Detroit Buildings. What comes to mind? Eminem’s childhood home, the GM Renaissance Center, The Detroit Tigers Stadium? Perhaps it’s all and more. For me, it is the historic and abandoned buildings. The architectural marvels that now lay in ruin, covered in graffiti, a shamble of their original glory.
We spent a long weekend in Detroit to tour the abandoned buildings. As much as we like to explore on our own, I wanted to take a local tour because some of the buildings we wanted to view are in less than desirable locations; secondly, because we are not experienced, urban explorers.
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Researching our options, I came across hundreds of photos by Jesse Welter, a local photographer who has a fascination with urbexing and Detroit’s architecture. I found Jesse’s website Motor City Photo Workshops and realized that he offered tours. I don’t think you can do any better than take a trip like this with a local photographer that shares your passion. Four of us did this tour, it cost $75 a person, and it was one of the best seventy-five dollars ever spent.
Sadly, Jesse no longer offers the tour however, I will share alternative options below.
We did this tour before I had a blog. Sharing this experience has been on my to-do list for a while. I was recently re-motivated to write this after reading one of my favorite bloggers’ posts: A Work of Street Art: The Best Murals in Nashville. The murals reminded me of Detroit’s graffiti, which, while not the same, both urban art forms.
Tour Companies Offering Tours of Detroit Buildings
Where To Stay In Detroit
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Can you recommend a tour company for abandoned buildings in the Detroit area? Or relatively safe buildings that could be done by two people? I teach photography and would like to photograph some of them.I will be in the Detroit area the week of September 20th.
Hi Don,
I’ve been asked this a lot lately. So there was an option on Viator and Get Your Guide and they are all gone. I suspect that’s because a ton of the abandoned buildings have been torn down and others rehabilitated. I even checked Tours By Locals and nadda. I can give you the addresses of all the places we went if it would help? I think if you go at crack of dawn – aka the second the sun comes up you’ll be fine. Let me know if you want some addresses:) Nikki
OK, Detroit TOTALLY looks like a Scott + me city. You’ve made me want to go even more than I already did (BECAUSE MURALS)(BUT ALSO, ARCHITECTURE).
Yes! I knew you would love this one – it’s totally you! You have to go and do an article or two. The graffiti alone will keep you busy but you will really enjoy the architecture :) Seriously, Detroit is totally you guys :)
Detroit a best example on the power of nature to reclaim what belongs to it cover the place with greenery again.
What a great way to say it!