BE YOURSELF, SEE YOURSELF IN
ANN ARBOR
Make yourself at home.
When it comes to visitors, Ann Arbor wants YOU. You as you are. You as you want to be. Our town is a tapestry of diverse voices and open minds, inviting all to belong. Our town is your town.
We’re a place for originals, unlike anywhere else, and vibrant in all seasons. We’re often known as Tree Town for the canopies that line our streets and the lush groves throughout our plentiful green spaces. But we’re much more.
We are creators, innovators, and visionaries. We’re a world-class spot for arts and culture, where you’ll find the trailblazing as well as the traditional, plus a touch of the unexpected. We’re home to a global dining scene and culinary oasis, with fine dining, quick bites, a world-famous deli, and too many coffee spots to count.
We’re a cascading river for kayakers, a sprawling network of biking and walking trails, and a year-round recreation destination. We’re a stadium brought to life by 100,000+ roaring sports fans. We can be loud, and we can be serene. We can be joyful, and we can be introspective. We’re always proud, committed to inclusion, and striving to be our best.
Ann Arbor is centered among a greater group of communities. We number seven destinations in total, each offering a distinct array of sights, sounds, and tastes to discover. Together, we’ve become a cultural melting pot and urban oasis. You’ll find information about attractions in all seven towns within this guide.
Here we encourage you to be yourself in Ann Arbor. And we invite you to see yourself in Ann Arbor. We‘re in your corner. Whether you’re just meeting us, returning for another visit, or taking the opportunity to be a tourist in your own town, we’re glad you’re here.
SURROUND YOURSELF WITH INSPIRATION.
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE MOMENT.
ART + SOUL
Ann Arbor is a champion of artists and the arts. Our cultural landscape, rich and storied, is layered with innovation and cutting-edge vision.
You’ll find award-winning museums, a nationally known collection of art fairs, and world-class performance spaces. You’ll also find a thriving live music and concert scene, theatre and dance performances by big names as well as rising stars, and locally owned galleries of all sorts. Don’t forget the unconventional, everchanging photo opportunity known as “graffiti alley,” beautiful eye-catching murals throughout our downtown, and unexpected delights like the drawings of local chalk artist David Zinn.
Challenge Everything. Create Anything. : Mary Thiefels and Danijel Matanic Ann Arbor
See what’s new.
POWER CENTER
smtd.umich.edu/ facilities/power-center 121 Fletcher St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
THE ARK theark.org
316 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
lsa.umich.edu/ummnh 1105 N University Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
You could say our art is in the right place. From the grand stage of the Power Center to the intimacy of The Ark, we’ve got theater, music, and dance on the daily. No stage fright here.
If it’s been a minute since you’ve visited the dinosaurs, get ready for the glow up! The spectacular state-of-theart Museum of Natural History is just one gem in our crown. Museums in the Ann Arbor area are a must-see.
Encore Theatre | Dexter
Purple Rose | Chelsea
Museum of Natural History | Ann Arbor Michigan Firehouse Museum Ypsilanti
Blue LLama / Ann Arbor
Michigan Flight Museum / Belleville
The Ark Ann Arbor
UMMA / Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor
Let’s Get Festive
Festivals Art + Soul
Ann Arbor and its neighboring towns come alive year-round with exciting festivals for every season, celebrating music, art, food, and local culture!
WINTER
Ann Arbor Restaurant Week
Ann Arbor Folk Festival
Ann Arbor Film Festival
Saline Celtic Festival
A2 Artoberfest
Holy Bones Festival
Midnight Madness
SPRING
FoolMoon/FestiFools
Milan Wine Walk
Ann Arbor African American Festival
Ypsi Pride
Cinetopia
Ypsi Juneteenth SUMMER
Ann Arbor Summer Festival
Michigan Summer Beer Festival
Chelsea Sounds and Sights Festival
Ypsi Jazz Festival
John E Lawrence Jazz Festival
Thunder Over Michigan
Ann Arbor Art Fair
Manchester Chicken Broil
Saline Summerfest
Paint Dexter Plein Air
EYE CANDY
Strolling our streets can make you stop and stare. And not just because of the long line at a favorite ice cream spot. It’s the murals, people! Our outdoor public art and indoor galleries will delight and surprise you.
