Michigan

Signature City Detroit

Program No. 21851RJ
Detroit has the nation's only floating post office and created its first stretch of paved road. Come join our experts for an insider's look at this fascinating city.

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At a Glance

Explore Detroit's important role in American history and experience the city’s comeback for yourself. Learn about Henry Ford, who invented the assembly line but also was one of America's most important benefactors of innovation and preservation of American history. Delve into the story of the Great Migration of African Americans who flocked to the city to work in the automotive industry. Discover how the wealth of the city transformed it into a center for the arts, at the Detroit Institute of Arts, one of America's most important art museums and trace the origins of the Motown Sound and the musicians who made it. Experience firsthand how businesses large and small have taken on the entrepreneurial role of rebuilding Detroit and the dynamic energy of the city, the revitalized river-front, newly renovated historic buildings and the spirit of Detroit moving forward.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Walking and standing in museums and on field trips for up to 2 hours, over 2 miles, per day.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Explore the Detroit Institute of Arts, including Diego Rivera's Detroit Industry fresco cycle and other highlights.
  • Learn about Henry Ford and his legacy at the Eleanor and Edsel Ford Estate, The Henry Ford Museum, Greenfield Village and the Ford Rouge Factory.
  • Examine the Great Migration, Detroit’s African American history and the Music of Motown.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Samuel Donald
A native of Detroit, Samuel Donald has a love for music and his community. After teaching in Detroit area schools for more than a decade, he founded Youth City, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing students with professionally organized programs in music and career development. Currently, he is co-producing the six-part documentary, “Detroit Music,” which intends to educate local youth about notable musicians who grew up in the same neighborhoods. Samuel previously worked as the road manager for Detroit artists David and Delores Winans.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Karin Risko
Karin Risko View biography
Karin Risko is the founder of a local excursion company that shows off the rich history of Detroit and southeast Michigan. While the former history teacher is inspired by the past, Karin keeps abreast of all the exciting new developments that are turning Detroit into a popular destination. She's also the co-author of “Michigan Civil War Landmarks,” a History Press publication, which was released in April 2015.
Profile Image of Sue Shoemaker
Sue Shoemaker View biography
Sue Shoemaker, a native-born Michigander, lives on a farm in the “Thumb.” A gratifying teaching and counseling career in middle school inspired Sue to become a group leader in order to share her passion for learning and travel with others. Sue has led a variety of Road Scholar programs: study cruises on the Great Lakes and the Columbia River, as well as land-based programs in Chicago, Detroit, Albuquerque (Balloon Fiesta), and northern Michigan.
Profile Image of Samuel Donald
Samuel Donald View biography
A native of Detroit, Samuel Donald has a love for music and his community. After teaching in Detroit area schools for more than a decade, he founded Youth City, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing students with professionally organized programs in music and career development. Currently, he is co-producing the six-part documentary, “Detroit Music,” which intends to educate local youth about notable musicians who grew up in the same neighborhoods. Samuel previously worked as the road manager for Detroit artists David and Delores Winans.
Profile Image of  Robert (Robin) Boyle
Robert (Robin) Boyle View biography
Robin Boyle is a professor of urban planning at Wayne State University, and has served as chair of the Geography and Urban Planning Department, and later as associate dean. Born and educated in Scotland, Robin worked as a visiting professor at several international schools including the Melbourne School of Design in Australia. For more than 30 years, Professor Boyle was also a member of the UK Royal Town Planning Institute. Recently, he completed a study of surface transportation options between Detroit Metro airport and downtown.
Profile Image of Claudia Duranceau
Claudia Duranceau View biography
Claudia Duranceau is a retired scientist and a professor by avocation. Her passions include exercise and relaxation, tai chi, chasing her many kitties, reading murder mysteries, doing crossword puzzles, and, of course, traveling. Previously employed in the automotive industry, Claudia led hands-on research by managing a recycling business for the "Big Three." Currently, she teaches management, business, and leadership. An ITMI Certified Tour Director, Claudia continues to pursue her love of travel and educating with Road Scholar.
Profile Image of Kim Johnson
Kim Johnson View biography
Kim Johnson is a lifelong Michigander. A graduate of Michigan State University, she spent over 30 years as a commercial banker. By happenstance, she discovered group leading which allowed her to retire early. This career change perfectly coincided with her grown sons venturing out on their own career paths. Today, Kim and her husband Greg are both enjoying life as group leaders with both students and adults. Her hobbies include hiking, reading, cycling, pet-sitting, and researching new places to visit.
Profile Image of Greg Johnson
Greg Johnson View biography
Greg Johnson is a native Michigander and a lifelong resident of the Great Lakes region. He is a graduate of Michigan State University and spent 30 years working with people in the retail industry. Always an avid traveler, he changed careers and now pursues his passion for a living. Greg and his wife Kim both enjoy life as group leaders for adult and student travel. His hobbies include sports travel, yard work, family, and pets.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Year
2024
  • 2024
Date
Sep 22 - Sep 27
  • May 12 - May 17
  • Aug 04 - Aug 09
  • Sep 08 - Sep 13
  • Sep 22 - Sep 27
  • Oct 13 - Oct 18
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Sep 22 - Sep 27, 2024 Itinerary Differences: Program stays at the Courtyard by Marriott Detroit Downtown
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Select trip year and date
2024
  • 2024
Sep 22 - Sep 27
  • May 12 - May 17
  • Aug 04 - Aug 09
  • Sep 08 - Sep 13
  • Sep 22 - Sep 27
  • Oct 13 - Oct 18
Sep 22 - Sep 27, 2024 Itinerary Differences: Program stays at the Courtyard by Marriott Detroit Downtown
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
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6 days
5 nights
12 meals
5 B 4 L 3 D
DAY
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner, Lecture
Detroit, MI
D
Courtyard Detroit Downtown

