Welcome to Grand Rapids, Michigan, and thanks for exploring the city with UCPlaces. This self-guided driving tour will take you through the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, across the Grand River, into historic neighborhoods, and out to some of the area’s most scenic spots — finishing at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. For the best experience, we recommend driving a bit slower than usual. Many of the highlights on this tour are best enjoyed at a relaxed pace, so please pay close attention to the navigation cues and follow the route closely. As always, safety comes first — follow traffic laws and road conditions at all times. Along the way, we’ll point out landmarks, parks, architecture, river views, and neighborhood details that help tell the story of Grand Rapids beyond the surface. At times we’ll share stories and context, and at other moments we’ll give you space to simply enjoy the drive. If you stop the tour at any point — whether for food, photos, or a longer visit — the app will easily resume the tour when you’re ready. You can also manually restart from any specific point of interest, so feel free to explore at your own pace. Let’s get started!
Welcome to Detroit! Welcome to Detroit, the Motor City! I’m excited to take you on a drive through one of America’s most storied cities — a place where innovation, music, sports, and culture have all made their mark. On this tour, we’ll explore the very heart of downtown, starting with the lively Campus Martius Park, the stunning Art Deco masterpiece of the Guardian Building, and the inspiring Spirit of Detroit statue. We’ll roll by the Philip A. Hart Plaza and the towering General Motors Renaissance Center, a modern landmark on the riverfront. Sports fans, get ready — you’ll see Comerica Park, home of the Tigers, and the legendary Fox Theatre, a crown jewel of live entertainment. We’ll also stop at the iconic Michigan Central Station, a powerful symbol of Detroit’s comeback story. Of course, no visit would be complete without paying tribute to Detroit’s musical soul. We’ll visit Hitsville U.S.A., the birthplace of Motown, before moving on to the majestic Fisher Building, the historic Detroit Public Library, and the world-class Detroit Institute of Arts. We’ll also celebrate the city’s cultural legacy at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. To round things out, we’ll explore the flavors and energy of Eastern Market, and finally, relax with some natural beauty at Belle Isle Park, Detroit’s island gem in the river. So buckle up — this tour will give you a taste of Detroit’s past, present, and future. By the time we’re done, you’ll see why this city is not just about cars — it’s about resilience, creativity, and spirit.