The Ann Arbor Art Fair may be the main character, but our festivals calendar offers much more! You’d be a fool to miss FestiFools and the A2SF is iconic too. IYKYK.
Bill Barrett Ypsilanti
Joey Salamon / Ann Arbor
David Zinn Ann Arbor
Danijel Matanic / Ann Arbor
FestiFools | Ann Arbor Ann Arbor Summer Festival / Ann Arbor Cornman Farms Heirloom Harvest Dinner Dexter
Fairy Doors / Ann Arbor
Destination Ann Arbor
NOURISH YOURSELF. INDULGE YOURSELF.
TASTES + SIPS
Whether you’re craving a burger, deli sandwich, global dining adventure, or unusual ice cream flavor, you’ll find it here. With hundreds of tempting dining destinations, we’ve got options for every budget and every palate to satisfy foodies and casual diners alike. From James Beard award-winning chefs and the world-famous Zingerman’s Deli to under-the-radar finds and offthe-beaten-path standouts, the delicious journey through Ann Arbor never hits a dead end.
See what’s new.
As our area is surrounded by farmland, Ann Arbor’s restaurants serve up dishes brimming with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Vegetarian and vegan-focused dishes abound. Our international scene is thriving, with choices from Ethiopia, Korea, China, Japan, India, Peru, Mexico, Spain, and more.
As for beverages, we’ve got a vibrant craft beer culture and plenty of mixologists waiting to serve you up a dazzling cocktail or mocktail. If you’re looking to caffeinate, visit one of our many coffeehouses for a taste of our local scene.
THE CHOP HOUSE & LA DOLCE VITA
thechophouserestaurant.com
322 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
KRAZY JIM’S BLIMPY BURGER
blimpyburger.com
304 S Ashley St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
We’ve got all kinds of delicious. Partake in a fine-dining experience right on Main Street at the Chop House, followed up by gourmet desserts, hand-rolled cigars, and after-dinner drinks at La Dolce Vita. Or grab a quick meal served up with a side of attitude at local institution Krazy Jim’s Blimpy Burger. You’ve got hundreds of choices in between.
Dexter Creamery
| Dexter
Blimpy Burger / Ann Arbor
Miss Kim | Ann Arbor
The Chop House Ann Arbor
Slurping Turtle / Ann Arbor
Destination Ann Arbor
ROOS ROAST
roosroast.com
1155 Rosewood St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
TEAHAUS
teahaus.com
200–204 N 4th Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
ANN ARBOR DISTILLING COMPANY
annarbordistilling.com
220 Felch St, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
BILL’S BEER GARDEN
billsbeergarden.com
218 S Ashley St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
THIS IS HOW WE BREW
IT
Ann Arbor is all about the java. We’ve got so many unique coffeehouses that you’ll want to linger instead of getting your joe to go. Settle in at Roos Roast if you’ve got reading to pore over with your pour-over. If coffee’s not your thing, TeaHaus is tops for a freshly steeped cup or Full English Tea.
LOCAL SPIRITS
No need to BYO. From Ann Arbor Distilling Company, which pours handcrafted spirits sourced from local ingredients, to the “community backyard” of Bill’s Beer Garden, there are many ways to get your drink on.
Millie’s Coffeehouse Manchester
Ann Arbor Distilling Co. / Ann Arbor
Last Word / Ann Arbor
Socotra / Ann Arbor
TeaHaus / Ann Arbor
Hyperion / Ypsilanti
Roos Roast / Ann Arbor
Bill’s Beer Garden / Ann Arbor
Rumpus Room / Chelsea
Lo-Fi / Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor
GIVE YOURSELF A BREATHER. STEEP YOURSELF IN NATURE. CHALLENGE YOURSELF.
FRESH AIR
Winter, spring, summer, or fall—Ann Arbor is a year-round destination for outdoor fun and recreation. We’ve got a wealth of picturesque parks and gardens, whether you’re looking to throw a frisbee, spread a picnic blanket, or take in the beauty of abundant wildflowers.
With miles of scenic trails, we’re a haven for hikers. And the Border-to-Border (B2B) Trail is an ideal way to explore the beauty of our area. As a paved pathway that runs through Ann Arbor, Chelsea, Dexter, and Ypsilanti, it’s appealing for walking, running, biking, and rollerblading.
If you’re up for water adventures, try kayaking or tubing the Huron River at the Argo Park Cascades or fishing near the Gallup Park Livery. Winter fun is also nonstop, with ice-skating, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing opportunities to entice both novices and experts.
ANN ARBOR FARMERS MARKET
315 Detroit St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
WIARD’S ORCHARDS wiards.com
5565 Merritt Rd, Ypsilanti Charter Twp, MI 48197
LAVENDER HARVEST FESTIVAL lavenderlanemi.com
12040 Plank Rd, Milan, MI 48160
Agri-what, you may say? In a nutshell, agri-tourism invites visitors to experience and learn about working farms and their bounty. In the Ann Arbor area, think of it this way: our passion for sustainable, Earth-friendly practices and all things local leads to many fun (and tasty!) ways to jump right into the farm-to-table journey. You can even meet the farmers! We’ve got phenomenal farmer’s markets and farm stands, “you-pick” farms where you can gather your own apples, berries, and other seasonal goodies, plus cider mills and can’t-miss events like the Lavender Harvest Festival.
Lavender Harvest Festival | Milan
Ann Arbor Farmers Market / Ann Arbor Wiard’s Orchard / Ypsilanti Township
Alber Orchard / Manchester Agricole Farm Stop | Chelsea
Destination Ann Arbor
Borderto-Border
B2B Trail Fresh Air
TRAIL CORRIDORS
MATTHAEI BOTANICAL GARDENS
1800 N Dixboro Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
ROLLING HILLS COUNTY PARK
7660 Stony Creek Rd, Ypsilanti Charter Twp, MI 48197
NICHOLS ARBORETUM
1610 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
WATERLOO STATE RECREATION AREA
16345 McClure Rd, Chelsea, MI 48118
ALL IN GOOD SUN
Whether spring has just sprung or we’re deep into summer months, there’s nothing better than a day in the Ann Arbor area. To immerse yourself in nature right in our own backyard, check out the lush trails in Nichols Arboretum and see the stunning Peony Garden if your timing is right. Or venture a bit further to the 20,000-acre Waterloo State Recreation Area, for biking, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, swimming, and some stellar bird-watching.
LET IT SNOW
Bundle up and enjoy a brisk day hiking or snowshoeing in Matthei Botanical Gardens or Rolling Hills County Park. The snowy trees and the sparkle from the sun’s reflection will help you find your chill. Winter in our area also offers up sledding, skating, fat tire biking, and more.
Argo Cascades Ann Arbor
Nichols Arboretum / Ann Arbor
Matthaei Botanical Gardens | Ann Arbor
Waterloo State Recreation Area / Chelsea
Rolling Hills Ypsilanti Township
Waterloo State Recreation Area Chelsea
Eagle Crest Golf Club / Ypsilanti Township
Ann Arbor
ADORN YOURSELF. TREAT YOURSELF.
RETAIL THERAPY
Whether you’re a focused shopaholic or a meandering window shopper, each community in the Ann Arbor area features distinctive, walkable shopping areas to explore. Lose track of time browsing one of our many indie bookstores, add a piece of unique clothing to your wardrobe, or find a gift perfectly suited for someone special. There’s something for every taste and many opportunities to discover the work of our local artisans.
