General Casimir Pulaski, born in Warsaw in 1745, was a Polish nobleman and cavalry commander who…read morefirst gained fame during the Bar Confederation's resistance to Russian influence. After fleeing Europe under threat of execution, he was recruited by Benjamin Franklin to aid the American Revolution. Pulaski distinguished himself by saving George Washington's life at Brandywine, leading the Continental Army's cavalry, and forming Pulaski's Legion. He died from wounds sustained in a daring charge at the Siege of Savannah in 1779 and was later honored with U.S. citizenship for his sacrifice. Detroit's monument to Pulaski, dedicated in 1966 by the Central Citizens Committee, stands at Michigan Avenue and Washington Boulevard as a tribute to his legacy and the city's Polish American heritage. It commemorates his role in the Revolution and symbolizes the enduring ties between immigrant communities and the ideals of liberty. Framed by green space and neighboring historical markers, the site invites reflection on the global dimensions of American independence and the contributions of those who fought for it far from home. [Review 977 of 2025 - 457 in Michigan - 24531 overall]

I had to attend a meeting that was being held at the Compuware Building in the Campus Martius area…read more I had an address for the building and an address for the recommended parking garage. Knowing how difficult it can be to find places in downtown Detroit, I arrived extra early and using the address and checking it against the numbers on the building and looking for a Compuware sign I was unable to positively identify the building. I circled the area where the address should have been and had to get around major construction looking for it. I then decided to focus on the parking address and...more difficulty, the street with the address was blocked and didn't go through! Then I figured out that the blocking was after the entrance to the garage so I was able to go in. After going up many floors, I finally found a spot and parked. As I approached the elevators I met a couple of ladies who were heading back to the Compuware Building so I followed them until they pointed me to the visitors desk to get directions to my meeting! I thought I was cutting it close but an earlier presentation was running long so I had to wait until they were ready. Overall impression for me was a hard to find and difficult (and expensive $4/20minutes up to $25/day) parking, beautiful lobby with waterfall. I wouldn't want to work here or come here regularly. My low rating reflects my dislike of hard to find and difficult and expensive parking.

We were here for the Motor City New Year's Eve party and it was a pretty cool space. I've always…read morethought the fountain in the lobby was cool, and it did make a nice backdrop for the party. They set up draped off areas for people with cabana reservations and opened up Hard Rock Cafe to be part of the party space. The free drinks that came with admission were good quality and all in all it was a success. The compuware building itself is a worthwhile destination if you're in the downtown area. Of course if you're in Campus Martias park, it's worth chcking out the fountain in the lobby and maybe stopping into the Texas de Brazil bar for a Caipirinha.

During our week of training at the Dearborn Inn, our organization scheduled Thursday night's dinner…read moreat the Henry Ford Estate (Fair Lane / Home of Clara & Henry Ford). As a novice of woodworking, I was blown-away by the intricate woodwork and finishings throughout the home. The three ladies that lead our tour of the home shared many interesting details about the property, its restoration, and details of Clara and Henry's years at the estate. Many of the restoration stories, like finding a tub for Henry's bathroom or how Clara had a section repainted white were intriguing. Even though much of the home, especially the second floor, is still being restored it was a fascinating experience.

The site here is open for limited hours and is fenced off from the surrounding university and…read moreparkland, which I guess is their right but which nonetheless was annoying for me as a visitor. There wasn't much actually open amongst the majestic-looking buildings while I was there, but the picnic area was hopping. The signage was bilingual-in English and Arabic-and what appeared to be a Yemeni wedding seemed to be taking place. The juxtaposition of the estate of an industrialist (or robber baron, or visionary, or racist, depending on your point of view) with a distinctive immigrant community makes for a striking reflection on Americana. The grounds include some gardens, and a lake with a path around it. Access to the river is limited, but it didn't look like that impressive of a river. The greenery is more worthwhile.

This marker is along the pathway that leads to the Milliken Park Lighthouse. It points out the…read moreearliest Jewish settler in the Detroit area and on the reverse, a history of Michigan Jews who served in the Civil War. On the front, "During the French and Indian War (1754-1763), the British took Canada from France and with it possession of French forts in the western Great Lakes region, including Detroit. The post remained an important center of trade between the British and Native Americans. British trader Chapman Abraham (c. 1723-1783) arrived in Detroit around 1762. Abraham helped to supply British soldiers during the war as a partner of Fort Michilimackinac commissaries Levi Solomons, Ezekiel Solomon, Gershon Levi, and Benjamin Lyon. In 1763 he was captured and then released by Indians at Detroit. By 1767 Abraham was a merchant engaged in the fur trade who owned property within the fortified town of Detroit. He is considered Detroit's first Jewish resident." And on the reverse, "Jewish settlement in Michigan began with Ezekiel Solomon's arrival at Fort Michilimackinac in 1761. The following year Chapman Abraham arrived in Detroit. During the mid-nineteenth century Jewish immigration began to rise, particularly in Detroit. Some 150 Jewish families lived in Michigan by the time the Civil War began in 1861. The small population, made up mostly of recent immigrants, contributed an unusually high number of men to the Union army. One hundred eighty-one Michigan Jews served; thirty-eight perished. By risking their lives, Jews put down roots in their adopted country and laid the foundation for the larger wave of Jewish immigration that would follow in the late 19th and early 20th centuries." It is marker number S687 and it was erected in 2007 by Michigan Historical Commission, Michigan Historical Center. [Review 1004 of 2025 - 479 in Michigan - 24558 overall]

