20 Best Hidden Gems to Explore in Detroit

This outdoor art project can be found on Detroit's east side in the McDougall-Hunt neighborhood. It's colorful and quirky, and was originally created to inspire creativity among community members. The Heidelberg Project was designed by artist Tyree Guyton in 1986 with help from his grandfather and wife. The outdoor art installation was constructed in vacant lots and abandoned houses with the intention of breathing new life into the area. It is free and open to the public daily.

Attention, cat lovers -- this public art installation deserves a top spot on your Detroit itinerary.

The Monumental Kitty is an obscure, large sculpture made of red brick that occupies an area right before the freeway. It has been around since 2010, and the perky-eared, wide-eyed feline was created by Jerome Ferretti, a bricklayer turned artist. The Monumental Kitty's head, paw, and tail poke through the ground, and it's an absolute must-see for art enthusiasts who love cats.

There's something so electric about taking in some live music when you're in a new city, especially if that live music is jazz. Baker's Keyboard Lounge is the oldest jazz club in Detroit and has been open since 1934. The lounge has 99 seats, a groovy interior with art deco furnishing, and serves delicious soul food. If you're hoping to hear smooth jazz tunes while sipping on a mouthwatering cocktail, you'll find just the place at 20510 Livernois.

Detroit can be considered a sightseer's heaven as there is so much to see without having to spend a lot of money. Planning your own walking tour is an entertaining way to exercise and see the city on a sunny day. The Eight Mile Wall, otherwise known as the Berlin Wall or Birwood Wall, is a six-foot-tall, one-foot-thick wall that was originally built to segregate a black community. The half-a-mile-long wall stems from Eight Mile Road and was constructed in 1941. It has since been painted with murals, merging history with art.

If you're more of a cow person than a cat person, a trip to the giant cow head in Detroit could be quite entertaining. The gigantic cow head can be found on the top of Ira Wilson & Sons Dairy building, a vacant ice cream shop. Ira Wilson & Sons Dairy was a popular spot for those with a sweet tooth in the 1950s, and was even featured in the film "8 Mile" in 2002, which starred Eminem. Now, it's a larger-than-life roadside cow that promises to look at the camera when you snap a photo. These hidden gems in Detroit can be found on the corner of Lenox Street and Mack Avenue.

While it may seem strange and macabre, some people like to visit historic cemeteries when traveling. This old Jewish graveyard is only open two times per year, so family members of the buried are limited on when they can visit. It sits right beside a GM automotive factory and was never moved as relocating dead bodies is not allowed in the Jewish religion. The walled Beth Olem cemetery is surrounded by the car factory, making it a rather unique sight to see. This dark hidden gem is found just outside of Detroit's city limits in Hamtramck.

This hidden gem is a must-visit for those seeking a culturally rich experience. The African Bead Museum has a vast collection of cultural and ceremonial objects from many counties, dating back hundreds of years. When you visit the museum, you'll find walls showcasing colorful handmade crafts and beads, and a sculpture garden. It is definitely considered one of Detroit's treasures and the artwork reflects the soul of the city. The museum is located at 6559 Grand River Avenue and it is free to enjoy.

Whether you're visiting Detroit for business or pleasure, you'll need to be adequately caffeinated -- sightseeing can be exhausting! Lucky Detroit has a rather swanky vibe and is nestled into the ground level of Detroit Barbers (2000 Michigan Avenue). From the upstairs lounge area, you can take in the views of Michigan Avenue while sipping on a piping hot cup of java. The inside of the cafe has a cool, saloon vibe and customers can enjoy their lattes and baked goods on leather couches or bar stools. The cafe is closed on Mondays.

Many people visit Detroit's Guardian Building to admire it from the outside, but the hidden gem is certainly the inside. The skyscraper can be found in the city's financial district, and its lobby is the perfect example of Art Deco architecture. The Guardian Building was finished in 1929, and the architect, Wirt C. Rowland designed a vaulted lobby that's three stories high. Aside from its tall ceiling, the Art Deco lobby is covered in intricate designs made with colorful Rockwood and Pewabic tile. The building is located at 500 Griswold Street and is open to the public 24 hours a day.

If you're someone who buys a book from everywhere they visit, then a trip to this used book store is an absolute must. It's easy to spend hours browsing the aisles of pre-loved and rare books at this four-floor bookstore. John K. King Used & Rare Books (901 W Lafayette Boulevard), which is a book-lover's heaven, carries around one million books and has friendly staff who can help you find exactly what you're looking for. This family-friendly bookstore is open all week long, except for Sundays.

Another hidden gem in Detroit is Ernie Harwell Park, located in Corktown, one of the city's oldest neighborhoods. This park is the former Detroit Tigers and Lions stadium and is named after one of the teams' most beloved announcers. Now, the baseball field is open to the public.