Detroit has a long history of being a city known for innovation. While it has experienced some troubled times in recent years, it is now experiencing a major comeback that is being fueled by young entrepreneurs who want to preserve, nurture and expand upon all the things that make Detroit great. This means that the city is pulsing with positive and creative energy that is transforming it into a place that will be ready to lead. With a diverse population, deep cultural history, prime location and plenty of world-class hospitals, Detroit is attracting highly skilled healthcare professionals. That is why more travel nurses are making Detroit their home for 13 weeks or more. Learn more about what the city has to offer.
Eating out in Detroit
Detroit is a fairly expansive city that is home to a diverse population of immigrants and different ethnic groups. The area is home to the largest Arab and Albanian populations in the country and also hosts significant Polish, Greek, Italian and Romanian communities. This rich diversity directly translates into a diverse food scene where you can sample authentic dishes from around the world. You won’t need a passport to experience delicious cuisine. Perhaps best of all, the city’s recent resurgence has attracted even more restaurateurs and award-winning chefs, which means that the offerings are expanding by the day. While it is hard to narrow down your choices, here are some suggestions to help you navigate the Detroit food scene.
If you love Italian food and pasta is your comfort food, San Morello (opens in new tab)should be at the top of your list. It is the creation of James-Beard award winning chef, Andrew Camellini, who has restaurants in cities across the country. San Morello is located in the Shinola Hotel (opens in new tab)and offers modern decor that also features traditional Italian art and details, including beautiful and colorful tiled walls. The ambiance is warm and inviting, which will only add to the experience as you enjoy a full menu of dips, antipasti dishes, specialty drinks and fresh pasta. There is a lot to choose from, but you can’t go wrong with “My Grandmother’s Ravioli.”
As with most cities, Detroit has experienced a surge in food trucks. These mobile restaurants are great for serving up food at festivals, sporting events and the daily lunch rush downtown. YumVillage (opens in new tab)is one example of a truck that was able to build a loyal following and use their success to open a brick and mortar location. Now, you can head to the New Center neighborhood and enjoy West African and Caribbean dishes any time. The restaurant is also notable for their commitment to keeping prices low while still providing employees with a livable wage. You can feel good about supporting this local business and it doesn’t hurt that the food is delicious. The tender oxtail shouldn’t be missed and be sure the cool village combo, which features curry, jollof rice and plantain is another local favorite.
Must-See Attractions in Detroit
Whether you are looking to get outdoors, take in some culture or learn about the history of the Motor City, there are plenty of excellent attractions. Art lovers will find a relatively hidden gem in the Detroit Institute of Art (opens in new tab). The building itself is an impressive architectural feat and its extensive galleries are home to rare paintings, sculptures and collections from all over the world. While Michiganders are aware of the caliber of the museum, it tends to fly low on the radar compared to other big city museums.
You won’t be able to take everything in during one visit, so try to plan your visit so that you can see some favorites. Be sure to spend some time exploring the atrium, which is covered from floor to ceiling with murals painted by Diego Rivera (opens in new tab). His work depicts the history of the city and its ties to the auto industry. The museum also has an impressive Egyptian collection that includes a sarcophagus.
The Henry Ford Museum
The Henry Ford Museum is considered a historic landmark and provides a large indoor and outdoor museum that celebrates 300 years of American history and innovation. You visit the working farm and see first hand how early settlers farmed the land. There are also other live demonstrations where you can watch tradespeople in authentic period clothing practice their crafts. The grounds are split into historic districts so that you can literally walk through time. Some highlights include: John F. Kennedy’s presidential limousine, the Rosa Parks bus, Thomas Edison’s laboratory and the Wright Brothers’ bicycle shop. A visit to the museum is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see historic relics in person.
Hitsville, USA
Detroit is known as both the Motor city and as the birthplace of Motown. You can visit Hitsville, USA, which was first purchased by Berry Gordy in 1959 and went on to become a recording studio. The Temptations, Supremes, Smokey Robinson and the Marvelettes all recorded hit songs at this location. Today, it is a museum where you can see the studio’s famous grand piano, see what old recording equipment looked like and see rare collectibles such as Michael Jackson’s famous studded glove.
