Detroit, the Motor City, is deeply rooted in automotive heritage, culture, and sentiment, continuously contributing to the enduring legacy of the American automobile industry. From the Big Three to the once stalwart but now forgotten entities, Detroit History Tours invites you to embark on an hour and a half walking tour down Piquette Avenue—a thoroughfare that can rightfully be hailed as the heart of automotive history in the city.

Accompanied by your passionate and knowledgeable guide, you'll delve into the captivating stories of the factories that still grace the landscape; some in ruin, others reborn as universities, industry hubs, and tourism hotspots. You'll learn about the remarkable men and women who brought life to horseless carriages, rumbling machines, and mechanized chariots, and discover the ingenuity, dedication, and craftsmanship that have left an indelible mark on Detroit's soul.

Piquette Avenue, with its relics and tales of triumph and hardship, serves as a symbolic bridge between generations, inviting you to explore the ever-evolving landscape of the automotive industry. Join us on this remarkable adventure, where one street becomes a portal to a world of enduring spirit and innovation.

THE DETAILS:

• This tour departs from the intersection of John R. Street and Piquette Avenue. For navigation purposes, please use the address: 110 Piquette Ave, Detroit, MI 48202. This location provides ample street parking. As always, parking is at guests' own risk (we’ve never had an issue, but the lawyer likes us to say this). The intersection is also a short walk from Woodward Avenue, Z’s Villa, The Ford Piquette Ave. Museum, Wayne State – North Campus, and Bucharest Grill.

• This tour is pleased to welcome guests 12 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 90-minute 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.