Ann Arbor Traveling Guide



Ann Arbor, Michigan is a charming city with a population of just over 120,000. Located in Washtenaw County, Ann Arbor is best known for its vibrant downtown area, world-class museums, and the prestigious University of Michigan. In this comprehensive travel guide, we'll dive into everything you need to know about exploring Ann Arbor, from its top attractions to its best restaurants and hidden gems.

Getting to Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor is easily accessible by car, bus, train, and airplane. If you're driving, Ann Arbor is located off of I-94, just 40 miles west of Detroit. Greyhound and Amtrak both offer services to Ann Arbor, with the Amtrak station located in the heart of downtown. Additionally, Detroit Metropolitan Airport is just a 30-minute drive away and offers flights to and from destinations all over the world.

Where to Stay

Ann Arbor has a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly motels. The Graduate Ann Arbor is a popular option, located just a few blocks from the University of Michigan campus. This boutique hotel offers stylish rooms and suites, as well as a rooftop bar with views of the city. For a more affordable option, consider the Red Roof Inn Ann Arbor - the University of Michigan South. This motel-style property offers basic rooms and is located just a short drive from downtown Ann Arbor.

Top Attractions

The University of Michigan: Founded in 1817, the University of Michigan is one of the top public universities in the United States. Its sprawling campus is located in the heart of Ann Arbor and is home to a range of museums, galleries, and performance venues. Be sure to visit the University of Michigan Museum of Art, which has a collection of over 20,000 works of art from around the world. The university's Nichols Arboretum is also worth a visit, with its 123 acres of gardens and wooded trails.

Kerrytown: Located just a few blocks north of downtown, Kerrytown is a charming historic district that's home to a range of shops, restaurants, and galleries. Be sure to visit the Ann Arbor Farmers Market, which takes place in Kerrytown every Wednesday and Saturday. This market features locally grown produce, handmade crafts, and live music.

Michigan Stadium: Known as "The Big House," Michigan Stadium is the largest stadium in the United States and can hold up to 107,601 fans. Even if you're not a sports fan, it's worth taking a tour of the stadium to see the locker rooms, press box, and field up close.

Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum: This interactive museum is great for kids and adults alike. With exhibits on everything from electricity to sound waves to the human body, there's something for everyone at the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum.

Hidden Gems

Matthaei Botanical Gardens: Located on the east side of Ann Arbor, the Matthaei Botanical Gardens is a 300-acre oasis of gardens, trails, and natural areas. Be sure to visit the conservatory, which houses a range of exotic plants from around the world.

Zingerman's Deli: This Ann Arbor institution is a must-visit for foodies. Zingerman's Deli has been serving up high-quality sandwiches and specialty foods since 1982. Be sure to try the Reuben sandwich, which is made with their own corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing.

The Creature Conservancy: This small nonprofit organization is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating exotic animals. The Creature Conservancy is open to the public on select days and offers up-close encounters with animals such as kangaroos, alligators, and porcupines.

Nichols Arboretum Peony Garden: If you're visiting Ann Arbor in late May or early June, be sure to visit the Nichols Arboretum Peony Garden. This 2-acre garden features over 270 varieties of peonies, making it one of the largest collections of peonies in North America.

Gallup Park: Located along the Huron River, Gallup Park is a beautiful green space that's perfect for picnicking, jogging, or kayaking. Be sure to rent a kayak or canoe from the Gallup Park Canoe Livery to explore the river.

The Michigan Theater: This historic theater in downtown Ann Arbor is a great place to catch a movie or a live performance. The Michigan Theater was built in 1928 and has been beautifully restored. Be sure to check out the "Mighty Wurlitzer" organ, which is still played before some movies.

Food and Drink

Ann Arbor has a vibrant food and drink scene, with options ranging from trendy gastropubs to classic diners. Here are some of the best places to eat and drink in Ann Arbor:

Zingerman's Deli: As mentioned above, Zingerman's Deli is a must-visit for sandwich lovers. In addition to their Reuben sandwich, be sure to try their homemade pieces of bread, cheeses, and desserts.

Frita Batidos: This Cuban-inspired restaurant in downtown Ann Arbor serves up delicious burgers made with chorizo, as well as refreshing tropical drinks called batidos.

The Jolly Pumpkin: This gastropub in downtown Ann Arbor specializes in sour beers and wood-fired pizzas. The Jolly Pumpkin has a cozy atmosphere and a great outdoor patio.

The Earle: This classic French restaurant has been a fixture in Ann Arbor since 1977. The Earle is known for its extensive wine list and traditional French dishes such as escargot and coq au vin.

Mani Osteria: This modern Italian restaurant in downtown Ann Arbor serves up delicious pasta dishes and wood-fired pizzas. Mani Osteria also has a great selection of craft cocktails.

Conclusion

Ann Arbor, Michigan is a vibrant city with a range of attractions, hidden gems, and great places to eat and drink. Whether you're visiting the University of Michigan, the Ann Arbor Farmers Market, or just exploring the city, there's something for everyone in Ann Arbor. With its easy accessibility and range of accommodation options, Ann Arbor is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation.