Cox, James M

Surround yourself with the beauty and tranquility of nature when you visit the University of Michigan Matthaei Botanical Gardens. The outdoor gardens are open for free to the public, although the conservatory itself requires an admission fee. Outside, you can wander around over a dozen different gardens, including a rock garden and a labyrinth, as well as walk along five different nature trails. And there’s even more on the inside!

Taste a slice of Vegas nightlife without ever leaving Detroit when you go to the Greektown Casino where the motto is “play, dine and stay.” One of Motor City’s three casino resort hotels, this particular casino is located in the fun and fascinating Greektown District. Test your luck at the table games or slots, stuff yourself at the best restaurants, take advantage of weekly drink specials and spend the night in a luxurious room.

Built in 1928 as the Wilson Theatre, the modern Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts has been a staple to the live performance industry in Detroit since its creation. The oldest continuously operating live theater in the city, this 1,700-seat entertainment venue was renovated in the 1970s and remains one of Detroit’s most vital players in the performing arts sector.

Just north of the city limit, the Detroit Zoo offers guests an up-close animal adventure. Observe more than 270 different species in naturalistic habitats and learn fun and fascinating facts as you explore the attractions throughout seven major exhibits: Arctic Ring of Life, Australian Outback Adventure, Great Apes of Harambee, National Amphibian Conservation Center, Holden Museum of Living Reptiles, Penguinarium and Butterfly Garden!