There are hundreds of things to do in Ann Arbor, Michigan, from taking in the stunning
natural scenery to exploring the nightlife that this incredible city has to offer.
Located just west of Detroit, Ann Arbor is a small yet lively city
that's becoming more and more popular as its population grows.
Ann Arbor is the hometown of the University of Michigan,
whose gorgeous, sprawling campus is home to over 40,000 students! Because the college
is especially well known for its science and research-based programs, the city of Ann Arbor
boasts countless interactive museums that are fun and educational for visitors of all ages!
Does your ideal vacation include lots of kayaking, hiking,
and exploring? Or are you more interested in touring local bars and restaurants to
experience delicious cuisine and culture? No matter what you prefer, Ann Arbor has it all!
In today's video, we're going to take a look at the ten best things to do in Ann Arbor,
Michigan, so that you can plan the perfect
vacation! Make sure you stick around because we're also going to explain how you can show
your team spirit while visiting one of the most beloved sports venues in the world!
1. Watch a Game at the Big House
The University of Michigan may focus on the sciences, but the university is also
phenomenal when it comes to sports! One of the main attractions of Ann Arbor is the University of
Michigan Football Stadium, more commonly referred to as the Big House. The Big House is the largest
stadium in the US and it's the third largest stadium in the entire world! It seats over 100,000
people, but it's even seated 115,000 in the past. The Michigan Wolverines may just be a college
football team, but the team spirit of Ann Arbor is enough to get anyone excited to watch them play!
The Big House isn’t just a sports venue, though; it’s also a historical
site. The venue was originally built in 1927, and since then,
even President Lyndon B. Johnson has attended the venue to deliver a speech.
2. Relive History at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
The renowned Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library is a wonderful community center
where residents from all over Ann Arbor can read, learn, and partake in all kinds of special events.
This library is also part of a special project for the National Archives and Records Administration,
which operates a system of presidential libraries throughout the entire country!
This library is also home to a special collection specifically dedicated to
the life of President Gerald R. Ford. The collection includes presidential papers,
research papers and interviews, 3,500 hours of audio and film,
and nearly 500,000 different photographs! Because President Gerald R. Ford attended
the University of Michigan, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library is a great opportunity
to learn about how the town of Ann Arbor helped shape his life as a president.
3. Visit the University of Michigan Museum of Art
Ann Arbor is, first and foremost, a college town. The great University
of Michigan specializes in science, so many of the local museums center on that subject.
However, the University of Michigan Museum of Art is a special place
where visitors can view a collection that spans 150 years! The museum has hundreds of
permanent installations, as well as temporary exhibitions that change throughout the year.
If you want to learn more about the history behind each art piece, you can also scan a QR code
on your phone to take a self-guided tour of the museum. Finally, there are always exciting events
happening at the University of Michigan Museum of Art. Students from the University exhibit their
own artwork or even engage in performance pieces, live readings, and so much more!
Best of all, the University of Michigan Museum of Art is entirely free to all
visitors, so you can bring the whole family without worrying about your wallet!
4. Tour Local Beers
If you want to relax and get a dose of culture at the same time, then Ann Arbor
is a great destination because it's home to dozens of different breweries,
including Grizzly Peak, Jolly Pumpkin, Corner Brewery, and Blue
Tractor. In fact, many of these breweries are within walking distance of one another!
Ann Arbor also has countless bars, and when the weather is nice,
you can even enjoy a drink or two in one of the many beer gardens available throughout the city!
Ann Arbor is the perfect destination for relaxing with craft beer and enjoying live music. If you
think a brewery tour is the perfect relaxing vacation experience, leave a comment below!
5. Travel Down the Huron River
The Huron River Water Trail is an extensive trail that over 2 million visitors explore
every year! Ann Arbor is one of five cities where you can travel along the river.
If your idea of a vacation involves lots of relaxation, then the Huron River Water Trail
is the perfect opportunity to soak in the sun along the shoreline! Dotted along the
river are all sorts of public parks, fishing spots, and concession stands.
