Location: Michigan | Length: 25.5 miles | Designation: All-American Road
Journey through the birthplace of the American automotive industry along Woodward Avenue, one of only a select few All-American Roads in the nation. This 25.5-mile route from Jefferson Avenue in downtown Detroit to Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard in Pontiac traces the very path where Henry Ford test-drove his first Quadricycle and where America’s car culture was born.
Along this historic corridor, you’ll discover the Detroit Institute of Arts, the stunning Fisher Building with its ornate golden tower, and the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant where the Model T was conceived. Pass through charming communities like Ferndale, Royal Oak, and Birmingham, each offering walkable downtowns filled with local shops and restaurants.
The route showcases stunning examples of early 20th-century architecture, from grand Art Deco theaters to historic automotive factories that shaped modern manufacturing. Car enthusiasts will recognize landmarks from decades of the famous Woodward Dream Cruise.
Best Time to Visit: Late spring through fall offers ideal weather, though August’s Dream Cruise weekend transforms the route into the world’s largest one-day automotive celebration.
Allow: 2-4 hours for a leisurely drive with stops, or a full day to explore museums and attractions along the way.
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