Nickels Arcade Ann Arbor
SHINOLA shinola.com
322 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
ROCK PAPER SCISSORS
rockpaperscissorsshop.com
216 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
VAULT OF MIDNIGHT vaultofmidnight.com
219 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
FOUND
foundgallery.com
415 N 5th Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
THISTLE & BESS
thistleandbess.com
222 N 4th Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
THE ARCADIAN arcadianantiques.shop
328 S. State St, Nickels Arcade Suite 13 Ann Arbor, MI 48104
BIVOUAC
bivouacannarbor.com
336 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
MAIN STREET MOJO
Ann Arbor’s Main Steet area is loaded with shops and boutiques. Among clothing, home decor, and gifts are unique finds like Vault of Midnight’s huge selection of comics and “all things geeky,” Shinola’s Detroit-made handcrafted luxury items, and a stash of clever and cool treasures at Rock Paper Scissors.
KERRYTOWN CHARM
Kerrytown, on the north end of downtown Ann Arbor, is hard to beat for its captivating specialty shops. Stop first at Found, where you’ll find a mix of modern home decor, vintage items, and creations by local artists. Then explore the unique fine jewelry line at Thistle & Bess, alongside its thoughtfully curated collection of stylish gifts and delightful home accents.
STATE STREET SPIRIT
Across from the University of Michigan Diag, the State Street District is a fave haunt for students, locals, and visitors alike. Right next door, you’ll find the lovely Nickels Arcade, a mosaictiled covered corridor dating back to 1918, and its eclectic mix of specialty shops.
Dear Golden | Ann Arbor
Shinola / Ann Arbor
Vault of Midnight / Ann Arbor
Thistle & Bess Ann Arbor
The Arcadian / Ann Arbor
Bivouac / Ann Arbor Found / Ann Arbor
BLACK STONE BOOKSTORE& CULTURAL CENTER
blackstonebookstore.com
214 W Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
3BIRD 3birddexter.com 8060 Main St, Dexter, MI 48130
THE POTTING SHED thepottingsheds.weebly.com
112 W Middle St, Chelsea, MI 48118
YPSI AND BEYOND Our surrounding communities also have vibrant, walkable downtown shopping areas. Visit local institution Black Stone Bookstore & Cultural Center in Ypsi, wander among the swoon-worthy collection of home items and artistic finds at 3bird in Dexter, or pick out the perfect gift at Chelsea’s adorable antique and specialty shop, The Potting Shed.
The Rocket / Ypsilanti
Black Stone Bookstore | Ypsilanti
Dragonfly & Birch Manchester
Pink Shamrocks Milan
The Potting Shed / Chelsea
Eleanor’s Sweets & Sodas Saline
3bird | Dexter
DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND EXPLORE ALL OUR COMMUNITIES.
START IN A2 + GO FROM THERE
Set your nav to start in Ann Arbor, but don’t sleep on the delights of the six surrounding communities in our area. While we’ve featured some of their attractions throughout this guide, here’s more to love.
See what’s new.
and
DEXTER CIDER MILL
dextercidermill.com
3685 Central St, Dexter, MI 48130
SALT SPRINGS BREWERY
saltspringsbrewery.com 117 S Ann Arbor St, Saline, MI 48176
RIVER RAISIN DISTILLERY
riverraisindistillery.com
480 W Main St, Manchester, MI 48158
SPORTY SALINE
A quintessential, vibrant small town, Saline is—you guessed it—named for its natural salt springs. With nationally ranked schools, a love of sports and rec, and proximity to big-city amenities, Saline punches above its weight.
MILAN’S MIX
Milan presents a unique blend—emerging, up and coming, packed with exciting new businesses, but also woven through with warmth and history. It’s certainly a gem, but not so “hidden” these days, thanks to its vibrance.
A DAY IN DEXTER
A quaint, friendly, and close-knit town, Dexter entices visitors with its historic downtown shopping and dining area, riverside trails, and cultural offerings. Insider tip: don’t miss the donuts at the Dexter Cider Mill.
MEET MANCHESTER
For a relaxing day in idyllic Manchester, you can bike, hike, or just breathe deep and take in its lush landscapes and waterfront parks. If you like to shop local, you’ll find lots to browse.
