If Broadway = Theater and Rodeo Drive = High Fashion and Jewelry, then Woodward = the Automobile. The Motor City, and in particular, Woodward Avenue, put the world on wheels. America s automobile heritage is represented along this byway in famed industrial complexes, office buildings, residential mansions, world-renowned museums, and cultural institutions.

Federal Highway Administration, America’s Byways
Length
27 mi / 43.5 km
Time to allow
One hour to visit the entire byway or three to five days to enjoy the attractions
Fees
None

Who looks after this road

  • Detroit Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau · 313-202-1800 · their site

We publish 7 places that sit on this road, listed in the order you meet them. This is not a route and not a drive time — it is the names, so you can put them into whatever navigation you already use.

Of those, 2 are roadside oddities — the sort of thing you would drive past without knowing it was there.

“Off” is a straight line from the place to the road, rounded. It is not a driving distance, and the road itself is a simplified centre line, so treat a mile or two as noise.

  1. Belle Isle AquariumMI3 miles offAnimals

    Historic aquarium on Belle Isle, reached by the MacArthur Bridge from Jefferson Avenue or on foot/bike from the Riverwalk. Entry is free with a $5 donation encouraged, but a Michigan Recreation Passport is required for any vehicle entering the island. The DDOT #12 Conant bus stops near the park entrance close to the Aquarium (Mon-Sat 7:30-20:00, Sun 8:00-18:45). MoGo bike rentals and bike racks at the Aquarium. Wheelchair-accessible routes to the building. 'Deeper Dive' is a separate 21+ evening event, not general admission. Mobile phone service on the island can be patchy. Site is the Belle Isle Conservancy, which operates the aquarium.

    Hours
    Thu-Sun 10-4, closed Mon-Wed
    Adult
    5
    Child
    Free
    Season
    Open year-round
    Parking
    Free parking throughout Belle Isle near the Aquarium, but all vehicles entering Belle Isle State Park must carry a Michigan Recreation Passport by law

  2. Movement Music FestivalMIon the roadAnnual event

    music festival at Hart Plaza

    When
    May (Memorial Day weekend)
    Since
    Movement name since 2006 (earlier Hart Plaza electronic festivals)
    Runs for
    more than one day

  3. DetroitMIon the road

    In our guide: 6 animal attractions

  4. Heidelberg ProjectMI2 miles offRoadside oddity

    Block-long outdoor art environment of painted houses and found objects.

  5. Hamtramck DisneylandMI5 miles offRoadside oddity

    Retiree's whirligig-covered backyard towers, now kept by a foundation.

  6. Detroit ZooMI1 mile offAnimals

    Some rides/attractions on reduced schedules in fall

    Hours
    10am-4pm (current day listing)
    Season
    year-round

  7. SEA LIFE Michigan AquariumMI4 miles offAnimals

    At 4316 Baldwin Rd, Auburn Hills

    Hours
    10am-5pm (current day; last entry 1 hour before close)
    Adult
    19
    Child
    from $19 (varies by date)
    Season
    year-round