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Photo courtesy of Wheelhouse Detroit
There are few better ways to experience Metro Detroit than by taking a guided tour through its streets, waterways, and neighborhoods. Whether you’re a lifelong local or a visitor, Metro Detroit’s history, culture, and architecture come alive in new and exciting ways when experienced through a fresh lens. From historic cruises to deep dives into Detroit’s past, Metro Detroit offers a wide variety of tour experiences that are equal parts educational and entertaining.
Diamond Jack’s River Tours
1340 Atwater Street, Detroit
For over three decades, Diamond Jack’s River Tours has offered one of the most relaxing and scenic ways to explore Detroit’s waterfront. Their narrated sightseeing cruises glide along the Detroit River, highlighting landmarks and history you can only fully appreciate from the water. “It’s always great getting to see people’s faces when they are boarding the boat or even just taking the boat ride,” shares deckhand Emma Bateman. “There are so many interesting points on the riverside that some people wouldn’t even know about if they didn’t take the ride.” Deckhand Tyrone McIntyre adds, “There’s so much to learn about Detroit and Canada.” These one-hour cruises depart regularly from Detroit’s Cullen Plaza and offer open seating, plus snacks and beverages for purchase onboard. With no passport required for travel, Diamond Jack’s River Tours is a great way to sightsee from the water.
The Detroit History Club
With a wide range of tours that span from architecture to organized crime, The Detroit History Club is a dynamic option for those who love stories behind the city’s buildings, characters, and neighborhoods. From the spooky Dastardly Detroit walking tour to the Felonies and Misdemeanors bus tour (one of their most popular options) featuring infamous mobsters, their offerings are always immersive and engaging. As Executive Director Jeff Pollock explains, “We are a company that believes in customer service, excellent research, and having a good time…While our clientele is from all over the world, we focus on the vibrant histories of Detroit, Highland Park, and Hamtramck.” The Detroit History Club powers the tours set through Michigan Central Station, which is one stop on their Big 3 Architecture Bus Tour. This also guides guests throughout the Guardian Building and Fisher Building.
Detroit Food & City Tours
Those looking to taste their way through the city will love the offerings from Detroit Food & City Tours. Their Iconic Foods of Detroit walking tour combines the best of storytelling and snacking, featuring stops for Detroit-style pizza, Coney dogs, and sweet treats while highlighting the history behind each bite. Another standout is their insider’s tour of the Guardian Building, which grants guests special access to off-limits areas, like hidden bank vaults, while guiding you through the architectural masterpiece. These guided walks showcase both Detroit’s rich culinary legacy and its architectural gems.
Wheelhouse Detroit
1340 Atwater Street, Detroit
Bike lovers can discover Detroit at a different pace with Wheelhouse Detroit. This bike shop offers public guided rides, covering between 8 and 14 miles and exploring neighborhoods like Corktown, Belle Isle, and Southwest Detroit. Tours focus on everything from music history to public art, offering fascinating stops and stories along the way. “Wheelhouse tours are a unique, fun, and active way to see Detroit’s sights and learn about its history, culture, and development,” shares owner Kelli Kavanaugh. Scheduled every weekend from spring through fall with some weekdays in between, these bike rides are perfect for active adventurers. “We believe the Motor City is best explored on two wheels!”
City Institute
City Institute offers thought-provoking tours, in virtual and walking varieties, across Metro Detroit that spotlight local culture, community, and creativity. Their Downtown Detroit tour, for example, dives deep into the city’s design legacy, while the Heidelberg Project tour explores one of Detroit’s most iconic public art installations. They also shine a spotlight on communities like Mount Clemens and Pontiac, helping visitors and locals alike discover the often-overlooked stories and businesses that make these places special. Whether you’re exploring historic architecture or meeting community leaders, City Institute’s tours offer enriching, hyperlocal insight.
Whether on foot, by bike, by bus, or by boat, Metro Detroit has no shortage of guided adventures waiting to be explored. These thoughtfully curated tours reveal the soul of the area in ways that few solo outings ever could. If you’re ready to see Metro Detroit from a new perspective, these local tour companies provide a ticket to its past, present, and ever-evolving future.
