Detroit History & Black Culture Tour 🎶🏛️

Step into the rhythm of Detroit’s rich history with this curated tour celebrating Black culture, music, and activism. From the birthplace of Motown to powerful civil rights landmarks, this journey highlights the stories, art, and resilience that shaped the city. Whether you’re capturing iconic murals, standing in historic recording studios, or exploring the Underground Railroad’s final stop, this tour is your backstage pass to Detroit’s cultural heartbeat.

🎵 1. Motown Museum

  • 📍 Location: 2648 W Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48208

  • 💡 Why Visit? Step inside "Hitsville U.S.A.," the birthplace of Motown Records, where legends like Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, and Marvin Gaye recorded their biggest hits.

  • 🔥 Fun Fact: The iconic Studio A remains just as it was in the 1960s, complete with the original piano used by Motown artists.

  • 💲 Cost: $20 for adults, $17 for seniors/students (advance ticket purchase recommended)

📚 2. The Shrine of the Black Madonna Cultural Center & Bookstore

  • 📍 Location: 13535 Livernois Ave, Detroit, MI 48238

  • 💡 Why Visit? One of the nation’s oldest Black-owned bookstores, this space is a hub for African American literature, art, and activism.

  • 🔥 Fun Fact: The Shrine has played a key role in Detroit’s Black Power movement and remains a space for cultural conversations and education.

  • 💲 Cost: Free to visit

🎤 3. The Aretha Franklin Mural

  • 📍 Location: 2015 E. Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48211

  • 💡 Why Visit? A stunning tribute to the "Queen of Soul," this mural celebrates Aretha Franklin's legendary impact on music and culture.

  • 🔥 Fun Fact: Created by local artists, this mural has become an Instagram-worthy landmark for music lovers and Detroit history buffs.

  • 💲 Cost: Free to visit

🏠 4. The Dr. Ossian Sweet House

  • 📍 Location: 2905 Garland St, Detroit, MI 48214

  • 💡 Why Visit? This historic home was the site of a pivotal 1925 civil rights case when Dr. Ossian Sweet defended his right to live in an all-white neighborhood.

  • 🔥 Fun Fact: The case was defended by legendary attorney Clarence Darrow, setting an early precedent for housing rights and racial justice.

  • 💲 Cost: Free to visit

⛵ 5. The Underground Railroad Memorial Monument

  • 📍 Location: Hart Plaza, Detroit, MI 48226

  • 💡 Why Visit? This powerful monument honors Detroit’s role as the final stop on the Underground Railroad before freedom in Canada.

  • 🔥 Fun Fact: The statue faces Windsor, Ontario, symbolizing the journey to freedom for thousands of enslaved individuals.

  • 💲 Cost: Free to visit