Welcome to Detroit! Popularly known as the Motor City, Detroit enjoyed spectacular mid-century growth as the auto industry brought people, jobs, technology, and culture to Southeastern Michigan. Today, the legacy of that blossoming includes the Diego Rivera Detroit Industry murals housed at the city’s world-class Detroit of Institute of Art, the National Historic Landmark Fox Theater, and the art deco marvel that is the Fisher Building.  From the Supremes and Stevie Wonder to Eminem, Detroit has long been a music hotbed. Visit the Motown Museum for the storied history or Saint Andrew’s Hall for contemporary acts.  Food, too, is a Detroit speciality.  Grab a quick bite and can weigh in on the decades-long debate as to the best Coney Island hot dog: Lafayette or American? Or combine Detroit’s reputation for soul food with its resurgent fine dining scene at SavannahBlue.  

Detroit and its surrounds are rich in institutions dedicated to legal history. Befittingly, the region headquartering the big three automakers also houses the Walter P. Reuther Library, Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs. Its many educational institutions include four who are hosting events related to this year’s conference: Detroit Mercy Law (ASLH Early Career programs), Michigan State University College of Law (closing reception), University of Michigan Law School (plenary reception), and Wayne State University Department of History (pre-conferences).

The Conference Hotel

The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit is a historic hotel located in downtown Detroit, just a few blocks from the Detroit River. Located at 1114 Washington Boulevard, the hotel was built in 1924 as part of a successful effort to make Washington Avenue into the “Fifth Avenue of the Midwest.” ASLH has negotiated a group rate of $249. It is strongly urged that you stay at the conference hotel because the conference contract requires that a minimum number of guest bookings be made to avoid financial penalties. You can book using our negotiated rate here. The cutoff date for room reservations in our block is Tuesday, October 15, 2025, but we encourage you to book earlier to ensure availability.  (In past years, the discounted rooms have been booked up prior to the cutoff date, leaving late bookers to find off-site or undiscounted accommodations.)

Getting to/from the Airport

The main airport is Detroit Metro Airport (DTW), (https://www.metroairport.com/). Delta uses the airport as one of its main hubs in the McNamara Terminal. Other airlines use the Evans Terminal.

Remember to secure and bring your Real ID if you plan to travel by plane. Starting May 7, 2025, domestic U.S. airline passengers must be Real ID compliant to board their flights. 

Expect rideshares from DTW to Downtown Detroit to cost $50-60. The ride between the airport and downtown Detroit should take 25-35 minutes, depending on traffic.

Detroit Air Express (DAX) operates bus services from DTW to Downtown Detroit, with 16 round-trips daily (https://www.dax-bus.com/). You can book online in advance for $6, or pay $8 at the door.

The DAX bus stops at DTW airport at the Evans Terminal – Ground Transportation Center.  From baggage claim go up two levels to the skywalk or one level if not picking up luggage. Cross the skywalk, enter elevators on the left side and take them down to ground level. Go out the doors next to the elevators and find DAX in stall 1-2.

For the McNamara Terminal, DAX pickup and drop off for all passengers is on the Departures Level (also known as Level 3) of the McNamara Terminal building. Follow signs for Municipal Transportation and Ticketing/Check-in. The DAX stop is just outside of Door 1 going toward the ramp. You will see a sign indicating transit options.

The DAX bus stop in the city is at 1119 Washington Blvd., between Michigan Avenue and State Street. This is directly across Washington Blvd from the Westin Book Cadillac, the conference hotel.

International Travel

Don’t forget your passport! Detroit is an international city, located immediately across from Windsor, Ontario. Regardless of whether you plan to drive through Canada on your way to or from Detroit, fly international on your way there or back, or visit Windsor during your stay, a passport can be crucial. Please consult the most recent travel guidance issued by government authorities, including those of the United States and Canada, if relevant, prior to international travel to Detroit or in the greater Detroit/Windsor area.

