Location: Highland Park
Top Things to do in Highland Park
What to do and see in Highland Park, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Highland Park is a city in Wayne County in the State of Michigan, within Metro Detroit. The population was 11,776 at the 2010 census. The city is completely surrounded by Detroit except for a small portion that touches the city of Hamtramck, which is also surrounded by Detroit.
Restaurants in Highland Park
1. Detroit Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
The Detroit Zoo has 125 acres of naturalistic habitats for more than 2,000 animals from anteaters to zebras and features award-winning attractions such as the National Amphibian Conservation Center, Great Apes of Harambee and Arctic Ring of Life. The Zoo’s newest attraction is the spectacular Polk Penguin Conservation Center, the largest facility for penguins in the world.
Reviewed By Danielle M - Lovington, New Mexico
Although we visit the zoo regularly, we love spending New Year's Eve at the Zoo for Zoo Lights! It is so awesome to walk the park in the dark by the glow of the millions of lights they have depicting various things, as well as the dancing lights! The 4D show, hot chocolate, specialty liquor and beer, and local food favorites are also available.
2. Detroit Institute of Arts
Overall Ratings
5 based on 2 reviews
Considered to house one of the best art collections in the United States, the Institute showcases everything from mummies to modern art and African masks to Monets in its outstanding collection of over 65,000 works. Don't miss the General Motors Center for African American Art, a part of the DIA which showcases 400 pieces, in various media, by African American artists.
Reviewed By 547rania - United States
Great place to spend the whole day; esp. now that admission is free for residents of Wayne, Oakland, Macomb counties. Special exhibits do cost extra but they are totally worth it. I recently saw the Monet paintings there. The venue is very well laid out, so it is easy to navigate thru'. The Diego Riviera mural is by far my favorite; I highly recommend taking the audio tour for this area (available at a table off the the mural room)- full of fascinating facts and info, lets one get into Riviera's head (or alternately pull up the description on your phone).
The restaurant and cafe are both very good with excellent choices for snacks, lunches and beverages; albeit a bit pricey. Lots of parking available in the DIA lot off John R. Street parking available in the alley off Farnsworth (in a residential area).
3. The Rust Belt Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 83 reviews
Voted "Best Place to Buy Original Art and Local Craft" by HOUR Detroit magazine, The Rust Belt Market is the intersection of creativity and business. Its founders transformed a vacant big-box store into an event venue and hub of 50+ independent retailers-offering a unique mix of goods both handmade and collected by local artists. Explore and leave inspired.
Reviewed By Richard48220 - Detroit, Michigan
The site has gone through many incarnations, including an Old Navy Outlet store. It is currently a denizen for many local entrepreneurs to open a space to sell art, t-shirts, furniture, vintage games, scuplture, natural soaps herbs sachets, and more, historical photos, memorabilia, and more. Funky, fun, lots of great Michigan stuff.
Some of the venues will take credit cards, some are cash only
4. Fowling Warehouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
Fowling: (n) [foe-ling] the football bowling pin game. Fowling Warehouse: (n) a full-service bar that houses 20 lanes of Fowling. Open Fowl - $10 at the door, gets you access to 10 Open Fowling lanes from the time of purchase until close Reserved Lanes - $120 to reserve one lane for a two-hour block; ten people maximum per lane We are 21+ Monday - Friday and after 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. All ages welcome Saturday and Sunday Noon to 6 p.m. Food is not available, but we do invite guests to bring in meals, snacks, catering of their choice. Local restaurant options are also available for delivery. No outside beverages of any kind are allowed.
Reviewed By EricaDH - Royal Oak, Michigan
My first time was a birthday party for 12 year old boys. This was the perfect activity as the dad's joined the boys. It a bit as easy at it looks so the ladies did as well as the guys. They have a full bar, a big screen, a stage for music and great set ups for large groups and private parties.
They are great at cleaning up spills. Everyone has to sign a waiver upon entry.
Bathrooms were really clean!
5. The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant
Overall Ratings
5 based on 344 reviews
Experience the Original Model T Factory Visiting the Piquette Avenue Ford Plant is a unique experience-it's the oldest auto plant open to the public anywhere in the world. Almost unchanged since Henry Ford's day, the plant is a three-story New England-style mill building. Each floor is divided into sections by the original metal fire doors, complete with the shadows of Henry Ford's "Positively NO Smoking" stencils. The old plank floors are worn from the 12,000 Model Ts built on them, so wear appropriate shoes for your visit. The plant is on the National Register of Historic Places, and is a designated National Historic Landmark and a Michigan State Historic Site. Walk the worn wood floors and touch the brick walls where Henry Ford and his team of automotive pioneers developed the car that led to an automotive and social revolution. See Henry Ford's office as it was in 1908 when he was on the cusp of fame. And learn why it still matters today. See a selection of rare Detroit-built cars from the first decade of the 20th century and learn their fates.
