Perched on the banks of the winding Huron River, Ann Arbor is a buzzing college town that’s just bursting with fun things to do. The city is perhaps best known as being home to the sprawling University of Michigan campus, which is responsible for giving Ann Arbor its youthful and artsy spirit.  

The U-M campus is also where you’ll find some of the best Ann Arbor attractions, including world-class art and science museums, plant-filled arboretums and botanical gardens, and one of the largest sports stadiums in the world. While visiting campus is a must for any visitor to Ann Arbor, step off campus, and you’ll find that there’s much more to this college town than school spirit. 

If you’re planning a visit over the summer, you’ll love biking along the 35-mile-long Border-to-Border Trail and paddling along the Huron River Water Trail. In the summer, the city also plays host to the annual Ann Arbor Summer Festival, a month-long extravaganza featuring over 200 concerts, comedy shows, art fairs, and so much more!

Visit in the fall, and you can sip apple cider at a local cider mill before watching the Wolverines play at the “Big House.” When winter sets in, you can stay warm inside Ann Arbor’s many trendy coffee shops and bustling breweries. Better yet, head over to State Street or the Nickels Arcade and shop till you drop.

When it comes to food and drink, Ann Arbor will not disappoint, either. From the iconic Rueben sandwich at Zingerman’s Deli to the Korean eats at Miss Kim, you’ll never get tired of dining out in Ann Arbor. Plus, the spectacular Ann Arbor Farmers Market is open year-round and offers all sorts of creative farm-fresh eats.

With so many cool things to see, do, and eat, you might not know where to begin. So we’ve compiled our list of the absolute best things to do in Ann Arbor for you. Stick to these fun and unique Ann Arbor bucket list recommendations, and there’s no doubt you’ll have an amazing time adventuring around Tree Town!

15 Fun and Unique Things to do in Ann Arbor

1. Paddle Along the Huron River Water Trail

If you’re looking for outdoor things to do in Ann Arbor, why not hop in a kayak and paddle down the Huron River?

The Huron River Water Trail meanders for 104 miles through Ann Arbor, Dexter, and Ypsilanti, offering endless outdoor adventure. Kayaking, canoeing, SUPing, and tubing down the river are easily some of the coolest and most popular Ann Arbor activities when the weather is nice. Plus, the river offers a mix of calm waters and roaring rapids, making an excursion along the Huron River Water Trail a great activity for all skill levels. 

The Ann Arbor section of the Huron River Water Trail unravels for nearly 10 miles. One of the most popular routes is the 1.5-hour trip from Argo Park to Gallup Park (you can find rentals at both parks). For something a bit more adventurous, you can also try paddling 2.5 hours from Barton to Gallup!

While the Huron River Water Trail does close for the winter season, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating in the winter months.

2. Spend a Day in Historic Kerrytown 

When it comes to cool things to do in Ann Arbor, Kerrytown offers them in spades. This historic part of town dates back to the mid-1800s, and today you’ll find red-brick buildings, revamped 19th-century factories, and all sorts of architectural gems housing cool shops, cafes, and restaurants.

If you consider yourself a foodie, you’ll want to spend some time eating your way around Kerrytown. From the pastrami or tempeh-stuffed Reuben sandwiches at Zingerman’s Deli to the pork belly bibimbop and Korean BBQ tempeh banh mi at Miss Kim, you’ll find something to suit all tastes here.

Once you’ve had your fill, be sure to browse all of the cool boutique shops in Kerrytown Market & Shops. From handcrafted jewelry and vintage home goods to specialty oils and teas, you’ll find a surprise around every corner.

Kerrytown is also home to some of the top Ann Arbor attractions, including the Ann Arbor Farmers Market, the Kerrytown Concert House, and the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, to name a few.

3. Sip Fresh Apple Cider at the Dexter Cider Mill

Located in the nearby town of Dexter, the Dexter Cider Mill is a must on your Ann Arbor bucket list if you’re planning on an autumn visit. This place has been family-owned and operated since 1886, and they pride themselves on keeping things just like they were over 100 years ago.

The location along the Huron River is beautiful at any time of year, but visit in the fall, and you’ll love being surrounded by trees bursting with fall colors. Be sure to come hungry because the Dexter Cider Mill serves up all sorts of fresh and delicious treats. 

From apple strudel, apple turnovers, and caramel apples to barbecue sauces, mustards, and honey, you’ll find all sorts of goodies you won’t be able to resist taking home. And you can’t visit the Dexter Cider Mill without trying at least one of their famous cinnamon-sugar donuts and washing it down with a cup of homemade wood-pressed cider. 

Plus, the 21+ crowd will love sipping on their delicious hard cider, which is available in Traditional, Bourbon Barrel Aged, and IPC flavors. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Ann Arbor, you can’t go wrong with a visit to the Dexter Cider Mill!

4. See the Michigan Wolverines Kick Off at the ‘Big House’

The University of Michigan is home to the largest stadium in the US and the third-largest in the world. Known as the “Big House,” this behemoth has a capacity of 107,601. So you can imagine how infectious the atmosphere is during a big game!

