Leave Clinton, Ohio around 8:00 AM via I-75 N toward Best Western Greenfield Inn in Allen Park. The drive is roughly three hours without stops, though Saturday traffic near Toledo and Detroit can add time. Since hotel check-in may not be ready, call ahead to ask about leaving your luggage at the front desk; the hotel has free parking, making it easy to continue sightseeing by car. From the hotel, Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation is about 10 minutes away, with ample on-site parking. Plan approximately 2½ hours for the museum, whose exhibits range from presidential artifacts to landmark automobiles and American technology. Admission is generally around $30–$40 per adult, and arriving near opening helps you avoid the busiest crowds.
After the museum, walk or drive across the complex to Greenfield Village for about two hours. The historic buildings, working demonstrations, and shaded paths make this a pleasant change of pace after the indoor galleries; wear comfortable shoes and bring water, especially in August. Tickets are typically in the $30–$40 range, though combination admission for both attractions can be better value. If you want lunch without adding another stop, the village has casual food stands and historic-style eateries, but keep the meal fairly light so you have time to wander. Return to Best Western Greenfield Inn afterward to freshen up, then allow 25–35 minutes to reach The Apparatus Room in downtown Detroit, depending on traffic and parking.
Reserve an early dinner at The Apparatus Room, ideally around 5:30 or 6:00 PM. Set in the former Detroit Fire Department headquarters, it offers polished, contemporary cooking with a distinctly Detroit focus; expect roughly $75–$125 per person before drinks, tax, and gratuity. Valet parking or a nearby paid garage is easiest, and an early reservation leaves time afterward for a relaxed walk. Finish at the Detroit RiverWalk, about a 10-minute drive from the restaurant, for a 45-minute stroll along the river and views toward Canada. Go east toward Rivertown if you want a quieter stretch, and bring a light layer—the riverfront can feel noticeably cooler after sunset.
Leave Best Western Greenfield Inn around 7:45–8:00 AM and drive roughly 20–25 minutes to Eastern Market. Sunday is quieter than the famous Saturday market, so check the market calendar before departing; the district’s sheds and many vendors typically operate on Saturday, while Sunday is better for murals, cafés, and the surrounding food businesses. Plan about 1½ hours to walk the market area, browse local products, and photograph the murals. Street parking and paid lots are available, but arrive early for the easiest parking. From there, allow 10–15 minutes by car to Detroit Institute of Arts in Midtown; its Sunday hours are commonly late morning through afternoon, and admission policies or hours can change, so reserve tickets or verify online first. Give yourself about two hours, especially for Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry murals and the museum’s European and American galleries. General admission is often around $14–$20 for adults, with special exhibitions extra.
Walk or drive a few minutes through Midtown to Selden Standard for a relaxed brunch or lunch of seasonal small plates—budget approximately $35–$60 per person before drinks. Reservations are wise, and the restaurant’s weekend service hours can vary, so confirm the current Sunday schedule. After lunch, drive about 15–20 minutes to Belle Isle Park. The island is ideal for an unhurried loop drive with river and skyline views; allow roughly 1½ hours, stopping at the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory or Belle Isle Aquarium only if their Sunday hours line up with your visit. The park is free, but Michigan’s Recreation Passport or a small out-of-state vehicle entry fee may apply. Keep an eye on the clock and aim to leave Belle Isle by about 2:30 PM.
Take I-94 west toward Ann Arbor, then stop at Trader Joe’s in Ann Arbor roughly 45–60 minutes into the drive for groceries, coffee, and a proper leg stretch; verify the store’s Sunday hours before leaving Detroit. From Ann Arbor, continue south on US-23, then connect with I-75 south toward Clinton, Ohio. The full drive from Detroit is approximately 3½–4 hours without stops, though Sunday traffic around Ann Arbor, Toledo, and construction zones can add time. Try to leave the Trader Joe’s stop with plenty of daylight remaining, and allow another 2½–3 hours from Ann Arbor to Clinton.