Reviewed By 2RedSquirrels - Windsor, Canada
This rather unimposing building is the origin of the modern car industry. The tour provides a comprehensive overview of the beginning of Ford Motors. The tour highlights the evolution of the early models.
An eye opener is one of the earliest Model Ts - the old adage is not true
Great diner down the street
6. Polish Art Center
Overall Ratings
5 based on 35 reviews
The Polish Art Center is located in the heart of Hamtramck, Michigan only 10 minutes from downtown Detroit near the intersection of I-94 and I-75! Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of old world Poland. You will find everything from books and music to stoneware, classic cut crystal, folk art, fine foods, luxurious chocolates and much more.
Reviewed By Marcy T - Lansing, Michigan
A group of 12 of us signed up for a class to learn how to create pisanki eggs. We car-pooled from Lansing to Hamtramck on Sunday, February 19th. We had so much fun and had a marvelous time "writing pisanki!" Our instructor, Joan, was great. She explained everything before we did it, not only how to do it, but WHY we did certain things and what they meant. Her daughter Michelle helped us with our eggs. We really enjoyed these two ladies. Joan and Michelle were thorough, knowledgeable, and patient! Afterwards, many of us bought supplies and kits to take home in order to continue "writing pisanki." I would highly recommend this class. The setting, the instructors, and the experience was more than we expected!
7. The Guardian Building
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 563 reviews
Reviewed By AmyLynn1980
The Guardian Building simply must been seen with your own two eyes to be believed ... such incredible beauty, grandeur and attention to detail. An Art Deco masterpiece heavily influenced by Aztec styling, built during Detroit's more prosperous times when clearly no expense was spared.
Kudos to anyone involved in ensuring this building is kept up and never allowed to become vacant like so many other beautiful structures in Detroit.
It is well worth spending a few minutes wandering about to check everything out!
8. St. Florian Catholic Church
Overall Ratings
5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By PLAfromMichigan - Detroit, Michigan
This majestic cathedral-sized church is a testament to the industrious and faithful Polish immigrants that built it over a century ago. Situated on Poland street, it calls to heart the patron saint of chimney sweeps, firefighters, and soapmakers. Poland adopted the Roman-borne saint in 1184. The bishop of Kracow, Karol Wojtyla, celebrated mass here before becoming Pope John Paul II. John Paul the Great later visited Hamtramck in a memorable event.
You have almost certainly seen one enduring symbol of St. Florian: the Maltese or "Florian" cross--appearing on many emblems of firefighters in America and other countries.
When you visit here, you will feel history and faith intersect.
9. Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 221 reviews
Museum serves to document, preserve and educate the public on the history, life and culture of African Americans.
Reviewed By Yusuf N - East Lansing, Michigan
The most exciting thing IMO is the journey through the history of the African American People. You get immersed through a realistic journey from the cradle of mankind, to Ancient African cultures with authentic artifacts, then through the slave trade, there is a ship also that accompanies the slave trade portion, then through the underground rail system and colored troops during the civil war errors, to the cultures of the people after slave trade was abolished, to emergence of black activists and evolution of Motown music to current black cultures. It is so realistic and very informative and a great way to learn about a whole new race
10. Hamtramck Disneyland
Overall Ratings
4 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By Charlotte S
I almost skipped this one. The artist passed away recently, and Hamtamck Disneyland seems to be in transition for the moment. Some renovation plans are in the works but for the moment, you can't enter the yard to see the installation up close. Right now you can only view it from the alley. I was worried we wouldn't be able to see anything, but we could see quite a bit. It was really cool, and we spent about five minutes enjoying it.
Our enjoyment was enhanced by reading about the author before we went. He sounded like neat guy, and I'm sure meeting him was a wonderful experience for visitors.
If you think you'll be disappointed because it doesn't take very long to view the installation from the alley, or Hamtramck is far away from the other places you plan on visiting in Detroit, I'd consider waiting until the new ownership finishes up all of their renovations and Hamtramck Disneyland reopens. We happened to be pretty close to Hamtramck, so it didn't feel like we schlepped across town for a small/brief attraction. On the other hand, it is pretty cool, so if you're into this type of thing, it may be worth the drive for you. Plus it's always interesting to see some of the neighborhoods surrounding Detroit.
The alley is behind the house- there is a little sign that directs you to it. It's easy to miss though, so you may need to circle the block a few times.