This muscular man near the Detroit River is the Spirit of Detroit. It is cast bronze with a green…read morepatina that could be copper but isn't. He's 26 feet tall and was dedicated in 1958. At the time, it was the largest cast bronze statue since the Renaissance. In his left hand, he's holding a gilded sphere radiating rays, symbolizing divinity. In his right hand, a family, representing human relationships. Behind him, the marble wall is a quote from 2 Corinthians 3:17, "Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." He seems to get a few people posing in front of him, mimicking his style and pose. I opted not to do that and waited to get clear pictures. [Review 699 of 2025 - 406 in Michigan - 24260 overall]

The Spirit of Detroit isn't just a statue--it's the symbol of the city, and honestly, it hits…read moredifferent when you see it in person. Standing front and center downtown, this massive green figure holds a sphere in one hand and a family in the other, representing God and the people--basically everything Detroit stands for at its core: strength, unity, and community. It's one of the most photographed spots in the city, but it's way more than just a photo op. This is the heart of the 313. What makes it even more special is how connected it is to the people. Whenever Detroit sports teams make a run, you'll see the statue repping jerseys. Big moments, big celebrations, big comebacks--the Spirit of Detroit is always part of it. It's not just watching the city grow, it's growing with it. There's also so much history behind it. Installed in 1958, this piece has stood through every chapter of Detroit's story--the highs, the struggles, and the comeback. And through it all, it's remained a constant reminder of what the city stands for. You don't just look at it--you feel what it represents. The location makes it even better. Right near Woodward, surrounded by the movement of downtown, it feels alive. People gathering, taking pictures, passing by--it's always part of the action, just like Detroit itself. But more than anything, it's the pride. Real Detroit pride. The kind you can't fake. The Spirit of Detroit represents resilience, hustle, and heart--the things that make this city what it is. If you're in Detroit, you have to stop here. Not just for the picture, but for the feeling. This isn't just a statue--it's Detroit in its purest form. 313 forever.

Lots of history in this boathouse! Make sure to bring a life preserver if you try to walk on the…read moredock!

The most beautiful, historic gem! Located right on the Detroit River, this place is used for an…read moreevent space, for the rowing teams to practice, and much more. I came here for Yelp's Nauti by Nature party and had SO much fun. This space was perfect to host it, with grand balconies, an amazing view, and interesting spaces. This boat house has been flooded multiple times, and they're currently working on restoring it, room by room. Our event was a fundraiser for the building, in an effort to return it to its previous grandeur. Currently, it's still beautiful and majestic, just dated and in need of some repairs. Such a cool, unique spot for an event!

This attraction is pretty much destroyed. It has been around since 2010. I would change the K to an…read moreSH. I looks really bad. If you make it here, you will find the remnants of what use to be the monumental kitty. There is not much to see here. I would recommend passing this place up. It is a shame too. In its hay day, it looked pretty cool and worthy of a quick stop if you were in the area. There has been mentions of rebuilding it, but no solid plans as of yet. If you still want to come here just be aware that the directions may take you on the opposite side of the overpass and you can park and just walk across. How do you know if you are on the wrong side or not you ask. If you are on the side with the baseball field then you are on the wrong side

You have to respect a cat with a nine foot diameter head built of solid brick. Even Shaquille…read moreO'Neal isn't that sturdy. Word on the street is that the Monumental Kitty works just like the Sphinx: if you don't answer his riddle he gets to eat you. During my latest visit to Corktown I visited him every morning, to feed him by incorrectly answering his riddle. But, selfless cat that he is, he let me live. It's an appropriate symbol of Detroit's fighting spirit and civic engagement that such an inspired sculpture took control of the pedestrian overpass even as the old Tiger Stadium across the I-75 got blasted into rubble. Thanks to the vision and technical skill of North Corktown artist Jerome Ferretti, the efforts of neighborhood volunteers, some funding from local businesses, and a very successful Kickstarter campaign, this nine-foot-diameter cat head is as good as nine-foot-diameter cat heads get.

A beloved landmark in Detroit, Kern's Clock was first placed in 1933 as a gathering place for…read moregenerations of Detroiters at the entryway of the Ernst Kern Company department store at Woodward and Gratiot. The clock was put in storage after the store closed in 1959 and the building was razed during urban renewal in the 1960s. Later, it was restored through a campaign spearheaded by the Junior League of Detroit. After being taken down during the Compuware Building's construction, it was put back in its original place in the late 1970s. In 2003, it was moved back to its famous corner, where it remains to this day. Kern's Clock is a traditional double-faced street clock with a vintage black-and-gold design that is set atop a tall, elaborate pedestal. It has exquisite Roman numerals. The term "timeless" seems wrong for a clock so let's go with "classic." [Review 716 of 2025 - 421 in Michigan - 24276 overall]