If you’re gearing up for a pilgrimage to the Mariners Church of Detroit to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, get ready for an adventure! You won’t want to miss out on exploring seven other fascinating Michigan State Historical sites, all within a leisurely stroll.
The Mariners Church in Detroit itself is a gem, recognized as both a State and National Historic Landmark, making it a must-see. But why stop there?
This self-guided walking tour of Detroit promises to unveil the city’s rich history and vibrant culture, turning your visit into a journey through a fascinating slice of time. At the end, we’ll give you recommendations on places to eat and stay.
Lace up your comfortable walking shoes, grab your camera, and get ready to dive into the stories that shaped this incredible city!
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Summary
Don’t have time to read this whole story? Then let’s cut to the chase…
In this article, you will find a map that directs you on a self-guided tour of seven things to see near Mariners Church of Detroit.
Or go straight to this half-day private walking tour Detroit tour and book it online.
Or you could simply save the Pinterest image and read the story later!
You could start your walking tour from the Mariners Church of Detroit or any place you might find parking along the way. Simply check out the handy map below or link to it from your phone.
If you’re not so much into self-guided tours, then you could book this Detroit Architecture Walking Tour. You’ll meet like-minded people and explore Detroit with a guide.
Otherwise, here are seven things to see near Mariners Church of Detroit:
1.) International Memorial to the Underground Railroad
The Gateway to Freedom, sculpted by Ed Dwight, this monument commemorates the people and places that made up Detroit’s Underground Railroad.
Under Emancipation, Detroit and the Detroit River community served as a crucial gateway to freedom for thousands of enslaved people escaping bondage. Detroit was one of the largest terminals of the Underground Railroad, a secret network of abolitionists aiding those seeking freedom.
Known by its code name “Midnight,” Detroit was initially a destination for freedom seekers, but after slavery was abolished in Canada in 1834, it became a safer sanctuary.
The success of Detroit’s Underground Railroad was due to the cooperation of diverse groups, including people of African descent, Whites and Native Americans. This legacy of freedom is a vital part of Detroit’s history. The Mariner’s Church of Detroit was part of the Detroit Underground Railroad. The monument lists other Detroit churches, houses and participants.
2.) Ford Motor Company Michigan Registered Historic Site
Ford Motor Company was incorporated as an automobile manufacturer on June 16, 1903. The articles of incorporation were drawn up and signed in the office of Alexander Y. Malcomson, who operated a coal yard once located on this site. Henry Ford gave the company its name and designed its first product, the 1903 Model A.
Model T was assembled in here until 1927, when the 15 millionth car rolled off the assembly line.
Over the years, the Ford Motor Company has become one of the leading auto producers in the world.
3.) The Landing of Cadillac, Michigan Historic Site
It was near here, near today’s intersection of West Jefferson and Shelby that Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac landed and planted the French flag, claiming the territory for King Louis XIV on July 24, 1701.
Impressed by the site’s 40-foot-high, defendable bank overlooking the river, the crew who’d arrived in a convoy of 25 canoes from Montreal began construction of a fortress. The stockade, built from 15-foot oak pickets buried three feet deep, enclosed about an acre of land.
This fortification was named Fort Pontchartrain du détroit (meaning Pontchartrain “of the Strait”) in honor of Count Jerome de Pontchartrain, the Minister of Marine.
Best hotels in downtown Detroit
Are you still looking for a hotel in Detroit, Michigan? To experience the city’s atmosphere, I recommend booking a hotel in or near the center. A number of hotels that really stand out in terms of experience are:
- Shinola Hotel was named by Travel+Leisure as one of the 500 Best Hotels in the World! Gorgeous and trendy, it deserves the high ratings it gets across the board. I ate at one of its acclaimed restaurants, San Morello
- Element Detroit at the Metropolitan: I walked to the Mariner’s Cathedral from this classy, revamped hotel. Enjoy the terrace, bar and breakfast.
- Atheneum Suite Hotel: an all-suite hotel that offers free area shuttle service if you don’t like to walk, like I do.
When you use one of these links to book your room— any room —I get a small commission at no cost to you. I appreciate your support of this website.
4.) The Spirit of Detroit
The Spirit of Detroit, a 26-foot bronze statue created by sculptor Marshall Fredericks, has become a beloved symbol of the city. During playoff seasons, it is often decked with oversized jerseys of local sports teams.
This practice of dressing the statue in athletic uniforms reflects the city’s pride in its sports culture and serves to engage the community in a fun and festive way.
The Spirit of Detroit statue, dedicated on September 23, 1958, was inspired by the biblical verse 2 Corinthians 3:17, which emphasizes freedom and the spirit of the Lord. “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
Fredericks designed the sculpture to visually represent the profound ideas conveyed in this biblical passage. The central figure symbolizes the spirit of humanity, serving as a bridge between the divine and the worldly.
In its left hand, the statue holds a symbol representing God, illustrating the spiritual connection between humanity and the divine. In its right hand, the figure cradles a family group consisting of a father, mother and child. This composition reflects Fredericks’ belief that the family unit is the noblest human relationship through which the spirit of God is manifested in human life.
Map of things to see near the Mariners Church of Detroit
5.) Stearns Telephone Historical Marker
On September 22, 1877, Frederick Stearns was an early adapter to modern technology when he installed a Bell telephone in his drugstore.
That was only eighteen months after Alexander Graham Bell patented his cutting-edge invention. Iron wire strung along rooftops connected the store with the Stearns laboratory a half mile away at the foot of Fifth Street.
This telephone service was the first to be offered by what eventually developed into the Michigan Bell Telephone Company.
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6.) The Michigan Soldiers and Sailors Memorial
Designed by Randolph Rogers, this 60-foot monument was initially located approximately 50 yards—half a football field—north of here, near Detroit’s old city hall and on Cadillac Square.