River Raisin Distillery / Manchester
Dear Golden Milan Salt Springs Brewery Saline
3rd Thursdays | Milan
Plum Tree Yarn / Milan
Dexter Cider Mill Dexter
Oktoberfest / Saline
Downtown Dexter
Downtown Manchester
DayTripping
Discover the unique sights, sounds, and flavors of Washtenaw County!
All Our Communities Chelsea, Dexter, Manchester, Milan, Saline, and Ypsilanti each have their own stories to tell.
YPSI COCKTAIL CLUB
102 W. Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
THIS, THAT & THE ODDER THINGS
50 E. Cross St, Ypsilanti, MI 48198
NORTH BAY PARK
1151 S. Huron St, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
YES, YPSILANTI!
Proud, open, and edgy, Ypsi is a passionate community bursting with beloved, local businesses, a fresh arts scene, and a bohemian vibe. It’s not hard to find a weekend’s worth of fun in this funky town.
Ypsi Cocktail Club / Ypsilanti
North Bay Park / Ypsilanti Township
This, That & The ODDer Things Ypsilanti
BE TRUE TO YOURSELF.
VALUES IN ACTION
Here’s what we know. When planning a visit, you’re after a destination that syncs with your values. You’re seeking a place that reflects what matters most to you. And we’re proud that we live by what we say.
See what’s new.
We’re a community that embraces the advances made in social justice, equity, and equal opportunity. We welcome and celebrate differences, and we promote understanding.
Pride | Ann Arbor Juneteenth / Ypsilanti
Rosie the Riveters / Ypsilanti Township
African American Downtown Festival / Ann Arbor
VERTEX COFFEE ROASTERS vertex-coffee.com
307 N River St, Ypsilanti, MI 48198
FOOD GATHERERS foodgatherers.org
1 Carrot Way, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
CORNMAN FARMS zingermanscornmanfarms.com 8540 Island Lake Rd, Dexter, MI 48130
GREEN VIBES
This planet is our home and we champion the need to respect and care for it. Our community strives to use natural resources responsibly, to benefit future generations as well as today’s.
ALL ABILITIES + ALL WELCOME
As a verified destination with Wheel the World, the Ann Arbor area has an accessibility seal of approval. We strive to ensure that everyone, at all levels of physical, sensory, and cognitive abilities, can fully enjoy our spaces, services, and experiences.
Cornman Farms Dexter
U-M Adaptive Open / Ann Arbor
Nickels Arcade / Ann Arbor
Special Olympics Fall Games / Chelsea
Vertex Coffee Roasters / Ypsilanti
Food Gatherers Ann Arbor
Photo credit: Conor Titsworth
CHEER YOURSELF HOARSE.
ENRICH YOURSELF WITH KNOWLEDGE.
SCHOOL SWAGGER
Ann Arbor speaks both town and gown. You’ll find a culture of learning and exploration within every fiber of our community. Cheering at games, repping the school colors, and visiting favorite campus spots are common practice here. It’s more than just hype. It’s about connecting to a place that helps you grow.
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There’s no denying that we’re wolverines through and through. The University of Michigan is a leading educational institution, attracting top students and faculty from all over the world. It offers up a bucket list of its own within Ann Arbor—ask anyone who has watched a game in the electrifying atmosphere of the “Big House” or gasped at the gothic-style architecture of the Law Quad. Its healthcare institution, Michigan Medicine, treats millions of patients each year and is known for its groundbreaking accomplishments and advancements.
Michigan Stadium / Ann Arbor
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
umich.edu
500 State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
EASTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
emich.edu
900 Oakwood St, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
WASHTENAW COMMUNITY COLLEGE
wccnet.edu
4800 E Huron River Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
OPEN-DOOR ACCESS
Established in 1965, Washtenaw Community College is a learnercentered, open-door institution dedicated to student, community, and staff success. It has grown into one of the nation’s premier community colleges. WCC’s 285-acre Ann Arbor campus offers a wide spectrum of services with an emphasis on premier technical and career educational programs.
