Ann Arbor Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, food and drink scene, where to stay, and travel logistics with this comprehensive travel guide for Ann Arbor, Michigan.


Introduction to Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor is a vibrant college town located in Southeast Michigan, United States. Home to the University of Michigan, it offers a unique blend of academic and artistic communities, creating a dynamic and diverse atmosphere.

This comprehensive tour guide for Ann Arbor will help you discover the best places to visit, food and drink scene, where to stay, and travel logistics, ensuring you get the most out of your visit to this friendly and welcoming city.

List of Places to Visit in Ann Arbor

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. University of Michigan Museum of Art - This world-class museum boasts a collection of over 20,000 artworks, including European, American, and African art.

  2. Kelsey Museum of Archaeology - This museum showcases ancient artifacts from the Mediterranean and Near East, including some of the world’s oldest glass objects.

  3. Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum - This museum honors the 38th President of the United States, with exhibits and archives dedicated to his life and legacy.

  4. Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum - These stunning gardens offer a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city, featuring a wide variety of plants, flowers, and trees.

Natural Attractions of Ann Arbor: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Huron River - This picturesque river runs through the heart of the city, offering opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing.

  2. Nichols Arboretum - Known locally as “The Arb,” this 123-acre park is home to a variety of hiking trails and scenic vistas, including the iconic Peony Garden.

  3. Ann Arbor Farmers Market - This bustling market offers local produce, handmade crafts, and delicious food from over 130 vendors.

  4. Leslie Science and Nature Center - This 50-acre nature preserve offers interactive exhibits, educational programs, and live animal displays.

Hiking/Biking Routes in Ann Arbor

  1. B2B Trail - This 10-mile trail runs along the Huron River, connecting Ann Arbor to nearby Ypsilanti and offering stunning views of the river and surrounding scenery.

  2. Ann Arbor Loop Trail - This 24-mile loop circles the city, connecting a variety of parks, trails, and natural areas.

  3. Pinckney Recreation Area - Located just a short drive from Ann Arbor, this state park offers over 40 miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as swimming and boating on the chain of lakes.

Best Things to Do in Ann Arbor: Activities and Tours

  1. Ann Arbor Street Art Fair - Taking place every July, this renowned art fair features over 1,000 artists from around the world, as well as live music and food vendors.

  2. Michigan Theater - This historic theater hosts a variety of movies, concerts, and other live events, as well as offering tours of the backstage and projection rooms.

  3. Zingerman’s Deli - This iconic deli has been serving up some of the city’s best sandwiches and baked goods for over 30 years.

  4. Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase - This intimate venue offers a variety of stand-up comedy performances throughout the year, as well as open-mic nights for local talent.

Week-Long Itinerary for Ann Arbor

Day Activity
1 Visit University of Michigan Museum of Art and Kelsey Museum of Archaeology
2 Explore Huron River and Nichols Arboretum
3 Visit Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum and Matthaei Botanical Gardens
4 Hike or bike the B2B Trail or Ann Arbor Loop Trail
5 Visit Ann Arbor Farmers Market and Leslie Science and Nature Center
6 Take a tour of Michigan Theater and enjoy dinner at Zingerman’s Deli
7 Laugh at Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase

Food and Drink Scene of Ann Arbor

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Michigan Cherry Salad - A local favorite, this salad features Michigan-grown cherries, toasted pecans, and goat cheese.

  2. Ann Arbor Dog - This hot dog is topped with chili, onions, and mustard, and is a staple of the city’s street food scene.

  3. Zingerman’s Reuben - This classic sandwich features house-made corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing.

  4. Krazy Jim’s Blimpy Burger - This iconic burger joint has been serving up customizable burgers since 1953, and is a must-visit for any burger lover.

Local Beverages

  1. Wolverine State Brewing Co. - This brewery specializes in lagers, with a variety of year-round and seasonal offerings.

  2. Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales - This brewpub features a variety of sour, barrel-aged beers, as well as artisan pizzas and other pub fare.

  3. The Last Word - This craft cocktail bar offers a rotating selection of seasonal cocktails, as well as an extensive whiskey selection.

