A
Michael was awesome, I...
Michael was awesome, I have a new appreciation for this beautiful city and would recommend this tour to anyone!
Detroit's Hidden History Guided Walking Tour
+4 photos
At a glance
- Duration
- 1h 30min
- Price from
- $49 / person
- Location
- Detroit
- Rating
- 4.9 / 5 · 80 reviews
- Languages
- EN
- Group
- Small group, up to 40
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation
- Confirmation
- Instant
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- Detroit's Hidden History Tours
- Meeting point
- We meet at Grand Circus Park on Woodward Ave, right across from the People Mover Station. Your guide will be waiting at the stone pillar at the corner of Woodward and Park Ave.
Description
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.
Tour Options
Itinerary
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.
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?
When Thornton Blackburn and his wife arrived in Detroit they probably assumed the worst was behind them. Little did they know a slave hunter was hot on their trail and the ensuing struggle for freedom would push a city already on the edge into destruction.
Campus Martius Park
Augustus Brevoort Woodward was nobody’s idea of normal – naming himself after a Roman Emperor was just one example – but he had a vision to turn Detroit into the greatest city in the world. Unfortunately the most powerful men in Michigan had other ideas.
The Spirit of Detroit
When Detroit’s own Joe Louis faced off against the undefeated German Max Schmeling in their second iconic bout, Americans—Black and White alike—saw more than a boxing match: it was a clash of freedom against fascism. Fewer know what unfolded after the final bell, when a rivalry became one of sports history’s most unexpected and enduring friendships.
What's included
Included
Stories to fascinate and delight
A knowledgeable local guide
Well researched history
Not included
Gratuity for the guide
Traveller Ratings
4.9
80 reviews
Important Information
- 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
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Detroit's Hidden History Guided Walking Tour take?
Detroit's Hidden History Guided Walking Tour lasts about 1h 30min. The itinerary has 5 stops.
How much does Detroit's Hidden History Guided Walking Tour cost?
Prices start at $49 per person for this Detroit experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There are 2 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Can I cancel Detroit's Hidden History Guided Walking Tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is We meet at Grand Circus Park on Woodward Ave, right across from the People Mover Station. Your guide will be waiting at the stone pillar at the corner of Woodward and Park Ave. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is Detroit's Hidden History Guided Walking Tour offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 40 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Reviews(80)
1
False Advertisement!
Horrible experience. Was advertised for one price and then charged more than what as advertised. Shady!!!!
A
Fantastic Tour!
Michael knows his Detroit history and truly loves the city. It was a great tour. The tour was extremely interesting and a great start to my trip.
Operator response
Dear Audrian, we are glad to know that you got an extremely interesting experience with our Hidden History Tour. We would like to have you again in our future events. Please check our website for more information.
C
An Excellent Detroit Walking Tour
We had a fantastic walking tour of Detroit with Michael on Sunday. His knowledge of the city’s history, architecture, neighborhoods, and landmarks was impressive, but what really stood out was his passion for Detroit and his genuine enthusiasm for sharing its story. The tour was both informative and entertaining, with fascinating stories and details that we would have easily missed exploring the city on our own. Michael was engaging, personable, and happy to answer questions along the way. He also shared some great suggestions for places to eat and other things to see while we were in Detroit. The 90 minutes flew by, and we came away with a much better understanding and appreciation of Detroit—both its history and the city it is today. I’ve taken walking tours in other cities, and this ranks among the best. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Detroit, especially if you have limited time and want to really get to know the city.
Operator response
Dear Claksha, We value a lot your experience with us, and to hear from you that Detroit Hidden History Tour rank among the best make us proud of our work, and let us know that we are in the right direction. We appreciate your input and would love you join us again in coming events. Please visit our website for more information.
A
Detroit History Tour
Mike did a great job informing us of the history of Detroit- just recommend starting earlier; it was dark when the tour ended a little scary for out of towners! Overall great tour- learned alot!
T
Informative and fun
Our guide was super informative and was very engaging. He guided us throughout Detroit and shared many facts and stories. His love and hope for the city was apparent. It was an excellent experience. Highly recommend!
N
BOB in the D!
Perfect for getting to know Detroit! Some of what you may know and some of what you will learn. Very enjoyable!
M
Detroit rich history
There were so many stops in our tour rich with history. Our tour guide is a history buff so he new the ins and outr.
N
One of the best
Michael’s passion for the city of Detroit was contagious to this western Pennsylvania family. He provided entertaining and informational facts of Detroit. He responded well to my many questions. I have done many tours in North American cities. This was one of the best.
M
The rise and fall and rise again of Detroit!
Our walking tour with docent Michael Knopf was a wonderful wandering experience. What a wise decision for us! We met and meandered throughout Woodward Avenue learning of Detroit’s history and current events. Michael provided us with delicious dining/ drinking suggestions and offered fun points of interest. Thank you very much Michael.
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit's Hidden History Guided Walking Tour | 1h 30min | 4.9 (80) | $49 | |
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from$49
4.9(80) Free cancellation