The land currently called Wyandotte has been home to many peoples, but before being populated by Irish, Polish, Italian and German immigrants, it was home to the Wyandot Indian Tribe. Wyandotte's history began in the early 1730s when a remnant tribe of the Huron Indians, or the Wendot or Wyandot, settled on the banks of the Detroit River. They were followed in the early 1840s by while settlers, including John Clark, General Macomb, Dr. Delavan and Major John Biddle - several of the area founders. Biddle built a "gentleman farm" on 2,200 acres and called it "The Wyandotte." The house currently stands on the same property as the Wyandotte Museum, or the Ford-MacNichol Home, an 1896 restored Queene Anne Victorian home. Wyandotte was incorporated in 1867.

After the 1840s, the history of Wyandotte was mainly shaped by the industries within its boundaries. Drilling produced no fuel, however a large salt bed was discovered. It was an important discovery because salt was a key ingredient of soda ash which was used to make plate glass. The chemical industry is still strong today in Wyandotte, which is home to BASF, formerly the Wyandotte Chemicals Company, a producer of cleaners, soap and other detergents. Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital is another major employer in the area.

Wyandotte is a city of 13 parks nestled on the banks of the Detroit River opposite the northern tip of Grosse Isle. Bishop Park, at 12.2 acres, is one of the largest green spaces in the city offering picnic areas, tennis, fishing and a river view. It is also the host of the area's annual Heritage Days Program, a popular event held each September. Yack Arena is home base for the Wyandotte Figure Skating Club and the Wyandotte/Riverview Hockey Association. Other popular recreational venues are Key Park, BASF Waterfront Park, Wyandotte Boat Ramp and Wyandotte Shores Golf Course.

Of course, residents are also in close proximity to all the amenities available in Detroit. They may choose from several popular destinations such as the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Belle Isle park, the Detroit Institute of Arts, professional sports and 18 major shopping malls. Wyandotte has grown from in industrial town to a residential city, but still maintains its small-town atmosphere.