If you happen to be in town on a Saturday during the college football season – which runs from August to December – getting tickets to see the Michigan Wolverines play at Michigan Stadium is a must on your Ann Arbor bucket list. 

You’ll want to get to the stadium early to soak up the energy of all the tailgate parties before kickoff. Better yet, bring a portable grill and cooler and throw your own tailgate party! And don’t forget to don your maize and blue, so you fit in with the crowd.

5. Find All of Ann Arbor’s Tiny ‘Fairy Doors’

If you’re looking for unique Ann Arbor activities, kids and adults alike will love seeking out all of the city’s whimsical “fairy doors.” You’ll find these tiny entryways peppered around town in the most unlikely places!

The first fairy doors were discovered by the daughters of Jonathan B. Wright when he was renovating his Ann Arbor home in 1993. The girls found five six-inch fairy doors, some of which opened up to miniature furnished rooms.

Since this “discovery,” over two dozen cute fairy doors have popped up around the city. Kids love finding them and leaving little gifts for the resident fairies. Sometimes it’s possible to see lights on inside the doors, which means the fairies are at home.

To spot a fairy door for yourself, head over to Sweetwaters Café (the West Washington location), where you’ll find a tiny door and mini coffee shop, before seeking out the tiny door and windows of book “houses” on a shelf in the Downtown Library and the tiny door offering fairies access to the Michigan Theater, to name a few!   

6. Shop for Local Goods at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market

There’s no better way to get a taste of the local flavor than by visiting a farmers’ market. Luckily, Ann Arbor is home to a thriving farm-to-table movement made even stronger due to the year-round Ann Arbor Farmers Market. This historic market has been running for over 100 years and today attracts over 115 vendors from around Michigan and Ohio.

You can find everything here, from farm-fresh fruits, veggies, herbs, and flowers to delicious donuts, pies, gluten-free baked goods, and coffee. Come hungry, too, because vendors at this farmers’ market cook up everything from Mediterranean food to Polish fare. 

Of course, it’s not all about food. You can shop for all sorts of handcrafted goods, like jewelry, soaps, and candles. Or just grab a cup of fresh-roasted coffee and soak up the vibe.

The farmers’ market is located in Kerrytown at 315 Detroit Street. You can visit on both Wednesdays and Saturdays from May to December from 7 am to 3 pm. However, from January to April, only the Saturday market is open (8 am to 3 pm).   

7. Go on a DIY Brewery Tour

Ann Arbor takes its craft brews very seriously, so it’s no surprise that more and more breweries pop up every year. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Ann Arbor, embarking on a DIY brewery tour will not disappoint!

You can start your journey on the West Side of the city at Wolverine State Brewing Co, which is known around town for their award-winning lagers. Order up a full order of their “Famous Nachos” to share and wash them down with a Gulo Gulo India Pale Lager or a Tundra King West Coast Style I.P.L. 

After that, make your way on foot to West Liberty Street, where you’ll find Townies Brewery. Here you can order a flight and nosh on bar bites from the on-site food truck. 

Once you’ve had your fill, continue down the road to HOMES Brewery to try their innovative brews, including the crisp Hitasu Rice Lager, the citrusy Same Same Different IPA, or the fruity Razz Peach Sherbet Fruited Sour. If you’ve got the room, the menu features some seriously good Asian street food-style snacks.

From Arbor Brewing Company to Grizzly Peak Brewing Co., you’ll find tons of other excellent breweries sprinkled around town too!

8. Get Cultured at the University of Michigan Museum of Art

The sprawling University of Michigan campus is home to many of the best Ann Arbor attractions, including the University of Michigan Museum of Art. Among the 19,000 works housed in this expansive museum, you’ll find pieces from the likes of Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, Claude Monet, and Frank Lloyd Wright, to name a few.

You’ll find a wide range of collections inside the museum, too, from the African Art, Asian Art, and Western Art collections to the Photography, Decorative Arts/Design, and Modern/Contemporary Art collections.

Of course, you’ll always find intriguing rotating exhibits on display. If you don’t know where to start, sign up for one of the docent-led tours or let the handy downloadable maps and visitor guides lead the way!

9. Get Outside on the Border-to-Border Trail

When it comes to outdoor things to do in Ann Arbor, you’ll be spoiled for choice. And if you’re looking to get a nice workout in when the weather is nice, you’ll absolutely love the city’s Border-to-Border Trail (aka the B2B Trail).

This paved, non-motorized trail meanders for 35 miles along the Huron River from Livingston County to Wayne County. You can explore six different “corridors” which will connect you to surrounding towns. But if you want to stay local, the Ann Arbor Corridor offers 5.6 miles of outdoor adventure. 

You can head out on two wheels or on foot. Along the way, you can rent a kayak at one of the two liveries, explore Gallup Park, picnic at Bandemer Park, or admire the scenery at the Argo Nature Area. Visit during the fall season, and you’ll likely be spoiled with stunning fall colors!

10. Sample Ann Arbor’s Diverse Restaurant Scene

Ann Arbor is known as a foodie city, so you’ll definitely want to treat yourself to a few of its most iconic dishes. No trip to Ann Arbor is complete without ordering up a classic burger from Krazy Jim’s Blimpy Burger or a Rueben sandwich from Zingerman’s Delicatessen.