The Detroit Zoo
The zoo should also be at the top of your must-see list during your stay in Detroit. You can pack your own lunch and spend the day wandering 125 acres that are home to 235 different species. The penguin and butterfly houses are crowd favorites. You can even sign up to feed the giraffes and walk through the Australian habitat where you will be just feet from kangaroos without any barriers to separate you from the wildlife. It is also easy to spend hours observing the gorillas as they interact. The Detroit Zoo provides a great way to spend the day and while learning about animals and enjoying the outdoors.
Detroit Riverfront and Ambassador Bridge
One of the best ways to experience the city and take in the skyline is to walk to the riverfront, which stretches for 5.5 miles. It is home to marinas, restaurants, parks and other public gathering spaces that often host concerts and other events throughout the year. Take a bike ride or jog along the greenway and get some exercise while you explore Detroit.
The riverfront ends at the Ambassador Bridge (opens in new tab). If you have your passport or endorsed license, you can travel across the bridge and right into Canada. You can spend time exploring Ontario and you can claim yourself as an international traveler.
Enjoy the Michigan Outdoors
While Michigan winters can be harsh, spring, summer and fall are all beautiful times of year and Detroit offers plenty of nearby parks that will help you escape the big city and enjoy the outdoors. You don’t have to travel far to enjoy the scenery at the William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor (opens in new tab), which sits on the banks of the river. There are walking paths, picnic tables, shelters, a lighthouse and beautiful views of Detroit, the river and Canada.
Balduck Park (opens in new tab)provides another urban oasis where can find people exercising and engaging in some friendly competition throughout the year. The forest area attracts joggers and their dogs, while the baseball diamonds and soccer fields host games for players of all ages. During the winter, you can break out your sled and take advantage of the park’s sizable hill for some winter fun.
If you are traveling with your canine companion, you will probably find yourself spending some regular time at the Midtown Detroit Dog Park (opens in new tab). Your dog can get out some pent up energy and you can socialize with other dog owners. It is a great place to talk to locals and get more tips about visiting and living in the city.
Finally, a stay in Detroit wouldn’t be complete without spending some time at the historic Belle Isle park, which sits in the Detroit River and provides 982 acres of attractions. You can reach the island by car and many people simply bring their bike and a picnic and spend the day exploring. However, you can also visit the aquarium, nature center, the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, the Dossin Great Lakes Museum and much more. The Isle began development around 1863 and has served as a truly unique place for locals. While it faced economic hardships in the early 2000s, conservancy efforts have helped restore the park to its former glory and ensure that it will be around for future generations to enjoy.
Catching a Show in Detroit
Detroit is full of historic theaters and venues that host a wide variety of shows. The Fox Theatre (opens in new tab)was originally a movie theater, but has since been converted into a venue that hosts musicians, comedians and other big name performers. You can’t miss the famous Fox marquee that lights up Woodward Avenue and you will be just as impressed by the interior design and decor. It is a truly beautiful venue that speaks to the long history of Detroit and helps to make any show feel special.
The Detroit Opera House (opens in new tab)is located just down the street from the Fox Theatre in the same historic district. The building was designed by famed architect C. Howard Crane (opens in new tab)and was the fifth biggest in the world when it was constructed in 1922. It was meant to emulate and rival European opera houses when it came to both acoustics and grandeur. Over the coming years, the theater would face many challenges and closures. However, it was fully restored and reopened in the late 1980s and has since become a staple of the city’s landscape. You are sure to be in awe of the crystal chandeliers, marble staircases and frescoes that decorate the interior. Get your tickets and take in classic and modern operas along with ballet performances.
For a truly unique entertainment experience, check out the line-up at The Masonic Temple (opens in new tab). You won’t find a venue quite like this anywhere else in the world. The complex is the largest of its kind and features two theaters and a third that was never completed but is still used occasionally by film crews. The massive building was also meant to house ballrooms, a cafeteria, and 16 bowling lanes. In total, there are 1037 rooms that feature a wide variety of artist details inspired by everything from sculptures to Italian castles. All this creates an eclectic space and a one-of-a-kind venue. Today, the temple hosts comedians, podcasts tours, afterparties and all sorts of events.
The casinos industry has played a major role in the economic resurgence of Detroit and has helped encourage tourism along with major business developments. The MGM Grand (opens in new tab), MotorCity Casino and Greektown Casino (opens in new tab)each provide a long list of restaurants, shops, spas, nightclubs and other attractions. You can enjoy a great meal, some gambling and a world-class show from big name performers such as Wyclef Jean, Eddie Griffin and Brian McKnight.
