Symposium Tours

Tours take place on the afternoons of October 10 & 11. Please register for tours in advance.

East Detroit Learning Journey

Embark on an immersive Learning Journey through East Detroit, where the city itself becomes your classroom. This in-depth experience goes beyond a traditional tour, offering site visits, panel discussions, and case studies that reveal best practices in community development. Led by an expert guide and featuring guest speakers from large organizations, local entrepreneurs, and innovators, you’ll delve into the history, policy, and ongoing transformations shaping East Detroit. Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to the city, this journey will deepen your understanding of how Detroit's past continues to influence the present, inspiring ideas for your own community.

REGISTER OCT 10 REGISTER OCT 11

West Detroit Learning Journey

Explore West Detroit on a transformative Learning Journey that turns the city into a living classroom. This in-depth experience blends site visits, panel discussions, and case studies to uncover best practices in urban development and community empowerment. Guided by a lifelong Detroit resident, the tour connects historical context with current innovations, featuring insights from large organizations, entrepreneurs, and grassroots leaders. Discover how West Detroit’s unique history informs its ongoing evolution, and gain valuable perspectives to inspire action in your own community, whether you’re a local or visiting for the first time.

REGISTER OCT 10 REGISTER OCT 11

Preview the Joe Louis Greenway

The tour will take attendees deep into the neighborhoods of the four cities—Detroit, Highland Park, Hamtramck, and Dearborn—connected by the expansive Joe Louis Greenway where we will hear from local residents, visit local businesses, and see the early development of the JLG.

This is a FREE tour.

REGISTER OCT 10 REGISTER OCT 11

Biking the Riverfront & Dequindre Cut

Join us for a bike tour of Detroit’s acclaimed Riverfront and the Dequindre Cut, hosted by High Line Network Member Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. Named Best Riverwalk in America by USA TODAY for three consecutive years, the Riverfront showcases Detroit’s commitment to vibrant public spaces. The Dequindre Cut Greenway, an urban path connecting the East Riverfront to Eastern Market and surrounding neighborhoods, exemplifies the innovative reuse of infrastructure. Experience firsthand how this dynamic path links residential areas to downtown, creating a seamless connection through Detroit's revitalized landscape.

This tour will be rain or shine, dress appropriately.

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Discover Dreamtroit

Discover Dreamtroit on a tour that unveils the reimagining of a historic Lincoln Motor Company Factory into a vibrant community hub. This 90,000-square-foot space has been transformed into a live music venue, recycling center, art park, small business incubator, and affordable housing complex. Guided by two visionary artists and their community, Dreamtroit exemplifies how grassroots redevelopment, public programming, environmentalism, and art can safeguard the arts community amidst rising rents in Detroit. Experience how innovative reuse fosters creativity and sustainability while addressing vital community needs.

Detroit style pizza provided by Michigan & Trumbull is included in this tour.

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Kayaking Detroit's Historic Canals

Explore Detroit's Historic Canals on this immersive tour that delves into the critical issues facing the Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood. Climate change, redlining, and years of neglect have left this vital infrastructure vulnerable, putting thousands of East Detroit homes at risk of severe flooding. From the waterway, you'll gain a unique perspective on the ongoing struggle between residents, the City of Detroit, and the federal government, as well as the community's efforts to keep these beloved canals accessible. Discover the challenges and potential benefits of preserving this significant piece of Detroit’s history.

Each participant will be required sign a waiver as required by our tour partner, Detroit River Sports.

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Symposium Tour FAQs

  • Registration is open until October 6, however tours often sell out so secure your place as soon as possible to make sure you can attend.

  • Most tours have a ticket price, the entirety of which goes towards offsetting costs specific to this tour and supporting our local partner. The Preview of the Joe Louis Greenway is a free tour!

  • Tours depart from the conference venue, Newlab, promptly after the lunch break.

  • Each tour has a maximum capacity so please register in advance, you may not be able to join a tour on the day if it is sold out.