Where to Stay in Ann Arbor: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Graduate Ann Arbor - This boutique hotel is located in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor, across from the University of Michigan campus.

  2. The Kensington Hotel - This upscale hotel features spacious rooms and suites, as well as an on-site restaurant and fitness center.

  3. Ann Arbor Bed and Breakfast - This charming guesthouse offers a variety of cozy rooms and suites, as well as a homemade breakfast each morning.

What to Buy in Ann Arbor: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Mitten State - This local brand offers a variety of Michigan-themed apparel, including t-shirts, sweatshirts, and hats.

  2. Literati Bookstore - This independent bookstore features a wide selection of books and literary gifts, as well as author readings and events.

  3. The Ann Arbor Farmers Market - In addition to fresh produce, this market offers handmade crafts and artisanal food products from local vendors.

Local Culture and Customs of Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor prides itself on being a welcoming and inclusive community, with a vibrant arts and culture scene. Visitors should be respectful of the diverse population and be open to learning about the various ethnic and cultural traditions represented in the city.

Best Time to Visit Ann Arbor

The best time to visit Ann Arbor is in the spring (April-June) or fall (September-November), when temperatures are mild and the city’s foliage is at its most beautiful. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter can be cold and snowy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Ann Arbor

Do:

  1. Explore the city’s many parks and natural areas, including the Huron River and Nichols Arboretum.

  2. Try the local food and drink scene, including Michigan Cherry Salad, Ann Arbor Dog, and local breweries.

  3. Visit the University of Michigan campus and take in a game at “The Big House,” one of the largest college football stadiums in the world.

Don’t:

  1. Ignore traffic and parking regulations, as Ann Arbor is known for its strict enforcement.

  2. Disrespect the city’s diverse population or cultural traditions.

  3. Underestimate the city’s traffic during rush hour.

Safety and Health

Safety in Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor is a relatively safe city, but visitors should take common-sense precautions such as locking car doors and being aware of their surroundings in unfamiliar areas.

Health in Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor has a variety of hospitals and medical facilities, including the University of Michigan Health System and St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor Hospital. Visitors are encouraged to purchase travel insurance and obtain any necessary vaccinations before traveling to the United States.

Getting to Ann Arbor: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Ann Arbor

  1. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport - Located 25 miles from Ann Arbor, this is the closest major airport to the city.

  2. Bishop International Airport - Located 50 miles from Ann Arbor, this airport serves a variety of domestic and international destinations.

Bus Stations Near Ann Arbor

  1. Greyhound Bus Lines - This national bus service operates out of the Ann Arbor Transportation Center, located in downtown Ann Arbor.

  2. Megabus - This budget bus service offers direct routes to and from several major cities, including Chicago and Toronto.

Other Options

  1. Amtrak - This passenger rail service offers several daily routes to Ann Arbor, including the Wolverine line from Chicago.

  2. Car Rental - Several car rental agencies operate out of both Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport and Ann Arbor Transportation Center.

How to Get Around in Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor is relatively compact and easy to navigate, and many attractions are within walking distance of each other. Visitors can also use Ann Arbor’s local bus system (The Ride), taxis, or ride-sharing services to get around.

Where to Go Next from Ann Arbor: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Detroit - Located less than an hour’s drive from Ann Arbor, Detroit offers a variety of cultural attractions, including the Detroit Institute of Arts and Motown Historical Museum.

  2. Toledo - This Ohio city is just a short drive from Ann Arbor and offers a variety of attractions, including the Toledo Museum of Art and the Toledo Zoo.

  3. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - Located about two hours northwest of Ann Arbor, this stunning national park boasts miles of sandy beaches, towering dunes, and crystal-clear lakes.

Conclusion

We hope this comprehensive tour guide for Ann Arbor helps you plan your visit to this charming and vibrant city. From its rich cultural attractions to its stunning natural scenery and tasty food scene, Ann Arbor has something to offer everyone. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or simply a fun and memorable getaway, Ann Arbor is sure to leave a lasting impression.

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