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- There Are More Things To Experience While In Ann Arbor!
Ann Arbor, located west of Detroit in Michigan’s lower peninsula, is one of the most beautiful towns in Michigan. While most people think of Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan interchangeably, this college city has a lot to offer tourists of every age. From paddling on the Huron River and exploring the Matthaei Botanical Gardens to shopping on Main Street or touring a local brewery, Ann Arbor is bustling with energy, and not just during football season!
Ann Arbor also boasts culturally diverse and locally owned restaurants, art galleries, museums, theaters, and live music. With its big city attractions and easy access to nature, Ann Arbor offers tourists a unique vacation. There are so many must-visit places to check out in Michigan, with Ann Arbor boasting plenty of them.
UPDATE: 2023/09/05 17:09 EST BY NOAH STAATS
There Are More Things To Experience While In Ann Arbor!
This article has been refreshed with new places to go in Ann Arbor, as well as tips for each destination. Whether the group wants to explore the university, walk through town, go to a park, or taste delicious cuisine, Ann Arbor is the perfect place to vacation.
Things To Do In Ann Arbor, MI
There are so many awesome things to do in Michigan, and visiting Ann Arbor is definitely one of them. Here’s the complete travel guide to Ann Arbor, Michigan.
1 University Of Michigan Museum Of Modern Art
One fun idea for those in Ann Arbor wanting to see art is to check out the University of Michigan Museum of Modern Art. Here, guests can view stunning pieces in the 94,000-square-foot building, which is one of the largest university art museums in the United States. There will be student-made art, as well as exhibits from around the country.
- Address: 525 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
- Hours: Tuesday/Wednesday from 11 AM to 5 PM and Thursday - Sunday from 10/11 AM to 8 PM (10 AM on Thurs/Fri)
2 Kelsea Museum Of Archaeology
The next stop in Ann Arbor is the Kelsea Museum of Archaeology, a museum of archaeology located on the University of Michigan's central campus in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Here is where guests can tour a unit of the University of Michigan's College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. Like much of the campus, this museum is easy to walk to and is close to other stops on this list.
- Address: 434 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
- Hours: Tuesday - Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM, Saturday/Sunday from 1-4 PM
3 The University Of Michigan Museum Of Natural History
Sticking around the University of Michigan, there is also the Museum of Natural History to check out. Here is where guests can indulge in the past, present, and future, all from an interactive point of view.
This museum is great for families, students, solo travelers, and anyone wanting to learn something while in Ann Arbor.
- Address: 1105 N University Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
- Hours: Tuesday - Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM
4 Domino’s Farms Petting Farm
Next, guests of Ann Arbor should head to Domino's Farms Petting Farm, a non-profit charitable organization open to the public during the week.
Here, people can hang out with about 100 traditional and non-traditional farm animals, including cows, horses, donkeys, llamas, alpacas, pigs, sheep, goats, ducks, chickens, peacocks, cats, and a bearded dragon.
- Address: 3001 Earhart Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48106
- Hours: Thursday - Tuesday from 10 AM to 4 PM
5 University Of Michigan
Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan go hand-in-hand. In fact, the college is one of the top-rated tourist attractions in Michigan. While most people probably know the University of Michigan for their sports programs, the campus offers a few non-sport top attractions for tourists.
There are plenty of places to see in and around the campus, and this could be a great chance to schedule a tour if you or a child/travel buddy want to attend here.
- Address: 500 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
6 Huron River Water Trail
The Huron River Water Trail is a 104-mile inland paddling trail offering tourists in Ann Arbor a chance to explore the river’s natural environment. Summer often sees tourists and locals alike on kayaks, canoes, rafts, tubes, standup paddle boards, racing sculls, and row boats. It is also a popular spot to fish, bike, run, and walk.
- Spans 104 miles.
- Address: 117 N 1st St #100, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
7 Matthaei Botanical Garden
The Matthai Botanical Garden offers something for every visitor. With eleven outdoor gardens, an indoor conservatory, three miles of trails, and a garden just for kids, everyone will enjoy the excitement of spotting plants from around the world.
- Address: 1800 N Dixboro Road, Ann Arbor
- Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 10 AM to 4:30 PM; Wednesday, 10 AM to 8 PM
8 Nickels Arcade
Built-in 1918, this covered shopping center in downtown Ann Arbor is the home to specialty vintage and modern-day stores. The building was first a meat market owned by the Nickels family. In the early 1900s, Tom Nickels refurbished the facility to resemble European shopping arcades.
Today, tourists can stroll the 261-foot mosaic-tiled corridor and peruse some of Ann Arbor’s oldest shops.
- Address: 326 South State Street, Ann Arbor
The stores inside the Nickels Arcade operate on their own hours, and many are closed on Sundays.
9 Brewery Tours
- There are countless brewery tours throughout the city.
With so many unique breweries in Ann Arbor, it can be tough to choose which one to try. A few favorites include Grizzly Peak, Jolly Pumpkin, Arbor Brewing Company, and Blue Tractor. They’re all within walking distance downtown.
- For tourists looking to learn more about Ann Arbor's craft beer culture, try a brewery tour at Wolverine State Brewing Company.
10 Drive Through Popular Ann Arbor Neighborhoods
Exploring Ann Arbor's various and distinct neighborhoods is an excellent thing to do while visiting.
Kerrytown
Kerrytown is named after County Kerry in Ireland. Located on the north side of downtown, the tree-lined streets, unique shops, and international restaurants make Kerrytown a gem. Some popular restaurants in Kerrytown include Zingerman’s Deli, Miss Kim, and TeaHaus.
State Street
On the east side of downtown, the State Street District is full of art studios, galleries, and museums. It's home to the University of Michigan’s Museum of Natural History, the University of Michigan Museum of Art, the Kelsey Museum of Archeology, and the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra.
State Street also has excellent restaurants, like Knight’s Steakhouse, and lots of shopping opportunities, like the Nickels Arcade.
Main Street
Restaurants, cocktail bars, shops, art galleries, and music venues line Main Street. The busiest part of the city and the heart of Ann Arbor’s downtown area, Main Street is also known for its bookstores. Two favorites are Literati and The West Side Book Shop.
South University
The Law Quad, built in the 1920s and 1930s, is a historic part of the University of Michigan campus. It's a popular spot for picnics, and it's rumored to have been in the running for the Harry Potter movies. And no wonder why—it’s magnificent.
Also in the South University District is The Rock, a big boulder painted by students, and historic houses occupied by student groups and sororities.
11 Best Time To Go To Ann Arbor
When is the best time to visit Ann Arbor? Great question!
May to September
This is the best time to visit. The weather is perfect for outdoor activities, like exploring the Huron River Water Trail, and there are a ton of events and festivals, like the American Downtown Festival, the Taste of Ann Arbor, and the Ann Arbor Pride.
October to December
When summer turns to fall, the leaves change color, and the landscape is so beautiful that tourists often plan fall foliage trips in Michigan to get a glimpse of all those autumnal reds, oranges, and golds.
Fall also brings the start of football—go Wolverines! While October weather is still pretty lovely, with average high temperatures in the 60s, the wintry weather comes on quickly. By December, the temperatures can dip into the 20s, and Ann Arbor will see an average of 13 inches of snow.
January to April
The average daily lows range from 18℉ to 38℉, but things start to warm up a bit by April. Indoor events, like the Ann Arbor Film Festival, take place during spring.
12 Best Ways To Get Around Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor is very walkable but for tourists looking to move a little quicker, consider TheRide. It’s operated by the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority and offers over 1,300 fixed stops.
- The fare is only $1.50 per person.
Other options include taxis, bicycles, electric scooters, Zipcars, and a limousine for those special occasions!
13 Where To Eat In Ann Arbor
With over 400 restaurants offering award-winning food from around the world, tourists in Ann Arbor can expect a lot of options ranging from fine dining to cheap eats.
Breakfast:
Angelo’s
Customers have been dining at Angelo’s since 1956. With delicious food, generous portions, and a friendly staff, this diner in Ann Arbor is a local favorite. Try the Homemade French Toast or the Eggs Benedict. All bread is baked in-house!
- Address: 1100 Catherine Street, Ann Arbor
- Opening Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 2 PM; Saturday, 7 AM to 3 PM; Sunday, 7 AM to 2 PM
Lunch
Zingerman’s Delicatessen
Zingerman’s has been serving sandwiches, soups, and sides since 1982. An Ann Arbor institution, this deli offers a vast variety of sandwiches ranging from corned beef, pastrami, beef, turkey, and fish to hotdogs, chicken, pork, and vegetarian. Try one of their top ten!
- Address: 422 Detroit Street, Ann Arbor
- Hours: Daily for sandwiches, 11 AM to 7 PM.
Dinner
Pacific Rim by Kana
Known for its warm hospitality and great food, Pacific Rim by Kana offers contemporary pan-Asian cuisine in an upscale fine-dining environment.
- Address: 114 W Liberty, Ann Arbor
- Hours: Monday through Thursday, 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM; Friday & Saturday, 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM; Sunday, 5 PM to 9 PM.
Drinks
The Session Room
With over seventy beers on tap, The Session Room is one of Ann Arbor’s largest multi-tap bars and the city’s premier beer garden. Come for the beer, and stay for the food!
- Address: 3685 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor
- Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 11 AM to 10 PM; Sunday & Monday, Closed.
14 Where To Stay In Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor boasts plenty of accommodations to suit any budget. Whether tourists are looking for luxury, mid-range, or budget hotels, Ann Arbor’s got the perfect place.
Luxury
Graduate Ann Arbor
This contemporary hotel, three blocks from the University of Michigan, has a gorgeous interior. The Graduate Ann Arbor is a four-star hotel in the heart of Ann Arbor.
- Address: 615 East Huron Street, Ann Arbor
- Amenities: on-site restaurant; a fitness center; coffee shop; free Wi-Fi access; flat-screen cable TV; work desk; on-site restaurant and bar; Graduate Food Hall, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; fitness center.
Weber's Hotel & Restaurant
Weber's Hotel is a comfortable hotel set in the Ann Arbor Area. The establishment features a total of 158 rooms. Pets are not permitted on the premises.
- Address: 3050 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
- Amenities: Indoor pool, Fitness center, Restaurant, Bar/Lounge, Room service, Free Wi-Fi, Coffee machine, Coffee shop
Mid-range
Ann Arbor Regent Hotel and Suites
The Ann Arbor Regent Hotel and Suites will exceed expectations. The 3-star hotel puts guests within a 15-minute drive to Michigan Stadium and the University of Michigan.
- Address: 2455 Carpenter Road, Ann Arbor
- Amenities: indoor pool; fitness center; Free Wi-Fi; flat-screen TV; complimentary newspapers; dry cleaning/laundry services.
Wyndham Garden Ann Arbor
The Wyndham Garden Ann Arbor is in the city of Ann Arbor, Michigan. Guests will find themselves surrounded by ample opportunities for exploration and discovery. A wealth of attractions and exciting activities can be enjoyed nearby.
- Address: 2900 Jackson Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
- Amenities: Indoor pool, Fitness center, Restaurant, Bar/Lounge, Room service, Free Wi-Fi, Tea/coffee maker
Budget
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Ann Arbor
The Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Ann Arbor promises a comfortable stay and is conveniently located near downtown Ann Arbor, the University of Michigan, and Briarwood Mall.
- Address: 3610 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor
- Amenities: local shuttle services; dry cleaning services; large-vehicle parking; computer and printing services; complimentary continental breakfast; complimentary wireless Internet access.
Comfort Inn & Suites University South
The Comfort Inn and Suites hotel in Ann Arbor, MI, near the University of Michigan, is located off Interstate 94 and State Street. Close to everything and is clean and quiet.
- Address: 3501 South State Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48108
- Amenities: Indoor pool, Fitness center, Free Wi-Fi, Coffee machine, Flat-screen TV, Free toiletries, Parking
15 Tips For Visiting Ann Arbor, Michigan
Getting from the Airport to the Hotel
Ann Arbor is 25 minutes from the Detroit Metropolitan Airport. The easiest way to get from the airport to downtown Ann Arbor is with AirRide. With daily trips from the Evans Terminal and the McNamara Terminal to Blake Transit Center, this transport is convenient and quick.
Football Season
College football is a big deal in Ann Arbor. The season runs from September to November. For football fans, this is a great time to visit.
Layering
Pack several layers of clothing if planning to attend in winter or early spring. Temperatures can be bone-chilling!
16 How To Spend The Perfect Day In Ann Arbor
Start the day off right with a delicious breakfast. Enjoy Homemade French Toast at Angelo’s before getting some fresh air near the Huron River. In the spring, stroll along the nearby paths, but in the summer, rent a kayak and view the river in the best possible way—on the water.
Next, head to Kerrytown and take in the sights. Window-shop along the tree-lined streets and then stop off for the sandwich of the month at Zingerman’s Delicatessen. Take lunch to the Law Quad at the University of Michigan and enjoy a picnic before exploring everything else the college has to offer. Pop into a museum or two!
In the evening, head to Main Street. Explore the heart of Ann Arbor before deciding on one of the city’s delicious eateries. For a nightcap, enjoy a couple of craft beers at a local brewery like The Session Room.