Michigan Central — Attraction in Detroit

I'm glad to share a short review of the beautifully renovated train station in Detroit, Michigan. This once-abandoned gem has been masterfully brought back to life and now stands as a captivating sight, especially when lit up at night.

As you approach the station, the grand facade immediately catches your eye, blending historic charm with a modern touch. The architects have preserved its unique architectural elements while incorporating contemporary lighting features that add a mesmerizing glow to the surroundings.

The play of light and shadows highlights the intricate details of the building, creating an enchanting ambiance that beckons both locals and tourists alike. The station's restoration has clearly been a labor of love, as every corner exudes an air of elegance and a sense of history.

Walking inside, you'll be awestruck by the spacious interior that now serves as a bustling hub of activity. The grand hall has been transformed into a vibrant social space, with various shops, cafes, and cultural exhibits, making it a gathering place for people of all backgrounds.

At night, the station transforms into a spectacle of lights, casting an ethereal glow over the city. The carefully designed lighting scheme enhances the station's beauty while complementing the surrounding urban landscape.

The renovated train station serves as a symbol of Detroit's resurgence, reflecting the city's determination to reclaim its architectural heritage and revitalize its urban core. It's a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to witness a harmonious blend of history and contemporary culture.

Overall, the beautifully renovated train station in Detroit, Michigan, is a sight to behold, both during the day and when illuminated at night. It's a testament to the city's resilience and a beacon of hope for urban renewal...

The staff at Michigan Central have put together an absolutely fantastic open house to showcase their achievements so far in restoring this historic monument. One enters through the east side and walks down a hall into the center of the building. There are informative displays set up throughout the ground level that show what that area looked like before the restoration and include panels that tell interesting stories about the struggles and surprises involving the restoration. There was even a moving section dedicated to telling the stories of the many and diverse persons whose lives were impacted in some way by the station.

The staff also displayed items that were found during the restoration. The staff did an outstanding job of connecting these pieces to the buildings story. I was particularly intrigued by the stories involving the two clock faces and the secret room. The staff also left two areas untouched by the renovation--a service stair and a hall still covered in graffiti.

There was parking within walking distance of the station, but the free parking was taken by the time we arrived. The staff also limited the number of people that could enter at one time. For that reason, it may be necessary to wait in line. The line, however, moved fast and we waited only about 20 to 30 minutes. The crowd seemed to lessen as the night progressed.

There was so much more information to digest and surprises to encounter that I wish I had had more than two hours to take it all in. The restoration staff did an amazing job of restoring the building in a way that was true to its original design, but that respected its history. Ford has done the city a great service by saving this building. This is a must stop on any...

Visited on a Friday night during the free tour. The building is beautiful and there are many displays with historical information and photos. Upon entering, bags/purses will be searched at security.

The reason for the 3 stars is the extremely loud music. Upon entering, there's a holding area with a slide show in a lobby area. The slides are nice; the sound is terrible, so much so it's difficult to understand the narrators.

Upon leaving this holding area, you enter the station itself. There are speakers blaring music in nearly every corner. The music was so loud it was impossible to have a conversation with my date; the only quiet place inside was the restroom. If the music were more like background music, that's one thing and perhaps it's played so loudly that people will move through quickly. At least that sure worked for us.

Outside on the grounds the music was even louder with recorded music from the stage. The public park area with flowers and benches looks so inviting; however, there is nothing relaxing about trying to enjoy nature with the the excessive noise from the outdoor speakers.

There is a small gift shop near the exit with some t-shirts, jewelry and other things. We did not look at everything, as the things we did look at were quite expensive.

If you plan to visit during the public/free tour hours until the end of August, bring ear plugs if you are sensitive to the noise. By the time we exited the building, my ears were throbbing and I have no plans to return, bring guests, or even recommend...