Chelsea Travel Guide

Discover top attractions, hiking/biking routes, food, and culture of Chelsea, Michigan. Learn useful tips on safety, transportation, and nearby excursions.


Introduction to Chelsea

Chelsea is a serene city situated in Washtenaw County, Southeast Michigan, offering amazing scenic views, outdoor activities, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. Chelsea is the home of one of the biggest beer festivals in Michigan, the Michigan Brewers Guild Summer Beer festival. The city also hosts famous events like the 4th of July Parade, Sounds & Sights Festival, and Hometown Holidays. Chelsea offers something for everyone and is definitely worth a visit.

List of Places to Visit in Chelsea

If you’re wondering what to do in Chelsea, Michigan, here are some top attractions you should visit:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Purple Rose Theater: This is a renowned professional theatre founded by Jeff Daniels, an Emmy Award-winning actor, and Chelsea resident. It features world-class performances, and has hosted famous names such as Jim Carrey and Michael Moore.
  • Chelsea Area Historical Museum: This museum showcases the rich history of Chelsea, from the 1800s to the present day. Exhibits include farming, industry, art, quilts, and Native American artifacts.
  • Gerald E. Eddy Discovery Center: Learn about Michigan’s varied ecosystems with interactive exhibits, and enjoy the beautiful trails that the Discovery Center has to offer.
  • Waterloo Area Historical Society and Museum: This museum displays exhibits of local history from the Ice Age to present-day. There is an old-fashioned classroom, restored farm equipment, and custom-built dioramas.

Natural Attractions of Chelsea: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Waterloo Recreation Area: This is the largest state park in Michigan, offering opportunities for camping, hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and swimming. The 4,000-acre park with 11 lakes is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream come true.
  • Dexter-Huron Metropark: This park features a beautiful, scenic Huron River, with kayaking, fishing, picnic areas, and scenic hiking trails. It also has a golf course and an equestrian trail.
  • Pierce Lake Golf Course: This 18-hole course offers beautiful views of Pierce Lake, rolling hills, and wildlife. It’s a peaceful place to golf and has reasonable rates.
  • Smokehouse 52 BBQ MTB Bike Trail: This 6 mile single-track system offers natural scenery and plenty of opportunity for mountain biking enthusiasts to challenge themselves on the trails.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Chelsea

There are some excellent trails for hiking and biking in Chelsea, Michigan:

  • Waterloo Pinckney Trail: This trail is a 35-mile point-to-point trail, winding through the Waterloo and Pinckney recreation areas. It features wildflowers, geological formations, and multiple campgrounds.
  • Potawatomi Trail: This trail is a 17.5-mile loop that offers great hiking and biking, with scenic views of blind lakes, dunes, and meadows. It is located in the Waterloo Recreation Area.
  • Chelsea Waterloo-Pickney Connector Trail: This trail connects the Waterloo and Pinckney recreation areas, providing hikers and bikers access to over 40 miles of trails.

Best Things to Do in Chelsea: Activities and Tours

Apart from hiking, biking, and exploring the cultural and natural attractions of the city, there are many other enjoyable activities in Chelsea, including:

  • Chelsea Painters Studio Tour: Chelsea Potters Guild and local artists open their studios and offer insight into the process of making art.
  • Wine, Beer, and Spirits Tours: The art of brewing and distilling is celebrated in Chelsea. There are multiple tasting rooms and festivals to attend.
  • Antique Shopping: Chelsea is home to a cluster of unique antique stores offering high-quality antiques and vintage items, art, and gourmet foods.

Week-Long Itinerary for Chelsea

Here is a week-long itinerary for exploring Chelsea:

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit the Waterloo Recreation Area
Day 2 Explore the museums of Chelsea
Day 3 Go mountain biking at Smokehouse 52 BBQ MTB Trail
Day 4 Take a wine and spirits tour of local microbreweries and distilleries
Day 5 Hike the Potawatomi Trail
Day 6 Visit historic sites of Chelsea
Day 7 Attend a theatre performance at the Purple Rose Theater

Food and Drink Scene of Chelsea

Chelsea features unique dining experiences for foodies, with local beer, wine, and spirits to sample.

Must-Try Dishes

  • BBQ: Smokehouse 52 BBQ is a must-go destination for meat-lovers. Their 14-hour smoked brisket will leave you wanting for more.
  • Chelsea Milling Company: Try the famous original Jiffy Mix cornbread at the historical Chelsea Milling Company, a local institution since the 1930s.
  • Zou Zou’s Cafe: Enjoy artisanal crepes and coffee, made with fresh, local ingredients.