A Haven for Sports Fans
Historically, Detroit's professional sports teams have been located in the suburbs well outside the city. However, in recent years, there has been an effort to centralize the city and most of the stadiums are now located right in the heart of downtown. You can watch the Red Wings (opens in new tab)take on other NHL teams at Little Caesars arena. Ford Field is just a few blocks away and is the new home of the Lions NFL team (opens in new tab). Baseball fans can catch a Tigers game (opens in new tab)at Comerica Park. If you prefer college sports, the University of Michigan is just a short drive away.
Getting around Detroit
Rush hour on the expressways surrounding the city and on downtown streets can cause major congestion, so your best bet is to take advantage of public transportation when possible. Both the DDOT and SMART busses are completely free and there are stops all over the city and routes that will take you into the suburbs of several surrounding counties. For $3, you can purchase an all day pass and ride the streetcar up and down Woodward Avenue, which is the main road that runs through downtown and midtown.
Detroit is also home to the People Mover, which is an automated rail service that travels a 2.9 mile track that is elevated above the city. A one-way fare is just $.75 and it provides a great view of the city. You can also take advantage of bike share and rental stations along with scooters and other rideride share options, such as Lyft and Uber to traverse the city without having to worry about parking. The closer you are living and working to the downtown area, the less likely you will be to want to deal with the hassles of having a vehicle in a big city.
Hospitals in the Detroit Area
Detroit and surrounding cities are home to a long list of hospitals. Select Specialty Hospital (opens in new tab), Henry Ford Hospital (opens in new tab)and Detroit Receiving Hospital (opens in new tab)are all located right in the heart of the city. DMC Sinai-Grace (opens in new tab)is another notable facility that has served the area as an academic hospital since 1888. Starting in 2012, the hospital started undergoing significant renovations and expansions, which have helped it become a state-of-the-art hospital. Several University of Michigan and Beaumont network hospitals are also located just outside of Detroit. As a travel nurse, you will have plenty of options when it comes to finding employment and working at a hospital that will allow you to specialize in a certain area and expand your resume.
Housing Options in Detroit
Whether you want to be located in the heart of the city or you would prefer something a little further out from downtown, there are plenty of housing options available. Landlords across metropolitan Detroit offer fully-furnished short-term rentals that cater to the needs of travel nurses. You can find housing at a variety of price points and will have all the amenities you need to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Here are just a couple examples:
Furnished Apartment
Renting this fully furnished apartment means that you will have easy access to the best that Detroit has to offer. All you have to do is walk out the front door of the building and you will be surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the city and all the beautiful architecture that makes Detroit special. You will be able to walk to nearby restaurants, grocery stores, bus stops, stadiums and other attractions. The studio apartment provides a cozy living space that includes all the amenities you could want. The modern kitchen is fully stocked and there is a washer and dryer in the unit. With large windows and stylish decors, you will enjoy plenty of natural light and a welcoming place to call home at the end of a long shift.
3 Bedroom Ranch in Madison Heights
If you would prefer something outside the city that still allows you to enjoy short commute times and easy access to the city, this house rental could be a good option. It comes with three bedrooms, making it a perfect choice if you are looking to room with other travel nurses and save money by splitting rent. The house has been fully updated and features granite countertops, hardwood floors, washer and dryer, a smart TV and heated tiles in the bathroom. You can park in the driveway or on the street and you will be just under five miles from five major hospitals. The home is tastefully decorated with modern decor that will help you feel right at home as you travel and explore the area.
Detroit truly does have it all. From public greenspaces and urban parks to world-class restaurants, casinos and shopping, you will never be at a loss for something to do. For an immersive experience, you can live and work downtown while still enjoying affordable housing that is close to major hospitals. If you prefer the quiet of suburban neighborhoods, you can rent homes or rooms in more established areas with tree-lined streets. Once you find the ideal travel nurse position, you can use FurnishedFinder (opens in new tab)and Travel Nurse Housing (opens in new tab)to safely and easily secure temporary housing in Detroit. Browse properties in the area, verify landlords and contact them directly for a hassle-free rental process.
www.furnishedfinder.com
www.travelnursehousing.com