Activity note: Hotel check-in available from 4:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).

Afternoon: Program Registration: 3:00 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. Orientation: 5:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will learn from a series of local experts who will give lectures and lead field trips. Program-related travel and transfers will be via private motorcoach unless noted otherwise. Meals will feature local cuisine in a variety of settings. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: After dinner, we’ll enjoy a lecture by a local expert on the history of Detroit.

DAY
2
The History of Detroit
Detroit, MI
B,L
Courtyard Detroit Downtown

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving under 10 miles total with multiple stops, approximately 3 hours riding time. Getting on/off the Detroit People Mover (downtown public transit loop) for dinner; approximately 20 minutes roundtrip between Greentown and the hotel. The People Mover will take us close to our destinations, but plan on walking a couple of blocks each time we use it.

Breakfast: In the hotel restaurant.

Morning: We will begin the day with a walking exploration of the city with a local expert, who will provide us with an up-close look at downtown Detroit. Here, we will see how an area once dominated by heavy industry has given way to a beautiful waterfront. We will be amazed by the wide array of architecture styles ranging from mid-19th-century to modern and learn how the city has undergone many renaissances. We will feel the energy of a downtown on the rebound – one that – until recently – was known as a ghost town. We’ll return to the hotel for a short break then board a motorcoach and ride to lunch.

Lunch: Not to be missed, we'll visit a Detroit institution for lunch: Buddy's Pizza – serving up famous Detroit-Style pizza! They also serve salads, ravioli, chili, and subs.

Afternoon: We’ll board the motorcoach with our local expert for an extended exploration of Detroit. In the city’s recent past, stories of crime and decline dominated the media. Now dubbed the “comeback city,” its turnaround is making news. We will rediscover Detroit’s fascinating history and experience the revitalization as we travel aboard a motorcoach throughout the heart of the Motor City and soak up the sights, sounds, and scents of this compelling place. Along the way, our local expert will shed light on numerous factors that led to the dramatic rise and fall of this former industrial powerhouse that put the world on wheels, and reveal who’s behind the revitalization. Crown jewels, legendary landmarks, and hip new happenings - we'll see it all!

