Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, or as the cool kids call it, DTW. You might think it’s just a place to catch a flight, but there’s more to this airport than meets the eye. So, buckle up, folks. Here are 10 things you didn’t know about DTW:
1. “The Tunnel of Lights”:
DTW has a tunnel connecting Concourse A with Concourses B and C, and it’s like something out of a sci-fi movie. As you walk through, you’re treated to a mesmerizing light show. It’s like Christmas all year round.
2. Smith Terminal’s Time Capsule:
Inside the old Smith Terminal, they’ve buried a time capsule. Rumor has it, it’s filled with disco balls, lava lamps, and a Bee Gees greatest hits cassette. They’re saving it for future generations to enjoy the ’70s in style.
3. There’s a Viking Ship:
Okay, not a real one, but a replica of a Viking ship. It’s in the North Terminal, and it’s a little piece of Scandinavia right there in Detroit. They even have IKEA instructions for it.
4. There’s a Tunnel to Canada:
DTW has a secret underground tunnel to Canada. Just kidding. But seriously, it’s so close to the Canadian border that you can almost smell the poutine. You can even catch a glimpse of Canada from some of the airport’s windows.
5. The Wildlife Control Team:
DTW has its own wildlife control team. They don’t wrestle with bears, but they make sure no unwanted critters are disrupting your flight. You won’t find any raccoons making a run for it down the runway.
6. The Big Slide:
Forget the escalators, DTW’s McNamara Terminal has a ginormous slide. You can use it instead of the regular stairs. It’s like the airport’s version of a water park slide, minus the water.
7. Local Art Galore:
The airport is an art gallery. It showcases local artists and their incredible work. You might find yourself gazing at a beautiful painting and momentarily forget that you’re in an airport.
8. It’s HUGE:
DTW is so massive that it could practically have its own zip code. Seriously, you might need a GPS just to find your gate. Don’t be surprised if you see some travelers setting up camp and declaring themselves “explorers.”
9. Aircraft Observation Deck:
There’s a cool observation deck in the North Terminal. You can watch planes take off and land like a pro. It’s like watching your own private airshow.
10. And the Most Important Thing:
The people of Detroit love their airport. They’ve even nicknamed it “Detroit Metro.” It’s a place where friendships are made, reunions happen, and it’s the start of countless adventures.
So, next time you’re at DTW, remember that it’s not just a place to catch a flight; it’s an airport with a sense of humor, a taste for art, and a whole lot of surprises waiting for you. Detroit, you sure know how to keep the skies entertaining.