Detroit's Antoine de Lamothe Cadillac Statue honors the French colonial founder of the city. The…read moremonument, which stands in Hart Plaza, shows Cadillac just after he arrived in 1701 and founded Fort Pontchartrain du Détroit, the community that would eventually become Detroit. Cadillac, who was born in France as Antoine Laumet, took on his aristocratic name and title after coming to North America. His position as an adventurer and explorer is depicted in the statue, which also represents the city's European beginnings and strategic significance in the fur trade and colonial growth. Along with other adjacent plaques and memorials honoring the Cadillac Convoy. This group of French-Canadians, soldiers, and clergy who accompanied Cadillac to create the settlement. Despite being hailed as a valiant pioneer, Cadillac's legacy has grown more nuanced over time as historians have reexamined his intentions and deeds, particularly his contentious alcohol and land speculating ventures. Nevertheless, the statue continues to serve as a focal point for civic memory, honoring the diverse forces that molded Detroit's establishment and tying the city's identity to its 18th-century origins. He certainly looks heroic and brave here. [Review 711 of 2025 - 416 in Michigan - 24271 overall]

Antoine de Lamothe Cadillac (March 5, 1658 - October 16, 1730), born Antoine Laumet, was a French…read moreexplorer and adventurer in New France, which stretched from Eastern Canada to Louisiana on the Gulf of Mexico. This statue of Antoine Laumet itself was dedicated July 24, 2001, in commemoration of the tricentennial of his arrival sculptors: William Kieffer and Ann Feeley. And it serves as a tribute to his contributions to the development of Detroit and the surrounding area. The car brand Cadillac was named after Antoine, and its headquarters was in the city of Detroit, where Cadillac himself explored. Philip A. Hart Plaza, where this statue sits is believed to be where Antoine Laumet landed and found in 1701, when it was known as Fort Pontchartrain du Detroit which became the city of Detroit. The area itself became the main source of communication and transportation to the outside world until the inventions of the railroad and telegraph. Hart Plaza is always a must visit for me whenever I visit the city of Detroit for mostly the Detroit Free Press Marathon. I always anticipate finishing up at Huntington Place for the expo, just so I can tour the area and visit the Monument to Joe Louis, and Spirit of Detroit. Along with viewing this statue, you can also get a glimpse of Canada from a far the closer you get towards the riverfront. Other sights within Hart Plaza are the Detroit Princess, the Horace E. Dodge and Son Memorial Fountain, and the Gateway to Freedom International Memorial to the Underground Railroad. During my visits, I always park at Huntington Place, being that it is where the expo is located for the Detroit Marathon. It is an affordable parking option in my opinion with no hourly limit. However, if you have interest in other parking options, there are plenty in the area which may also be cheaper than Huntington Place. If you happen to be in the area of Hart Plaza while visiting the city of Detroit, I recommend looking out for Antoine de Lamothe Cadillac Statue. ~Blessings~ Thomas G

I came to lock the bridge with a few of my friends early on a weekend morning. When we arrived, it…read morewas not very crowded. I appreciate the ease at which we were able to get started and complete our journey from the US to Canada. We turned right around and came back to the US. By the time we were on our way back many more people were on the bridge. There were also many people on bikes. I think it would help if the bicyclist announced which side they were coming up on or perhaps had a belll to alert the people in front of them that they were close behind. We had a nice breeze and a cool morning- but it's still enough of a workout to make you sweat. The incline was noticeable and tolerable if you're used to managing hills, the stairstepper, or other ways to elevate your walking or running workout. Most people were pretty friendly and seemingly happy to be there. The views were wonderful. This was a great experience.

Four of us [3 generations] went for a stroll up the bridge to the half-way point by the flags. It…read morewas nice UNTIL we got back and a very RUDE customs jerk asked demeaning questions, acted as if we wanted to overthrow either or both countries, and made the experience miserable. If a passport or enhanced license is needed [more than the star on the license], it should be POSTED as you enter the caged area in BIG PRINT. We walked by 3 groups of attendants who said "hi" but did not ask if we had the documentation necessary. Also, the bikes and the pedestrians don't mix well. If someone needs to show off their biking skills and how close they can get to a pedestrian, this should not be the place for this activity. All in all, it would have been a decent, one time, experience. The customs agent made it unpleasant. Also, he denied a member of my party access to the PUBLIC bathroom and said it was BROKEN. In a new building? A public restroom? Do better.

First time in Michigan. Decided to visit one of two Gerald Ford Presidential Libraries/Museums in…read moreMichigan. Why is there a Presidential Library in one city and a Presidential Museum in another? According to the security guard, President Ford has already offered his congressional papers to the University of Michigan, his Alma mater, before becoming president. He donated vice presidential and presidential papers while still in office. However he wanted his museum in his hometown of Grand Rapids. Therefore, two locations. The library itself is quite small, unless you are doing research. Basically just a lobby filled with exhibits, artifacts and a meeting room. Take a peek in the office through a locked glass door. The exhibit on the bicentennial was interesting. Loved the photo with the Girl Scouts and the letters from children. Get your Presidential Passport stamped. If you want to see more, visit the museum in Grand Rapids. That is where Ford grew up and represented as a congressman. His museum is located in his hometown. Good for a very brief visit if you are on University of Michigan Campus in Ann Arbor. Or, if you really want a 250th stamp in your Presidential Passport.

