Dtw American Airlines Terminal Travel Guide

Introduction

Are you planning a trip to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport and wondering what to do while waiting for your flight at the American Airlines Terminal? Look no further! This comprehensive travel guide will help you discover the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports.

Top Attractions

The Henry Ford Museum

The Henry Ford Museum is a must-see attraction for history buffs and car enthusiasts alike. This museum boasts a vast collection of American artifacts, including vintage cars, trains, planes, and even a replica of Thomas Edison’s workshop.

Belle Isle Park

Belle Isle Park is a beautiful island located in the middle of the Detroit River. This park offers stunning views of the skyline, a beach, nature trails, and a conservatory.

Hidden Gems

The Heidelberg Project

The Heidelberg Project is an outdoor art installation that has transformed a run-down neighborhood into a vibrant and colorful community. This project features found objects and recycled materials, and visitors can explore the streets and alleys to discover unique and thought-provoking artworks.

The Guardian Building

The Guardian Building is an architectural marvel located in downtown Detroit. This Art Deco skyscraper is adorned with intricate mosaics, stained glass, and marble, and visitors can take a guided tour to learn more about its history and design.

Food Scene

Slows Bar BQ

Slows Bar BQ is a must-visit restaurant for meat lovers. This award-winning eatery serves up delicious slow-cooked meats, including brisket, pulled pork, and ribs, as well as tasty sides like mac and cheese and collard greens.

Avalon International Breads

Avalon International Breads is a popular bakery that specializes in artisanal bread and pastries. Visitors can enjoy a freshly baked croissant or baguette, or try the famous Detroit-style pizza.

Budget-Friendly Tips

Free Walking Tours

Detroit Free Walking Tours offers free guided tours of the city’s historic neighborhoods and landmarks. Visitors can learn about Detroit’s rich history and culture while exploring the city on foot.

The Detroit Institute of Arts

The Detroit Institute of Arts offers free admission to its collection of over 65,000 works of art on Fridays. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring ancient Egyptian artifacts, contemporary art, and everything in between.

Outdoor Adventures

The Dequindre Cut Greenway

The Dequindre Cut Greenway is a 2-mile walking and biking trail that runs along an abandoned railroad track. This trail offers stunning views of the city skyline and is a great place to get some exercise and fresh air.

Kayaking on the Detroit River

Visitors can rent a kayak and explore the Detroit River, which offers stunning views of the city and the Windsor skyline. This is a unique and adventurous way to explore Detroit’s waterways.

Family-Friendly Activities

The Detroit Zoo

The Detroit Zoo is a popular attraction for families with kids. This zoo features over 2,000 animals from around the world, including polar bears, kangaroos, and giraffes.

The Michigan Science Center

The Michigan Science Center is a fun and educational attraction for kids of all ages. This museum features interactive exhibits on science, technology, engineering, and math, as well as a planetarium and an IMAX theater.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

The Motown Museum

The Motown Museum is a must-visit attraction for music fans. This museum is located in the house where Motown Records was founded, and visitors can see the studio where artists like Stevie Wonder and The Supremes recorded their hit songs.

The Detroit City Distillery

The Detroit City Distillery is a small-batch distillery that produces high-quality spirits using locally sourced ingredients. Visitors can take a tour of the distillery and sample some of their delicious cocktails.

Natural Wonders

The Detroit RiverWalk

The Detroit RiverWalk is a beautiful trail that runs along the Detroit River. This trail offers stunning views of the river and the Windsor skyline, as well as access to parks, restaurants, and shops.

The Edsel and Eleanor Ford House

The Edsel and Eleanor Ford House is a beautiful estate located on the shores of Lake St. Clair. This house features stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and a museum showcasing the Ford family’s history and legacy.

Vibrant Nightlife

The Belt

The Belt is a popular alleyway in downtown Detroit that has been transformed into a vibrant and colorful nightlife destination. This alleyway features murals by local artists, as well as restaurants, bars, and shops.

The Old Miami

The Old Miami is a popular dive bar that has been a fixture in Detroit’s nightlife scene for over 40 years. This bar features live music, cheap drinks, and a laid-back atmosphere.

Local Markets

The Eastern Market

The Eastern Market is a historic market district that has been a hub of activity in Detroit for over 100 years. This market offers fresh produce, artisanal foods, and handmade crafts from local vendors.

The Rust Belt Market

The Rust Belt Market is a unique indoor market that features over 50 vendors selling everything from vintage clothing to handmade jewelry. This market is a great place to find one-of-a-kind souvenirs and gifts.

Beaches and Mountains

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a beautiful park located on the shores of Lake Michigan. This park features towering sand dunes, scenic hiking trails, and stunning views of the lake.

Belle Isle Beach

Belle Isle Beach is a beautiful beach located on Belle Isle Park. This beach offers stunning views of the Detroit skyline, as well as access to nature trails and a conservatory.

Cultural Immersion

The Arab American National Museum

The Arab American National Museum is a unique museum that celebrates the history and culture of Arab Americans. This museum features interactive exhibits, art galleries, and cultural events.

The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History

The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in African American history and culture. This museum features exhibits on the Underground Railroad, the Civil Rights Movement, and the contributions of African Americans to art, music, and literature.

Art and Music Scene

The Detroit Institute of Arts

The Detroit Institute of Arts is not only a great place to see visual art, but it also hosts frequent concerts, films, and lectures. Check their website for upcoming events.

The Masonic Temple

The Masonic Temple is a historic music venue that has hosted some of the biggest acts in the world, including The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, and Pink Floyd. This venue is a must-visit for music fans.

Walking Tours

Detroit Free Walking Tours

Detroit Free Walking Tours offers a variety of guided walking tours, including tours of downtown Detroit, the architecture of the city, and the city’s historic neighborhoods. These tours are a great way to learn about the history and culture of Detroit while exploring the city on foot.

Wheelhouse Detroit

Wheelhouse Detroit offers guided bike tours of the city, as well as bike rentals for visitors who want to explore on their own. These tours are a fun and unique way to see Detroit’s landmarks and neighborhoods.

Architectural Marvels

The Fisher Building

The Fisher Building is a stunning Art Deco skyscraper located in downtown Detroit. This building features intricate mosaics, murals, and marble, and visitors can take a guided tour to learn more about its history and design.

The Guardian Building

The Guardian Building is another Art Deco skyscraper that is worth a visit. This building is adorned with intricate mosaics, stained glass, and marble, and is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the city.