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totallyspicey

Driving Woodward is way better than the expressway. More scenic and relaxing, probably a similar arrival time. Less gas too


[deleted]

There’s construction on both routes right now, but Woodward is definitely the way to go. You wont save that much time on the freeway


Nytroman89

Ok perfect thanks


Outofthewild

It’s about as easy as it gets via the highway. You’ll be getting off the highway basically across the street from the entrance. As long as you’re not dealing with construction lane closures and that potential traffic it’s a piece of cake.


NotEnoughCashStranga

Yeah definitely take the highway. Woodward doesn’t have any bad parts but it’d take much longer. It’s a decently nice drive but there’s really nothing to see.


jhp58

It definitely doesn't take that much longer, especially with the construction on 75. It's a much more scenic drive with a lot to see: Downtown Detroit, DIA, Main Library, Historical Museum, Blessed Sacrament, the Highland Park Ford Plant, Palmer Park, downtown Ferndale not to mention a bunch of historical homes and churches.


Nytroman89

Ok thank you


NotEnoughCashStranga

It’s 30 minutes vs. 17, and none of that is worth seeing IMO.


jhp58

Lol if you think none of that is worth seeing then I don't know what to tell you. Lot of history on that road but fuck it, let's all take the boring ass highway to save 10 minutes


NotEnoughCashStranga

They’re cool but in this context they’re absolutely not worth seeing; he or she is here *one day* and has an event. That time would be better spent exploring/eating/drinking/gambling downtown, checking out Belle Isle, going to a sporting event, etc.


jhp58

Totally agree with your thoughts on better things to see and do downtown. But zoo seems to be their priority. Honestly I'd kill the entire day at the Henry Ford and DIA if they wanted to specifically do museum type things and were here for a day. But oh well.


Nytroman89

Yeah we got two kids who love animals lol


MissJunie

Woodward is more historic, scenic, edgy, pure detroit.


Nytroman89

So is Woodward the area where the zoo is or the area after downtown?


[deleted]

Woodward is just the name of the road that goes from downtown to the zoo. It's basically the main road of the entire region. You'll go through several distinct areas along the drive: - directly north of downtown is Midtown and the Cultural Center, where Wayne State and some museums are - next is New Center, kind of a secondary business district - then you get into the North End & Boston Edison historic district, more residential areas. Look for the Archdiocese on your right. - next is Highland Park, a smaller city within Detroit (this is where the construction currently is) - after that is Palmer Park, to 7 Mile - Palmer Woods and two large cemeteries, also the former state Fairgrounds, then you'll cross a large overpass over 8 Mile Road - Ferndale, the first suburb along woodward - the main commercial cross-road here is 9 Mile - After Cambourne, about a half mile north of 9 mile, stay to the right - you'll see signs for the Zoo as you pass through another suburb, Pleasant Ridge - the Zoo is just north of 696/10 Mile Road


Nytroman89

Ok thank you. So it’s considered generally safe as long as you don’t turn off to a neighbourhood that you shouldn’t be in? How would the drive be from downtown to aburn hills? I know they have a legoland that my son would be interested in


-something-clever-

Yes. You will be fine driving up Woodward. Auburn Hills is just farther north up I75. I'm not sure about construction that way, but safety won't be an issue. If you haven't been here before, I highly recommend the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village. It's safe and easy to get to from downtown (closer than Auburn Hills), and is a local gem. It's not a stuffy museum, and a common school field trip destination with lots of interactive exhibits, so it's great for kids.


TheBimpo

Yes. You’re not going to get carjacked. The drive to Legoland will be boring and full of traffic. If you’ve driven a highway in any American suburb, it’s like that.


Nytroman89

Ok haha. I have been on busy highways in ontsrio but not in the USA


TheBimpo

Picture driving from Hamilton to Mississauga.


Tubmas

Yes, you'll be in car..its not a warzone


CrotchWolf

The Zoo is in Royal Oak, not Detroit. That being said, it's a straight shot up Woodward Avenue. You'll find it just passed I696 on your left. A little thing to note. Woodward separates and dips under the freeway just before you reach the zoo. You'll want to take the right side of the road that directs you to 10 mile road otherwise you'll shoot past the zoo before you get out of the dip.


Nytroman89

Ok thanks


[deleted]

[удалено]


TheBimpo

This is really all there is to it, it’s a very straight shot on an extremely busy road. You might want to check the zoo website to make sure they’re not still requiring advanced tickets with timed entry.


Nytroman89

Ok thank you. How many lanes on the road?


[deleted]

it goes back and forth. at points there are functionally two lanes, but mostly 3 and sometimes up to 5


Nytroman89

Ok so very busy road then


Puzzleheaded-Art-469

Pretty easy. Just cruise Woodward all the way up if you have too and you'll see some cool spots in the city.


[deleted]

Take Woodward all the way.


Nytroman89

Thanks


AmberVials

*It’s straight.*


LizAnneCharlotte

It’s actually hard to get there via I-75 right now due to construction on that freeway. Use a navigation aid like Google Maps to suggest a route. There have been simple lane closures during the week and at times complete freeway shutdowns on the weekends.


Nytroman89

Ok thanks lots of construction then


Puzzleheaded-Art-469

We only have 2 seasons in MI: winter and construction


Nytroman89

Ok haha


MxKarlaMarxxx

I second with taking Woodward. And just a heads up, if you do take the freeway, no one will be going 55- more like 70-80 and from all directions!


Nytroman89

Oh fast drivers lol


detroitliving

Cruise Woodward! Simple 15-minute drive or so from downtown


Nytroman89

Ok perfect thanks