Ann Arbor is a Midwestern city situated west of Detroit and home to the sprawling University of Michigan. The school is renowned for its research programs and has many museums and galleries to explore. Its museum contains works of art from around the world, spanning centuries. The city also has several science-oriented attractions such as the Museum of Natural History and the Hands-On Museum. The latter features kid-friendly interactive exhibits.
Matthaei Botanical Gardens
The Matthaei Botanical Gardens are a beautiful, enchanting place to visit. They consist of over 300 acres of scenic gardens and exhibits. The gardens include a Children’s Garden, an ornamental garden, and an indoor conservatory. The gardens are ADA accessible, and they have a variety of educational programs and activities.
If you’re looking for a place to get away from the city and spend some time with nature, the Matthaei Botanical Gardens are a fantastic option. The grounds are designed to resemble different climates and landscapes. You can enjoy free admission to the gardens, and you can walk around in them to learn more about the different plants and trees.
The Matthaei Botanical Gardens is open year-round, but its beauty is at its peak in the springtime when the flowers are in bloom. The gardens feature plants native to North and South America. If you visit during the summer, you can enjoy the Gateway Garden of New World Plants.
If you have kids, make sure you take them to the Hands-On Museum, which is fun for all ages. The Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum, both part of the University of Michigan, are worth visiting. The two gardens have beautiful trees, windflower gardens, and bonsai collections. Plus, they have a huge conservatory that houses many plants.
The gardens are open year-round, and there are many educational workshops, classes, and events. There are also 3 miles of barrier-free paths, a 60-foot labyrinth, and even wheelchair rentals. You can even get married here!
Nichols Arboretum
Nichols Arboretum, operated by the University of Michigan, is a naturalistic landscape with 123 acres of lush, green space. With extensive collections of both native and exotic plants, it’s a fantastic place to spend an afternoon. This botanical garden is open year round, but you’ll want to visit in the spring and summer to catch the flowers in full bloom.
Nichols Arboretum offers a diverse array of displays and walks. You can explore the Great Lakes Garden, the Bonsai and Penjing Garden, the Garfield Children’s Garden, and the Conservatory, which contains the world’s largest collection of bonsai. You can also find a number of historic plants and native Michigan plants at the Arboretum’s Peony Garden, which is particularly beautiful in the spring and summer.
While you’re in the area, be sure to check out the Michigan Historical Museum. It has some pretty cool exhibits, including a Michigan wildlife gallery and the Hall of Evolution. Here, you’ll see lifelike recreations of neanderthals and skulls, as well as planetarium shows and various fossil displays. Another must-see is the Quetzalcoatlus, which is a life-size reconstruction of a pterosaur.
Nichols Arboretum is also a great place to hike and enjoy nature. There are trails leading up the hill to the highest point in the Arb, where you can get a view of the entire North Campus. There are also native ferns, woodland wildflowers, and azaleas to explore.
The city’s Kerrytown neighborhood is also worth a visit. There are several great restaurants and cafes there. There’s also a farmers market every Saturday, where you can sample local produce, food, and crafts. And don’t forget to stop by Zingerman’s Deli, where you can get the famous Reuben sandwich. Also, check out the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology, which houses more than a hundred thousand artifacts. It hosts a couple of special exhibits per year.
Michigan Theater
The Michigan Theater is located on Liberty Street and offers an array of entertainment options. The theater showcases independent films, musical concerts, and stage productions. Visitors are welcome to enjoy fresh-baked popcorn, and member benefits include access to the bar and special events. If you’re looking for the perfect place to see a show, Michigan Theater is one of the best places to go in Ann Arbor.
Another place to visit in Ann Arbor is the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology. It’s housed in an impressive asymmetrical mansion and features old-fashioned design elements. The museum contains more than 100,000 artifacts from around the world. It’s named for a local archeologist, so it’s a fun way to learn about Michigan history.
Another of the best places to visit in Ann Arbor is the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology, which showcases rare collections. You’ll also want to check out the Michigan Theater, which is one of the oldest movie theaters in the United States. Its long and colorful history makes it one of the best places to visit in Ann Arbor.
The Michigan Museum of Natural History is another great place to visit in Ann Arbor. The museum emphasizes the interconnectedness and impact of all living things on Earth. It also has a dome theater and planetarium. The Michigan Stadium is the largest football stadium in the U.S. and features a 107,601-seat capacity. You can also check out the world’s largest pterosaur, Quetzalcoatlus, at the Michigan Theater.
Hill Auditorium is another popular attraction in Ann Arbor. It was built as an experiment in the 19th century, and now hosts concerts, symphonies, and glee clubs. This historic theater is always packed with events, and the best part is that it’s free to attend.
Kerrytown Market & Shops
The Kerrytown Market & Shops are located in downtown Ann Arbor. This historic structure is home to more than 20 unique businesses and independent retailers. These shops and restaurants cater to a variety of tastes and budgets. Visit the website for a full listing of stores and their locations.
Parking at the Kerrytown Market & Shops is free on the weekends. Parking is available on the street or at a parking garage. Hourly parking is available on weekdays but free on Sundays. You can also park in the parking structure, which is available after 4pm Monday through Friday and after 5pm on weekends.
Located on the second floor of the Kerrytown Market & Shops, The Kitchen Loft features kitchen gadgets, pantry items, tabletop, and baking supplies. The kitchen boutique is a unique place to buy kitchen gifts for loved ones or friends. The store’s concept originated from the owner’s love of cooking. It is located across from Fustini’s and Mudpuddles.
University of Michigan Museum of Art
The University of Michigan Museum of Art is one of the most popular places to visit in Ann Arbor. This museum, which opened in 1891, is situated on the University of Michigan’s campus. It has a renowned collection of art and has attracted top exhibits. Its permanent collection includes works from different cultures. It also features an extensive collection of American art.
This museum contains over 20,000 pieces of art. It is housed in a historic building that was once a war memorial. The museum uses a variety of media to showcase art from different cultures and periods. The art is carefully curated to reflect changing times and cultures. It is open daily except on university holidays. The museum is free to enter.
The Kelsey Museum of Archaeology is another popular place to visit in Ann Arbor. Like the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History, it also contains many curated artifacts from various ancient civilizations. The museum’s architecture is also worth noting. Newberry Hall, named for one of its biggest donors, is another attraction.
The University of Michigan Museum of Art is a renowned museum in Ann Arbor. It represents over 150 years of art curation and features world-famous paintings by Picasso and Monet. There is also a pterosaur exhibit in the museum.
For those who enjoy outdoor activities, the Arbor Nature Center is another place to visit. This is a popular destination for families, with hiking trails, raptor enclosures, and a critter house. Visitors can also participate in summer day camps. If you are looking for other things to do in Ann Arbor, be sure to take in the Huron River Water Trail. It covers 104 miles and attracts millions of people every year.