Discover the history at the heart of Downtown Detroit, a city brimming with iconic landmarks, monumental history, and hidden stories. Detroit History Tours invites you to join us on an exploration of twelve essential, unmissable landmarks that define our city. This 1.5-mile walking tour will not only deepen your appreciation and understanding of Detroit but also provide an exceptional foundation for comprehending the city's past, present, and future.

Have you ever been curious about the tales behind the Joe Louis Fist or the secrets of Cadillac Square's fountain? Maybe you're intrigued by the history enveloping Campus Martius or its origin point? Detroit History Tours proudly invites you to dive into the spectacular history of the "City on the Strait," Motown, The Lions Den, The D, Coney City USA, Hockey Town, Ol' Stove Town, Cigar City, The 313, Renaissance City, The Automotive Capital of the World, The Arsenal of Democracy—our cherished Detroit. Embrace the opportunity to uncover the soul of the city, learning about its past, present, and future from the experts. Don't just visit Detroit—experience it with the Detroit History Tours — Downtown Detroit Decoded: A Dozen Landmarks Walking Tour.

THE DETAILS:

• This tour departs from the GM Plaza Promenade, on Atwater St. overlooking the Detroit River, in front of the Renaissance Center at 300 Atwater St, Detroit, MI 48226. Please meet your guide on the river side of the Plaza Promenade, directly opposite the Renaissance Center Doors and Andiamo's Restaurant. Your guide will be wearing a grey, Detroit History Tours t-shirt.

  • Several parking options are available, including parking garages (rates vary from $10 all day to $12 an hour depending on the lot and day of the week), on-street metered parking ($0.75 an hour weekday or $1.50 an hour weekend), or park and ride with both the People Mover (you’ll need to exit at the Ren Cen stop and walk two blocks) or the Q Line (Exit at the Jefferson Ave/Spirit of Detroit stop and walk 3 blocks).

• This tour is pleased to welcome guests 10 years old and older.

IMPORTANT TO KNOW:

• Good shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are highly recommended.

• To best enjoy this tour, guests should be able to climb inclines, as well as walk over uneven surfaces, grassy areas, and sidewalks.

• Guests must be able to stand for extended periods of time.

• Guests are welcome to bring a nonalcoholic drink on the tour. We recommend a bottle of water.

• Public bathrooms are not available on the tour. Guests are kindly asked to plan accordingly.

• Recreational photography is permitted (encouraged) on this tour. Professional photography or videography of any kind are not permitted without written approval at least 15 days in advance.

• This tour takes place in all weather conditions, with the exception of thunder and lightning. In the event the tour is canceled due to weather, all guests will be refunded or have the option to rebook.

• Guides will be on site at least 20 minutes prior to the ticketed start time. The tour will depart at the ticketed start time.

• Late guest arrivals cannot be accommodated.

• Your order confirmation email will serve as your only ticket. Please save your email and be prepared to show it on your phone or printed at the start of your tour. Guides will also have a manifest with each guest's name. (We do this to avoid the ticketing fees that come along with all ticketing systems. The price of your ticket will remain the same throughout checkout with no added service charges, fees, or tax. However, absolutely nothing will be mailed to you, and no physical ticket will be sent.)

Meet Your Guide:

Jeff Pollock

Jeff Pollock is a public historian, event organizer, and advocate for the ‘Vernors Cure.’ Prior to coming to Detroit History Tours, Jeff (known as Pollock at Detroit History Tours) had stints at museums in Monroe, Sanilac County and Detroit.  He has a passion for history, but is especially drawn to the history of crime in Detroit, the Civil War, sports history and the W.P.A.  He is an advocate for all things East Side, and relishes a good trivia question.  Pollock’s only regrets in life are being born too late to watch Norm Cash bat with a table leg or see a Goodfellow Game.