This article was originally published with SEEN Magazine in August 2021.
A few friends and I recently set out on a journey to photograph some of the many Instagrammable spots in Detroit. Thinking of recreating our photo tour? Just FYI: A lot of these locations do not permit professional photographers so be sure to bring your smartphone!
1. Red Hook Coffee West Village Floral mural by Ouizi
8025 Agnes Street Detroit
Who doesn’t love looking at a beautiful floral mural while grabbing a cup of Red Hook coffee? These flowers, created by local artist Ouizi (who’s painted murals from here to China) are made to make you smile.
2. Pride House West Village Agnes Street Detroit
This house on the corner of Agnes and Van Dyke was recently painted the colors of the Pride flag. Rumor has it that these colors are even a part of the West Village’s historic color palette.
3. Indian Village Neighborhood
4. Belle Isle Fountain
Sunset Dr, Detroit, MI 48207
This spot is a classic (and maybe a secret) of Detroit. Even cooler is the fact that Belle Isle was designed by Fredrick Olmsted, who designed Central Park.
5. Belle Isle Casino
Casino Way, Detroit, MI 48224
This spot near the Belle Isle fountain gives us romantic, Romeo and Juliet vibes. It’s also a great place to host your next event.
6. Belle Isle Conservatory
4 Inselruhe Ave, Detroit, MI 48207
Pristine architecture and free admission during operating hours — what more could you want? This conservatory is the perfect escape from the elements, especially during Michigan winters! Note that professional photography is prohibited without a permit on Belle Isle, especially inside the conservatory.
7. Riverwalk/ Robert Valade Park
2670 Atwater St, Detroit, MI 48207
So many exciting things are coming soon to the Riverwalk, which connects the East Side of Detroit all the way to the Ambassador Bridge. You will find people running, biking, skateboarding, rollerblading, walking, and simply enjoying the fresh air.
8. Bob’s Barge
2670 Atwater St, Detroit, MI 48207
This is a new fun spot on the Riverwalk where you can hang out, have a brew and some food, then head over to the Robert Valade Park to play some volleyball or chill at a bonfire. Can’t find a sitter? You’re in luck because it’s kid friendly with musical instruments around the park and three tree houses, all surrounded by a sandpit.
9. Foundation Hotel
250 W Larned St, Detroit, MI 48226
This former fire house turned hotel (and home to the Apparatus Room restaurant) has sharp, chic and swanky vibes to spare.
10. Old Wayne County Building
600 Randolph Street, Detroit, MI 48226
The previous home of Wayne County’s administration offices now sits vacant while awaiting a tenant.
11. Madcap Coffee and Parkers Alley
1413 Farmer St, Detroit, MI 48226
Next door to the Shinola Hotel, Madcap Coffee never disappoints. Not only is the building photo-worthy; their latte art is Instagramable too. If you’re there, visit Parker’s Alley to shop small businesses offering beauty, dining, local goods, and pop-up art installations.
12. Downtown Street Vibes
Nothing says city vibes like standing at an intersection. Safe? Probably not. Instagramable? Yes.
13. Skillman | Detroit Public Library
121 Gratiot Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
All the history and knowledge awaits! It’s worth noting that this location is in a shopping and wellness district next to the buildout of the Hudson site.
14. Z Lot Rooftop
1234 Library St, Detroit, MI 48226
Stroll through an open museum of graffiti and colorful art overlooking the heart of downtown Detroit.
15. David Whitney Building
1 Park Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
The David Whitney building hosts apartments, a hotel, an art gallery, and a space for cocktails and snacks. In short, this multipurpose location will leave you awestruck.
16. Wings on Woodward
1050 Woodward Avenue, Detroit.
Across from the Aloft hotel, this wall is a work of art. It’s the creation of Kelsey Montague, who started the #whatliftsyou movement with similar murals all across the country. She even created wings for Taylor Swift in New York!
17. Alto coffee / @properties DTW
3100 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
This brand new coffee shop attached to a real estate office recently took over the old New Order Coffee. Expect to find fresh coffee, good vibes, and a beautiful space. Plus there’s free parking off Watson before Grey Ghost opens on any given day.
18. Vote Wall
3100 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
Freedom of speech. Freedom of expression. Freedom of art. Freedom of love. This work, painted on the ACLU Michigan headquarters by artist Ndubisi Okoye, encompasses it all.
19. Brush Park Historic Homes
Location: Watson St Detroit, Michigan
Brush Park is a historic neighborhood in Detroit that’s currently undergoing a lot of renovations. Between colorful houses, and beautiful scenery, it’s a destination worth visiting.
20. Mike Illitch School of Business
2771 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
Surrounded by wildflowers and great architecture, this space will make a beautiful backdrop for your next Instagram post.
21. Detroit Institute of Arts
5200 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202
Located in the center of Detroit, the DIA boasts history, art, culture — and one of the country’s largest and most significant art collections.
22. Arena Alley
22 W. Columbia St., Detroit, MI 48201
A Detroit alley adorned with string lights, herringbone brick design, and lantern lined sidewalks…what more could you want in a photo op?!
Melissa Douglas owns Melissa Douglas Co., a creative marketing agency, with a focus on brand photography. The agency’s goal is to help business owners show up better on social media and online through curated photography experiences. Melissa’s work in this field began when she started Douglas & Co. Detroit (a leather goods company) in 2013 with her husband. Since then she has been passionate about helping business owners create virtual content that converts into clients. Visit melissadouglasco.com for more information or follow Melissa on Instagram at @melissadouglasco and Facebook @melissadouglasco.
Words in collaboration with Betsy Styles, models aka normal humans: Bridjet Morris, Kory Stamper, Kate Fettig, Nathan Nix + Betsy Styles
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