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.





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