Historic Neighborhoods Driving Tour

Tour Overview

There are many neighborhoods in Detroit of historic and architectural significance. To attempt to see all of them in a short period of time would be quite a challenge. Our Historic Neighborhoods Driving Tour includes five of our favorites and can easily be completed in 2 to 4 hours depending on how much time you spend in each location. These neighborhoods contain some of the most impressive and well-preserved historic homes in the City.

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Indian Village

Located on Burns, Iroquois, and Seminole Streets between Jefferson and Mack Avenue

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Historic Indian Village had its beginnings in 1893 when the heirs of landownwer Abraham Cook formed the Cook Farm Company Limited, whose stated goal was to develop a "first class residential district on a generous scale." And succeed they did, building one of Detroit's hallmark residential communities that today consists of 352 homes, six churches, and four schools. The first Indian Village residents were Detroit's old wealth. Such familiar names as Book, Buhl, Dodge, Ewald, Ford, Kales, Stearns, Stroh, and Weber resided here in fantastic homes built by the most talented architects of the early 1900s.

Boston-Edi son & Arden Park

Bounded by Linwood, Atkinson, Woodward Avenue, and Glynn Court.

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The Boston-Edison / Arden Park district is a forty-five-block area of large homes and mansions, the majority of which were built between 1905 and 1925. A number of famous and influential Detroiters resided in this area including Henry Ford himself. The neighborhood consists of hundreds of homes in an impressive array of styles including Tudor, Roman and Greek Revival, Georgian and Dutch Colonial, Arts and Crafts, Italian Renaissance and Prairie-style.

Palmer Woods

Bounded by Woodward Avenue, Strathcona Drive, and Seven Mile Road

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Palmer Woods is the flagship of a number of classic northwest Detroit residential areas that include Sherwood Forest, the Detroit Golf Club Community, and the University District. This special neighborhood is known for its elm-lined streets, large brick homes, and architecture that remains a showcase for the talents of regional and international architects of the first half of the 20^th century. Many executives from the auto industry and other prominent Detroiters built their homes in Palmer Woods, including the presidents of GM, Chrysler, Chevrolet Motor Company, former Mayor Edward Jefferies, and several Archbishops of the Archdiocese of Detroit.

North Rosedale Park

Bounded by Grand River, Evergreen, McNichols, and

Southfield Freeway (M-39)

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North Rosedale Park is our favorite of the three enclaves that make up the Grandmont / Rosedale Park community on Detroit's west side. This neighborhood consists of close to 1700 well-built English and French Tudors, American colonials, and arts and crafts bungalows. The neighborhood park is the only privately owned neighborhood recreation "facility" in the City of Detroit and holds a number of year-round activities including art shows, concerts, and other events. Residents include well-known sports figures, artists, musicians, and professionals.

Corktown

Bounded by Porter Street, Trumbull Avenue, Bagley Avenue, and the Lodge Freeway (US 10)

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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 19^th and early 20^th 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.