Detroit's Hidden History Guided Walking Tour

Overview

Available languages

English

1 hour 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

Ready to venture beyond the history books and uncover the hidden past of Detroit? Join our historian-led, 90-minute tour and dive into the Motor City’s most gripping tales—stories that shaped a legend, told as you stroll through North America’s most stunning architectural gems.

- Intimate small-group atmosphere and plenty of time for questions

- Tour is perfect for history buffs and first-time visitors

- Walking tour lets you get to know the city intimately

- Hear 8 unique historical stories from Detroit’s past

For those hungry for more, an optional 30-minute extension reveals Detroit’s strangest and most enigmatic legends—mysteries that linger in the shadows, waiting to be explored.

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Stories to fascinate and delight

A knowledgeable local guide

Well researched history

Gratuity for the guide

What To Expect

Grand Circus Park

Our tour begins at Grand Circus Park, in the center of Downtown Detroit. We will introduce our tour and familiarize you to one of the most impressive bearded statues in Detroit. We will also discuss potatoes.

10 minutes•Admission Not Applicable

Michigan Theater Building

When a relentless tinkerer rolled his first horseless carriage out of a Detroit garage, he couldn’t have foreseen the revolution he’d ignite. Henry Ford crowned Detroit the Motor City—but did his legacy also sow the seeds of its unraveling?

7 minutes•Admission Not Applicable

Options

Standard Tour

Standard Tour + Extension

Duration: 2 hours
Extended Tour: An extra 30 minutes at the river's edge investigating shipwrecks, an evil curse, and pyramid symbolism.

Reviews

5.00

12 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Enjoyable way to learn some history and see the city
Jill W,
Jun 22, 2025
- Viator
5.00
The tour walked through downtown and we learned the history of Detroit along with several fun facts that we had never heard. Our group was small and we were able to bring our dog along for the walk. We would highly recommend this tour for anyone who wants to spend some time exploring the city and learning about its history.
Truly a hidden gem
Linda B,
Jun 20, 2025
- Viator
5.00
This tour was quite enjoyable. Our tour guide, Michael, was knowledgeable and engaging. He is truly passionate about the city of Detroit.
Exceptional Tour
John B,
Jun 9, 2025
- Viator
5.00
We had a great time with a wonderful guide. Micheal taught us things about the city that we would have never known or discovered on our own. Knowing more about the history of Detroit makes want to visit the city again.
Very informative, and the...
Gautam M,
Jun 7, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Very informative, and the guide was very friendly. Hello didn't look at the time, and was very enthusiastic to show around
Wonderful activity to do with a friend
Krysten J,
May 26, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Informative without being boring and the guide was very knowledgeable. It talked about the buildings and people that had an impact on the city making it what it is today. It was definitely worth the money. Would do another tour with the same company on a different section of the city. Had a lovely dinner at one of the many restaurants nearby for a great visit with a friend.