The Top Things to Do in Ann Arbor, Michigan: Community, Cuisine, and Campuses
Ann Arbor is a city in (and the county seat of) Michigan’s Washtenaw County, and one of the most populous and recognizable cities in the state. It’s known famously as the home of the University of Michigan, but there’s a lot more to the story than that, including a wide range of delectable restaurants, unique shops, a charming main street, opportunities to be in the great outdoors, as well as day trips aplenty.
Downtown Ann Arbor. Photo Credit: Christopher Mitchell
Ann Arbor is the sort of city where, if you only used its population size to guide yourself in all there might be to do there, you’d end up sorely mistaken about the sheer volume of opportunities there are here for meaningful exploration.
For starters, it’s a beautiful little city, with several main streets that make you want to keep your camera close at hand, parks and outdoor activities aplenty, and, of course, it’s the home of the University of Michigan. Not unlike Kingston, Ontario (where you’ll find my alma mater, Queen’s University), the spirit of Ann Arbor is closely aligned with the university.
In practice, that means you’ve got a beautiful campus to stroll around, but perhaps more importantly, on a more macro level, it means there’s a very playful and exploratory energy that permeates this city. Every street feels ripe for a festival to celebrate something, there are cool shops that appeal to a wide variety of interests, and the restaurants and bars are packed with individuals that either seem to be discussing something meaningful related to their studies, or doing precisely the opposite.
The main point here is that there’s an energy which makes visiting the city quite a treat. There are interesting and interested people everywhere and, to me, that’s a recipe for a place that’s very much worth visiting.
I may be too much of a long-winded poet at heart, but I also loved the idea that Ann Arbor was a sort of stage with which you could see how so many people can find meaning in one place. Students exploring their identity, professors helping young people on their paths, restaurant owners who have had a connection to this city for decades, and people who thought they were only staying here for 4 years, but who quickly realized that Ann Arbor was meant to be their home.
The city itself should be a central focus during your visit, but I’ll also mention some day-trips from Ann Arbor that you may want to consider, because there’s an incredible amount to do around this part of the state.
A Bit More About Ann Arbor, Michigan
You’ll find Ann Arbor in Washtenaw County, Michigan, and when thinking about the city in terms of the state, it’s generally around the 5th most populous city (with the most populous city being, of course, Detroit). Nowadays, the city is known for the University of Michigan, as well its research and development sectors (and tourism, naturally), but it was originally founded back in 1824.
In 1837, the University of Michigan was established, and since then the stories of the city and the university have been indelibly linked. The city saw growth as a regional transportation hub, but experienced its first real surge in population towards the latter part of the 19th century.
Manufacturing became important as well, but on an identity level, Ann Arbor also started to become a headquarters for activist movements (and was actually home to the first “teach-in” against the Vietnam War). That makes sense to me - where there are strongholds of education, there is a natural propensity towards openly questioning and tackling ideas around both the basic tenants of morality and, well, humanity.
Geographically, you’ll find Ann Arbor located along the Huron River, which flows southeast through the city on its way to Lake Erie. The hills and valleys of the immediate area and surrounding region play a role in its natural beauty (and set up some mighty fine shots for photographers like Bri and I).
At its core, Ann Arbor is a place with a unique history and identity which points to the past, and an unmistakable insurgence of optimism, youth, and a focus on research, which also suggests its a city with its eye set firmly on the future.
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Explore the Magic of the University of Michigan Campus
There’s a lot to exploring the University of Michigan campus, and that’s largely a testament to how intimately connected the university is to the city, as well as the lengthy history of the school. As the school grew, so did the city. Here are a few ideas for how to explore the campus on your visit:
Begin at the Diag: This is the heart of Central Campus, a large open space surrounded by many of the university's oldest buildings. Here, you may want to visit the nearby Michigan Union.
Check Out the Law Quadrangle: Known for its stunning Gothic architecture, it's one of the most picturesque parts of campus, and if you’ve got a penchant for dramatic photography, this is the spot. If you’re into history and architecture, the Hatcher Graduate Library is also an impressive place to set eyes on.
Visit the Nickels Arcade at 99: It’s a collection of shops in a narrow, picturesque hallway, some of which have been around since the Arcade opened its doors in 1915. Not to miss while you’re here.
The North Campus is where you’ll find the Duderstadt Center and the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance. I mention the latter because there are often performances and exhibits open to the public there.
If you can, I’d also make sure that you set eyes on the iconic Michigan Stadium (known as “the Big House,” and for good reason). I actually attended a hockey game here about a decade ago between the Maple Leafs and the Red Wings, and it was one of the more memorable sports experiences of my life. I do know that some visitors who love golf also have the University of Michigan Golf Course circled to see if they can sneak in a round.
Beyond that, I’d also consider visiting some of the museums on campus, and in particular the University of Michigan Museum of Art, as well as the Museum of Natural History.
Finally, do not leave without visiting the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum (especially in the warmer months, of course). We actually grabbed a pickup lunch one day (from Zingerman’s, no less) and had a picnic here, then went for a hike, and took some pictures amongst the flowers. We’re huge fans.
