Things To Do In Ann Arbor & Ypsilanti

Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum

The Matthaei Gardens feature 11 outdoor spaces with bonsai, medicinal plants and seasonal blooms, as well as approximately 3 miles of scenic trails. There is also an indoor conservatory that is open year-round. At Matthaei's visitor center, you will find maps and other information, as well as restrooms and a snack bar. Recent travelers had nothing but positive things to say about the expansive grounds and gorgeous flowers, noting it is a great attraction for all ages. Meanwhile, Nichols Arboretum is a joint operation between the City of Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan. It is a 123-acre property with varying landscapes, ranging from wetlands to forests to glacial grounds. At the arboretum, travelers can hike up to panoramic views and enjoy the tranquility of nature, without venturing far from civilization. Recent travelers remarked Nichols is a delightful hidden gem, and many said the Peony Garden – which typically blooms between late May and mid-June – is a must-see.

Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum

Opened in 1982 in a historic fire station, the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum is an interactive, family-friendly science center. It aims to introduce children of all ages to the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields of study. Favorite exhibits include the "H2Oh" water play area in the Concourse and the "Michigan Nature" experience, which features an interactive nature wall and geology samples. The Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum is open seven days a week, though opening hours vary by day. On Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, the museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Tuesdays, the attraction opens up one hour earlier (9 a.m.), and on Thursdays, it stays open until 8 p.m. Sunday hours are noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free for toddlers 23 months and younger and $12.50 for adults and children ages 2 and older. Visitors who enter after 5 p.m. on Thursdays only pay $5 per person. To learn more, visit the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum's website.

University of Michigan Natural History Museum

The Museum of Natural History was founded in 1956, though the university began collecting and storing artifacts and specimens as early as 1837. Then called the Exhibit Museum, it was officially renamed the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History in 2011, and in 2019 it moved into a brand-new facility on campus. Popular exhibits include "Dynamic Space," "On the Trail of the Mastodons" (where male and female mastodon skeletons stand side by side), and "Under the Microscope," which explores life at the cellular level. There is also an on-site planetarium. Visitors to the museum were impressed by the detailed exhibits and huge amount of information in the new facility. They extolled the nicely designed space and said their children loved the hands-on activities dispersed throughout.

University of Michigan Museum of Art

The University of Michigan Museum of Art, opened in 1909 as a war memorial, alumni office and art space. Today, it is one of the oldest (and largest) campus museums in the United States, holding more than 21,000 pieces of art. Collections include Asian, African and Western art in all sorts of mediums, including photography, glass and metal. Permanent exhibits feature the works of artists like Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol. For many, UMMA's small size worked to their advantage; the manageable footprint allowed patrons to get through much of the collections. UMMA is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. It is closed on Mondays and on university holidays. Admission is free of charge, and street parking is available. Other nearby points of interest include the Law Quadrangle, the Kelsey Museum of Archeology and the student union. To learn more, visit the University of Michigan Museum of Art website.

Law Library. University of Michigan Law School

Wave Field

Huron River Water Trail

The Ann Arbor region of the Huron River Water Trail comprises miles 53 to 46 of 104 total trail miles. Popular launch points along this section include the Argo Nature Area and Livery, as well as the Gallup Park and Livery. At Argo, travelers can rent canoes, kayaks and multiperson rafts to paddle downstream through beautiful scenery, placid ponds and Argo Cascades, which features adrenaline-pumping manmade drops and pools. At Gallup Park, choose between canoe, kayak, paddleboat and rowboat rentals for your river adventure. On shore, the park features a 3-mile asphalt trail, playgrounds, fishing spots, picnic areas and concession stands.

Washtenaw County Metro Parks

Domino Farms

Eastern Market

Detroit Tigers

University of Michigan Golf Course

​​​​​Leslie Park Golf Course

Washtenaw Golf Club

Stonebridge Golf Club by Arthur Hills

Ann Arbor Distilling Company

Wolverine State Brewing Co

Townies Brewery

Aventura

Tapas style dining

Mani Osteria and Bar

Known for their woodfire pizzas

The Dixboro Project

Stray Hen Cafe Ann Arbor

Wonderful brunch options!

The Jefferson Market

Great breakfast spot tucked in the middle of a neighborhood

Frita Batidos Ann Arbor

Great take on Cuban cuisine

Black Pearl

Seafood + great cocktails

Jolly Pumpkin Café & Brewery

Artisan ales + great pizza

Taste Kitchen

Knight's Steakhouse

Jim Brady's Ann Arbor

Ashley's

Chela’s Restaurant & Taqueria

Fantastic tacos and Mexican food

Jerusalem Garden

Great vegetarian options

York

Great cocktails and outdoor space

Grizzly Peak Brewing Co.

Of Rice and Men

Tomukun Noodle Bar

Depot Town

Downtown area, very close to the venue. Lots of shops, bars, and restaurants