If you love classic cars, motorcycles, and automotive history, Ypsilanti is the place for you! Located 36 miles away from Detroit, the city of Ypsilanti has a rich history of rear-engines, hatchbacks, hardtops, and more. Keep reading to learn about ways you can worship automotive heritage in Ypsilanti, Michigan. (Click the links for more information on dates for these awesome auto events and attractions.)

 

Depot Town Cruise Nights
Every Thursday in June through August, Depot Town is transformed into classic car heaven! Endless classic rides roll into historic Depot Town, and attendees can gaze upon their glory (for free!) before dining at one of the many delicious Depot Town hot spots.

 

Depot Town Bike Night
Do you prefer cruising around on two wheels? Check out Depot Town Bike Night on Tuesdays year round (weather permitting)! This event takes place from 5:30pm-9pm. Arrive early and check out Cafe Racer in Depot Town. They specialize in British and Japanese cafe racers. VROOM! 

 

Michigan Vintage Volkswagen Festival
Dust off your bell-bottoms and platform shoes for the Vintage Volkswagen Festival in Riverside Park! The Michigan Vintage Volkswagen Club has been around since 1987, and do a fantastic job sharing the VW love with the area during this groovy event. The car show celebrates ALL variations of the VW – originals, restorations, customs, race cars, drag cars, kit cars, dune buggies, trikes, ratrods, and daily beaters. 

 

Camaro Superfest
The Chevrolet Camaro has been a coveted cruiser since its original production in 1966. Celebrate the pony car at this fantastic event which features hundreds of Camaros, historic and modern. Bonus Info: Registration will be available until the day of the event. 

 

Firetruck Muster
These four-wheeled monster vehicles are known for saving lives and transporting heroes. Get an up close and personal view of these intricate machines, and revel in the red at the Firetruck Muster in Riverside Park. This event is free and fun for the whole family. Don’t be shy, and ask one of the demonstrators to run the fire hose, or sound off a siren! 

 

Orphan Car Show
Tulsas, Tuckers, Corvairs, and Chalmers. Ever heard of these makes and models? Discover a unique aspect of automobile history at the Orphan Car Show – a celebration of defunct vehicles. Some of these vehicles are very rare, and travel from all over the state and country to strut their stuff. Don’t miss this roaring event in Riverside Park. 

 

Ton-Up Motorcycle & Music Festival
Bikes and beats is the name of the game for Ton-Up Motorcycle & Music Festival. Old, new, and custom motorcycles line the streets of Depot Town every year for a family-friendly event. Live music takes place throughout the festival, so everyone is sure to be entertained at this event! 

 

Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum

This museum is housed at the last Hudson dealership in the world and features stories regarding Tucker, the Willow Run Plant, and more Ypsilanti automotive history (such as the defunct Corvair). An official affiliate of MotorCities National Heritage Area, YAHM showcases 30 vintage automobiles, and a collection of advertising, service, repair, and promotional items that were essential to the automobile business of the 20’s, 30’s, 40’s and 50’s. 

 

Michigan Firehouse Museum

All the bells, whistles, extinguishers, and helmets you could ever imagine are at the Michigan Firehouse Museum. This historic landmark was once home to Ypsilanti’s finest firefighters. Now, children and adults can explore and marvel over modern and historic firetrucks, and firefighter gear in this beautiful facility. 

 

ModelCave
Okay, now it’s time to get your hands dirty…or gluey. ModelCave, located in Downtown Ypsilanti, stocks thousands of model kits and the tools needed to build them! It’s one thing to ride in a classic car, but it’s an entirely new level of appreciation to build them with your own hands. ModelCave also welcomes special orders. If you don’t see your favorite classic ride in stock, they will do their best to order it on your behalf! 

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