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Detroit Train Station Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, sourced answers about Michigan Central Station’s name, history, architecture, closure, restoration, and public access.
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Common questions about Michigan Central Station
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What is the Detroit train station called?
Its official name is Michigan Central Station. It is also known historically as Michigan Central Depot, and many people simply call it the old Detroit train station.
Where is Michigan Central Station?
The station is in Detroit’s Corktown area, west of downtown and near Michigan Avenue. Visitor parking is directed to the Bagley Mobility Hub at 1501 Wabash Street.
When did Michigan Central Station open?
It entered service on December 26, 1913, after a fire destroyed the railroad’s older Third Street depot.
Who designed Michigan Central Station?
The station was designed by Warren & Wetmore and Reed & Stem, firms also associated with New York’s Grand Central Terminal.
How tall is the station?
The complex includes a three-story passenger depot and an 18-story office tower. Different sources sometimes count tower levels differently because of mezzanines and building configuration.
How many passengers used the station?
Michigan Central reports that the station served about 4,000 passengers a day at its peak.
Why did Michigan Central Station close?
Passenger rail declined as automobiles, highways, and air travel expanded. The enormous building became difficult to maintain with fewer trains and travelers, and the final passenger train departed in January 1988.
When was the last train?
The final passenger train left Michigan Central Station for Chicago on January 5, 1988.
How long was the station abandoned?
The building sat vacant for about three decades, from its 1988 closure until Ford acquired it in 2018 and began the restoration process.
When did Ford buy Michigan Central Station?
Ford Motor Company acquired the station in 2018.
How much work went into the restoration?
Michigan Central reports more than 1.7 million work hours, more than 3,000 skilled tradespeople, 3.5 million gallons of water removed from the basement, and 3,990 cubic yards of debris hauled away.
When did the restored station reopen?
The historic reopening celebration began in June 2024, with the restored ground floor welcoming the public.
Is Michigan Central Station a train station today?
It is no longer Detroit’s regular intercity passenger rail terminal. The restored building now serves as the centerpiece of a technology and cultural campus.
Can visitors go inside?
Yes, during posted public hours and events. Guided tours are also offered. Always check Michigan Central’s official visitor page because access can change.
Does this website sell tickets or represent Michigan Central?
No. DetroitTrainStation.com is an independent informational and historical guide. It is not affiliated with Ford Motor Company, Michigan Central, Amtrak, or the former Michigan Central Railroad.
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