Really interesting museum/ library even if you're not a history buff. (But maybe I've gotten more…read moreinterested in reading about political history with all the disfunction in politics over the last 10-15 years.) in any case, it was interesting & informative. It was Refreshing to see a GOP President who was sensible, well liked & respected by BOTH sides of the aisle... which Made My Day!

This classic building is the Wayne County Building and is an architectural gem. It once served as…read morethe county's courthouse and administrative center, though those functions have since been moved elsewhere. Construction began in in 1897 and after much scandal and even a grand jury investigation, it completed in 1902. It features 18 courtrooms and 145 rooms that hosted public hearings and many county departments. It was designed by John and Arthur Scott who managed to blend Roman Baroque Revival, Beaux-Arts, and Neoclassical styles. The top of the building features a tower (totaling 247 feet tall) and four-horse chariots that represent both Victory and Progress. Other sculptures by J. Massey Rhind represent Law, Commerce, Agriculture and Mechanics. A lot has changed in Detroit since 1902 (Progress, maybe. Victory, not so much.) and after a number of renovations and updates, the building mostly sits vacant. I would love to have toured the interior - photos show that it is magnificent with mahogany, marble and mosaics. [Review 687 of 2025 - 395 in Michigan - 24248 overall]

The Wayne County building is visible from the people mover and across the city. Architecturally it…read morelooks ornate, huge & eye catching. This building was designed by Detroit architects John & Arthur Scott Constructed from 1897 to 1902, It is one of the nation's finest surviving examples of Roman Baroque Revival architecture, with a blend of Beaux-Arts and some elements of the Neoclassical style. Unfortunately it appears closed, empty and we couldn't get inside.

The Grand Army of the Republic Building has a façade that appears to be made out of sandstone.  The…read morebuilding has aged nicely.  At one point, apparently, it was becoming just another derelict structure in downtown Detroit but the city is building once again.  This building is well situated, was well made and is historically important as it was only built as a tribute to members of the Grand Army of the Republic (the victorious Union forces in the American Civil War) but was built and used by them. At this time there are a couple of clubs and restaurants on the first floor.  It looks like office space is available upstairs so if you or someone you know is looking for a great place to run their business from - come a runnin'! In the lobby there is a very nice, though sparse, tribute to the Grand Army of the Republic.  You can't miss the tile floor with the GAR symbol on it.  While cruising past check out the first floor staircase and the classic carved wooden pineapple on the top of the stairway post.  What art!

This historic building is amazing. Now that Parks& Rec and Republic have opened, we can finally see…read morewhat this building's insides are like. The owner of Republic took me and some friends on a tour, it was great. He and his team found lots of historic stuff after they started working on the building. This place is one of the most beautiful and interesting buildings in the city. There is also a lot of stuff going on on the upper floors of the GAR. This is just another reminder of the city's growth over the years.

Waiting for a table at Dime Store in a beautiful atrium with gorgeous pillars and a dizzying…read morevertical view while drinking coffee.

Beautiful building with great shops, but the old white female guard on the front desk in evening is…read moresuper rude and nasty, so rude and nasty, it ruins the experience

I mean, it's a courthouse. You walk in and go through the metal detector…read more I had jury duty and went to the waiting area on the second floor. I was selected for a case and after the jury selection was complete, we got tags saying we were jurors and went to the deliberating (deliberation?) room. We were told we could go get our cell phones and parking would be paid for because we were selected. I can't really talk about the case, but the building is nice and it's by a bunch of parking garages and restaurants. (The parking at 4th and Washington is $1.20/hr) Just a heads up, you cannot take cell phones or anything that takes photos with you at first (laptops, etc.) we were allowed only because of our Juror badges. There's actually a list of things you can't take in, which I'm glad a read beforehand. I had both knitting needles and crochet hooks in my bag (and a cheese pocket knife, but I knew to take that out first.) I guess I could say it's a great place to go if you ever get jury duty or if you have to go to a courthouse. If you're not wanting to roam the restaurants, there's a little coffee shop diner on the first floor that makes food right where you can see them cooking. I think it's run by an older Asian couple. The gent in there was so sweet! He said he could put the second half of my sandwich in their fridge until the end of the day so it wouldn't go bad. And I kept hearing his wife/the woman in there calling people Mr. "Hi, Mr. Mike! How are you today?" The only downfall is that there's currently construction going on outside and the sidewalk is being worked on. It was rainy and I had to go a little further out into the rain than I wanted to get a drink from my car. That's only temporary though, and had nothing to do with the building itself.

We visit here every year on Halloween for trick-or-treat. Fun place for children on that day. The…read moretheme of this year was Hollywood! My kid were excited to see Sulley and Mike of Monsters, Inc. The staff was so kind. This indoor trick-or-treat is great on cold Halloween.

The City of Novi Civic Center was a great event place for the 'We Matter: Our Voice. Our Health…read more Our Future.' The central location and the free parking was a masterful choice. The facility is well equipped, clean and perfect for an event with a 100 attendees. There is handicap parking and building access.