The history of Prohibition in Detroit is full of rum runners, bootleggers, and blind pigs. But Prohibition was more than just booze—it was a period when crime and criminals ruled the streets and terrified citizens. More than any other era in the city’s history, the “dry” years featured the worst of the worst.

We’ll take you to the places where rogue cops met their end, put you in the footsteps of Detroit’s toughest crooks, and show you the playground of the “good and greats.” We’ll cover the snatch racket, guns for hire, and the “Last Stand of the Purple Gang.” We’ll go beyond suds and bathtub gin to dive into the bloody waters of Detroit’s criminal past.

This tour is our follow-up to “Felonies and Misdemeanors: The Detroit Cops and Mobsters Bus Tour,” but if you haven’t made it to that one yet, don’t worry. These are standalone tours that cover different material and can be experienced together or independently.

Because drinking and swearing are part of this history, all public bus tours are strictly for guests 21 years of age and older.

The tour leaves promptly at the ticketed time. Late arrivals can not be accommodated.

This tour departs from and returns to The Detroit History Club, (3103 Commor St., Hamtramck, MI 48212.) Parking is on street. Doors to the club open 30 minutes before ticketed tour start time. Guests are invited to come inside, check into the tour, and relax until the departure time.

Your order confirmation email will serve as your only ticket. Please save your email and be prepared to show it on your phone or printed to board the bus. (We do this to avoid the ticketing fees that come along with ticketing systems. The price of your ticket will remain the same throughout checkout with no added fees for tax.)

If you have a large group consider booking any of our fabulous tours as a private charter. We can arrange to pick your group up from any location, on any day and any time. Check out our Private Tours link for more information.