Are you looking to complete a clinical experience in a location where the great outdoors make a seamless transition to an urban and suburban setting? Michigan, which is also known as the Great Lake State, touches four out of five Great Lakes and is anchored by the city of Detroit. This setting has made the state, and specifically the Metro Detroit area, quite popular. In fact, Detroit comes second to Chicago for the highest population in a Midwestern city.

For a snapshot of this city, and why you should consider a clinical experience in the surrounding area, check out the following collection of places to see, activities to do, and foods to eat in Detroit!

Places to See

  • Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge

Located on the shore of Lake Erie, the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge is home to fish and wildlife native to Michigan. If you are interested in learning about these creatures, consider visiting this area any day of the week during daylight hours.

  • Motown Museum

Did you know that Motown music was named after Detroit’s nickname, Motor City? At the Motown Museum, you can learn about the history of Motown music and the performers who create the sound of the ‘60s. If you leave the museum wanting more, you might want to check out this map of historical Detroit homes belonging to Motown greats like Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye, and Stevie Wonder.

  • Belle Isle Park

Belle Isle Park is a breath of fresh air for visitors to Detroit. The 900+ acre park has plenty of outdoor and indoor space, making it a great weekend trip no matter what the weather is. The area houses a conservatory, aquarium, museum, zoo, and athletic fields. The park is open year-round.

Things to Do

  • Listen to Live Music

No matter what your taste in music is, Detroit has the perfect place for you to enjoy some tunes. For those interested in opera or musicals, a trip to the Fox Theatre is a good option. For those who enjoy grunge and alternative music, a venue like Saint Andrew’s Hall might be a better fit. If both of the above options don’t fit your interests, you might consider an evening at Cliff Bell’s for jazz music and a drink.

  • Shop Outdoors at the Eastern Market

As the oldest market in Detroit, the Eastern Market has amassed a cult-like following. Fruit and veggie eaters and handicraft lovers flock to the 43-acre space on Tuesdays and Sundays during the warmer parts of the year. The market is home to a variety of vendors, restaurants, and art, inviting visitors to make their trip to the market a day-long experience.

  • Walk, Run, or Bike the RiverWalk

After a long flight in a cramped aircraft, you may need to stretch out your legs. The Detroit RiverWalk is the perfect place to do so. Spanning more than 5 miles, the riverfront is open to walkers, runners, bikers, and sightseers looking to experience Detroit’s culture while on the move. Stops along the RiverWalk include Belle Isle Park, the Aretha Franklin Amphitheater, and two harbors.

Foods to Eat

  • Detroit-Style Pizza

You may be familiar with Chicago-style or deep-dish pizza, but you probably haven’t heard of Detroit-style pizza. The iconic thick rectangular dough topped with cheese, tomato, and any number of toppings is considered by most Detroit natives to be a slice of heaven. When it comes to picking a Detroit pizza joint to try this delicious dough, there are a ton of options. If you are looking for authentic pizza, try Buddy’s Pizza. If you want more eclectic toppings, like ghost peppers or gyro meat, stop by Amar Pizza.

  • Boston Cooler

Forget about root beer floats, try a ginger ale float. Ginger ale floats, also called Boston Coolers or Vernors Floats, were invented in Detroit over a decade ago. Over the years, the drink has become a Detroit staple served in both restaurants and at home. If you happen to be in Detroit on a hot day, you may consider stopping off at the Mercury Burger Bar for an ice-cold Boston Cooler.

  • Apple Cider Donuts

Michigan produces almost 100 million pounds of apples annually. These apples come from the 11 million apple trees sprinkled around the state. If you find yourself in Michigan, be sure to stop by an orchard for an apple or a homemade apple confection. At most orchards, you can find a spread of jams, pies, and even donuts. If you don’t have time to stop by an orchard, consider a trip to the Apple Fritter Donut Shop, they have plenty of fried treats to go around.

Clinical Experiences in Metro Detroit

While AMO does not currently offer any experiences directly within Detroit, we do offer many in the Metro Detroit area. These clinical experiences take place in the cities of Ann Arbor, Dearborn, Oak Park, Southfield, and West Bloomfield, all of which are less than an hour from Detroit. This means you can spend your weekends or evenings in the city, visiting some of the locations highlighted above. Explore clinical experiences in Michigan >

 

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