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Ethnic Neighborhoods
Tour Overview
 Many ethnic groups trace their histories in Detroit to the European influence in the area during the
City's infancy. The early 1900s
ushered in thousands of immigrants seeking prosperity in the burgeoning
automobile industry. Today, Metro
Detroit is a melting pot with residents from dozens of different ethnicities,
giving the area a rich cultural heritage.
Below you will find five thriving ethnic neighborhoods in the metro
area, all of which have something unique to offer. From burritos in Mexicantown to exciting
casino action in Greektown, you are guaranteed to enjoy your visit to these
fabulous cultural enclaves.
 Corktown
(Irish)
Bounded
by Porter Street, Trumbull Avenue, Bagley Avenue, and the Lodge Freeway (US 10)
Website
The
homes, businesses, and churches that form Corktown offer a glimpse into the
lives of generations of immigrants that helped build Detroit during the late 19th
and early 20th centuries.
Of note are the detached homes and row houses in the Federal style and
the modest one and two story Victorian townhouses with Italianate, Gothic,
and Queen Anne features. Corktown is
considered to be the center of Irish culture and history in Detroit and is home to the Gaelic
League and Holy Trinity Catholic Church.
Dearborn (Arab)
Downtown East Dearborn: Michigan Avenue between Evergreen and the Ford Freeway (I-94)
Downtown West Dearborn: Michigan Avenue between Outer Drive and Oakwood Boulevard
Website
 Large numbers of Arabs immigrated to the area in
search of work at the many Ford Motor Company automotive factories, including
the Rouge Plant. Today, the Arab-American population in Dearborn is approximately 30,000, the second largest Arab
population in the country (New York has 70,000).
The City is home to the Islamic Center of America, the largest mosque
in North America, and the Dearborn Mosque. And in 2005, the Arab American
National Museum opened as the first museum in the country solely
dedicated to the culture, history, and experience of Arab Americans. Because of the Arab influence, store signs
and billboards are common sights, particularly in east Dearborn along Warren Avenue.
 Greektown
Roughly bounded by East Lafeyette, Brush Street, the alley between Monroe Avenue and Macomb Street, and St. Antoine Street
Greektown is the traditional
center of Detroit's Greek community with history dating back to the
1890s. Although most Greek residents
moved out of the area by the 1920s, many Greek restaurants, coffee houses,
boutiques, and small groceries remained.
Today's Greektown encompasses only a few blocks, but despite its size,
the district has become one of the most popular dining and entertainment
hotspots in the City. The recently
built Greektown Casino, one of Detroit's three primary Casinos, has attracted additional tourism
to the area, and its close proximity to the Theatre
District and Stadium District
makes it a convenient destination.
Hamtramck (Polish)
Bordered generally by I-75,
I-94, Mt. Elliott, and Carpenter
Website
This 2.2 mile community just
north of downtown grew into a Polish enclave between 1910 and 1920 when large
numbers of Polish laborers arrived seeking employment at a nearby Dodge
Brothers plant. Today, Hamtramck includes many different ethnic groups, but it has
maintained its Polish identity as can be found in the shops, restaurants, and
bakeries in the area. In addition to
taking care of your appetite with a pierogi and a paczki (pronounced
"poonch-key" -- ask any local, they'll fill you in!!), Hamtramck is a great place to catch a wide variety of live
music at both mainstay and alternative Nightspots.
Mexicantown
Vicinity of Bagley and 23rd Street
Website
 Mexicantown is located on the Detroit's southwest side near the Ambassador
Bridge. The neighborhood
is small but lively and is known for its popular restaurants and bakeries
serving authentic Mexican cuisine.
These popular eateries and a number of shops are located on Bagley,
both east and west of I-75. Recent
development in Mexicantown has been an example of success for Detroit, and hopes are that it continues. New proposals are in the works aimed at
collaboration with other nearby neighborhoods. While you're here, make sure to check out St. Anne de Detroit
church, an historic pillar of Southwest
Detroit.
More
Information
Other nearby attractions or
sites of interest are listed below.
Architectural Tours --
Churches and Cathedrals
Automotive Heritage
Casinos
Downtown
Frankenmuth (German)
Historic Neighborhoods
Historic Places
Holland (Dutch)
Restaurants
Revitalization
Uniquely
Detroit
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