Windsor

Just a 10-minute drive across the Detroit River is the city of Windsor, Ontario – the “Automotive Capital of Canada” and its southernmost city. Ambassador Bridge is the busiest commercial border crossing between Canada and the U.S., and the Windsor-Detroit area is North America’s most populous trans-border conurbation. Windsor boasts some top-notch restaurants and bars, including Yemeni Corner Coffee House (Canada’s first Yemeni coffee house), Stelly’s Cuisine and Catering (Jamaican fare), and the WindsorEats Food Hall (a food truck yard that often hosts special events on weekends). Those with more time to explore the region might want to visit Point Pelee National Park –  the southernmost point of the Canadian mainland, and its most ecologically diverse national park (just over an hour from Detroit). Windsor also has a Community Museum with two main branches: the Chimczuk Museum, which includes an interactive children’s gallery, and the François Baby House, focusing on the area’s French colonial heritage. Be sure to remember your passport for any travel across the border, and to factor potential border-crossing delays into your plans (although wait-times are usually relatively short).

Getting Around Detroit

Detroit once had extensive street cars and interurban light rail, but then it became ‘Motor City’, the epicenter of world automotive manufacturing. Detroit public transit is now thin – but not non-existent. The Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) (https://detroitmi.gov/departments/detroit-department-transportation) operates city buses.

You can find route overviews with expected service frequency, system maps and schedules, as well as live bus trackers here: https://detroitmi.gov/departments/detroit-department-transportation/bus-schedules. Apple Map, Google Map, or the third party (free) app https://transitapp.com/ all provide accurate transit navigation using DDOT buses. The primary bus lines (routes 1-10) run 24/7, though they have reduced frequency at night.

To pay transit fares download the ‘Token Transit’ app from the Apple App Store or Google Play store, create an account, and add your payment method: https://tokentransit.com/app. A single $2 transit ticket on the app gives you 4 hours of unlimited rides. Simply show the driver the active ticket on your phone’s screen when boarding the bus.

Additionally, along Woodward Corridor are the QLine streetcars. The QLine runs 3.3 miles from Downtown to New Center. The streetcars run from: Monday – Saturday: 8AM – 12AM; Sunday: 8AM – 9PM. The QLine is free to ride.

Detroit also has an extensive bike share network, the MoGo Bikes (https://mogodetroit.org). Check out the map here: https://mogodetroit.org/maps/system-map/.

The MoGo Bike system is integrated into the free Transit app (https://transitapp.com/) for payment, bike locating, and route finding. Among the more popular bike passes are the “pay as you go”: $1 to unlock plus $.25 per minute, a $10 1-hour pass, and the “Explore the City” pass, which for $15 grants unlimited trips of up to 60 minutes in duration for three days and $0.25 for each additional minute until the bike is securely locked in any MoGo station.

Packing/Dressing for the Weather

In mid-November, Detroit typically experiences cool to cold temperatures with average highs around 48°F and lows around 36°F. Expect a mix of cloudy and partly sunny days, with a possibility of light snow or rain. Be sure to check the forecast.

Museums, Points of Interest, and Natural Attractions

The Midtown cultural area is just 2 miles north of the conference hotel. This area is easily accessible by using DDOT buses or the QLine street cars.

The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) (https://dia.org/), founded in 1885, houses one of the nation’s most comprehensive art collections, spanning from Antiquity to contemporary works. Renowned for Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry murals and the first Van Gogh acquired by a U.S. museum, the DIA also leads in African American art curation. Its 1927 Beaux-Arts building remains a cultural cornerstone of the city.

The Detroit Historical Museum (https://detroithistorical.org/detroit-historical-museum/plan-your-visit/general-information) chronicles over 300 years of the city’s history. Operated by the Detroit Historical Society, the museum’s permanent exhibitions include “Streets of Old Detroit,” “America’s Motor City,” and “Detroit: The Arsenal of Democracy.” These exhibits provide insights into Detroit’s development from a French fur trading post to a major industrial center, highlighting its pivotal roles in the automotive industry and as a manufacturing powerhouse during World War II.

The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History (https://www.thewright.org/) holds over 35,000 artifacts within its 125,000-square-foot facility, making it one of the largest institutions dedicated to African American history. Its core exhibit, “And Still We Rise,” offers a comprehensive, interactive journey through African American history and culture.

The main branch of the Detroit Public Library (https://detroitpubliclibrary.org) occupies a grand Italian Renaissance-style building designed by architect Cass Gilbert. It houses several notable special collections, including the Burton Historical Collection, the E. Azalia Hackley Collection, and the Ernie Harwell Sports Collection.

The Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD) (https://mocadetroit.org/) is one of Detroit’s newer museums. Established in 2006, MOCAD is a non-collecting institution dedicated to presenting contemporary art across various disciplines.

The Midtown area also houses the campus of Wayne State University (https://wayne.edu/) including the Wayne State Law School (https://law.wayne.edu/).

The Motown Museum (https://www.motownmuseum.org/), at 2648 W Grand Blvd, preserves the legacy of Motown Records, founded by Berry Gordy Jr. in 1959. Housed in the original “Hitsville U.S.A.” building, the museum includes Studio A, where artists like Marvin Gaye, The Supremes, and Stevie Wonder recorded era-defining hits. A major $60 Million expansion is underway to further support archival, educational, and interpretive programming. The museum is a 20 to 30 minute bus ride from the Westin Book Cadillac hotel on the 16 bus.

The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant Museum showcases early Fords in the Ford Motor Company’s first purpose-built factory. It is located at 461 Piquette Avenue, two blocks from the Q-Line’s Amsterdam Station (https://www.fordpiquetteplant.org/visit/). 

The Eastern Market district is the location of one of the city’s 19th-century food markets. It continues to function as a food, produce, and artisan bazaar, open to the public, and one of the city’s main commercial food distribution hubs. From the conference hotel it is an easy ride on the number 6 Gratiot (8 mile bound) bus (https://easternmarket.org/). 

John K. King Used & Rare Books is a massive four-story building crammed with books on all topics. It is located at 901 W. Lafayette Blvd., within walking distance of the hotel (https://www.johnkingbooksdetroit.com/browse).

Architecture

The Fisher Building, “Detroit’s Largest Art Object”, is a 441-foot tower and one of the grandest works by famed architect Albert Kahn. It is located at 3011 W. Grand Blvd (https://www.fisherbuilding.city/). Tours of the building are available here: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/pure-detroit-3623406533.

The Guardian Building, 500 Griswold Street (https://www.guardianbuilding.com/), is an art deco masterpiece and National Historic Landmark. The Guardian Building is one of just five local attractions to earn Michelin’s top 3-star rating, marking it worth a special trip. Building tours are available here: https://tourdetroit.com/tour/insiders-guardian-building-tour/.

Michigan Central Station, 2405 West Vernor Highway, is Detroit’s historic railroad station. It has been renovated as a tech hub and idea lab. Spaces can be reserved on guided tours here: https://michigancentral.com/visit/. 

Belle Isle is an island park near downtown Detroit under the management of the Belle Isle Conservancy. It is a great place to walk, jog, or bike: https://www.belleisleconservancy.org/map-and-access. 

Archives/Repositories

The Walter P. Reuther Library, Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs, located at 5401 Cass Avenue on Wayne State University’s campus, houses millions of primary source documents related to U.S. labor history, urban affairs, and the university’s own archives. Established in 1960 and named after UAW and CIO leader Walter Reuther, the library serves as the official repository for numerous major unions, including the UAW, AFL-CIO, and Teamsters. Its collections encompass a vast array of materials, such as manuscripts, photographs, oral histories, and films, documenting significant social, economic, and political movements. The library also offers educational programs and exhibitions, contributing to the preservation and understanding of labor and urban history (https://guides.lib.wayne.edu/c.php?g=225395; https://reuther.wayne.edu/). 

The Burton Historical Collection (BHC), housed within the Detroit Public Library’s Main Branch at 5201 Woodward Avenue, is a premier archive dedicated to preserving the history of Detroit, Michigan, and the surrounding regions. Established in 1915 from the private library of attorney and historian Clarence Monroe Burton, the collection encompasses thousands of maps, images, books, and manuscripts. Burton’s vision expanded beyond Detroit to include materials from the Old Northwest, Canada, and New France, recognizing their interconnected histories. Today, the BHC serves as a resource for researchers, historians, and the public, offering insights into the area’s rich past (https://detroitpubliclibrary.org/research/burton-historical-collection).

The Bentley Historical Library (https://bentley.umich.edu/) at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor “collects the materials for and promotes the study of the histories of two great, intertwined institutions, the State of Michigan and the University of Michigan.” It is home to more than 11,000 collections.

