2023 Preservation Detroit Saturday Eastern Market Tour

Experience the history of Eastern Market!

Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of America's oldest and largest outdoor farmers market as you walk among reminders of its 130-year history. From woodlands to cemeteries, prisons to railroads, breweries to rum runners, and music to murals, discover what makes Eastern Market's past so fascinating, learn about plans for the future, and after the tour, spend time in the present to shop and enjoy.

Tours depart from the Eastern Market Welcome Center.

Parking: Allow extra time for parking as it can be busy. Free street parking is available along streets surrounding the Sheds and in the lots designated by P (view map). The parking deck on Riopelle St. between Alfred St. and Division St. is now open on Saturdays (there is a fee to park.) Parking tends to be easier to find north and east of the Sheds.

Items to note about our tours:

THIS IS A WALKING TOUR. All guests should be prepared to walk, sometimes on surfaces under construction, for more than two hours.

All tours take place rain or shine and are about 2 to 2.5 hours long. Please arrive 15 minutes before the start of the tour. Advance ticket purchases are available through the afternoon the Friday before the tour. If there is a date missing from the tour page, the tour for that location/date is sold out. Tickets may be refunded up to 7 days prior to the date of a tour; after that, tickets are not refundable.

For info on booking private tours, please email Samantha Ellens at [email protected].

How Preservation Detroit is Addressing COVID-19 Concerns

Preservation Detroit is concerned with the health and safety of our tour program volunteers and tour attendees. We continue to monitor the CDC and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services guidelines regularly.

At this time, we are comfortable with leading tours at full capacity (20 guests) and requiring masks only when entering a building that requires masks. Of course, masks may be worn outdoors for tour attendees’ comfort.

Note: Some buildings remain closed or, if they are open, they may have restricted access and require a mask to be worn. Restroom facilities may be unavailable along the tour route.

If you are not feeling well or have any cold or flu-like symptoms, please do not come on the tour; we will gladly work to reschedule your tour. Contact Samantha Ellens at [email protected] to make arrangements.

When you purchase a ticket for a Preservation Detroit walking tour, you acknowledge and accept Preservation Detroit’s COVID-19 safety policies.

Host or Publisher Preservation Detroit