Make Ypsilanti your next road trip destination!
To inspire your next road trip, we’ve put together the ultimate MotorCities weekend itinerary for Ypsilanti, Michigan.
Known for its automotive and manufacturing history, Ypsilanti honors the inventions and breakthroughs that helped shape these industries today.
Know Before You Go
Ypsilanti is easily accessible by road from I-94, US-12, and US-23, making it a perfect place to plan your next Michigan road trip.
Ypsi Museums Worth the Visit
Did you know: Ypsilanti’s automotive and aviation stories come together at Willow Run, where Ford Motor Company used automotive mass-production techniques to build B-24 bombers during World War II. Later, the plant continued its manufacturing legacy through automobile production, making the area’s aviation history an important part of its broader MotorCities story.
Uncover how Ypsi innovators have contributed to America's automotive, aviation, and industrial history at these museums.
Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum
100 E. Cross St.
The Automotive Heritage Museum has become a top destination for Hudson enthusiasts across the country. The building’s auto history began over 100 years ago, opening as the first Dodge dealership outside of Detroit. A Hudson dealership (Millers Motors) later relocated here, selling new Hudsons until the model was discontinued after 49 years. Today, the museum hosts the National Hudson Motor Car Company Museum.
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Find more info on the MotorCities National Heritage Area plaque before entering.
Michigan Firehouse Museum
110 W. Cross St.
Explore over 26,000 square feet of Michigan firefighting history at this three-story museum full of antique fire trucks, displays of fire helmets and badges through the decades, and the largest collection of fire truck bells in the country.
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Part of the museum is housed in the original 1800’s Ypsilanti fire station, taking you back in time to the days of horse-drawn fire wagons.
Michigan Flight Museum
47884 D St.
Filled with WWII planes and Michigan aviation exhibits, the Michigan Flight Museum is a thrilling experience for all ages. After exploring Ypsilanti, head to the Michigan Flight Museum and wander through the various exhibits on aviation and Ypsilanti history.
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Visitors can book an action-packed plane ride in advance for select aircraft.
Dining in Historic Depot Town
Depot Town is a great place to dine, grab a drink, and stroll through Ypsi's past with charming trackside views. The Depot Town District is filled with colorful buildings standing tall since the 1800s. Famous for its proximity to train tracks, Depot Town was once centered around a lively train depot where famous acts like Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show made a stop.
Sidetrack Bar & Grill
56 E. Cross St.
Along the train tracks, watch and wave as the Amtrak passes through, traveling east and west from Detroit to connecting cities and states. Sidetrack is a popular restaurant filled with nostalgic railway and road signs from over the years.
Thompson & Co. & Mash
400 N. River St.
Located in the historic Thompson Block building that was once a Civil War barracks for 4,000 soldiers, this restaurant and whiskey bar offer a heritage-inspired atmosphere. Inside, the wooden mural was created using wood from the building’s original structure.
Aubree’s Pizzeria & Stick’s
39 E. Cross St.
In business for over 50 years, Aubree’s is a local favorite and beloved Depot Town institution serving lunch buffets and hand-crafted, mouth-watering pizza. Head upstairs to Stick’s to play pool, darts, and pinball before hitting the road.
Historical Markers Honoring Auto History
Across Depot Town, discover markers honoring not only automotive heritage, but also the folks who helped bring these visions to life. Take a stroll through the Depot Town alley lined with signs describing more of Ypsi history.
- Learn more: Ypsilanti Historical Markers
Ypsi Roadside Experiences
Driving into downtown Ypsilanti, it’s easy to park near the Library Plaza where a prominent historical marker honoring Elijah McCoy, an Ypsilanti resident who coined the term “The Real McCoy” commonly used in manufacturing today. After, check out the hobby shop and get your famous Bill's hot dogs.
Bill’s Drive-In
1292 E. Michigan Ave.
A classic drive-in hot dog stand for the best coneys and root beer floats around. This local favorite is cash only.
Roy's Squeeze Inn
1315 E. Michigan Ave.
Make room for Roy's burgers and fries! Try the "big squeeze" a long-time local favorite. Find Roy's across the street from Bill's, completing the classic diner experience.
The Bomber Restaurant
306 E. Michigan Ave.
This beloved breakfast diner serves over-the-top portions and doubles as a WWII mini museum. Decorated with meaningful memorabilia including photos, hanging airplanes, and Rosie the Riveter mural, these stories tie back to Ypsilanti’s manufacturing contribution at the former Willow Run Plant.
- Learn about Willow Run’s role in WWII: Willow Run: Arsenal of Democracy
ModelCave Hobby Shop
103 W. Michigan Ave.
Feeling inspired from your MotorCities road trip? We recommend visiting downtown Ypsilanti’s local hobby shop, ModelCave. This one-stop model-building shop carries model kits of cars, motorcycles, planes, action figures, rare paints, and more.
Antique Collecting
On weekends, Ypsilanti turns into a treasure hunt full of antique shops. Find vintage racing jackets and collectibles like road signs and restored gas pumps at shops like A2 Vintage and Find and Shine Vintage.
