why visit ann arbor

10 Good Reasons to Visit Ann Arbor, Michigan

By travel writers.

January 24, 2016 8 min read

By Sandra Scott

Ann Arbor makes the short list for travelers in many categories: the happiest city in America; best place for singles, retirees, college students and foodies; plus, according to Frommer's and other publications, it is one of the best vacation spots in the United States. With a population of about 110,000, the city has an amazingly diversity of activities. There is something to tickle the fancy of any and all visitors, be it for sports, the arts, shopping, and/or dining.

1. Sports: The University of Michigan is a founding member of the Big Ten Conference, which dates back to 1895. Best-known is their football team, which plays in the "Big House" that was built in 1927 and is now the largest stadium in the United States. It could hold nearly the entire population of Ann Arbor. And there is more for sports enthusiasts than just cheering as a Wolverine for the university's many male and female sports teams. Locals and visitors also enjoy golf, biking, kayaking and ice-skating.

2. Museums: The Kelsey Museum of Archaeology houses a collection of 100,000 objects from the ancient cultures of Greece, Rome, Egypt and the Near East. The Museum of Natural History has exhibits on geology, the evolution of life, dinosaurs and artifacts from human cultures around the world. They are justly proud of their newest acquisition - a recently unearthed mammoth. Check out President Ford's baby book at the Gerald Ford Library. The Hands-On science museum may be designed for the younger set, but adults will also enjoy it.

3. Art: Art is everywhere — indoors and outdoors. Wander the campus and stop to ponder Maya Lin's unique grassy "Wave Field." Lin is the artist who designed the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington. It is just one of many installations scattered around the campus. At the University of Michigan's Art Museum make a point to see "Nydia, the Blind Flower Girl of Pompeii' who led friends through the ash-covered city. It is just one of the pieces in their collection of 19,000 items. There are many small galleries in the city center.

4. Performing arts: The classic-looking Hill Auditorium is celebrated for its perfect acoustics with the acoustically best seats in the middle of the mezzanine. Professional theatrical productions take place at The Purple Rose, founded by Jeff Daniels, a native who is an acclaimed actor, director and playwright. Daniels wanted to give back to the community by offering professional debuts. Enjoy live music at The Ark, which features a different artist each night.

5. Artisans: The city is home to many world-class artisans. Feng Jiang is just one of the violin and viola makers, a craft he learned from his father, who was trained in China. Every Thursday there is a free tour of the Motawi Tileworks. The beautifully handcrafted works of art draw their inspiration from early 20th-century decorative artists such as Frank Lloyd Wright and Tiffany. Visiting fabric artist Mary Underwood is more than learning about her craft and appreciating her work as she often shares stories of her visits to Mongolia and other unique places in search of the best wools.

6. Yankee Air Museum: World War II buffs and airplane-lovers will literally take to the air at this museum. Wannabe aviators will be in seventh heaven with a flight on one of the museum's vintage planes, such as the Douglas C-47 Skytrain. The C-47 was the principal transport aircraft used by the Allies in World War II. In the Battle of the Bulge, the C-47s airlifted supplies to American troops trapped in Bastogne, and it was vital to campaigns in the Pacific, including Guadalcanal, New Guinea, Burma and flying "The Hump" from India to China.

7. Culinary: Take a culinary trip around the world without leaving Ann Arbor. At Ayse's Turkish Cafe it difficult to choose between Saltan's Moussaka, Pepper Lamb Dolmas and Yogurt Kebab With Spicy Lamb. A similar problem exists at the Blue Nile Ethiopian Restaurant, where it is said that people who eat from the same plate and break bread together will create a bond of lasting friendship. The idea is to select several items that will be served on a large platter along with typical bread called injera used to pick up the food. Get a taste of Far Eastern dining at the Slurping Turtle. Amadeus features Hungarian and other central European dishes. Don't miss the biannual "Taste of Ann Arbor" events.

8. Nature: Ann Arbor's nickname, "Tree Town," stems from the dense forestation of its residential and park areas. Nature-lovers should visit the Matthaei Botanical Gardens, where the conservatory has plants from three major climatic zones, including a bonsai collection in the Temperate House plus outdoor seasonal gardens. The Nichols Arboretum has peony and lilac gardens along with an extensive collection of native and exotic trees and shrubs.

9. Seasons. Any time of the year is a good time to visit Ann Arbor. There is always something special going on. From the Ark's Annual Folk Festival in January to FestiFools (Ann Arbor's spin on Mardi Gras) in the spring, to a multitude of events during the summer months that include art and music, to KindleFest, the annual, free outdoor holiday market in December.

10. Uniquely Ann Arbor. Look down to discover the Fairy Doors, miniature replicas of the doors to some of the businesses in Ann Arbor. With some it is even possible to look inside to see the miniature interior. Fairy doors began to appear unannounced in 2005. Like all fairies, the ones in Ann Arbor are surrounded in mystery. There is one by the Ark Theater and another at the Peaceable Kingdom. Take note of the historic sign in front of the Art Museum detailing the speech given by John F. Kennedy that led to the formation of the Peace Corps. And the oldest observatory of its type in the nation with the third largest telescope in the world is at the University of Michigan.

WHEN YOU GO

For more information: www.visitannarbor.org or 800-888-9487

At the Blue Nile Ethiopian Restaurant in Ann Arbor, Michigan, visitors share typical foods of that area by wrapping them in injera and eating with their hands. Photo courtesy of Sandra Scott.

Sandra Scott is a freelance travel writer. To read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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Ann Arbor Travel Guide

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12 Best Things To Do in Ann Arbor

Updated Mar. 23, 2022

Whether you're looking to cheer on the Michigan Wolverines at a college football game or kayak down the tranquil Huron River Water Trail , Ann Arbor has something for you. Museum lovers will have plenty of options thanks to the University of

All Things To Do

University of Michigan University of Michigan free

As the crown jewel of Ann Arbor, the University of Michigan boasts many of the city's top attractions. Start your visit by touring the manicured grounds of the campus, which was opened in Ann Arbor in 1837 (though the school got its start in Detroit in 1817). U-M has a total enrollment of about 48,000 students and stretches across a massive 3,207 acres. You'll find University of Michigan properties dispersed throughout Ann Arbor, though the main campus is centrally located within the city near parks, museums, bars and dining establishments.

When it comes to things to do on campus, you won't be left scratching your head. The university is home to 30 stunning libraries and more than 16 museums, including the Museum of Natural History , the Museum of Art , the Kelsey Museum of Archeology, Matthaei Botanical Gardens, Nichols Arboretum , the Herbarium and the Sindecuse Museum of Dentistry. Other points of interest include the William W. Cook Law Quadrangle (a 10-acre compound comprising pristine green space and impressive gothic-style buildings), the Gerald R. Ford Library and Hill Auditorium (a classical music concert hall). You'll even find a hotel and restaurants on the premises. Campus visitors praised the gorgeous architecture and were wowed by the sheer size of the university. They also enjoyed the many museums on-site.

University of Michigan Museum of Natural History University of Michigan Museum of Natural History free

The Museum of Natural History was founded in 1956, though the university began collecting and storing artifacts and specimens as early as 1837. Then called the Exhibit Museum, it was officially renamed the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History in 2011, and in 2019 it moved into a brand-new facility on campus.

Popular exhibits include "Dynamic Space," "On the Trail of the Mastodons" (where male and female mastodon skeletons stand side by side), and "Under the Microscope," which explores life at the cellular level. There is also an on-site planetarium. Visitors to the museum were impressed by the detailed exhibits and huge amount of information in the new facility. They extolled the nicely designed space and said their children loved the hands-on activities dispersed throughout.

University of Michigan Museum of Art University of Michigan Museum of Art free

The University of Michigan Museum of Art, or UMMA, opened in 1909 as a war memorial, alumni office and art space. Today, it is one of the oldest (and largest) campus museums in the United States, holding more than 21,000 pieces of art. Collections include Asian, African and Western art in all sorts of mediums, including photography, glass and metal. Permanent exhibits feature the works of artists like Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol. The museum also has an auditorium for lectures, film screenings and other events. Recent travelers found the museum to be comprehensive and informative. For many, UMMA's small size worked to their advantage; the manageable footprint allowed patrons to get through much of the collections.

UMMA is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. It is closed on Mondays and on university holidays. Admission is free of charge, and street parking is available. Other nearby points of interest include the Law Quadrangle, the Kelsey Museum of Archeology and the student union. To learn more, visit the University of Michigan Museum of Art website .

Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum free

The Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum are operated by the same organization on the grounds of the University of Michigan . The Matthaei Gardens feature 11 outdoor spaces with bonsai, medicinal plants and seasonal blooms, as well as approximately 3 miles of scenic trails. There is also an indoor conservatory that is open year-round – ideal if you are visiting during Michigan's icy months. At Matthaei's visitor center, you will find maps and other information, as well as restrooms and a snack bar. Recent travelers had nothing but positive things to say about the expansive grounds and gorgeous flowers, noting it is a great attraction for all ages.

Meanwhile, Nichols Arboretum is a joint operation between the City of Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan. It is a 123-acre property with varying landscapes, ranging from wetlands to forests to glacial grounds. At the arboretum, travelers can hike up to panoramic views and enjoy the tranquility of nature, without venturing far from civilization. Recent travelers remarked Nichols is a delightful hidden gem, and many said the Peony Garden – which typically blooms between late May and mid-June – is a must-see.

