DETROIT - ATTRACTIONS

In spite of our somewhat negative opinion of Detroit, there are a couple of things that might interest those who are here for a few days.

1. Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village - Actually located in Dearborn just west of Detroit, this is one of the most interesting places we have seen. There are two separate attractions here, and each one can take the better part of a day to fully explore. The Henry Ford Museum is primarily dedicated to old automobiles and the development of the auto industry, but there are other exhibits, including the chair in which Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. For those who want to complete the presidential assassination double play, the limousine that JFK was riding in Dallas is also displayed. There are also planes and other vehicles on display, and some interactive exhibits.

The Lincoln Chair

The Greenfield Village, on the other hand, is a large theme park that replicates life as it was in the latter half of the 19th century. Henry Ford essentially moved the houses that belonged to many of his friends and other people that he admired to this location where they have been preserved. You can tour each house and see how the different classes of people lived in those days. Among the highlights are the first house to be lit by Edison's incandescent bulb (once a boarding house in Menlo Park, NJ), as well as the boyhood house of Orville and Wilbur Wright. There is also a farm area where people are actually tilling the field using 100-year old implements, dressed in the garb of the day. A train and shuttle bus offer service to those who don't want to walk the whole way around. This is easily a full day attraction and is well worth the $18 Fun Pack Price which includes admission to both.

Taking corn to the market at Greenfield Village

2. Motown Museum - In the middle of the city you will find a row of small houses on West Grand Boulevard. In the 1960s, these houses were home to Berry Gordy and Motown music. Although Motown now operates out of Los Angeles, two of the original houses have been preserved and now house the Motown Museum. Although rather small, and at $6 at bit expensive, this is a good museum for anyone who enjoyed listening to Stevie Wonder or the Supremes while growing up. You can also see the original studio where so many famous artists began their careers.

3. Greektown - Located right downtown, the Greektown neighborhood may be worth a couple of hours of your time. Apparently one of the most popular areas in Detroit, there are lots of restaurants as well as a casino - you can have your parking validated for free in the casino, even if you don't gamble.