Wheelhouse Detroit Private Bicycle Tour Options (2023)
Near East Side — 8 to 16 miles, 2 to 3 hours: This tour showcases several of Detroit’s unique attractions. Depending on group choice, weather, and/or day of the week, stops may include the Dequindre Cut, Heidelberg Project, Earthworks Urban Farm, Eastern Market, Lafayette Park, Elmwood Cemetery, the Detroit Riverwalk, Belle Isle, and West/Indian Village. A beverage stop can be included upon request. This tour is highly customizable to the length of ride-slash-number of stops the group desires.
Near West Side — 8 to 16 miles, 2 to 3 hours: Explore the Riverwalk, Downtown, Corktown, and Mexicantown on this tour. Depending on group choice, weather, and/or day of the week, stops may include the Underground Railroad Monument, Campus Martius, Capitol Park, Most Holy Trinity, the site of Tiger Stadium, Michigan Central Station, Ste. Anne’s Church, and Clark Park. A beverage stop can be included upon request.
Detroit RiverWalk/Dequindre Cut — 5 to 8 miles, 2 hours (This tour is $200 on weekdays for up to 6 riders, $250 on weekends.): Ideal for families, this tour is almost entirely on greenways, separated from auto traffic. Short and sweet, it focuses on the beautifully renewed RiverWalk and the Dequindre Cut rail-to-trail.
Booze* & Bikes — Approx. 10 miles, 3 hours: Detroit has an amazing craft beer, cocktail, and wine culture. Stops will vary depending on interest, time, and date. Options include Atwater Brewery, Motor City Brewing Works, Batch Brewery, Motor City Wine, Two James Distillery, Detroit Distillery, Brix Wine, and more. *If booze ain’t your thing, we can take you to cafes or shops instead!
Corktown — Approx. 8 miles, 3 hours: Get inside info on Detroit's oldest neighborhood, including charming Victorian homes, historic churches and buildings, and vibrant and dynamic businesses. Stops include Most Holy Trinity Church, Michigan Central Station, North Corktown, and the site of Tiger Stadium. A beverage stop can be included upon request.
Eastern Market — Approx. 5 miles, 2 to 3 hours: This tour takes in the Dequindre Cut, Lafayette Park, and the historic market, with an emphasis on history, current development, shopping opportunities, and vibrant murals.
Belle Isle — Approx. 15 miles, 3 hours: Explore the architecture and ecology of Detroit's island gem, including the Flynn Pavilion, Aquarium and Conservatory, Oudolf Garden, the Iron Belle Trail, the Boat and Yacht Clubs, the Casino, Dossin Great Lakes Museum, and Livingstone Lighthouse. Depending on the day of the week, the tour can include stops at one or more of the listed attractions.
Music Heritage — Approx. 12 miles, 3 hours: Music originating from Detroit has been innovative and impactful, spanning many genres that include techno, rock, gospel, hip hop, soul, punk, and, of course, Motown. This tour will take in many relevant sites, including the Masonic Temple, Michigan Theater, St. Andrews Hall, Detroit Opera House, Music Hall, Chin Tiki, the site of the Gold Dollar, United Sound Systems Recording Studio, and the Motown Museum. A stop at the Old Miami, Motor City Brewing Works, or Third Man Records can be included.
Urban Agriculture — Approx. 15 Miles, 3 hours: Detroit has a deep history of urban agriculture; presently there are more than 1,400 farms and community gardens across the city. On this tour, learn the impetus of this movement and how it is impacting the lives of Detroiters. The tour will visit a variety of different farms and market gardens and discuss the movement's history as well as its challenges and opportunities. Throughout, Detroit's unique food system will be explored from all angles. Neighborhoods visited include North Corktown, Core City, North End, Eastern Market, and Poletown.
Books & Bikes – Approx. 13 Miles, 3 hours: Check out some of Detroit’s independent book shops. Stops can include John K. King Books, Detroit Specials, 27th Letter Books, Source Booksellers, Vault of Midnight, and the main branch of the Detroit Public Library. A beverage stop can be included upon request.
Haunted Detroit — Approx. 13 miles, 3 hours: This tour combines some ghostly anecdotes with factual historic info about Harry Houdini, Elmwood Cemetery, Capitol Park, and the St. Aubin Street Massacre. We also visit a few spots rumored to be haunted, including the Fort-Shelby and Leland Hotels, The Whitney, and the Masonic Temple and talk about the legendary Nain Rouge. The route includes Rivertown, Elmwood Park, Poletown, Midtown/Cass Corridor, and Downtown. A beverage stop is included.
The 11 tours described above all have at least one guide with flexible availability. We also have a couple of tours with guides that have more limited availability. If one of them is your preference, we are happy to reach out, we just want you to be aware that it’s not always possible.
Auto Heritage — Approx. 12 miles, 3 hours: Discover how Detroit became the center of the automotive industry with stops at the Globe Building, Dequindre Cut, Packard Plant, the GM Detroit-Hamtramck (Poletown) Assembly Plant, Fisher Body 21, New Center (former GM Headquarters and Fisher Building), TechTown, and the site of Ford’s Bagley Garage. Midway, we will enjoy an extended stop at and brief tour of the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant (dependent on date/time). This tour is conducted in partnership with the Motorcities National Heritage Area. A beverage stop can be included upon request.
Architecture — Approx. 15 miles, 3 hours: This informative overview of significant architecture in and around Downtown Detroit is one of our most popular tours. Led by architect Chris Gongora, the discussion centers on architecture in relation to urban planning, past and future developments, and the social implications of architectural design, good and bad, in Detroit. Sites include Hart Plaza, the Financial District, Cass Corridor, Brush Park, Eastern Market, and the Dequindre Cut. As a private tour, Architecture is only available on weekdays. For an additional fee, Chris can customize a tour for your group that focuses on a specific neighborhood, era, or building type.
Last edited 08/03/23