
