But if you’re hungry for more, you’ll love sampling the wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas from Mani Osteria and Bar before sipping a Belgian-style brew at Jolly Pumpkin Café & Brewery.

If you’re looking to try Ann Arbor’s many international flavors, head over to Frita Batidos for Cuban-inspired burgers, visit Slurping Turtle for sushi and ramen, or stop off at The Blue Nile for Ethiopian eats. Ann Arbor’s diverse food scene means you’ll find something to satisfy all tastes and cravings.

11. Be Endlessly Entertained at the Ann Arbor Summer Festival

If you’re planning a summer trip to Ann Arbor, try your best to time your visit with the annual Ann Arbor Summer Festival. This epic festival lasts for a whopping four weeks, during which the entire city comes alive with all sorts of cool events and attractions. 

You can expect over 200 events catering to all ages and interests. From concerts, comedy shows, and dance troops to outdoor film screenings, art exhibitions, and kid-friendly activities, you’re sure to be endlessly entertained. Of course, you can expect to find all manner of food being served at the Ann Arbor Summer Festival, too.

The best part about this unique festival is that most of the events are totally free to attend. But be sure to check the website before you head out since some events do require tickets.

12. Photograph Nickels Arcade

Step inside Nickels Arcade, and you’ll immediately feel like you’ve been transported to Europe. This classic shopping arcade was built in 1918 and features an incredibly photogenic 261-foot-long mosaic-tiled corridor. 

Plus, this architectural gem has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places, so you know it’s something special! If you’re looking for photo ops in Ann Arbor, Nickels Arcade is a must-visit.

Located at 326 South State Street, Nickels Arcade is also a great spot to do a little shopping during your trip. First, grab a cup of coffee at Comet Coffee, and then peruse the unique shops that line both sides of the covered corridor. 

You’ll find some of the city’s oldest shops in the arcade, including the Van Boven men’s boutique and Caravan Gift Shop. From the antique shop and old-fashioned barbershop to the vintage stores and adorable flower shop, it’s impossible not to be charmed by this unique attraction.

13. Escape the City at the Matthaei Botanical Garden and Nichols Arboretum

Nature enthusiasts will love spending an afternoon at the Matthaei Botanical Garden and Nichols Arboretum. If you’re looking for free things to do in Ann Arbor, these two nature-filled attractions should definitely be on your to-do list. 

Explore the Matthaei Botanical Gardens, and you’ll find 11 outdoor garden spaces, including the Bonsai and Penjing Garden, the Medicinal Garden, and the Gateway Garden of New World Plants. If you’ve got the little ones in tow, be sure to check out the hands-on Gaffield Children’s Garden, too. 

Head over to the Nichols Arboretum (aka the Arb), and you’ll find 3.5 miles of trails leading to a handful of gardens. If you happen to be in town from late May or early June, follow the Peony Trail to see all the blooms in the Peony Garden! 

The outdoor gardens aren’t in bloom in the harsh winter months, but if you are planning on a winter visit, the spectacular Conservatory is open year-round and features a Tropical House, Temperate House, and Arid House.

14. Spend Some Time in the State Street District

The State Street District is where you need to be if you want to be in the center of all the action. Located right next to the University of Michigan campus, there’s always something exciting going on in this buzzing part of town. 

The State Street District is home to many of the top Ann Arbor attractions, including the University of Michigan Museum of Art, the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology, and the historic Michigan Theater. This is also where you’ll find some of the best annual festivals and events, like the Ann Arbor Film Festival, the Ann Arbor Summer Festival, and the Ann Arbor Art Fair. 

And if you’re just looking to wine and dine, you’ll find all sorts of excellent bars and restaurants in this part of town – from beers at HopCat to pizzas at The Original Cottage Inn. After you’ve had your fill, be sure to check out all of the district’s quirky shops, bookstores, and more!

15. Sip Cocktails at The Last Word… If You Can Find It

The Last Word is easy to miss if you don’t know what you’re looking for. This speakeasy-style cocktail and whiskey bar can be found behind an unmarked door in downtown Ann Arbor. (Hint: If you see the number 301, you’re in the right place.)

Step inside the dimly lit bar and take your time to peruse the novel-length drinks menu. It features everything from wine and beer to cider and whiskey, but it’s the creative, top-notch cocktails that really make this place shine!

If you need a little spice in your life, try The Osborn, a concoction of Mammoth Old Dam Gin, pineapple, jalapeño, lime, and ginger beer; or order the Devil’s Dew with Banhez Mezcal, lime, Zucca Rabarbaro, beet syrup, banana liqueur, and a habanero tincture. But don’t worry if spice isn’t your thing. You’ll find all sorts of non-spicy, fruit and herb-forward cocktails on the menu, too.

If you’re feeling peckish, the food menu features all sorts of globally-inspired treats. From Fried Chicken Buns and Moroccan Meatballs to Malay Curry Poutine and Koreatown Cauliflower, you’ll want to sample everything on the menu!

There you have it! The 15 best things to do in Ann Arbor. What’s your favorite thing to do in Ann Arbor?

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