Local Beverages

  • Chelsea Alehouse: Taste locally crafted beer, with up to 20 rotating options and an excellent food menu.
  • Sandhill Crane Vineyards: Visit the beautiful vineyards of Michigan and sip unique wine blends.
  • Ann Arbor Distilling Company: This is Michigan’s first licensed distillery since Prohibition, offering a range of spirits.

Where to Stay in Chelsea: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to accommodation in Chelsea.

  • Comfort Inn: This hotel is conveniently located near all the tourist attractions. It features clean, comfortable rooms and a complimentary breakfast.
  • Chelsea Depot Airbnb: This is a cozy suite located in the historic train depot, with a comfortable bed, a well-equipped kitchenette, and a private entrance.
  • Bunk House Airbnb: This is an eclectic tiny-house located on the outskirts of town, offering a rustic, cozy, and unique experience.

What to Buy in Chelsea: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Chelsea offers many superb shopping destinations for those looking for unique souvenirs and gifts.

  • Chelsea Farmers Market: Shop for locally produced fruits, vegetables, jams, and baked goods at this famous farmers market. You will find a variety of handcrafted items here too, including jewelry, soaps, and pottery.
  • Serendipity Books: This is a charming used book store, offering superior editions of both classic and modern literature.
  • Creekside Pottery: Discover handcrafted pottery made by local artists. You can even attend classes and learn to create your own pottery.

Local Culture and Customs of Chelsea

Chelsea is a quaint town with friendly people and fascinating cultural events throughout the year. A few interesting facts are:

  • Chelsea’s founder, Elisha Congdon, named this place after the famous London district.
  • Chelsea is popularly known as “The City of Lore” because of its numerous cultural programs.
  • Chelsea offers over 120 miles of contiguous scenic equestrian trails.

Best Time to Visit Chelsea

The best time to visit Chelsea is in late spring and early fall. During these seasons, the weather is comfortable, and the crowds are thin. Summers can be crowded because of the multiple events and festivals, making prices higher, and winters can be quite chilly and damp.

Do’s and Don’ts of Chelsea

Do:

  • Bring comfortable walking shoes for all the hiking and outdoor activity.
  • Participate in local cultural events and festivals.
  • Show appreciation for the environment and leave it as it is.

Don’t:

  • Litter. Be courteous and throw trash in the designated areas.
  • Smoke in a non-smoking area.
  • Ignore traffic laws, and follow them for your and others’ safety.

Safety and Health

Safety in Chelsea

Chelsea is a safe town, with a low crime rate. However, it is advisable to be vigilant and take basic precautions during your visit.

  • Wear a life jacket when going boating or kayaking.
  • Check weather conditions if you are going outdoors.
  • Avoid leaving valuables in your car.

Health in Chelsea

There are doctors and urgent care facilities in Chelsea if an emergency arises. Chelsea is water-safe, but be mindful of water safety in Waterloo Recreation Area.

Getting to Chelsea: Transportation Options and Logistics

Chelsea is easily accessible using the below transportation options:

  • By Car: Take I-94 to the Chelsea Exit.
  • By Train: Take the Amtrak Wolverine Line to Ann Arbor and then take a taxi or Uber to Chelsea.
  • By Bus: There are bus services including Greyhound and Megabus that come into the nearby Ann Arbor Transportation Center.

Airports Near Chelsea

  • Detroit Metropolitan Airport: This airport is roughly 35 miles east of Chelsea, offering domestic and international flights.

Bus Stations Near Chelsea

  • Ann Arbor Transportation Center: Located approximately 16 miles from Chelsea, this bus station caters to Greyhound and Megabus passengers.

Other Options

  • Car Rental: Car rental services are widely available at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport.

How to Get Around in Chelsea

Chelsea is a walkable town, but you can rent bicycles or scooters to move around more quickly. Uber and Lyft services are also available.

Where to Go Next from Chelsea: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Chelsea is surrounded by attractions that you should consider visiting:

  • Ann Arbor: Ann Arbor is Michigan’s bustling university town, offering arts and culture, good food, and nightlife options.
  • Michigan International Speedway: Enjoy Nascar and other motor-racing events at the Michigan International Speedway, located just 25 miles west.
  • Jackson: Visit the vibrant town of Jackson, located about 25 miles southwest of Chelsea. It offers shopping, cultural events and good dining opportunities.

Conclusion

Chelsea, Michigan is a charming town offering a range of cultural attractions, outdoor recreation, and unique dining options. Whether you’re interested in museums, hiking, biking, or just want to explore the natural beauty of Michigan, Chelsea is the perfect destination for you. Plan your trip and discover the charms of Chelsea for yourself.