Make Time for Kerrytown
If I were you, I’d do what we did, and plan your visit around spending time at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market, which runs on Wednesdays and Saturdays (typically from 7 or 8am to 3pm). It’s a nice way to experience the city, and meet some of the local producers and vendors.
I’d then go and explore the Kerrytown Market & Shops. Instead of visiting any one particular place, I’d simply set aside an hour or so, and just see what catches your eye.
It’s a bustling neighbourhood in its own right, beyond the markets, so you may want to see what’s playing at the Kerrytown Concert House or, if you’re travelling as a family, consider popping by the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, but the big thing for foodies is to make the pilgramage to Zingerman’s Deli, an absolute Ann Arbor institution that’s known countywide for the their sandwiches in particular.
We tried the Zingerman’s Rueben and the Binny’s Brooklyn Reuben with ample potato salad on the side, and loved it.
There seems to always be something going on in Kerrytown, so keep an eye on what may be happening while you’re visiting. The best place for this? The Kerrytown Events Calendar.
You can’t miss a visit to Kerrytown when you’re considering things to do in Ann Arbor as far as I’m concerned.
Keep Your Eyes Peeled for Fairy Doors
Fairy doors. Fairy doors, everywhere. Photo Credit: Christopher Mitchell
As you’re exploring downtown Ann Arbor, a fun game you can play (especially if you’re travelling as a family) is to keep your eyes open for the “urban fairy doors” that are present throughout the city.
The first one appeared in 1993, and since then about ten more or so doors have appeared throughout the city. Personally, Bri and I found ourselves just “happening” upon these fairy doors, but if you’re short on time and this is your thing, then I’d recommend this website to track the doors down.
The whole fairy doors idea in Ann Arbor, to me, is a nod to that aforementioned “playfulness” that I believe can be found in abundance in this city.
Try some local brews
Where there are universities, there are breweries. Ann Arbor is actually home to a variety of breweries specializing in everything from lagers to sours, so you’re almost guaranteed to find the beer (or mead/liquor) that suits your palette. Here’s a list of spots you may want to have on your list if beer is your thing, located in and around the city:
734 Brewing Company (15 E. Cross St., Ypsilanti)
Arbor Brewing Company-Corner Brewery (720 Norris St., Ypsilanti)
Biercamp (1643 S. State St., Ann Arbor)
Bløm Meadworks (100 S. 4th Ave. #110, Ann Arbor)
Blue Tractor BBQ + Brewery (207 E. Washington St., Ann Arbor)
Erratic Ale Co. (8080 Grand St. Suite 3, Dexter)
Grizzly Peak Brewing Co. (120 W. Washington St., Ann Arbor)
HOMES Brewery (2321 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor)
Jolly Pumpkin Café & Brewery (311 S. Main St., Ann Arbor)
Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales + Kitchen (2319 Bishop Circle East, Dexter)
Original Gravity Brewing Company (440 County St., Milan)
Maniacal Mead Co. (1497 Ecorse Rd., Ypsilanti)
Mothfire Brewing Company (713 W Ellsworth Rd., Ann Arbor)
River Raisin Distillery (480 W Main St., Manchester)
Salt Springs Brewery (117 S. Ann Arbor St., Saline)
Stony Lake Brewing Co. (447 E. Michigan Ave., Saline)
Townies Brewery (2350 W. Liberty St., Ann Arbor)
Ugly Dog Distillery (218 S Main St., Chelsea)
Unity Vibration (93 Ecorse Rd., Ypsilanti)
Wolverine State Brewing Company (2019 W. Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor)
Ypsi Alehouse (124 Pearl St. #100, Ypsilanti)
Spend Time on main Street, and in the Core of Ann Arbor
Main Street in Ann Arbor, and the streets connected to it, are just plain fun. For travellers like myself, who like to wander around a bit and play the role of observer while getting a sense for a city, it doesn’t get much better than this.
For starters, keep your eyes open for street art (as well as those ferry houses). There’s a very artistic feel to this city if you’re looking to find it.
I walked up and down Main Street many a time, but if you’re tight on time, I’d start at Main and Liberty, then pop your head into some unique venues like Literati Bookstore (my goodness I loved this place), as well as Vault of Midnight (which is a sort of heaven for those interested in the world of comics and graphic novels).
I’ll get to some dining recommendations just below, but many of the most noted dining spots are located around this area. If you’re looking for a great cup of coffee in a neat spot, check out Hyperion Coffee Co. I was actually reading the book Hyperion (by the legendary Dan Simmons) while I was in Ann Arbor. Travel, as I’ve always said, has this way of increasing your chances of seemingly impossible coincidences.
Speaking of coffee, in the core you’ll also want to have RoosRoast Coffee on your radar, but if you have the time, definitely check out RoosRoast Liberty, as well.
Towards the end of your exploration of the core, I’d also recommend treating yourself to a pint at Bill’s Beer Garden, and then treating yourself even further with a little ice cream at Blank Slate Creamery.
