Recently Viewed
Detroit's Hidden History: Uncover Its Soul
4.9
37 Ratings
Detroit
Discover Detroit’s hidden history on a guided walking tour. Uncover untold stories of innovation, resilience, and hope. Book your journey today.
Discover Detroit’s hidden history on a guided walking tour. Uncover untold stories of innovation, resilience, and hope. Book your journey today.
Duration:
1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Grand Circus Park - The tour kicks off at Grand Circus Park, located in the heart of Downtown Detroit. Participants will be introduced to the tour and acquainted with one of Detroit’s most remarkable bearded statues. Additionally, there will be a discussion about potatoes.
- Michigan Theater Building - When a determined innovator first rolled…
- Grand Circus Park - The tour kicks off at Grand Circus Park, located in the heart of Downtown Detroit. Participants will be introduced to the tour and acquainted with one of Detroit’s most remarkable bearded statues. Additionally, there will be a discussion about potatoes.
- Michigan Theater Building - When a determined innovator first rolled his horseless carriage out of a Detroit garage, he couldn’t have predicted the revolution he would spark. Henry Ford earned Detroit the title of Motor City—but did his legacy also plant the seeds of its decline?
- Capitol Park - Upon arriving in Detroit, Thornton Blackburn and his wife likely thought their troubles were over. However, they were unaware that a slave hunter was in pursuit, and the ensuing fight for freedom would push a city already on the brink into chaos.
- Campus Martius Park - Augustus Brevoort Woodward was far from ordinary – naming himself after a Roman Emperor was just one example – but he envisioned transforming Detroit into the world’s greatest city. Unfortunately, the most influential men in Michigan had different plans.
- The Spirit of Detroit - When Detroit’s own Joe Louis faced the undefeated German Max Schmeling in their second legendary match, Americans—both Black and White—saw more than just a boxing match: it was a battle of freedom against fascism. Few know what happened after the final bell, when a rivalry evolved into one of sports history’s most surprising and lasting friendships.
What's Included
- Stories to fascinate and delight
- A knowledgeable local guide
- Well researched history
- Stories to fascinate and delight
- A knowledgeable local guide
- Well researched history
What's Not Included
- Gratuity for the guide
- Gratuity for the guide
Additional Information
Eager to explore beyond the pages of history and discover Detroit’s hidden past? Embark on a 90-minute tour led by a historian and delve into the Motor City’s most captivating stories—tales that forged a legend, shared as you wander through North America’s most breathtaking architectural marvels.
- Enjoy an intimate small-group setting with ample…
Eager to explore beyond the pages of history and discover Detroit’s hidden past? Embark on a 90-minute tour led by a historian and delve into the Motor City’s most captivating stories—tales that forged a legend, shared as you wander through North America’s most breathtaking architectural marvels.
- Enjoy an intimate small-group setting with ample opportunity for questions
- Ideal for history enthusiasts and newcomers alike
- Walking tour offers a personal connection to the city
- Experience 8 distinct historical narratives from Detroit’s past
For those seeking more, an optional 30-minute extension unveils Detroit’s most peculiar and mysterious legends—enigmas that remain in the shadows, awaiting exploration.
Location
1601 Woodward Ave
Woodward Avenue
We meet at Grand Circus Park on Woodward Ave, right across from the People Mover Station. Your guide will be waiting at the stone pillar at the corner of Woodward and Park Ave.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(37 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Mpmellon
Sep 25, 2025
Great way to get an insider's view of Detroit history - Full disclosure: I signed up for this walking tour as something to do between arriving on a late afternoon flight and museum visits I'd booked for the next morning. Although I had planned to "coast" through the experience, absorbing bits here and there, I was pleasantly surprised to have this tour change my mind--it was not your typical recitation of dates and postcard landmarks where you stroll and nod along.
As a professional storyteller myself, I appreciated how Michael used storytelling to bring the city's history to life. His knowledge and passion for history were evident and infectious. As a bonus, his insight and experiences as a native Detroiter helped make the stories he told and the places he showed us that much more special.
I took the 2-hour extended tour, which I would recommend for anyone, but especially folks who like to learn about the unusual and "mystical" quirks of the city.
Great value, great use of time, great introduction to a fascinating city. Definitely recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Michelle_m
Sep 25, 2025
Great way to get an insider's view of Detroit history - Full disclosure: I signed up for this walking tour as something to do between arriving on a late afternoon flight and museum visits I'd booked for the next morning. Although I had planned to "coast" through the experience, absorbing bits here and there, I was pleasantly surprised to have this tour change my mind--it was not your typical recitation of dates and postcard landmarks where you stroll and nod along.
As a professional storyteller myself, I appreciated how Michael used storytelling to bring the city's history to life. His knowledge and passion for history were evident and infectious. As a bonus, his insight and experiences as a native Detroiter helped make the stories he told and the places he showed us that much more special.
I took the 2-hour extended tour, which I would recommend for anyone, but especially folks who like to learn about the unusual and "mystical" quirks of the city.
Great value, great use of time, great introduction to a fascinating city. Definitely recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Marybx8691ab
Sep 22, 2025
Enjoyable tour - Michael did a great job sharing historical stories throughout various downtown locations. Nicely paced tour. Would recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Aleisa_m
Sep 15, 2025
A Great Tour and a Bargain - lots of History! - Michael, the guide, is a history major who knows a lot about the origins & subsequent history of a city he knows & loves. There were 8 of us, the pace was good, and the information he shared, quite interesting! This tour begins in Grand Circus Pk & ends at the Spirit of St Louis, with most stops from the north to the middle of downtown Detroit. Combined with a foot tour I took earlier that concentrated mostly from the river to the middle of downtown, I believe I got a thorough intro to an unexpectedly wonderful city. Go Lions, and don't hesitate to explore Detroit on foot!
Review provided by Viator
Kevin_d
Sep 13, 2025
Interesting but a bit noisy - Detroit has a lot to see in terms of fantastic architecture. This tour explains the origins of and the reasons behind the way the city is.
Review provided by Viator
Arun_v
Sep 13, 2025
Is that Matt Damon, no it's Michael! - I really enjoyed this tour, Micheal has great knowledge about the city and as a local his lives experience of how the city has evolved is fascinating.
He handled our questions expertly and gave us a lot of tips for our continued time in Detroit, a great tour and I would recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Olga_g
Sep 9, 2025
fascinating history - Michael is absolutely wonderful--he is very knowledgeable and a good storyteller. He truly brought the history of Detroit alive for us. Highly recommended!!!
Review provided by Viator
Sherri_n
Sep 2, 2025
History through the eras. - Mike was very knowledgeable and added a little humor to the stories. We learned a lot that we never knew about Detroit.
Review provided by Viator
Q7094xjandrew
Aug 25, 2025
Fascinating history - Michael is very well informed about the history of downtown Detroit and obviously loves the city. The tour was well paced and we learned a lot about many of the iconic buildings and parks across the city. Plus the people who contributed and shaped the city over the last 100+ years and today. We'll also be following up on some of his eatery recommendations. an excellent introduction to a fascinating city
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Trudy_t
Sep 7, 2025
Michael was very... - Michael was very enthusiastic about sharing the history of his city. We learned a lot about visions, set backs, and triumphs of Detroit.
Review provided by Viator