Group Tours at Michigan Central Station

Photo Credit: Jason Keen/Michigan Central

Bring your group to Michigan Central Station and discover the rich history and incredible transformation of a Detroit icon, on this 90-minute guided station tour. First opened in 1913, the iconic Beaux-Arts structure once served as Detroit's bustling railway hub until its closure in 1988. Now, as one of the city's most beloved landmarks, the station is undergoing an ambitious restoration led by Ford Motor Company and Michigan Central.

Step inside Michigan Central Station and delve into its fascinating past, from the vision of railroad tycoon William Vanderbilt to its role as a sister station to New York City's Grand Central Terminal. Expert guides will bring to life the station's rich history, sharing stories of its grandeur, decline, and rebirth. This tour offers a rare opportunity to explore the historic spaces of the station, while learning about the continuing restoration process. Marvel at the work of over 3,100 skilled craftspeople, see how innovative technologies like 3D printing are being used, and learn about what’s next for Michigan Central. 

Please be aware that the station is an active construction site. Guests may encounter noise, dust, and limited access to certain areas. Routes may vary without notice.

Rates for Group Tours

Tuesday through Thursday:

  • $450.00 for groups of 1 to 25 guests

  • Groups larger than 25 guests will be charged a per-person rate of $18.

  • Group size can not exceed 30 people.  Groups larger than 30 people will need to book two tour slots. Multiple tours may run at the same time to accommodate large groups.

Friday and Saturday:

  • $480.00 for groups of 1 to 25 guests

  • Groups larger than 25 guests will be charged a per-person rate of $18.

  • Group size can not exceed 30 people.  Groups larger than 30 people will need to book two tour slots. Multiple tours may run at the same time to accommodate large groups.

Additional Information:

  • The price includes all taxes, fees, and service charges.

    • Tours at Michigan Central adhere to no tipping policy.

  • All tours must be booked and paid in advance.

    • Payment in full is due at the time of booking.

    • Payment accepted by credit or debit card.

  • Group tours of 1 to 25 people are charged the same flat fee.

  • Public tours are available for guests wishing to buy individual tickets. CLICK HERE FOR PUBLIC TOURS.

For group tour bookings, kindly complete the group tour inquiry form below. A staff member from Detroit History Tours will contact you shortly to schedule your tour.

Group Tour Inquiry Form

Due to high demand, please allow up to 3 business days for a response. Thank you.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION for your group tour:

Group tours depart from The Shop, the gift shop of Michigan Central, located east of the station within the East Triangle near 15th Street. Unless otherwise prearranged. Below is an image of The Shop, as well as an image of the East Triangle as it appears from 15th Street. The Shop is located about half way between the street and The Station on the south side.

Group Tours:
Group tours begin and end at The Shop (unless otherwise prearranged), Michigan Central's souvenir shop near the East Entrance to the station, nestled within the landscaping. Take home a piece of The Station with official Michigan Central merchandise before or after your tour.

Guest Check-In:
Check-in will begin 10 minutes prior to the scheduled tour start time, and the tour will depart promptly. Groups are encouraged to arrive early and wait for their guide while enjoying The Shop or Roosevelt Park.

Availability:
Available tour dates and times are subject to change without notice. When completing the group inquiry form, please indicate if you are requesting a tour on a date or time that is not listed. While our team will make every effort to accommodate special requests, booking on available dates and times ensures the quickest and most reliable scheduling.

Please note that due to ongoing construction, guests may experience noise, dust, closed areas, and uneven surfaces. Expert guides will shepherd your group safely throughout the station, offering not only a tour but also a glimpse into the restoration process. Routes may vary, and access to certain areas may change without notice due to construction needs.

Parking:
Visitors are encouraged to park at Michigan Central’s Bagley Mobility Hub parking garage, located at 1501 Wabash, Detroit, MI 48216. Parking at The Bagley Mobility Hub is $10 per vehicle, flat rate.

Comfortable Footwear:
Comfortable footwear is highly recommended for the enjoyment of all tour guests.

Age Requirements:
This tour is recommended for guests at least 12 years old; however, guests of any age are welcome.

Photography:
All photography is limited to personal use only, without written pre-authorization from Michigan Central. Guests are encouraged to capture their experience and use #MichiganCentralOPEN on social media. Professional photo and video equipment is not permitted inside The Station without prior approval. Contact info@michigancentral.com for more information. Selfie sticks, tripods, lighting equipment, wireless microphones, or any UHF/VHF wireless devices are prohibited. Unauthorized devices will be powered down. Photography cannot block or disrupt other guests or operations. Media must contact Michigan Central’s Communications team in advance of interior filming or photography inside The Station. Email michigancentral@berlinrosen.com to make arrangements.

Accessibility:
All guest entrances are accessible. Parking is available at the Bagley Mobility Hub for OPEN House visitors, located one block from The Station (1501 Wabash St, Detroit, MI 48216). This structure is accessible, as is the path to The Station. Limited accessible street parking is also available on surrounding roadways.

ADA drop-off is available at the East entrance triangle off 15th Street. Visitors may drop off members of their party and park at the Bagley Mobility Hub.

Restrooms:
Facilities are available for guests. All restrooms are ADA accessible.

Motorcoach Parking:
Motorcoach operators must remain with their vehicle. On-street parking is available on all sides of the station where legal and in accordance with street signage.

Service Animals:
Michigan Central abides by the ADA regarding the admission of service animals based on their ability to perform a specific task. Animals regarded as comfort animals, therapy animals, companion animals, or emotional support animals are not considered service animals as defined by the ADA and are therefore not allowed at Michigan Central.

Tour Guide Audio System:
At your tour guide’s discretion, a Whisper tour guide audio system may be used. Guests will be given headphones and a wearable receiver to hear the tour guide. The Whisper System is compatible with all digital hearing aids. Everything needed will be provided to tour guests. All audio equipment is professionally cleaned between uses to ensure the highest standards of hygiene. Detroit History Tours reserves the right to not use the Whisper System based on group size and overall noise level within the station.

Do tour guests have access to the station after the 90-minute tour?
No, ample time is included within the tour for photos and questions. At the conclusion of the tour, groups will be escorted back to the exterior location from which they began. This excludes tours that take place during times when the facility is open for general public hours, in which case guests are welcome to remain in public spaces.

Where can my group congregate before or after a tour?
Roosevelt Park, a Detroit public park in front of Michigan Central Station, is open to the public and features beautiful views of the station as well as Corktown.

How large of a group can you accommodate?
We can accommodate groups of any size with advance booking, subject to scheduling availability via our Group Tours.

To stay up to date with events and programs at Michigan Central, please visit

The Michigan Central Website

Photo Credit: Detroit Photographic Company, Detroit, Michigan. Historic postcard circa 1920. Collection of The Detroit History Club.


Detroit History Tours Office Hours:

Open: Tuesday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Saturday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Closed: Sunday and Monday