While every attempt has been made to ensure the greatest degree of accuracy of the contents within, 20 States on Wheels makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the contents of this book and expressly disclaims liability for errors and omissions in the contents of this book. No warranty of any kind, implied, expressed or statutory, including but not limited to the warranties of non-infringement of third party rights, title, contents of this book or its URLs to other Internet resources. Reference in this the public, and does not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by 20 States on Wheels. Many of the photographs used in this book were taken directly by team members of 20 States on Wheels. All photographs not taken by our team members were posted online under Creative Commons 2.0 copyright licensing, and an attribution to the photographer is listed.
for Haley Rue, fellow adventurer, whose spirit lives on.
Detroit, MI by Kunho
“Folks, let me guess where you are from. Hmm… Ni Hao!” said a bearded man in a tattered shirt when we jumped off our car in front of the empty deserted Michigan Central Station. “No,” Brad smiled. “Konichiwa!” he tried again. Brad smiled again. “No, I’m actually from St. Louis.” The bearded man was hap-
knew about the abandoned station. None of us knew anything about it. I personally did not even know what Michigan Central Station was. The bearded man poured out his love for Michigan Central Station. He told us about how he sneaked inside the locked station and went upstairs to reminiscence about the old heyday when it was bustling with people from everywhere in the states. Today it is a symbol for urban decay in Detroit. Some parts of the city that once
D T W
in U.S. history. I could not imagine that this city used to be one of the biggest and wealthiest cities in the United States. (Later, after we visited derstand how this place once was the home of the essential automobile could share some love to save Michigan Central Station,” the bearded man slurred near the end of his words. “Oh, I only have hundred dollar bills,” I said. It was true, as the bank had given us the money from the man walked away with a nice gentle smile. “Hey, don’t tell people you have hundred dollar bills in your pocket, especially in this part of Detroit,” said Brad, and we hopped into our car as soon as possible and left the ghostly building behind.
20 States on Wheels Detroit, MI
237
Basics Weather Detroit sees four distinct seasons, with the most pleasant temperatures in the spring and fall. Here are some basic guidelines: Spring
Autumn
Summer Hot and humid, with highs
Winter Windy, with highs in the
Bring light clothing.
Bring winter gear.
Parking with a Disability Placard Michigan DOES accept disabled parking placards from other states. Drivers with severe disabilities in Detroit may apply for a special yellow sticker that grants exemption from paying metered parking fees. standard metered parking fees.
Accessible Taxi The following company provides wheelchair accessible taxis in the Detroit area: Give a Lift www.givealifttransportation.com Reserve one or two days in advance to secure an accessible cab.
238
20 States on Wheels Detroi, MI
Detroit, MI
Accessible Van Rental The following are some companies that rent wheelchair accessible vans in the Detroit area: Wheelchair Getaways Wheelchair Getaways rents accessible vans and offers a few vehicles -
ery to and pick-up from the airport. The Creative Mobility Group The Creative Mobility Group rents accessible vans but does not offer vehicles with hand controls. Wheelers of Michigan – Detroit
D T W
Wheelers rents accessible vans but does not offer vehicles with hand controls. MobilityWorks
Mobility Works rents accessible vans but does not offer vehicles with hand controls.
20 States on Wheels Detroit, MI
239
Basics Public Transportation Disabled travelers with a Detroit Department of Transportation special ID card are eligible for reduced fares. Medicare card holders are also eligible for reduced fares. Bus Fares:
or ramps. Peoplemover Train Fares:
The Detroit train system, Peoplemover, is wheelchair accessible, and all stations are accessible by elevator.
240
20 States on Wheels Detroi, MI
Attractions
Detroit, MI
Michigan Central Station 2405 West Vernor Highway, Detroit, Michigan 48216 The abandoned Michigan Central Station is today a striking symbol of the economic downfall of Detroit. This tall and ominous building was once a bustling train station; now it stands empty and deserted in a failing neighborhood, its windows shattered and the premises surrounded by a enter, though many stop by to take a photo and contemplate the site. The best view is available from Lacombe Drive. Lacombe Drive is paved and appreciate the station. The derelict Michigan Central Station is a symbol of Detroit’s urban decay.
