Woodward Scenic Tours

Day Tour 1: Jefferson Avenue to Cultural Center

Tour Overview

Begin your journey with a turn north off of Jefferson Avenue onto Woodward Avenue. You'll know you're headed in the right direction when you are greeted by a giant fist! This often-misinterpreted true-to-scale memorial to legendary Detroit boxer Joe Louis will be in the median to your left, and the Spirit of Detroit monument adorning the Coleman A. Young Municipal Building to the right.

On your way to the Campus Martius area, Detroit's Financial District and the National Historic Landmark Guardian Building towers over you to the left. Another half-mile or so up Woodward is Grand Circus Park with its array of sites and attractions, including another National Historic Landmark, the Fox Theatre, just south of Montcalm. The tour concludes in the Cultural Center with a host of museums, galleries, and theatres to explore.

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Campus Martius Park [A]

Intersection of Woodward and Monroe

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A fire devastated the City of Detroit in 1805, and the rebuilding process began in Campus Martius Park. The intersection of Woodward and Monroe was designated the city's "Point of Origin", from which a new street grid was developed. With the Civil War Soldiers and Sailors Monument serving as a marker, the park became the center of a bustling downtown area and a major gathering place for citizens. By the 1960s, Campus Martius was no longer vibrant as the city rezoned the area to accommodate increased downtown traffic and shifted the focal point of the city to Hart Plaza. But, after a long hiatus, Campus Martius Park is back -- and in a big way! In 1999, the city initiated redevelopment of the park with the goal of creating the best public space in the world. The first phase of this project opened in late 2004 and includes sculptures, spectacular lighted fountains, a seasonal ice skating rink, and two entertainment stages. The park is anchored by the new Compuware office center which complete with a spectacular 16-story atrium, a waterfall, and retail and dining amenities.

Grand Circus Park [B]

Vicinity of Woodward and Park

A plethora of choices awaits you at this stop. Grand Circus Park is perfectly situated within a block or two of Foxtown, the Stadium District, Harmonie Park, and the Theatre District. Catch a game at Comerica Park or Ford Field, live music at the Fox or State Theatres, or a performance at the Opera House or Music Hall. A number of popular bars and restaurants are located in these areas as well. New venues and residential loft developments are tranforming Grand Circus Park into an attractive locale for residents and visitors alike.

Cultural Center [C]

Vicinity of Woodward and Putnam

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There is no better place than here to explore Detroit's intellectual and artistic influences. Development of the Cultural Center dates back to 1913 as part of the City Beautiful movement which advocated the clustering of important public buildings. Three buildings make up the core of the Cultural Center -- the Detroit Public Library, the Detroit Institute of Arts, and the Horace H. Rackham Education Memorial Building. Since the establishment of these architectural monuments, the Cultural Center has expanded to include a number of other museums, galleries, theatres, and attractions, most within walking distance of one another. In addition, the area is home to two highly regarded educational institutions, Wayne State University and the College for Creative Studies. The Cultural Center's location two miles north of downtown along Woodward Avenue makes it a convenient, must-see destination for visitors. Your best bet is to park your car and visit each attraction on foot. Parking is available at the public garage located at 41 Farnsworth (enter the facility between Woodward and John R). Free on-street parking and metered on-street parking are also available.