blog - Detroit Landmarks

10 Fascinating Facts That Make Detroit Unlike Any Other U.S. City

Detroit is a city that doesn’t just tell stories, it builds them. From the world’s first paved road to a sound that changed global music, every brick and blade of grass in this city has a story behind it. But for all the headlines about cars, comebacks, and championship banners, there are still so many things about Detroit that surprise even lifelong locals.

Behind the murals and music, under the streets and along the riverbanks, are layers of history, invention, folklore, and culture that most people miss. Whether you're new to the city, born-and-raised, or just curious about the soul behind the Motor City, these ten facts reveal a version of Detroit that’s deeper, wilder, and far more fascinating than you’ve ever imagined.

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Explore the Largest Bookstore in Michigan: A Maze of Hidden Literary Gems

Tucked away in the heart of Detroit’s bustling landscape lies a treasure trove for book lovers and adventure seekers alike. John K. King Used & Rare Books is not your average literary destination – it’s a sprawling four-story labyrinth of stories, history, and wonder just waiting to be explored. Step inside, and the scent of old paper and leather binding envelops you, instantly transporting you to a world where every one of the over one million books on the shelves has a tale to tell. This massive collection isn’t just the largest in Michigan; it’s among the largest in the entire United States. From the moment you enter, it’s clear that John K. King Books is less a store and more a grand adventure for the mind – a place where you’re invited to get…

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What Happened to the 13th Floor? Detroit Buildings and a Century-Old Fear

Ever noticed something strange in a Detroit high-rise elevator? Many Detroit buildings skip the 13th floor – at least, you’ll never see a button for it. Step into the Fisher Building’s art deco elevators or the sleek lifts at One Campus Martius, and you’ll watch the numbers jump from 12 to 14. The 13th floor is there physically, of course, but it goes unmentioned, wiped away by a century-old superstition in architecture. This odd omission isn’t just a local quirk; it’s part of a longstanding fear of the number 13 – a fear so common it even has a name: triskaidekaphobia, the fear of “13”. Why do builders and landlords avoid naming a 13th floor, and why does Detroit’s skyline quietly comply with this taboo? Let’s explore the roots of this superstition, how…

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Detroit’s Historic Dakota Inn Rathskeller Gets New Life Under New Ownership

Detroit’s historic Dakota Inn Rathskeller – one of the city’s most iconic German beer halls – is entering a new chapter after nearly a century in the same family. The beloved establishment, founded in 1933 by German immigrant Karl Kurz, has been passed down through three generations of the Kurz family. Now, for the first time in 90 years, the Kurz family has handed off the reins to a new steward. Local entrepreneur Paddy Lynch, known for revitalizing old Detroit favorites like The Schvitz spa and Dutch Girl Donuts, has purchased the Dakota Inn Rathskeller from Karl E. Kurz (the founder’s grandson), sparking excitement about the restaurant’s future.

Detroit’s Dakota Inn Rathskeller has been a beloved gathering place since 1933, known for its Bavarian…

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RoboCop Statue in Detroit: Location, Owner, and What’s Next for the Iconic Tribute

Detroit is finally poised to welcome a new larger-than-life resident – a towering RoboCop statue that has been 14 years in the making. What began as a cheeky idea in 2011 has evolved into a community-powered quest to erect an 11-foot tribute to the fictional cyborg hero. In true Detroit spirit, this project has been part civic art, part pop-culture phenomenon, and wholly a labor of love. Families, film fans, and curious locals alike are eagerly asking: Where is the RoboCop statue going, who technically owns this piece of art, and what happens next? Let’s dive into the saga, the plans for its Eastern Market home, and why this unique Detroit landmark still matters today.

Want to explore more Detroit landmarks like RoboCop? Don’t miss our roundup:…

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Michigan Central's Restoration: Luxury NoMad Hotel and New Restaurant Coming 2027

For decades, Detroit’s Michigan Central Station stood as a haunting symbol of the city’s decline – a towering Beaux-Arts train depot that opened in 1913 and closed in 1988, then sat empty for years. The once-bustling station, with its grand halls and 18-story office tower, fell into disrepair and became a favorite subject of “ruin photography,” emblematic of Detroit’s hard times. Now, in one of the most dramatic turnarounds of Detroit’s revival, the 112-year-old landmark has been painstakingly restored and reopened to the public in 2024. Locals who remember the station as a graffiti-covered shell are marveling at its rejuvenation, as Ford Motor Company spearheaded a six-year restoration that has returned the depot to its “most pristine state ever”.

The…

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Historic Belle Isle Fountain to Undergo $6 Million Restoration in Detroit

On a warm summer evening in Detroit, families often gather around the James Scott Memorial Fountain on Belle Isle, watching its graceful water jets dance against the skyline. Children squeal with delight as mist from the historic Belle Isle fountain catches the golden sunset light, and couples pose for photos with the iconic marble tiers in the background. For generations of Detroiters, this Belle Isle fountain has been more than a decorative centerpiece – it’s part of our collective memory and a source of city pride. Now, after 100 years of operation, Detroit’s beloved fountain is about to get a massive lifeline. In a move celebrated by the community, authorities have announced a $6 million restoration project to ensure the fountain can continue…

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Say “I Do” at Michigan Central Station: Detroit’s Hottest Wedding Venue

Detroit’s iconic Michigan Central Station has transformed from a long-abandoned rail depot into one of the city’s hottest wedding venues. Once left in ruins, this 1913 Beaux-Arts landmark in Corktown is now meticulously restored and open for unforgettable weddings and events. Couples are lining up to celebrate their big day amid its grandeur, making history as they exchange vows in a setting that blends Detroit’s past glory with its new renaissance.

Michigan Central, Facebook

A Historic Detroit Landmark Reborn as a Venue

Michigan Central Station is no ordinary wedding backdrop – it’s a piece of living Detroit history. The towering train station originally opened in 1913 and was a bustling hub that saw 4,000 passengers a day in its heyday. After…

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