Detroit is a city full of surprises. While it’s well-known for its deep roots in the automotive industry, Motown music, and resilience, there are plenty of little-known facts that make Detroit an even more fascinating place.
Whether you’re a local, a visitor, or just someone who loves interesting tidbits, here are 10 things you never knew about Detroit—some of which might just blow your mind!
1. Detroit Was the First City to Pave a Road
It’s no surprise that a city synonymous with automobiles was the first in the country to pave a road. In 1909, Detroit laid the first stretch of concrete road on Woodward Avenue, spanning a single mile. This simple innovation helped revolutionize transportation and logistics, making smoother, more efficient travel possible for both personal vehicles and trucks. Today, Detroit’s roads remain a critical lifeline for commerce, connecting businesses across the Midwest, Canada and beyond.
2. Detroit Has a Secret Salt Mine Beneath the City
Beneath the bustling streets of Detroit lies a massive, hidden world—an active salt mine stretching over 1,500 acres. The Detroit Salt Mine, located 1,200 feet underground, has been operating for over a century. The salt from this mine is used to de-ice roads across the Midwest, making it an unsung hero of winter logistics. If you’ve ever driven on a salted highway in the winter, chances are you’ve benefited from Detroit’s underground treasure.
3. Detroit Once had a Heated Streetcar System
Before cars took over the streets, Detroit had an extensive streetcar network. What’s truly fascinating is that in the early 1900s, the city installed heated tracks along Woodward Avenue to keep them clear of ice and snow in the winter. The system was eventually replaced by buses and automobiles but imagine how much easier winter commutes would be today if heated streetcar tracks were still in place!
4. Detroit is Home to the First Four-Way Traffic Light
Traffic lights are an everyday sight, but did you know Detroit was home to the first four-way, three-color traffic light? In 1920, a Detroit police officer named William Potts invented the modern traffic light, improving safety and efficiency for the growing number of automobiles in the city. His design eventually became the standard worldwide, keeping drivers safe and traffic moving smoothly.
5. Detroit Invented the First Highway
Detroit’s transportation history doesn’t stop at roads and traffic lights—it also played a key role in the development of the U.S. highway system. The country’s first-ever stretch of urban highway, the Davison Freeway, was constructed in Detroit in 1942. Designed to ease congestion and improve logistics for the automotive industry, this project paved the way (literally) for the extensive freeway systems we use today.
6. Detroit is the Only U.S. City Where You Can Look South into Canada
Geography lovers, take note: Detroit is the only major city in the U.S. where Canada is directly to the south. The Detroit River separates the city from Windsor, Ontario, and thanks to its unique positioning, you can stand in downtown Detroit and gaze southward into Canada. The Ambassador Bridge, Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, and Gordie Howe Bridge are vital trade routes, making this border crossing one of the busiest trade routes between the two countries.
7. Detroit Gave the World Vernors Ginger Ale
Before there was Coca-Cola or Pepsi, there was Vernors. Developed by Detroit pharmacist James Vernor in 1866, Vernors Ginger Ale is one of the oldest surviving soft drinks in the U.S. It’s known for its bold, spicy kick, and Detroiters swear by it as a cure for gastric issues. Whether mixed into a cocktail or enjoyed on its own, Vernors is a Motor City staple.
8. The Renaissance Center is Home to the Tallest Hotel in the Western Hemisphere
Detroit’s skyline is dominated by the iconic Renaissance Center, home to the tallest hotel skyscraper in the Western Hemisphere. In 1971, twenty-six community leaders led by Henry Ford II set out to revitalize Detroit. The Renaissance Center was designed to enhance Detroit’s skyline. By 1977, the central tower, standing at 727 feet, opened as a hotel with breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the Detroit River.
9. Belle Isle is One of the Largest Island Parks in the U.S.
Belle Isle, a 982-acre island park in the Detroit River, is one of the largest city-owned island parks in the country. Designed by the same landscape architect behind New York’s Central Park, Belle Isle is a local treasure featuring hiking trails, a beautiful conservatory, a historic aquarium, and stunning views of both Detroit and Windsor. Whether you’re visiting for a picnic or a bike ride, it’s a must-see destination in the Motor City.
10. Detroit, Michigan, is not alone
There are at least 11 other “Detroits” in America, including some in Alabama, Illinois and Maine, according to “The Detroit Almanac.”
The largest in population of “the other Detroits” is Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, which has nearly 10,000 people. The smallest in population is North Detroit Township, South Dakota, with around 69 people.
Conclusion
Detroit is a city of innovation, resilience, and unexpected wonders. From its hidden salt mines to its role in shaping modern transportation and logistics, the Motor City continues to leave its mark on the world in ways both big and small. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, there’s always something new to discover in Detroit.
On your next visit, take a moment to appreciate the city’s history and hidden gems—you might just find yourself falling in love with the Motor City all over again.