Detroit urbex is very popular. Many people love exploring Detroit’s abandoned buildings, houses, and other structures. These buildings and homes have such rich history, and because of this, many urban explorers and photographers travel to Detroit. From the Packard Automotive Plant to the Belle Isle Zoo, many urban explorers search for abandoned sites in the city to capture stunning photographs and videos.
UPDATE: As of January 2018, Pure Detroit is now offering tours of the Packard Plant! Click here to learn more.
I had an opportunity to experience my first urban exploring trip at the Highland Park Ford Plant. I was excited and nervous at the same time. Today, I’m sharing with you some of my photographs of my tour of the abandoned plant!
What is urbex?
Urbex is short for urban exploring. Urban exploring is when an explorer or photographer goes to an abandoned building or home to explore and take photographs.
Urban exploration (often shortened as urbex or UE, and sometimes known as ‘roof-and-tunnel hacking’) is the exploration of man-made structures, usually abandoned ruins or not usually seen components of the man-made environment. Photography and historical interest/documentation are heavily featured in the hobby and, although it may sometimes involve trespassing onto private property, this is not always the case. –“Urban Exploration”, Wikipedia.
As the above definition states, some people do urban exploration legally, while others do not. So there are mixed views on urbex. Personally, I like to do it the legal way. I have four children and a husband, so I’m not trying to get any tickets or get arrested for trespassing! đ This, of course, may limit me from which buildings I can explore since many buildings are closed to the public, but I’m okay with that!
Why urban exploration?
From the explorers and photographers I have met, they have told me they find urbex intriguing. They particularly find the history behind the abandoned sites fascinating. Others love to photograph abandoned buildings and objects because they are passionate about creating art or telling a story with their photographs.
Urbex is an acquired taste.
When I first learned of abandoned building photography, I was still living in Tennessee. I found the art on Instagram and I was awestruck. I was amazed at how photographers could find something that is abandoned or what one might consider âtrashâ and turn it into a work of art. Urbex is definitely very different and not everyone cares about abandoned building photography. I would say it is an acquired taste, just like beer.
Would I recommend Detroit urbex to you?
If you are interested in urban exploration in Detroit or a city near you, I would recommend you do your research first. Find a photography group or an organization which offers tours. Legal tours. I would never recommend you trespass or do something illegal. Yes, there are explorers who go about it differently. I’m not one of those explorers. So if you choose to explore a building without the owner’s permission, then you should know there are consequences to your choices.
Detroit Urbex: Highland Park Ford PlantÂ
First, let me get this part out of the way: the tour I took of Highland Park Ford Plant was legal and we had permission to explore the building. đ
A few months ago, I had the amazing opportunity to attend a photography tour of the Highland Park Ford Plant. It was my first time exploring and photographing an abandoned building. According to our group leader, our group was the last group to see the plant in its condition before the renovation. Being the last group to see the plant in its abandoned state made the experience even more special.
History of the Highland Park Ford Plant
Albert Kahn Associates designed the Highland Park Ford Plant in 1908. According to Wikipedia, the Ford Plant included offices, factories, a power plant, and a foundry. It became “the first automobile production facility in the world to implement the moving assembly line.” In 1978, Highland Park Ford Plant became a National Historic Landmark.
The Future of Highland Park Ford Plant
During my photo tour of the Ford Plant, our group leader told us the plant had new owners and would be renovated. I did a little research and found out the Woodward Avenue Action Association now owns the building. I’m just happy I got to tour part of the executive offices before the renovation.
The Highland Park Ford Plant has such a beautiful history. Many Detroiters have a family history dating back to when the automotive industry was booming many years ago. I have met people who have told me their fathers, uncles, and grandfathers used to work at the plant. I have also read articles about the history of Highland Park Ford Plant and the many people who had family who worked for Ford. With such a rich history, I hope there will be more positive changes in the Highland Park Ford Plant!
Wow!! This is really fascinating. I’ve never heard of urbex. So cool!
Thanks Inez
[…] Detroit Urbex: Exploring Highland Park Ford Plant […]
Have never been to Detroit, but definitely loved your article especially the pictures.Very nice snaps there of city rubble.
Thanks for sharing! I don’t know too much about Detroit so it’s great to read about it.
I love pictures like this! Taking them is a talent that I myself don’t have but yours are wonderful!
These photos are great! You managed to turn something so historic and forgotten about into art. Thanks for sharing!
There are plenty of abandoned fascinating buildings in my home town and I wish I had the guts to explore them!
The pictures are phenomenal. Great eye! Thanks for sharing.
This seems like a photographers DREAM! Adventure and beautiful photos…love this.
I have heard so much about this from my Detroit friends and I find the pictures absolutely amazing!
Thank you for sharing!!
I’ve honestly never heard of urbex but it looks quite intriguing! I’d consider my seeking out of street art “urban exploration” đ
Cool post and neat pics, Jennifer! Lots of folks are getting into Urbex…glad you and your family had a chance to legally explore. đ
I agree that it’s art. The fact that it has historical significance makes it worth photographing. I’ll have to share this article with my friend photographer.
Your photos came out really great. You definitely have a great eye.
Never heard or urbex before, but since i’m not too far from the D, I will for sure book a tour.
I hadn’t heard of Urbex, but this looks like a great photographic area and to capture these images is quite impressive!
I had no idea this had a name to it, or that it even existed. Wonder is it possible to do nearby in the south?
Hey, Toya! There is urbex in the South! I have seen it in Memphis and Nashville.
This is interesting I have never heard of urbex before! Abandoned buildings are very intriguing I always imagine what people lived there, what they did, etc.
Interesting! I had no idea that this hobby even existed. I don’t think it’s for me, but I can see why people would love doing it.
Thank you for sharing your photographs. There is so much beauty in our everyday world and I enjoyed seeing your vision.
Thank you, Sonia! That’s really kind of you to say. I appreciate it.
Wow, new word of the day for me. I have always liked taking pictures of old houses (the falling down, door off the hinges, overgrown grass kind). Congrats on catching the last tour. Look forward to maybe seeing more urbex photos.
I love these type of post. I remember reading about this on the Dailymail website. xx
Oh wow this is a completely different idea for me – sounds interesting and thank you for sharing!
Your photos are incredible!
Very cool! I love to look at pictures and watch videos of abandoned buildings.
What a bit of history. I love old building like that and it is great they are going to renovate it!
I think l would enjoy this. My hubby is a photographer and would love it as well. It’s always great to find out the fascinating history of buildings or areas and what leads to their abandonment.
Looks like such an interesting place! Love your photos!
This looks like an amazingly good time!
These are great photos. First time hearing of urbex.
Oh wow! That is an amazing opportunity as I am a part time photographer this would be such a wonderful experience as I’m always on the hunt here in NY for interesting places to photograph.
Thank you so much for sharing! I love this! I’ve always loved exploring abandoned buildings. It started as a kid and continues today. I love finding old gems left behind, imagining all the stories that took place behind the walls and how it brought it to what it became. I wish there was a way I could figure out how to do it legally here. Maybe call the city government where I live and they could point me in the right direction?
Thank you for sharing. These are some really great photos.
Your photography is beautiful. I love industrial photography and capturing a time in our history. Nice job!
So cool! As a person who is growing to love photography, this is something I would definitely want to do. My husband, on the other hand, would go along just to make sure I didn;t hurt myself. LOL
Hi, Ayanna! I know a lot of people are concerned with the safety of urbex. There is no guarantee you won’t get hurt, unfortunately. When I went, I made sure to avoid unstable staircases and walk where the floor was sturdy. I hope you get to try urbex sometime!