Our road trip through the American Midwest naturally included a stop in Detroit, the "Motor City." Detroit is a city full of contrasts, captivating visitors with its vibrant arts scene, historic architecture, and fascinating history. Just around the corner lies Ann Arbor, a charming university town that invites you to linger with its cozy cafes, independent bookstores, and green parks.
Detroit
Around 10 a.m., we left Port Huron heading south. After an hour and a half, we reached downtown Detroit. The plan was to park in the Z parking garage. We had found it online; it had different graffiti on each floor. Unfortunately, a woman was standing in front of the entrance and told us the garage was full. She gave us a slip of paper for Sisters Parking in Greektown. After parking our car, we walked back to the Z parking garage. We took the elevator all the way to the top to take some photos. The view from up there of the downtown Detroit skyscrapers and the restored Art Deco buildings, which reflect the rich history of the Motor City, was pretty good. Then we walked down two floors to look around. The graffiti on the different levels was nice, but not that exciting.
Across the street, we boarded the Detroit People Mover. This driverless monorail offers a convenient and affordable way to explore downtown Detroit. Traveling a distance of approximately 4.8 kilometers, the train connects 13 stops, providing easy access to popular attractions such as the GM Renaissance Center, the Greektown Casino, and the Detroit Riverwalk. The trains run clockwise and offer stunning views of the city skyline. The fare is $0.75 (no credit cards accepted), regardless of the length of the ride. We boarded at Cadillac Place and rode the entire route once. The train was clean, and we were almost the only passengers.
Unfortunately, we couldn't get our car out of the parking garage without some trouble. We couldn't get a ticket at the entrance; instead, we had to insert our credit card into the terminal. Theoretically, we should have been able to pay for our stay with the same credit card when we exited. Thanks to a helpful gentleman, we were able to resolve the issue. I had to quickly sprint to 7-Eleven, get cash, and pay with that. In principle, it's a great system, but when it doesn't work…
Detroit is known for its vibrant street art scene, and the city's graffiti tells stories of rebellion, hope, and artistic expression. Particularly striking is the blend of historical and modern styles, often found on the walls of abandoned buildings. One especially fascinating lost place is the large, abandoned Michigan Central Station. This monumental building, once a hub of rail traffic, now attracts artists and adventurers alike. The station's vast halls are covered in colorful murals and graffiti, giving the place a unique atmosphere and making it a must-see for anyone wanting to discover Detroit's raw and creative heart.
Ann Arbor
Then we continued on to Ann Arbor. Even on the drive into the city, the many young people made it clear that we were in a vibrant university town in the US state of Michigan. Ann Arbor is known for its appealing mix of culture, nature, and education. The city is home to the prestigious University of Michigan, whose sprawling campus dominates downtown Ann Arbor and offers a wide variety of cultural and sporting events. For nature lovers, the many parks and green spaces, such as the Nichols Arboretum and the Huron River, offer numerous opportunities for hiking, biking, and paddling. We drove downtown to Zingermann's Delicatessen. This shop sells various delicacies. But that wasn't why we were there… We wanted a sandwich. We ordered a chicken salad sandwich and a hot dog. At around $21, it wasn't cheap, but it was very tasty.
Our destination for the day was Middlebury, Indiana. We had originally chosen this town simply because of its convenient location for our trip to Chicago the following day. However, upon arriving in Middlebury, we discovered we were in Amish County. Black horse-drawn carriages were everywhere, and there were designated carriage parking areas in front of the shops.
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