D T W
20 States on Wheels Detroit, MI
241
Attractions Fisher Building 3011 West Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48202
Entrance Bathroom Parking Price
fully accessible main entrance no public restrooms street parking Free
The Fisher Building is a grand, historic center with beautiful inside spaces. The main entrance has a turnstile, but is accessible by doors to confusing. Bathrooms are not open to the public. The main entrance has a turnstile, but there are accessible doors to each side.
242
20 States on Wheels Detroi, MI
Elevators inside provide access to all
Detroit, MI
Detroit Institute of Arts Museum 5200 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48202 (313) 833-7900 www.dia.org Entrance Bathroom Parking Hours
main entrance not accessible accessible side entrances on Farnsworth St and John R St accessible restrooms available lot with designated handicap parking in Cultural Center Lot, on Farnsworth and Kirby Streets Mon closed
of human history and from all over of the world. The front entrance on Woodward entrances. Most of the museum is accessible, though there are some areas by
D T W
The main entrance of the Detroit Institute of Arts is not accessible. 20 States on Wheels Detroit, MI
243
Attractions Detroit Historical Museum 5401 Woodward Ave. Detroit, MI 48202 (313) 833-1805 www.detroithistorical.org Entrance Bathroom Parking Price Hours
fully accessible main entrance elevator lot with designated handicap parking next to the museum Free Mon
Closed
The Detroit Historical Museum showcases the history of the city of Detroit
This museum is dedicated to chronicling the history of the city of Detroit. 244
20 States on Wheels Detroi, MI
Detroit, MI
Henry Ford Museum 20900 Oakwood Boulevard at Village Road, Dearborn, MI 48214 (313) 982-600 www.thehenryford.org
Entrance Bathroom Parking Price
fully accessible main entrance accessible restrooms available lot with designated handicap parking
Hours
a thoughtful variety of displays, including exhibits about the evolution of cars,
D T W
$4 per day. The Henry Ford Museum features several trains!
An exhibit on the history of the automobile at the Henry Ford Museum.
20 States on Wheels Detroit, MI
245
The shiny, towering GM complex provides a stunning viewpoint over the city at the top.
GM Renaissance Center Renaissance Ctr, Detroit, MI 48243 (313) 568-8150 www.gmrencen.com Entrance Bathroom Price
fully accessible main entrance accessible restrooms available Free
The GM Renaissance Center is a towering set of skyscrapers housing restaurants, various shops, and a hotel. There is a spectacular view from the top Renaissance Center is accessible, inconveniently placed stairs force wheelchair users into winding side hallways that are not clearly marked with directions. The
246
20 States on Wheels Detroi, MI
Attractions
Detroit, MI
Detroit Public Library Skillman Branch, 121 Gratiot Ave, Detroit, MI 48226 (313) 481-1300 www.detroit.lib.mi.us Entrance Bathroom Parking Price Hours
main entrance not accessible; accessible through back entrance on Cass St lot with designated handicap parking Free Sun-Mon:
CLOSED
The Detroit Public Library is the second largest library in Michigan trance which is not accessible due to steps. Park in the lot behind the building and enter through the back. The inside of the library is accessi-
D T W
The library’s main entrance is not accessible. 20 States on Wheels Detroit, MI
247
Hotels
in Detroit
This randomly compiled list displays some of the hotels with accessible rooms in Detroit.
Hotel Name
Star Rating
Address
Phone
Viking Motel Detroit
248
Detroit Regency Hotel
2
Corktown Hotel
2
Comfort Inn & Suites
2
Red Roof Inn Detroit Dearborn
2
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites
2
The Inn on Ferry Street
3
Courtyard Detroit Downtown
3
DoubleTree by Hilton Detroit Downtown - Fort Shelby
3
Aloft Detroit at The David Whitney
3
Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center
3
The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit
4
Atheneum Suite Hotel
4
MGM Grand Detroit
4
20 States on Wheels Detroi, MI
sance Drive, Detroit, MI 48243
-
# Accessible # with Roll-in Shower Designated Distance to Rooms Showers Accommodations Handicap Parking Downtown (miles) 2
2 2
none built-in benches and
yes yes
3
none
yes
2
built-in bench
yes
built-in bench
yes valet parking
built-in bench and
3 2
built-in bench
yes
D T W
valet parking valet parking
3
3
built-in bench
valet parking
built-in bench
valet parking valet parking
8
2
built-in bench
yes valet parking
20 States on Wheels Detroit, MI
249