Visitor Information
Touring Detroit
Owing to insurance and logistical issues related to the planning tours originating in Canada but intended to take place south of the border, we regret to say that we will not be offering the daylong tour of Detroit we had hoped to offer. We apologize for this change in plans.
However, we are very happy to provide the following information for those who would be interested in visiting Detroit. Also, if you are interested in joining up with others to visit Detroit on Thursday, February 18 after the conference ends, please let us know at edc2016@uwindsor.ca and we will put you in touch with him.
A word about safety: Over the last few years, Detroit has increasingly become a major locale for art, culture and tourism, drawing visitors from all over the world, and many are also moving here to start new business and be part of its evolving rebirth. As you are probably aware, many parts of Detroit have become depopulated, resulting in uneven security for those journeying through those areas. We would encourage you to exercise reasonable caution in the city: traveling with others, in the daytime, and in well-populated neighborhoods (such as the downtown and mid-town “museum” areas) are generally considered to be safer options. It’s important to plan your tour routes in advance. Guided tours are one easy approach, and we’ve listed some providers below.
If you would be interested in getting together with others from the EDC conference to plan a visit together, please let us know at edc2016@uwindsor.ca by January 26, and we will be happy to put you in touch with each other.
Getting to Detroit
By Car
If you are traveling by car, you can access Detroit either across the Ambassador Bridge, or by the Windsor Detroit Tunnel. The tunnel emerges directly into downtown Detroit, while the Ambassador Bridge provides a wonderful view of the two cities, but does require more navigation of expressways. There is a great deal of construction in the city, so it may be best to check your destination website, or contact your destination, to ensure that routes identified by navigational maps online are functional. In particular Woodward Avenue, which is the main road through the Museum district, is under construction – it is still open, but reduced to one lane. Please note that all visitors to the United States must show a valid passport. For those traveling on non-Canadian passports are asked to verify that they have met the various visa requirements to travel to the United States and back.
By Bus
You can literally take a city bus to Detroit from downtown Windsor. Locally referred to as “the tunnel bus”, buses leave regularly from 300 Chatham Street West, the International Transit Terminal. Tickets are $4.50 each way. Please note that all visitors to the United States must show a valid passport. For those traveling on non-Canadian passports are asked to verify that they have met the various visa requirements to travel to the United States and back.
General Tunnel Bus information
Tunnel bus schedule
Transit in Detroit
Using public transit in Detroit remains challenging, as bus schedules may not be adhered to. See this article by TripAdvisor.
If you wish do to visit the Museum district using public transit, you can transfer to DDOT Bus 53 which goes north on Woodward. You will need American change for the bus.
You can also get a good view of the downtown area by taking a round trip on the Detroit People Mover: note that the People Mover travels a circular route in one direction.
Taxi Service
Lonely Plant Guide recommends Checker Cab (+1.313.963.7000) for reliable taxi service, but cabs can also be flagged down in the city center and Museum districts. You can estimate taxi fares here.
Guided Tours
Show Me Detroit Tours (+1.313.444.2120.) offers daily two-hour van tours of Detroit at 10 am and 2 pm. They are accustomed to working with people visiting from Windsor and will make arrangements for those taking the tunnel bus across to Downtown Detroit.
Backseat Detroit Tours
For those who have or are willing to rent a vehicle, Backseat Detroit Tours (+1.313.731.2727) offers a tour guide who will join you in your car – you do the driving, he does the navigating and story telling.
The Detroit Experience Factory
This group offers regular walking tours on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, but can also be contacted by those wishing to set up private tours for small groups.
Detroit Highlights
- Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History (Detroit, MI)
- Detroit Historical Museum (Detroit, MI)
- Detroit Institute of Arts Museum (Detroit, MI)
- The Fisher Building
- The Heidelberg Project
- Motown Museum
Learn More about Detroit