Stay Somewhere Interesting in Ann Arbor
We personally decided to stay a little off the main drag by basing ourselves at Weber’s Hotel, which is an ideal spot for families in particular because of the indoor pool and recreational activities on offer. It was very clean, the staff was friendly and accommodating, and the beds were comfy, so we were quite happy overall.
Feel free to take a look at other options below:
Grab a bite to eat in Ann Arbor
There are no shortage of innovative and enticing dining options when it comes to Ann Arbor, and it was awfully nice to see the restaurants packed there while we were visiting. Not packed in a way that makes it impossible to get a table, but rather packed in a way that ensured that most restaurants had their own respective buzz.
Here are some options to consider:
The Blue Nile Ethiopian Restaurant: All you can eat platters (with that classic Ethiopian emphasis on sharing from the same plate), honey wine, and excellent tea. This was a favourite for us, for sure.
Peridot Ann Arbor: A Vietnamese fusion restaurant that stole our hearts enough that we ended up writing a full article about it, unto itself.
Pacific Rim by Kana: Creative dishes blending flavors from across Asia, such as miso-glazed black cod and Korean-style short ribs.
Sava’s: A popular spot for brunch, offering a variety of dishes from classic eggs Benedict to inventive breakfast tacos.
Zingerman’s Delicatessen: We mentioned it up above as well when writing about Kerrytown, but it’d be a mistake to come all the way to Ann Arbor and to not stop by. Note that there’s typically a bit of a wait. We went and took a ticket, then explored the market across the street, and came back 45 minutes or so later to grab our sandwiches.
Mani Osteria & Bar: One of Ann Arbor’s best known restaurants. Wood-fired pizzas, homemade pastas, and a lively atmosphere.
The Chop House: Nothing says “I’m celebrating a special occasion” like prime cuts of beef and a very extensive wine list (with no shortage of bold reds).
Aventura: Tapas-style dining with a variety of small plates, innovative cocktails, and a vibrant ambiance.
If You’ve Got the Time, Take a Day Trip
Lovely little Dexter, Michigan. Photo Credit: Christopher Mitchell
Ann Arbor is nice a place to base yourself as, as it evidenced by this article, there’s plenty to do, but there’s also some great spots nearby that are only a short drive.
Our personal favourite day trip that we took was to Dexter, Michigan. For one, the downtown core is pleasant as can be, there’s some unique history here, and the Hudson Mills Metropark offers some excellent hiking and biking trails along the Huron River. They also have a classic A&W there where they still deliver your meal to your car!
Beyond Dexter, other travellers also like to visit places like Chelsea, Ypsilanti, Hell, Saline, Milan, Manchester, and the big one, of course, would be Detroit, which is only about a 45 minute drive away.
What Else Should You Consider Doing on Your Visit to Ann Arbor?
At travelingmitch, we try to put in that extra effort for our readers, and that’s what this last section is all about. Here are some other ideas for you to round out your itinerary when you’re visiting Ann Arbor.
Visit the Michigan Theater to watch a film or live performance. We weren’t able to see a show while we were there (next time!), but I’ve heard wonderful things about how they restored this historic theatre!
Take note of events going on in the city. People think first of the Ann Arbor Art Fair, the Summer Festival, of perhaps Taste of Ann Arbor, but there’s seemingly always something that’s on the horizon here.
Catch some live music, and perhaps enjoy a beverage, at The Ark or the Blind Pig. I also saw a lot of signs while I was wandering around the downtown core for live comedy, something I’d love to experience when I come back.
If sports are your thing (ie. you had a visit to the Big House on your radar), you may also want to consider checking out a basketball game at the Crisler Center, or a hockey game at the Yost Ice Arena. The Michigan Wolverines seem to be able to put forth a top-tier team, regardless of the sport, though are known in particular (at least for the moment) for their football and hockey squad.
Families may want to have the Leslie Science & Nature Center and Domino’s Farms Petting Farm on their radar.
If you’re a lover of the outdoors, and especially if you love a little paddling, Gallup Park is a must for you. It’s a little under 70 acres, and it’s beloved by locals and visitors alike.
Ann Arbor Awaits!
Main Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Photo Credit: Christopher Mitchell
What’s neat about Ann Arbor is that we spent some dedicated time here exploring what makes the destination special, and yet we still have a lot on our list for the next visit. I swear their tourism slogan should be, “there’s always something going on in Ann Arbor.” Really though, when it’s winter, there are always events to celebrate that, and when it’s fall, well then it’s all about snapping photos of that stunning fall foliage.
All that to say, it’d be a mistake to think that the summer is the only time to visit. It’s a year round destination that knows how to celebrate any time of year, and ensure there’s always something to do for visitors.
We left the city feeling genuinely impressed, and I think that’s mostly a reflection of the unique vibe they’ve created here. Because of the presence of the university, and a myriad of other factors, there really isn’t another place quite like Ann Arbor, and that makes visiting (and exploring) a true treat. I have this great sense that we’ll be back again before too long, and can only hope an article like this serves you well in your own adventures, and also serves as a kind reminder that, with cities like Ann Arbor, there’s always more than meets the eye.
We want to humbly thank Destination Ann Arbor for hosting us as media. All opinions are completely our own.