Looking for a convenient hub near Detroit with parks, history, and auto industry roots? Visit Warren! As Michigan’s third-largest city, Warren combines suburban comfort with strong ties to the U.S. auto industry and armed forces. Whether you’re exploring green spaces, enjoying local eats, or checking out historical sites, Warren makes a great base in Metro Detroit.
Warren, MI Highlights:
- Relax in Halmich Park: A large community park with walking trails, sports fields, and picnic areas, perfect for families.
- Explore the Warren Historical & Cultural Center: Learn about local heritage, including Warren’s industrial and military history.
- Visit the GM Technical Center: While public access is limited, this renowned design and engineering hub is an iconic part of the city’s identity.
- See the Civic Center Library & Fountains: A striking public space with landscaped gardens, fountains, and a modern library building.
- Play and picnic at Licht Park: Enjoy quiet green space, playgrounds, and a seasonal splash pad ideal for families with kids.
Best Time to Visit Warren, MI
The best time to visit Warren is from late spring through early fall (May–October), when the weather is pleasant for exploring parks and outdoor events. Fall colors in southeastern Michigan are especially beautiful in October.
How to Get to Warren, MI
- If you are traveling by car: Warren is conveniently located near I-696 and I-75, just 20–25 minutes north of downtown Detroit.
- By air: Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is about 45–50 minutes away by car or rideshare.
- By bus: SMART bus routes connect Warren to surrounding Metro Detroit communities, though a car is more convenient for full access.
Where to Stay in Warren, MI
- Holiday Inn & Suites Warren – Comfortable hotel with a pool, fitness center, and close proximity to restaurants and businesses.
- Courtyard by Marriott Detroit Warren – Modern rooms and a welcoming atmosphere just off the freeway.
- Comfort Inn Warren – Budget-friendly choice with breakfast included and convenient location near shopping areas.
Best Things to Do in Warren, MI
1. Fred's Unique Furniture
"Explore an eclectic collection of vintage, retro, and one-of-a-kind furniture pieces."
Fred's Unique Furniture is one of the Midwest’s largest buyers and sellers of used furniture. This small chain of three large stores offers an enormous and diverse inventory of high quality second-hand furniture. It is also known for exceptional liquidation prices. Their stores are a true liquidation warehouses and not a traditional showrooms. Massive warehouses offer all kinds of used furniture – office furniture, hotel liquidation furniture, antiques and more. Fred's Unique Furniture's Warren Store is a 60,000 square feet facility, the largest of their three stores. It offers just about any kind of furniture anyone is looking for, with the prices for every budget.
14091 East 8 Mile Road, Warren, MI 48089, Phone: 586-776-7100
2. Dragonmead Microbrewery
"Visit a craft brewery offering a vast selection of medieval-inspired beers and ales."
Dragonmead Microbrewery is a microbrewery, meadery and brewpub in Warren, Michigan, founded in January 1997. The small brewery produces a large range of beer, wine, and mead. It has received numerous awards including gold medals at the World Beer Cup. The company still sells to the home-brew community but also to a large number of high end restaurants. In 1999, Dragonmead has not reached full capacity and was making only about 18 barrels a week in their new 5,200-square-foot factory. In 2015, the brewery grew bigger than the original nanobrewery after moving to an 11,000 square foot facility, and opening a 1,000 square foot medieval-themed taproom. They re-purposed old equipment and used a three-barrel system to produce 2,500 barrels per year.
14600 E Eleven Mile Rd, Warren, MI 48089, Phone: 586-776-9428
3. Eastpointe
If you are like me:
"Walk through this charming city filled with local shops, parks, and dining spots."
Eastpointe, formerly East Detroit, is a city in Macomb County, Michigan. Eastpointe is a part of the Metro Detroit area and is generally considered to be a bedroom community. It is known for many summer festivals and events, including Erin-Halfway Days Living History Festival held in late July, Music in the Park held on Wednesday nights at Spindler Park, and Summer Fest, known as The Ox Roast, held mid to late August at John F. Kennedy Memorial Park. Cruisin' Gratiot is an annual weekend celebration of automotive history, tradition and memorabilia. The event, held in June, includes car shows, live music and contests. Eastpointe is only four miles from Warren.
Where to Eat in Warren, MI
4. Chicken Shack
"Go for crispy, golden-brown chicken and delicious homestyle sides in a casual setting."
Chicken Shack is a popular family-run American restaurant chain originally opened in Royal Oak, Michigan in 1956, now operating dozens of eateries and food trucks all over Michigan. Best known for their fried and roasted chicken, they also sell fried seafood and barbecue ribs. Their Warren restaurant on Schoenherr Rd is one of three in Warren, bright, spacious counter-serve lunch and dinner spot that serves the regular Chicken Shack menú with regular specials such as pulled pork sándwiches. Checken Shack offers family and party platters for parties and family celebrations. They also cater big and small events.
26851 Schoenherr Rd, Warren, MI 48089, Phone: 586-755-0180
5. Tubby's Steak N' Cheese
I recommend:
"See why this spot is famous for mouthwatering cheesesteaks and hearty sandwiches."
Open in 1965 as a family-run sandwich shop, Tubby's Steak N' Cheese quickly grew into a 65 restaurant chain offering delicious grilled sandwiches all over Michigan. They have three spots in Warren, Michigan, delivering well-known small, medium and large subs with a range of fillings. The most popular, after so many decades, are still steak and cheese and Philly steak and cheese subs. All subs are made to order, using fresh bread, freshly assembled and then grilled to perfection. They offer party platters and cater all events big or small.
13804 Twelve Mile Rd, Warren, MI 48088, Phone: 586-773-5700
If you are interested in local events:
- Warren Birthday Bash (August) – Family-friendly summer festival with food, fireworks, music, and carnival rides.
- Music in the Park (Summer) – Free concerts at local parks hosted by the Parks & Recreation Department.
- Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony (December) – A festive celebration featuring lights, caroling, and Santa at the Warren Civic Center.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Warren, Michigan:
- Detroit (20–25 min) – Explore the Detroit Institute of Arts, catch a Tigers or Lions game, or visit the Motown Museum.
- Royal Oak (20 min) – Shop, dine, or visit the Detroit Zoo in this trendy nearby suburb.
- Ferndale (20–25 min) – Walk quirky shops, enjoy brunch, or explore art spaces and music venues.
- St. Clair Shores (20 min) – Relax by Lake St. Clair with marinas, boardwalks, and waterfront restaurants.
- Southfield (25–30 min) – Business hub with golf courses, parks, and a growing cultural scene.
I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
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Where is Warren, Michigan located?
- Warren is a city in Macomb County, Michigan, situated on the shore of Lake St. Clair.
- It is one of the largest cities in Michigan and the largest suburb in Metro Detroit.
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What is the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House?
- The Edsel and Eleanor Ford House is a historic 1928 mansion located on the lake shore.
- It is now open to the public for tours and historical exhibits.
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What attractions does Red Oaks Waterpark offer?
- Red Oaks Waterpark is a large park with exciting water slides.
- It features a toddler playground and a picnic area for family-friendly fun.
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What is the significance of the Highland Park Ford Plant?
- The Highland Park Ford Plant is a former Ford Motor Company factory located in Warren.
- It is a National Historic Landmark and the first factory in history to use a moving assembly line to mass-produce cars.
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