THE EAGLES HAVE LANDED
Located in Ypsilanti, Eastern Michigan University is the second oldest public university in the state. With a strategic focus on equity and inclusion in its core mission, it was recently ranked by U.S. News and World Report in the category of social mobility. Its academic and athletic campus (Go, Eagles!) spreads across 800 acres, with over 120 buildings.
Eastern Michigan University / Ypsilanti
UA Training / Washtenaw Community College
Washtenaw Community College / Ann Arbor
Rynearson Stadium / Ypsilanti
LAUGH YOURSELF SILLY.
BRING THE CREW
See what’s new.
Get ready for family fun! Ann Arbor has something to enchant every age—from the young to the young-at-heart. From playgrounds to petting farms to pinball, there’s plenty to choose from. Catch some air at our epic skatepark, invite the little ones to discover “hidden” fairy doors around town, or challenge your group to some rock-climbing or an escape room adventure. You’re in for a visit that goes beyond memorable.
Blast Corn Maze / Dexter
ANN ARBOR
HANDS-ON MUSEUM discoverscienceandnature.org
220 E Ann St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
PETTING FARM AT DOMINO’S FARMS pettingfarm.com
3001 Earhart Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48106
GALLUP PARK
3000 Fuller Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
LITERATI BOOKSTORE
literatibookstore.com
124 E Washington St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
WINTER WEATHER FUN
The cold never bothered us anyway! Gear up for an outdoor adventure or keep your toes toasty exploring our indoor attractions. Longtime favorite, the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, has four levels of engaging interactive exhibits, including a preschool gallery for the littlest visitors. Or invite your crew to pick out candy from the amazing selection at Rocket Fizz. Their retro sweets have a way of turning adults into kids again.
WARM WEATHER WINNERS
Grab the sunscreen and enjoy the great outdoors! Whether you want to stroll or to blow off steam, our spring and summer attractions will hit the sweet spot. Can you tell the difference between a llama and an alpaca? Visit them both at the Petting Farm at Domino’s Farms, where you can even see some baby animals when your timing is right. Or check out the trails and playscapes at the Leslie Science & Nature Center, which also has a raptor house.
AND MORE FAMILY FUN
For more meaningful moments together, check out a local bookstore. Both Literati and Schuler Books boast amazing children’s sections, perfect for sparking young imaginations. Or head to Revel and Roll for an elevated, family-friendly bowling experience.
TOP PLAYGROUNDS
The Ann Arbor area is chock full of whimsical playgrounds. Not far from Michigan Stadium is Allmendinger Park, which incorporates natural elements into its play structures. Kids love the boulder mountain climber, timber dome, stump steppers, and log balance beam. Or visit Gallup Park, which has a fairy-themed universal access playground for children of all ages and abilities, as well as a number of other playspaces connected by paved paths and walking trails. You might want to stop along the way to say hi to the ducks, geese, and swans.
Museum of Natural History / Ann Arbor
Blast Corn Maze / Dexter
Fairy Doors / Ann Arbor Gallup Park Ann Arbor
The moment of truth—pinning down the details. Never fear, planning a visit to Ann Arbor is a breeze. We’re conveniently located and easily reached by road, rail, or air. And we’ve got a wealth of wonderful hotel options—not that you’ll be in your room for long. There’s too much to explore!
AMTRAK
amtrak.com
DETROIT
METROPOLITAN
WAYNE COUNTY
AIRPORT metroairport.com
THE RIDE theride.org
Getting here is low-key easy. Driving is a great option, as we’re close to multiple inter-state highways. If you’d rather not take the wheel, you’re still in luck. We’re only 25 minutes from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport and there are also convenient train and bus schedules.
When it comes to deciding on a place to stay, you can rest easy in Ann Arbor! We have enticing choices for every type of traveler. Upscale vs. budget? Plenty in both categories. Downtown? Near campus? Near the inter-state? Check, check, and check. You can select from national chains, local boutique hotels, and cozy inns. In other words, there’s a room with every type of view.