The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library (https://www.fordlibrarymuseum.gov/visit/library) preserves and makes accessible the presidential papers from Ford’s years in office (1974-1977). Located at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, the collection is supplemented with papers from Betty Ford, Gerald Ford’s pre- and post-presidency years, and a wide variety of additional materials.

The University of Michigan’s Ann Arbor campus is also home to the William L. Clements Library (https://clements.umich.edu/about/). This repository of published and manuscript materials is focused on the Caribbean and North America, especially in the 18th and 19th centuries. 

Food and Drink

Detroit has a vibrant restaurant scene. Within the hotel itself are the Boulevard Room and Sullivan’s Steakhouse.

A small selection of restaurant options all within easy walking distance to the hotel includes:

Lelia, 1245 Griswold St, is a cosmopolitan Lebanese restaurant offering modern Middle Eastern dining.

Le Suprême, 1265 Washington Blvd, is a Parisian-inspired brasserie in downtown Detroit offering classic French cuisine in an elegant setting.

The Hudson Cafe, 1241 Woodward Ave, is a popular downtown brunch spot known for its creative pancakes, hearty omelets, and modern comfort fare.

Prime + Proper, 1145 Griswold St, is a modern American steakhouse blending traditional fare with contemporary culinary techniques in an upscale setting.

SavannahBlue, 1431 Times Square, offers contemporary Northern soul food with Southern flavors in a refined ambiance.

Dime Store, 719 Griswold St #180, offers creative versions of brunch favorites plus craft beer and cocktails.

Cannelle, 45 W Grand River Ave, is a bakery cafe with a wide selection of croissants.

Iggy’s Eggies, 34 W Grand River Ave, offers breakfast sandwiches from a walk-up window.  Take out only.

Coney Island Hot Dogs: Just one block from the conference hotel, at the corner of Michigan Avenue and Griswold Street, you’ll find two rival Coney Island restaurants – Lafayette and American. The Coney dog is a beloved Detroit staple, and by tradition, most locals have a strong allegiance to one or the other (http://www.americanconeyisland.com/home.htm); (https://lafayette-coney-island.res-menu.com/).

Music Venues

Jader Bignamini conducts the Detroit Symphony Orchestra on November 14 and 15 performing Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 and acclaimed pianist Francesco Piemontesi joins for Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 1 (https://www.dso.org/).

The Detroit Opera, under the leadership of artistic director Yuval Sharon, has earned a global reputation for groundbreaking productions that excite audiences (https://detroitopera.org/).

Cliff Bells is a restored 1930s jazz club offering live performances in an intimate, art deco setting for dinner and Jazz (https://cliffbells.com/ga). 

The Old Miami is a beloved dive bar with a rich history, featuring live music and a spacious backyard for events.

Baker’s Keyboard Lounge, established in 1934, is one of the world’s oldest jazz clubs, featuring live performances and a distinctive piano-shaped bar (https://www.bakerskeyboardloungedet.com/).

The Fox Theatre is a historic 1928 venue known for its opulent architecture and hosting major concerts and events (http://foxtheatredetroit.net/).

The Fillmore Detroit is an iconic venue offering a grand setting for a variety of live performances (https://www.thefillmoredetroit.com/).

Saint Andrew’s Hall is a legendary club featuring the Main Ballroom for prominent acts and The Shelter, where Eminem began his career (https://www.saintandrewsdetroit.com/).

The Majestic Theatre is a historic 1915 theater that now hosts diverse live music events in its main space and adjacent sister venue The Magic Stick (https://www.majesticdetroit.com/) (https://www.majesticdetroit.com/about/the-magic-stick/).

El Club is a contemporary venue in Southwest Detroit, known for hosting indie and alternative acts in a cozy atmosphere (https://elclubdetroit.com/).

Places to Move Around

The Detroit River Front is easily accessible from downtown (https://detroitriverfront.org/). It offers pedestrian and bike access to the river.

For those looking for outdoor exercise, Run Detroit organizes a free running group, rain or shine, every Saturday at 8am. They always have three route options: 3, 6, and 10 miles. All paces are welcome – runners, walkers, and walk-joggers. The run leaves at 8am from Run Detroit store at 1948 Division St. (https://www.run-detroit.com/service/detroit-running-routes/).

Additionally, the Downtown Runners & Walkers group organizes walks and runs in the downtown core. Their schedule is available here: https://www.detroitdowntownrunners.com/.