Erected in honor of the city’s US Civil War heroes, the monument was unveiled at its original location during a public ceremony attended by approximately 25,000 people in 1872. This monument is something to see!
7.) Last stop on your walking tour of Detroit: American Coney Island Historical Marker
Visiting the American Coney Island historical marker in Detroit is a must for anyone interested in the city’s rich culinary and cultural heritage.
This iconic location is not just famous for its delicious Coney dogs; it also represents a significant part of Detroit’s history, being one of the first Coney Island hot dog restaurants established in the early 20th century.
The marker commemorates the establishment’s role in shaping Detroit’s vibrant food scene and its enduring legacy in the community.
As you stand before the marker, you can appreciate the friendly rivalries between American Coney Island and its neighbor, Lafayette Coney Island, making it a focal point of local pride. This historical site offers visitors a chance to connect with Detroit’s past while enjoying a taste of its famous cuisine, making it a perfect stop for both history buffs and food lovers alike.
Beyond the walking tour Detroit
After enjoying the walking tour, taking the time to visit the Dossin Great Lakes Museum and the Tuskegee Airmen National Historical Museum is a fantastic idea, even if it requires a drive.
By visiting these museums, you can further immerse yourself in the history of Detroit and its pivotal role in American culture, making your trip even more rewarding.
Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle
For those captivated by the tragic tale of the Edmund Fitzgerald, a visit to the Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle is a must. This museum offers an intimate connection to the ship’s history, featuring artifacts such as the Fitzgerald’s bow anchor, which, although lost in the Detroit River about one mile west of the museum before the freighter went down, provides a tangible link to the fateful night of November 10, 1975.
The museum’s exhibits delve into the broader context of Great Lakes shipping and the perils mariners face, making it an ideal destination for those seeking to understand the full scope of the Edmund Fitzgerald’s story.
Additionally, the museum hosts annual memorial events, including lantern vigils and wreath ceremonies, ensuring that the legacy of the Fitzgerald and its crew is honored and remembered. This enriching experience not only educates visitors about the shipwreck but also immerses them in the maritime history of the Great Lakes.
The Tuskegee Museum
History enthusiasts should definitely visit the Tuskegee Airmen National Historical Museum in Detroit to explore the remarkable legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, the first all-African-American fighter pilot squadron. This museum is a repository for these aviators’ oral and written history, showcasing the world’s most extensive collection of Airmen artifacts.
Visitors can view model aircraft, uniforms, equipment, and photographs that vividly illustrate the Airmen’s contributions during World War II and their fight against racial segregation in the military.
By visiting, you’ll gain insight into the profound impact of the Tuskegee Airmen on American history, making it a compelling destination for anyone interested in the intersection of aviation, civil rights and military history.
Places to eat near Detroit walking tours
There’s never a dull moment in the dining scene near these Detroit walking tours. For instance, the waiter may carry up to six plates of coney dogs on one arm at Lafayette Coney Island mentioned above. We had one dog there, and then one dog next door at American Coney Island to do an unofficial taste test.
For something more upmarket, try San Morello, right in the neighborhood. We did dinner of housemade pastas and split the huge arugula salad dressed in roasted garlic vinaigrette, castelrosso and black mission fig. But you could choose breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Don’t miss Parc, whose open-air restaurant reminded me of a French bistro with its fresh air, views of the park fountain and contemporary Detroit cuisine.
Places to stay near this walking tour of Detroit
When you stay downtown, you can step right out your hotel’s front door and onto walking tours of Detroit. There are plenty of hotels in every category and price range. Use the handy map below to book just the perfect spot!
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Element Detroit at the Metropolitan, with complimentary breakfast and a rooftop bar.
MAP YOUR STAY
Q&A:
I spent 3 days in Detroit, and it wasn’t nearly enough. I recommend at least 5 days so you can fit in Greenfield Village and ride on the riverboat.
The best month to go to Detroit for walking and seeing the sites is June – September. But the best month to go to be part of the Edmund Fitzgerald Commemoration Service at Mariners Church in Detroit would be November. Just beware of the gales!
The best way to see Detroit is to walk and ride free public transportation.
The Detroit People Mover is a free public transportation option in Detroit, Michigan. The elevated, automated light-rail system has 13 stations and makes a clockwise loop around downtown Detroit every 15–16 minutes.
The People Mover connects to hotels, offices, theaters, the sports district, and the Rosa Parks Transit Center.
I also used Uber, which was very easy.
You should stay right downtown for your first time visit to Detroit. There are plenty of hotels in every category and price range.
We enjoyed our stay at Element Detroit at the Metropolitan.
Recap of walking tour Detroit near Mariners Church of Detroit
This walkable tour of seven things to see near Mariners Church of Detroit is a fun easy way to experience Motown. The streets were so clean and the people on the street were friendly.
Is Detroit safe to visit?
I walked the city center of Detroit and was impressed by how welcoming it felt. I walked during the day and saw how locals spoke as kindly to street people as visitors.
Locals also seemed to take pride in their city, with fun artwork on the sidewalks and no litter in sight. I felt safe walking alone, but as anywhere, I was aware of my surroundings and belongings. I think Detroit is safe to visit as long as you stay alert and take the precautions that you would in any large city.
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Hi, I’m Stacey
UNSTOPPABLE Stacey Travel is a travel blog focused on immersive travel that highlights food, wine and the spirituality of place. You can count on me for accurate reports and insightful analysis as your trusted travel writer since 2008.
As the author of several spiritual and walking guides, I occasionally write about life as a Camino de Santiago pilgrim. See my Amazon author page here. You may review my credentials as a professional travel writer on LinkedIn.
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