10 Things to Do in Ann Arbor, MI for First Time Visitors
People go to Ann Arbor for many different reasons. Whatever those may be, everyone who visits the area can agree: Ann Arbor is truly one-of-a-kind. There are many things you should see in Michigan, but Ann Arbor should be close to the top if it’s not your top priority already. There’s always something to discover in the area—whether you’re looking for a new restaurant to frequent or an art gallery to visit. Perhaps you’re just looking for a new experience altogether. Regardless of how you end up in Ann Arbor, you’ll be glad that you did. Here are 10 things you should do in this part of Michigan, especially if you’re visiting for the first time.
1. Look for fairy doors
It’s never too whimsical for anybody, and it’s actually a great way to cover some ground. It just so happens that there are tiny doors all over downtown Ann Arbor, and finding them is a great way to really discover the area. It’s a great activity for the entire family to participate in.
2. Go to the farmers market
There are plenty of artisan products to discover and love at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market. From May to December, the market is open from 7am to 3pm on Saturdays and Wednesday. From January to April, the market is open from 8am to 3pm on Saturdays only. The market is a great stop wherever you may be headed. Otherwise, it’s a great destination altogether.
3. Check out a festival
Ann Arbor is host to a number of unique fairs, festivals, and other events throughout the year. You can peruse through local artists’ works at an art fair or enjoy the styles of local musicians at the summer festival. Whatever it may be that you’re into, you’ll surely find a celebration of it sometime in Ann Arbor.
4. The Huron River
You can go via kayak, canoe, or even paddleboard, but however you decide to do it, you’ll surely love the atmosphere of the Huron River. This waterway is an easy adventure that everyone could enjoy. It’s a beginner level water adventure that’s more likely to give you peace than anything else because of its calm waterways.
5. Enjoy the colors of the season
If you’re visiting Ann Arbor during the fall, you’ll enjoy the scenery with backdrops of the changing colors of the season. It’s one of the best times to take Ann Arbor in by foot. Be that as it may, Ann Arbor is beautiful year-round and going on a stroll is a must.
6. University of Michigan tour
This is certainly a must for anyone. The University of Michigan is a beautiful campus, and it’s home to impressive museums such as the U-M Museum of Art and the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology. Other must sees in the University includes the central campus, the stadium, and the Law Library.
7. Enjoy a cold brew
Ann Arbor is home to several unique breweries that you mustn’t pass by. The craft beer scene in Ann Arbor is exciting, and there are plenty of options for those who are looking for such an experience. Some of the best breweries in the area include Corner Brewery in Ypsilanti, Grizzly Peak, Blue Tractor, and the Arbor Brewing Company among many others.
8. The Big House
If the University of Michigan is not on your list, the least you can do is visit the Big House aka the University of Michigan Football Stadium. This is the largest college football stadium in North America, so it’s only a must that you experience game day here.
9. Go on a food trip
There’s not one place to go eat at in Ann Arbor. As a matter of fact, you should devote a good amount of your time here enjoying various places to eat. There are tons of restaurants you could choose from, and they all cater to all sorts of tastes and cravings.
10. Visit Kerrytown
Kerrytown is a historic part of Ann Arbor that was named after County Kerry in Ireland. It was one of the original parts of Ann Arbor when it was first established. It’s now been restored to its former glory and is now a vibrant spot of historic culture in all of Ann Arbor.