Huron River Water Trail Huron River Water Trail

The Huron River Water Trail covers 104 miles through Michigan's Lower Peninsula and welcomes more than 2 million visitors annually. The paddling zones of the river range from raging rapids to calm waters. Ann Arbor is the largest of five Trail Towns where visitors can enter the river, find amenities like parks and boat storage and frequent nearby campgrounds, hotels and dining establishments. While paddling is available in the spring and summer, visitors can cross-country ski, snowshoe and ice skate in the area if they visit in the winter months.

The Ann Arbor region of the Huron River Water Trail comprises miles 53 to 46. Popular launch points along this section include the Argo Nature Area and Livery, as well as the Gallup Park and Livery. At Argo, travelers can rent canoes, kayaks and multiperson rafts to paddle downstream through beautiful scenery, placid ponds and Argo Cascades, which features adrenaline-pumping manmade drops and pools. At Gallup Park, choose between canoe, kayak, paddleboat and rowboat rentals for your river adventure. On shore, the park features a 3-mile asphalt trail, playgrounds, fishing spots, picnic areas and concession stands.

Kerrytown Kerrytown free

If you are looking for an authentic Ann Arbor culinary experience, Kerrytown is the place to find it. Named after County Kerry in Ireland, the district was part of the original Ann Arbor village dating back to the mid-1800s. In the 1960s, developers added a central shopping and dining area to the eclectic neighborhood and called it Kerrytown Market & Shops. Much of the architectural character from decades past still remains; visitors can expect to find brick buildings and sidewalks, original exposed beams, converted 19th-century factories and more.

Kerrytown Market & Shops is home to some of the city's most beloved dining mainstays, including the Ann Arbor Farmers Market and Zingerman's Deli, a local institution that's served up premium deli sandwiches (including its famous Reuben), cheeses, olive oils, smoked fish and more since 1982. Among other meat, fish and produce markets, you'll also find sit-down restaurants with cuisine ranging from vegan to Korean, plus a Sweetwaters coffee shop location.

Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum

Opened in 1982 in a historic fire station, the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum is an interactive, family-friendly science center. It has attracted around 6 million visitors since its inception and aims to introduce children of all ages to the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields of study. Favorite exhibits include the "H2Oh" water play area in the Concourse and the "Michigan Nature" experience, which features an interactive nature wall and geology samples. Recent travelers spoke highly of the museum, saying it has something for toddlers all the way up to preteens. They also noted that the facility was clean and well-maintained.

The Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum is open seven days a week, though opening hours vary by day. On Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, the museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Tuesdays, the attraction opens up one hour earlier (9 a.m.), and on Thursdays, it stays open until 8 p.m. Sunday hours are noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free for toddlers 23 months and younger and $12.50 for adults and children ages 2 and older. Visitors who enter after 5 p.m. on Thursdays only pay $5 per person. To learn more, visit the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum's website .

Michigan Theater Michigan Theater

The Michigan Theater opened in 1928 as a combined vaudeville stage and movie house. It has undergone a few renovations over the years, and today offers audiences with three screening spaces to view films and live concerts. The Main Auditorium holds 1,600 people, the Screening Room has 200 seats and the Annex Cinema holds 60. The theater offers programming 365 days a year, and past visitors praised the old-timey feel of the theater, as well as the curated list of films and live acts. Still, not all patrons appreciated the retro space, noting that the seats were too tight for taller viewers and not as comfortable as the plush chairs in more modern theaters.

General admission tickets for films are $10.50 per person, while students, veterans, senior citizens and groups of 10 or more can secure tickets for $8.50. Matinee showings between Monday and Friday (before 6 p.m.) cost $7.50 per person. Ticket prices for live events vary, and parking is available in multiple nearby garages as well as on nearby streets. To learn more, visit the Michigan Theater's website . (And if you do decide to see a show, be sure to look out for one of Ann Arbor's famous fairy doors at this spot – and a miniature box office window, to boot.)

Nickels Arcade Nickels Arcade free

Located in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor, Nickels Arcade is a cozy but upscale covered shopping area with a rich history. The indoor-outdoor complex began as a meat market owned by the Nickels family. After Tom Nickels inherited the market in the early 1900s, he repurposed the shop and expanded the facility to resemble the shopping arcades found in Europe at the time. Nickels completed the block in 1918 and different kinds of shops began opening within the complex.

Today, Nickels Arcade – which celebrated its centennial in 2017 – boasts both vintage and modern-day stores along its mosaic-tiled alley. Visitors can stop into the old-timey barbershop, which dates back to 1917, and grab a drink at the modern juice bar or coffee shop in the same trip. Recent travelers remarked that the block is worth visiting for a short stroll, and many praised the quality merchandise available at several of the shops – including VanBoven Clothing, which has been operated within the same family since 1927.