Location: 2001 15th St, Detroit, MI 48216
Category: Landmark & Historical Monument
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.0 on Tripadvisor)
Historical Overview
Completed in 1913, Michigan Central Station was once the tallest train station in the world. Designed by Warren & Wetmore and Reed & Stem—the architects behind New York’s Grand Central Terminal—the Beaux-Arts masterpiece served as Detroit’s primary intercity rail hub until its closure in 1988.
Often referred to as “Detroit’s Ellis Island,” the station welcomed millions of immigrants and travelers during its peak in the 1940s. Its grandeur included vaulted ceilings, bronze chandeliers, and a concourse connecting to the Michigan Central Railway Tunnel to Windsor, Ontario.
Restoration & Rebirth
After decades of abandonment, Ford Motor Company acquired the station in 2018 and invested $950 million into its restoration. Over 3,000 tradespeople dedicated 1.7 million hours to reviving the structure, including reinstalling 29,000 original Guastavino tiles and hand-carving limestone columns.
The station now anchors a 30-acre innovation district in Corktown, featuring tech incubators like Newlab, retail spaces, and public amenities. Ford’s vision is to create a global mobility hub while preserving Detroit’s architectural legacy.
Visitor Information
- Lobby Hours: Daily, 8 AM – 5 PM
- Guided Tours: 90-minute tours by Detroit History Tours
- Parking: Available at Bagley Mobility Hub ($5/day)
- Accessibility: ADA-compliant entrances and restrooms
- Retail: Visit The Shop and enjoy coffee at Yellow Light Donuts
For more details, visit the official Michigan Central Station Visitor Page.
Nearby Attractions
- Downtown Detroit – Cultural and entertainment hub
- Dearborn – Home to The Henry Ford Museum
- Allen Park – Visit the Uniroyal Giant Tire Landmark
- Roosevelt Park – Adjacent green space for events and leisure
Stay Nearby
Explore short-term and extended stay options with Detroit Furnished Rentals.
- Corktown Lofts – Walkable to Michigan Central
- Downtown Executive Suites
- Dearborn Corporate Apartments