For the more adventurous traveler, however, the Huron River has plenty of other opportunities.
Stationed all along the river are plenty of places to rent and store boats and other equipment.
Whether you prefer to take a kayak, canoe, paddleboat, or rowboat,
you can rent whatever you need to travel along the river! Some spots of the river
are calm and peaceful, so you can take in the beautiful natural scenery. Others, however,
feature turbulent waters and rapids for those who want a bit more excitement during their vacation.
The Huron River is one of the natural wonders of Ann Arbor,
but there are plenty of manmade opportunities for fun, as well. Make sure you stick
around until the very end because we're going to reveal how one unique part of Ann Arbor's
culture can allow you to make exciting discoveries throughout the entire trip!
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6. Take the Family to the Creature Conservancy
The Creature Conservancy is a zoo that specializes in conservation and education.
All of the resident animals are either rescues or are part of breeding programs
for endangered species. Some of the resident animals include eagles, Mountain Lions,
parrots, sloths, and so much more! The Creature Conservancy is open on Saturdays and Sundays
or during the week if you make a reservation. This zoo also hosts lots of special events
where you can see animals first-hand and learn all about them from experts!
The Creature Conservancy has also begun a special adults-only event on the first
Friday of every month. This event features animal experts
that provide more in-depth knowledge about some of the zoo’s animals.
7. Experience Ann Arbor Culture at Kerrytown
Kerrytown, named after County Kerry, Ireland, is the best place to experience the culture of Ann
Arbor. Kerrytown was part of the original village of Ann Arbor when it was first established in the
mid-1800s and is still thriving after all of these years. Major renovations throughout the
years have turned it into a quaint yet bustling district where you can shop and visit cafes and
historical restaurants! Even though many of the buildings have changed in the last century or so,
you can still see much of the neighborhood's original architecture.
8. Explore the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum
Both the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and the Nichols Arboretum
are operated by the same organizations,
and they both provide wonderful opportunities for exploring and learning more about nature.
The Matthaei Botanical Gardens features eleven different free outdoor spaces,
which include bonsai gardens, medicinal plants, trails, and so much more! Even if you visit Ann
Arbor in the coldest winter months, Matthaei Botanical Gardens still offers an opportunity to
learn about nature. The indoor conservatory is open throughout the year and is entirely free!
Nichols Arboretum is situated on 123 acres and features a vast mixture of natural landscapes
that you can hike and explore to your heart's content, including glacial grounds
and wetlands! If you're itching to explore the natural world during your next vacation,
both the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum are the perfect places to visit!
9. Visit the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History
In 1837, staff at the University of Michigan began collecting historical artifacts. In 1956, they
finally decided to store all of those artifacts in a museum, which has since been named the
University of Michigan Museum of Natural History. The museum has plenty of interactive exhibits for
children, but there's plenty for the adults to learn, as well. The museum features exhibits such
as "Trail of the Mastodons," "Dynamic Space," and "Under the Microscope." Every exhibit is highly
detailed and contains tons of information to take in, so you can learn as much or as little as you
like while you travel from exhibit to exhibit! The University of Michigan Museum of Natural
History is a treasure trove of information, and there's something for everyone to explore here!
10. Find All the Fairy Doors
Ann Arbor is also home to a unique and adorable scavenger hunt,
which you can participate in throughout your entire vacation! Located throughout the city are
dozens of little fairy doors, magical creations that are set into the walls of various shops,
restaurants, and other buildings. While you're shopping in Kerrytown, be sure to keep your eyes
peeled for these delightful installments. Not only is this a fun game to play with children, but even
adults can enjoy finding these whimsical little creations! The first fairy door was installed in
1993, and ever since then, people throughout the city have joined in on the fun. The fairy doors
of Ann Arbor are a creative and unique community project that makes this town truly special.
Ann Arbor, Michigan is filled with culture, beautiful scenery, and nighttime entertainment.
There's something for everybody to enjoy in this wonderful city! When it comes to vacations,
are you more interested in nightlife or exploring nature? Let us know in
the comments below, and don't forget to subscribe to our channel for more!