The Spirit of Detroit

The basics

Tours of Detroit’s downtown attractions almost always stop to admire The Spirit of Detroit, which sits in front of the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center overlooking the main Woodward Avenue. Walking, cycling, and driving itineraries also cover highlights such as the Joe Louis Monument (The Fist), Comerica Park, and the Detroit Riverwalk. Visit the landmark public artwork during a Detroit architecture tour, or admire the statue on your own before or after a city food tour or other culinary experience.

Things to know before you go

• The Spirit of Detroit Plaza just opposite the statue generally has food trucks and small tables to relax with snacks and drinks.

• The surrounding area is closed to traffic, making it easy to visit with young children.

• Charge your camera or smartphone before visiting to snap photos of this Detroit icon—especially when it’s decked out in a giant jersey when a city sports team wins a national championship.

• The site is level and paved, so it's easy to navigate with a wheelchair or stroller.

How to get there

The Spirit of Detroit is located on an eponymous plaza in the heart of downtown Detroit, a quick walk from several top city attractions and not far from Hart Plaza. Drive and park in one of the many nearby garages or take a city bus to the stops on Jefferson Avenue to the south or Larned Street to the north. There is also a Detroit MoGo bike-sharing station on the plaza.

When to get there

The open-air artwork is well-lit at night, so you can visit by day or after sunset to capture this city landmark. Visit on a clear, mild day to admire The Spirit of Detroit without braving the city’s famously extreme temperatures. The surrounding plaza often holds public classes and events day and night, from yoga to drag shows.

Events in Spirit Plaza

Spirit Plaza, the square just in front of The Spirit of Detroit, is closed to traffic and has become a popular public area for open-air events and performances during the warmer months of the year. Food trucks line the side of the square and the center is taken over by yoga and fitness classes, salsa and ballroom dance lessons, open mike events, concerts, performances, and outdoor games. Check the City of Detroit website or social media to see upcoming schedules.