Dinner: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. With the Group Leader, we’ll take the People Mover from the hotel to Greektown, where you can choose from its many eateries.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
3
Ford Estate, African American History, Ford Piquette Plant
Detroit, MI
B,L
Courtyard Detroit Downtown

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving 40 miles, approximately 2 hours total riding time. Walking and standing for 1.5 hours in the morning, up to 2 hours in the afternoon.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We’ll start the day with a drive along Lake Shore Road to the town of Grosse Point to visit the Ford Estate. The Edsel & Eleanor Ford House illustrates the home life of this prominent American family who were cultural, social, and economic leaders of their times. The comfortable yet artfully designed and decorated mansion was the centerpiece of the Ford family’s life. We'll hear the inside stories and visit the mansion and gardens with an expert.

Lunch: Not to be missed, we'll visit a Detroit institution for lunch: American Coney Island – serving up Detroit’s famous hot dogs! They also serve salads, gyros, chili, and other carnival-inspired favorites. Please note that this venue's vegetarian options are very limited.

Afternoon: We will then depart for a field trip to the Charles Wright Museum of African American History. One of the world’s oldest independent African American museums, “The Wright” dedicates itself to exploring the legacy of African Americans from Harriet Tubman to the Tuskegee Airmen to Aretha Franklin. We'll then transfer to the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant Museum for a guided exploration. The Ford Model T car was assembled at the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant. It is recognized as one of the most significant automotive heritage sites in the world. We'll return to the hotel via motorcoach.

Dinner: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. Upon arrival back to the hotel, we will walk across the pedestrian passage into the GM Renaissance Center with the Group Leader for an overview of the exhibits and facilities. We'll enjoy a choice of the many eateries in the Center.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
4
The Henry Ford Museum, Greenfield Village, Jazz
Detroit, MI
B,L,D
Courtyard Detroit Downtown

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach six times; driving about 30 miles, under 1 hour total riding time. The Ford Rouge Factory exploration is a walk long a ramp above the factory floor, a 0.3-mile walk for the full circuit. Walking and standing for up to 2 hours at a time; be sure to wear your most comfortable shoes and darker pants.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will head out via motorcoach to Dearborn for a full day of exploration and discovery of Henry Ford as a collector of American History and as the innovator of the factory assembly line. We will view the actual Rouge Factory in action and examine America’s memorabilia in the collections of The Henry Ford Museum on exclusive expert-led visits.

Lunch: We will receive meal vouchers to be used at any of the dining options at the Henry Ford complex.

Afternoon: We’ll continue on to explore Greenfield Village. With the included village ride pass, we can ride the steam locomotive, horse-drawn Carriages, the Model T, and the 1913 Carousel. We will wander through the seven historic districts that illustrate America’s history. We’ll then return to the hotel via motorcoach.

Dinner: While at the jazz club for dinner, we'll listen to a jazz pianist at this unique Detroit venue.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
5
Music and History of Motown, Detroit Institute of Arts
Detroit, MI
B,L,D
Courtyard Detroit Downtown

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving 40 miles, approximately 2 hours total riding time. Walking and standing for 1.5 hours in the morning, up to 2 hours in the afternoon.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will engage in a discussion with a local Detroiter who grew up in the culture of Detroit’s music. During this lecture, we will learn about the history of Motown. We will explore “Hitsville U.S.A.,” the small house where music history was made – now the Motown Museum – as the recording studio where The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and the Supremes, Stevie Wonder, and so many more artists came to record the hit songs that changed the way America thought of music.

Lunch: A voucher is provided for lunch on arrival at the Detroit Institute of Arts.

Afternoon: We will take in the highlights of the Detroit Institute of Arts on an expert-led visit. Then, we'll have some time to explore more of the exhibits on our own. Among the top art collections in America, notable works include Mexican artist Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry fresco cycle, which Rivera considered his most successful work, and Vincent van Gogh’s Self Portrait, the first Van Gogh painting to enter a U.S. museum collection.

Dinner: At a local restaurant. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

DAY
6
Program Concludes
Detroit, MI
B

Activity note: Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Following breakfast, we will have a brief program wrap-up with our Group Leader. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!






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