Location: Ann Arbor
Top Things to do in Ann Arbor
Top 10 Things to do in Ann Arbor, Michigan (MI)
Backpack-strapped students permeate the streets of Ann Arbor, home to The University Of Michigan. But there's more to the city than academia. A popular destination for families, Ann Arbor boasts child-friendly museums with exciting hands-on exhibits and art museums with prestigious collections. Couples and single travelers enjoy the eclectic shops, ethnic restaurants and hip night clubs, while book lovers are wowed by the more than 30 independent bookstores. From mysteries and crime to holistic healing and yoga, each store has a unique personality and area of expertise. Most of the major attractions are located in the same area, making it easy to hop from one to the next and enjoy all this vibrant city has to offer.
Restaurants in Ann Arbor
1. University of Michigan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 613 reviews
The University's beautiful campus includes many fine museums and facilities for its enrollment of 36,000.
Reviewed By BillN540 - Ann Arbor, United States
From the beauty of the views in the quad to the hushed calm of the law school to the chaos of south (athletic) campus during a sporting event and you have everything you could want in a college town. Highlights to visit on campus include: - The natural history museum - The grad library reading room - The law library reading room - The "Big House" - Listen to the carillon outside of Rackham school or grad studies - catch a performance at Hill Auditorium or the Power Center for performing arts. - A stroll through the Arboretum (The Arb). So much to do. GO BLUE!
2. Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 476 reviews
Everyone gets creative in this interactive science and technology museum, featuring engaging exhibits in subjects like psychology, the media and health.
Reviewed By lynndR8889CZ
Bought a membership for my kids so I could take my granddaughter here when she has overnights at our place. Grandparents are an included perk of that membership and well worth it. My granddaughter and I love our visits here... so much for kids/adults all over the place. A pure place of joy and awe and so much fun. I highly recommend a visit here if you haven't been and explore the membership offers to find the one that best suits your needs because it will save you lots of $$ and make it easy to keep going back for more fun!
3. University of Michigan Museum of Natural History
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 174 reviews
The University of Michigan Museum of Natural History is temporarily closed due to the global pandemic. The museum doesn't just preserve the past; it also shows off the latest in scientific research with interactive exhibits, new programming spaces, and a state-of-the-art Planetarium & Dome Theater! New exhibits include: On the Trail of Mastodons; Evolution: Life through Time; Under the Microscope; Exploring Michigan; and People and the Planet.
Reviewed By sisterida - Onsted, United States
Many times taking kids to a museum is overwhelming because there is too much to do. The University of MIchigan Museum of Natural History has great exhibits with great information posted and a good variety to help everyone enjoy the experience. This was a great Sunday afternoon trip.
4. University of Michigan Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 233 reviews
Among the best university art museums in the U.S., this on-campus museum has a particularly fine collection of Asian art through the ages.
Reviewed By TravelFan48105 - Ann Arbor, United States
We enjoyed a wonderful evening visit to the UM Museum of Art. First, we were treated to a Kabuki dance performance and lecture. This was extremely interesting and we learned a lot about the history of this dance form, the gestures, costumes and make up. Following this event, the exhibition "Copies and Invention in East Asia" was open for viewing. We learned that copying in Asian art is something to be appreciated. We viewed examples that involved copying e.g. burial goods, sculptures, paintings and a variety of contemporary works. The UM Museum of Art has greatly improved and extended its outreach to the public in recent years and definitely deserves a visit.
5. Main Street
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 249 reviews
A classic "college town" neighborhood street for strolling. Shops and restaurants line the street and offer abundant variety to meet every taste.
Reviewed By 665ruths - Scarsdale, United States
Ann Arbor is a beautiful college town with lots of interesting stores and restaurants to visit. You can easily walk around the neighborhoods without getting lost and feel safe even late at night.
6. Law Quadrangle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 268 reviews
Reviewed By gregorym215 - Oxford, United States
After touring the U of M campus, our guide left this for last. Well, there is that old saying about saving the best for last. This area not only feels isolated from the rest of campus, it feels isolated from everything else everywhere! Entering the Quadrangle, it's as if there's an immediate hush. And then you enter the Law Library. Almost more of a church, the artwork on the ceilings, the chandeliers, and the stained glass windows are spectacular. Just look it up for yourself, but pictures don't really do it justice. I was told, unverified, that this Library inspired the buildings of Hogwarts. I guess we can believe that, if we like. Impressive is an understatement.
7. Matthaei Botanical Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 393 reviews
A 300-acre garden with a variety of outdoor displays and nature trails for exploring.
Reviewed By virginiam990 - Ann Arbor, United States
There is much to see both inside and outside. A maze, play area. Inside wonderful plants and cute gift shop. Pillar area for wedding. Really beautiful watch for special events.
8. Michigan Stadium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 755 reviews
Reviewed By TAMG1026
This Stadium is the LARGEST in the country. Each Saturday home game, upon arrival, you feel like your part of one big family as you set up your tents and bring out the food/drinks. I love the atmosphere(ok, except for when it's sleeting, raining or snowing), the 2 new MONSTER video screens. the band/game stadium or PA Announcer is Carl Grapentine. The have all the necessities; bathrooms, concession stands, souvenir shops and of course, a wonderful field to play football on. except for the weather, what's there to hate. All staff will be happy to assist you. So get out, buy a ticket a see this wonderful piece of Ann Arbor sports heaven. Go Blue Mike.
9. Gallup Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 65 reviews
Reviewed By dobostorte6 - Chicago, United States
I love Gallup Park. I've been here many times. I've gone canoeing several times (which is always great fun), I've picnicked here, and I love walking on the paths and trails. It's very peaceful. I've seen turtles and blue herons (and also tons of Canadian geese... could do without so many of those, though). Overall, Gallup Park is a great green space in Ann Arbor. Also, my husband worked there at the canoe livery when he was in high school :) Go here to enjoy the scenery and the greenery.
10. Nichols Arboretum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62 reviews
Reviewed By melanies2018 - Richland, United States
My kids & I were here early April, so nothing had bloomed yet, but still a very nice place to visit. My kids had a blast exploring where all the little side trails led. The Huron River runs through the park. Would love to visit again when everything is in bloom!
