Detroit, Michigan RV Rentals

The largest city in Michigan, Detroit lies just south of the Canadian border. It’s a major hub for back-and-forth crossings between the two countries. Ideally situated on the banks of the Detroit River, it was founded in 1701 as a New France fur trading post due to its ease of transporting goods and supplies. The city’s real claims to fame, however, lie in its automobile and Motown roots.

The Motor City has plenty to offer in the way of attractions and events throughout the year. Downtown has gone through a major revitalization in recent years and deserves some major consideration if you’re planning your next RV road trip. 

An RV rental in Detroit is actually one of the more convenient and fun ways to explore the area. Detroit and the surrounding lakes region offer some of the prettiest RV campgrounds in the country, which can be a nice respite from all the activities you’ll be soaking in in the busy and bustling downtown.

Check out just a sampling of some of the coolest things to do and see in and around Detroit, and we’re sure you’ll add it to the top of your list of future vacation spots.

Popular RV Destinations in Detroit

Motown Museum

The Motown Museum, often referred to as “Hitsville USA,” is an unassuming, small, shingled house-turned-studio that served as the recording hub and birthplace of the “Motown Sound” that put Detroit on the map as a musical force. From 1957 to 1972, the studio produced such famous artists as the Temptations, Marvin Gaye, the Jackson Five, and many more. A visit here will provide you with a major appreciation of how pivotal Detroit music producer, Berry Gordy Jr., was at solidifying a unique musical genre forever into popular culture.

The hour-long guided tour will take you through the halls of this hallowed building to see the apartment that Berry Gordy Jr. shared with his family. You’ll also see an extensive array of Motown memorabilia, artifacts, costumes, and photographs involving some of the biggest names in music that will make you recall classic hits from your childhood. The tour culminates in the iconic recording studio where you can see where it all began.

Henry Ford Estate

An equally important part of Detroit’s colorful history is the captain of the automobile industry, Henry Ford, and what better place to gain some insight into the life and times of this visionary than at his former home, the Henry Ford Estate? Located in a suburb known as Dearborn, Ford’s palatial property is known as Fair Lane. Henry and his wife, Clara, took up residence here in 1915 and lived there the rest of their lives.

A tour of the estate and grounds includes a look at the home’s very own hydroelectric power plant, a man-made lake, summer house, staff cottages, skating house, greenhouse, root cellar, pony barn, gatehouse, vegetable garden, peony gardens, 500 birdhouses, and a “Santa’s Workshop.” It is an extensive and eclectic property that will have you mesmerized and fascinated.

Detroit Institute of Arts

One of the best and most respected art museums in America, the Detroit Institute of Arts highlights a wealth of diverse cultural influences that make it a well-rounded and extensive collection of some of the best works of art you’ll ever find. Here you can find more than 100 galleries that showcase over 65,000 works of art from all over the world, including Africa, the Indigenous Americas, the Near East, Europe, Asia, and more. Among some of the museum’s most popular and iconic pieces are works by Van Gogh, Matisse, Picasso, and Rembrandt.

There are also extensive collections of classic antiquities from medieval Europe, notable African-American artists, pieces of pottery, stone, and bronze from ancient to modern Islamic contributors, and a thorough performing arts collection. The museum also keeps things fresh with several rotating temporary exhibits from local artists and collections on loan.

Belle Isle Park

Smack dab in the middle of the Detroit River, perched on the border between Canada and the United States is the scenic Belle Isle Park. The island is roughly three miles long and almost a mile wide and boasts lush and pristinely landscaped parkland, hiking trails, museums, sports facilities, and swimming spots. One of the most recognizable and notable structures is the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, which was founded in 1904 and includes examples of tropical plants and flowers, desert plants and cacti, a lily pond, and more. It’s a peaceful reprieve from the bustle of the city.

You can also check out the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, which houses numerous ship models and exhibits highlighting the history of shipping on the Great Lakes. There’s also the Belle Isle Nature Zoo and the newly renovated Belle Isle Aquarium, which both provide hours of fun and animal observing. Or just come here to meander around the island and soak in some sunlight and fresh air.

The Eastern Market

A trip to Detroit should definitely include exploring one of the largest and oldest year-round markets in the country, the Eastern Market. Join locals and tourists alike as they peruse the varied and interesting offerings of more than 200 vendors every Saturday. The energy and vibe of this place is as unique as some of the items you’ll see for sale.

Sample all types of delectable treats, choose organic meats and freshly caught seafood, fresh produce, specialty foods and cheeses, natural health and wellness products, home decor, apparel, handmade crafts, artwork, jewelry, and so much more. This is the perfect place to find the ideal gift for a friend or loved one, and help local charities at the same time since the market is run by a not-for-profit organization that is very active in giving back to the community.

Events and Entertainment in Detroit

Movement Electronic Music Festival

Often referred to as “Techno Christmas,” the Movement Electronic Music Festival is a refreshing and bold break from the norm. Held on Memorial Day weekend each year, it’s a fun and funky way to kick off the summer. Detroit is proud of its musical heritage and honors its role as the birthplace of techno music by hosting an internationally recognized musical marathon.

You’ll be fully immersed in the contagious beats of all sorts of techno music for three full days and nights. The festival boasts more than 100 artists that perform across five stages; it’s the biggest techno festival in the country. In fact, it was awarded “Festival of the Year” at the 2017 Electronic Music Awards.

Detroit Chevrolet Belle Isle Grand Prix

Get loud and rowdy with about 100,000 of your closest friends and fellow race fans at the Detroit Chevrolet Belle Isle Grand Prix, which is held each June. The normally peaceful and quiet Belle Isle is turned into a world-class Indycar race track and welcomes some of the most talented and passionate race car drivers, teams, and fans in the world. This event first began in 1982 as a stop on the popular Formula 1 racing tour in which the racecourse snaked through the streets of downtown Detroit.

It was moved to Belle Isle in 1992 as a CART/Champ car venue, and finally found success as a prime Indycar destination. Fans from all over flock to Belle Isle for an entire weekend of qualifying, racing, touring, and meeting their favorite race car drivers and legends. It’s easily one of the most exciting events in the city.

Michigan Summer Beer Festival

Hop in your RV and head just outside the city to Ypsilanti for the Michigan Summer Beer Festival, which is held in July of each year. The state is proud of its more than 300 breweries and its love of beer, and it shows in this two-day extravaganza. With more than 1,000 beers from 150 different breweries, there are so many beers to sample here, you will need to attend both days just to make a dent in the offerings. 

The festival also has some great local and well-known musical talent that performs all weekend to further add to the ambiance. This event is the oldest of the Michigan Brewers’ Guild’s four annual events and happens rain or shine at historic Riverside Park. 

Hydrofest

If you’re looking for a totally unique experience that you won’t find just anywhere, you’ve got to check out Hydrofest, held at the end of August each year on the Detroit River. At more than 100 years old, the APBA Gold Cup is the oldest active motorsports competition and trophy, featuring some of the world’s fastest and astonishing high-speed hydroplanes. Cheer on racers as they compete in the hydroplane Grand Prix.

You can also witness the spectacle of the Jersey Speed Skiffs, which are 16-foot long V8-powered wild racing boats. The event has plenty of live music and entertainment, as well as a plethora of food and beverage options to explore in between races. For a break from the action, be sure to stop by the hot rod show, which offers a whole other feast for the eyes.

Detroit International Jazz Festival

Send summer off in style by taking in the Detroit International Jazz Festival, held on Labor Day weekend. This four-day event features an incredible lineup of some of the nation’s most talented jazz singers and musicians, including top university jazz bands from around the country. With five separate stages and multiple smaller venues to choose from, you’re going to need to plan your listening priorities carefully so you don’t miss any of your favorites.

Attend intimate or crowded jam sessions and be sure to check out the Talk Tent schedule where you can hobnob with some of the top talent, get autographs signed, take part in a panel discussion, and more. Numerous food and beverage vendors are sprinkled throughout the festival grounds. Be sure to stick around for a top-notch fireworks display.

FAQs:

Q: What are RV rentals?

RV rentals work much like any other vehicle rentals. You pay a daily or weekly rate. You can expect these rates to fluctuate based on the time of year and the geographic location that you're renting. Naturally, rates tend to increase during peak season. You can get an RV for a certain period and enjoy all its benefits while traveling without the hassles and large cost of owning your RV. It’s also a great way to try out some different RV models if you’re considering purchasing your own.

Q: How much are RV rentals?

RV rentals in Detroit can range between $75 and $150 per night for most small to moderately sized trailers and campervans. Larger RVs and travel trailers can cost from $100 to $250 per night, depending on the season and the RV’s year, make, and model. Some companies offer a discount if you rent for longer than a week.

Q: Do I need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Detroit?

While most states require you to be at least 25 years old to rent an RV, the legal age to rent one in Michigan is 18. This may not be the policy of your RV rental agency, however. Most companies require you to be at least 25 to rent.

Q: Do I need insurance when I rent an RV?

Yes, you'll need insurance to rent an RV in Detroit. It's meant to cover the vehicle in case of an accident and is mandatory in most states. Most rental companies will have RV-specific insurance that you can purchase.

Q: Do I need to return my rental RV with a full tank?

This policy varies among rental agencies, but most RV rental facilities in Detroit will expect you to return the vehicle with a full tank of gas. At the very least, the fuel should be at the same level as when you picked up the vehicle. 

Q: Are RVs pet-friendly in Detroit?

Many RV and camper rentals in Detroit are pet-friendly, and there are even vehicles specially designed for accommodating animals. Still, it’s important to double-check the policy with your chosen rental agency before renting a particular vehicle.