Ann Arbor is one of my favorite places to visit in Michigan and I keep coming back for more. Whether this is your first trip or you want to explore some more, you've come to the right place. As you get hungry along the way, I recommend fitting some of my favorite restaurants and coffee shops into your schedule.
Best Time to Visit Ann Arbor, MI
The best time to visit Ann Arbor is from May to October, when you can enjoy warm weather, festivals, and outdoor fun. Fall is especially popular for football games and colorful foliage. Winter brings a quiet charm, cozy cafés, and holiday markets.
How to Get to Ann Arbor, MI
- By Car: Located off I-94 and US-23, Ann Arbor is about 45 minutes west of Detroit.
- By Train: Amtrak's Wolverine Line stops in Ann Arbor with service between Chicago and Detroit.
- By Plane: Fly into Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW), about 25 miles away, then drive or shuttle to town.
Where to Stay in Ann Arbor, MI
- Graduate Ann Arbor – Boutique hotel
- Ann Arbor Bed & Breakfast
- Hyatt Place Ann Arbor – Modern, family-friendly stay
Best Things to Do in Ann Arbor, MI
Visit the University of Michigan Museum of Art - Global works, modern exhibits, and a sleek space make this a must for art lovers.
Take the kids to the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum - Interactive science, play-based learning, and sensory fun for kids and kids-at-heart.
Watch a game at Michigan Stadium - The largest stadium in the U.S. is more than a game—it's a full-blown Maize and Blue experience.
Step Into Prehistoric Michigan at the Museum of Natural History - Fossils, planetarium shows, and science you can touch all await in this reimagined space.
Go for a walk in Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum - Trails, greenhouses, and floral displays offer a peaceful escape within the city.
If You Love Local Flavor, Stroll Through Kerrytown - Historic streets, indie shops, and the famous farmers market define this beloved district.
See a performance at Hill Auditorium - Renowned for its acoustics, this iconic venue hosts everything from symphonies to student showcases.
Discover Presidential Legacy at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library - Documents, exhibits, and insight into a Michigan-born president's journey and impact.
Visit the School of Music, Theatre & Dance - Top-tier productions and student talent shine at this cultural cornerstone of campus life.
Travel Back in Time at the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology - Explore artifacts from Egypt, Greece, Rome, and beyond in this compact academic treasure.
In Summary...
(and if you want to revisit my photo journey)- • Visit the University of Michigan Museum of Art
- • Take the kids to the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
- • Watch a game at Michigan Stadium
- • Step Into Prehistoric Michigan at the Museum of Natural History
- • Go for a walk in Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum
- • If You Love Local Flavor, Stroll Through Kerrytown
- • See a performance at Hill Auditorium
- • Discover Presidential Legacy at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
- • Visit the School of Music, Theatre & Dance
- • Travel Back in Time at the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology