Things to do in Ann Arbor

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Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor which includes outdoor art
Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor Attractions

Ann Arbor—named in part for the stands of bur oaks dotting the banks of the Huron River—is both quintessential college town and major Michigan metropolis. Lively coffee shops and libraries lit by stained-glass windows keep the city in an intellectual frame of mind, while leading cultural institutions like the University of Michigan Museum of Art and the Ark lend a decidedly cosmopolitan feel. Whether you want to take in a show hosted by the University Musical Society or stroll Main Street in search of a savory sandwich, Tree Town offers something for everyone.


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Recommended things to do in Ann Arbor

What to do in Ann Arbor

Free Things to Do in Ann Arbor

An escape to Ann Arbor need not cost a fortune. You won't even need your wallet if you go to:

University of Michigan Museum of Art - Check to see if there are any major exhibits, displays or guided tours on at this popular museum.

Buhr Park - Treat the kids to a good time or let your own inner child run free — this place just screams fun.

University of Michigan - If you're an admirer of modern-style architecture, add this attraction to your to-do list.

Law Quadrangle - If you're planning to explore the history of the region through its landmarks, mark this one down on your travel itinerary.

Gerald R. Ford Library - Widely renowned among the locals, this site is worth dropping by.

Nichols Arboretum - Prepare a picnic and enjoy a relaxing walk around the trees and shrubs.

Areas & Neighborhoods in Ann Arbor

If the University of Michigan is responsible for imbuing Ann Arbor with its scholarly vibe, then Ann Arbor's neighborhoods are responsible for its Midwestern charm. From the family-run delis lining Main Street to the Old World feel of the Old West Side, a stroll through Ann Arbor's enclaves offer an illuminating look at a city shaped by millworkers, immigrants, and academics.

Main Street

A 45-minute drive lands you in the heart of Ann Arbor, where a bevy of mainstream and independent purveyors beckon—from nostalgic record shops to outdoorsy athletic purveyors and swanky farm-to-table restaurants.

Kerrytown

As Main Street bleeds into Kerrytown, you’ll find Ann Street—the thoroughfare Bob Seger crooned about in his 1976 hit single "Mainstreet." Fresh-roasted coffee, handcrafted jewelry, and the Ann Arbor Farmers Market are all attractions that lure visitors to Kerrytown’s tree-lined streets.

Old West Side

Gothic cottages and charming colonials dominate the scenery in Ann Arbor's Old West Side, a residential neighborhood along the city's western edge. Seasonal events like the late-May or early-June Children's Festival and the Lurie Terrace Concert lend a community feel to this historically German locale.

Things to See in Ann Arbor

With its densely forested public parks and lanes canopied with oak and ash trees, Ann Arbor is a verdant gem. Once you've filled up on natural beauty, check out a live performance. Begin at the University Musical Society, one of the United States' oldest and most beloved performing arts centers, which hosts everything from live jazz to choral acts. Nearby, see American folk and new roots musicians take the stage inside The Ark's 400-seat theater. The Michigan Theater is also worth a visit, offering showings of independent films and symphony performances inside a fully-restored movie palace.

Sightseeing in Ann Arbor

Fed by the endless energy of active twenty-somethings and the lively waters of the Huron River, there's always something to do in Ann Arbor. For a look at the city's preeminent art collection, pay a visit to the University of Michigan Museum of Art, which focuses on European, Asian, African, and American artwork. Next, get a breath of fresh air at Nichols Arboretum—which students lovingly refer to as "the Arb"—or else head to the Argo Canoe Livery, where you can rent a canoe, kayak, raft, or tube for a ride down the Huron. If you plan to visit in the fall, reserve tickets well in advance to catch a game at the Big House—although Michigan Stadium happens to be the largest football stadium in the country, home games almost always sell out.

Things to Do in Ann Arbor with Kids

Few things beat hanging out as a family. Ann Arbor has a great selection of family friendly experiences that the whole gang will want to try:


 

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Discover the most popular places to visit in Ann Arbor

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Ann Arbor

Michigan Football.

South Central

While visiting South Central, you might make a stop by sights like Yost Ice Arena and Michigan Stadium.

South Central
Ann Arbor showing a house

Downtown

While visiting Downtown, you might make a stop by sights like Ann Arbor Hands On Museum and Kempf House Museum.

Downtown
Love the view of the ponds in winter.

Bryant Pattengill East

4/5(129 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Bryant Pattengill East, Cobblestone Farm and Buhr Park are top sights worth seeing.

Bryant Pattengill East
A mural featuring 25 Ann Arbor-themed references on the back of the Ann Arbor Art Center by seventeen year old artist Olivia Maldonado.

Old West Side

5/5(9 area reviews)

While there might not be top attractions in Old West Side, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Ann Arbor Hands On Museum and University of Michigan Museum of Art.

Old West Side
University of Michigan showing a park

Bryant Pattengill West

4/5(271 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Bryant Pattengill West, Briarwood Mall and Lake Forest Golf Club are top sights worth seeing.

Bryant Pattengill West
Exhibit Museum of Natural History at the University Of Michigan which includes interior views

Central Campus Medical

If you're spending some time in Central Campus Medical, Exhibit Museum of Natural History at the University Of Michigan and Hill Auditorium are top sights worth seeing.

Central Campus Medical

 

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Popular day trips from Ann Arbor

Frequently asked questions

Is Ann Arbor worth visiting?
Providing a mix of watersports and walking trails, there are many things to do in Ann Arbor. When you're here, visit Exhibit Museum of Natural History at the University Of Michigan, a major attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Ann Arbor?
Once you've checked off popular attractions like Exhibit Museum of Natural History at the University Of Michigan and Leslie Science & Nature Center, spend some time enjoying Ann Arbor's shopping and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Ann Arbor?
You can't leave without exploring Exhibit Museum of Natural History at the University Of Michigan, rated the top tourist attraction in Ann Arbor.
Is three days enough to stay in Ann Arbor?
You can easily enjoy top sights like Exhibit Museum of Natural History at the University Of Michigan, Hill Auditorium and Leslie Science & Nature Center with a three-day break in Ann Arbor. On average, most travelers book two days here. There's plenty to experience nearby too, so stay a bit longer and head to Romulus.
Is Ann Arbor a walkable city?
That comes down to what you want to see and do in Ann Arbor. Several key attractions, such as Exhibit Museum of Natural History at the University Of Michigan and Hill Auditorium, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Ann Arbor's neighborhoods, Bryant Pattengill East is 3 miles away from downtown, while Old West Side is 1 mile away from the center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Ann Arbor with kids?
Deciding what to do in Ann Arbor with kids is easier than ever. Whether you're getting away with teenagers or little ones, there are loads of family-friendly tours and attractions to keep everyone busy here.
What to do in Ann Arbor for adults?
Whether you're a food lover, culture enthusiast or thrill seeker, there's no shortage of things to do in Ann Arbor for adults including EMU Convocation Center and Michigan Firehouse Museum.
Are there free things to do in Ann Arbor?
One of the top ways to learn about free things to do in Ann Arbor is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on hip neighborhoods, parks and other attractions you can enjoy without taking your wallet out. Matthaei Botanical Gardens is one sight that doesn't have an entrance fee.