Ann Arbor blends college-town energy with sophisticated culture, creating a unique atmosphere that attracts visitors year-round. Home to the University of Michigan, this vibrant city offers world-class museums, beautiful parks, innovative restaurants, and a thriving arts scene, all nestled among the tree-lined streets that earned it the nickname "Tree Town."
Whether you're visiting for a football weekend or you're an Ann Arbor homeowner exploring your community, this guide highlights the best experiences our city offers. This local guide is brought to you by Elite Roofing, proudly serving Ann Arbor residents and protecting homes in one of Michigan's most desirable communities.
Table of Contents
- University of Michigan Campus
- Matthaei Botanical Gardens
- Kerrytown Market District
- University of Michigan Museum of Art
- Michigan Stadium (The Big House)
- Law Quad
- Nichols Arboretum
- Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
- Main Street Shopping
- Zingerman's Delicatessen
- Huron River Water Trail
- Top of the Park
- State Theatre & Performance Venues
- Gallup Park
- Ann Arbor Art Fair
1. University of Michigan Central Campus
The University of Michigan's historic campus is an attraction itself, featuring Gothic and Classical architecture spanning over 190 years. Start at the Diag, the central gathering space, and explore iconic buildings like Angell Hall, Mason Hall, and the Burton Memorial Tower with its carillon bells. The campus museums, libraries, and public spaces welcome visitors year-round. Don't miss the Michigan Union with its renovated spaces and dining options. The campus transforms beautifully through the seasons – spring blossoms, fall colors, and winter snowscapes. Free campus tours depart from the Michigan Union. Walking the campus, you'll notice the architectural diversity and historic building preservation that requires specialized maintenance expertise.
Location: Central Campus, Ann Arbor | Best Time: Fall for football season atmosphere
2. Matthaei Botanical Gardens
This University of Michigan facility combines indoor conservatory gardens with 350 acres of outdoor trails, gardens, and natural areas. The conservatory houses tropical, temperate, and arid environment plants year-round, providing a warm escape during Michigan winters. Outdoor gardens feature native plants, perennials, and specialty collections. Miles of nature trails wind through woods, wetlands, and prairies. Special events include plant sales, photography workshops, and seasonal celebrations. The gardens prioritize sustainability and education, offering programs for all ages. Visit during tulip season or when the tropical conservatory orchids bloom. The facility's green roof demonstrates sustainable building practices that protect both plants and structures beneath.
Location: 1800 N Dixboro Rd, Ann Arbor | Best Time: Year-round; spring for outdoor gardens
3. Kerrytown Market District
Kerrytown is Ann Arbor's historic market district, featuring the Ann Arbor Farmers Market, specialty shops, and unique restaurants. The farmers market operates year-round (Wednesdays and Saturdays) with local produce, baked goods, flowers, and artisan products. Surrounding Kerrytown are vintage shops, The Lunch Room cooking school, Zingerman's Next Door, and the Purple Rose Theatre Company founded by Jeff Daniels. The district's historic buildings create charming streetscapes perfect for leisurely exploration. Special events include art fairs and seasonal celebrations. Kerrytown represents Ann Arbor's commitment to supporting local businesses and community gathering. Plan several hours to shop, eat, and explore this walkable neighborhood.
Location: N 4th Ave & Kingsley St area | Best Time: Saturday mornings for farmers market
4. University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA)
UMMA ranks among America's finest university art museums with over 21,000 works spanning centuries and cultures. The collection includes Asian art, European paintings, contemporary works, and one of the world's best collections of Japanese prints. The museum building combines historic and modern architecture, with natural light illuminating the galleries. Free admission makes world-class art accessible to all. Special exhibitions bring traveling shows to Ann Arbor. The museum cafe serves coffee and light fare. Educational programs include gallery talks, workshops, and family activities. UMMA exemplifies the University's commitment to public engagement with arts and culture. Allow at least 2 hours to appreciate the diverse collections.
Location: 525 S State St, Ann Arbor | Best Time: Weekday mornings for quieter visits
5. Michigan Stadium - The Big House
Michigan Stadium is the largest stadium in the United States and third-largest in the world, with capacity exceeding 107,000. Attending a Michigan football game is a bucket-list experience, with "Go Blue!" echoing from the packed stands. The stadium atmosphere, marching band, and tradition create unforgettable Saturday afternoons. Even non-game days, the stadium's massive concrete bowl impresses visitors. Stadium tours offer behind-the-scenes access to locker rooms, press boxes, and the field. The surrounding golf course and athletic campus showcase Michigan's athletic heritage. Football Saturdays transform Ann Arbor into a maize-and-blue celebration. Book tickets early for popular games against rivals like Ohio State and Michigan State.
Location: 1201 S Main St, Ann Arbor | Best Time: Fall football Saturdays
6. Law Quadrangle
The University of Michigan Law Quadrangle is one of America's most beautiful collegiate Gothic architecture ensembles. Designed to evoke Oxford and Cambridge, the quad features stunning limestone buildings with intricate details, stained glass windows, and carved stonework. The reading room in the Legal Research building rivals any cathedral with its vaulted ceilings and ornate details. The quad is open to visitors who can walk through the courtyards and peek into public spaces. Photography enthusiasts love capturing the archways, towers, and seasonal changes. The buildings demonstrate exceptional craftsmanship from the 1920s and 1930s. These historic structures require specialized restoration and maintenance to preserve architectural heritage for future generations.
Location: S State St at S University Ave | Best Time: Any time; beautiful in fall and spring
7. Nichols Arboretum (The Arb)
Nichols Arboretum offers 123 acres of parks, gardens, and hiking trails along the Huron River. Known locally as "The Arb," it features spectacular peony gardens that bloom in June, drawing visitors from across the region. The arboretum includes native plant collections, historic landscape design, and natural areas. Trails wind along ridges and down to the river, offering varying difficulty levels. Popular activities include hiking, running, picnicking, and nature photography. The Arb is free and open dawn to dusk year-round. Spring brings wildflowers, summer offers shaded trails, fall showcases brilliant colors, and winter provides peaceful snowshoe routes. The Shakespeare in the Arb summer performances are beloved traditions.
Location: 1610 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor | Best Time: June for peonies, fall for colors
8. Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
This interactive science museum engages children and families with over 250 hands-on exhibits exploring science, technology, and math. Located in a historic firehouse, the museum features four floors of discovery. Kids can create bubbles, explore optical illusions, learn about electricity, and experiment with physics. The museum emphasizes learning through play and experimentation. Special programs include workshops, camps, and visiting exhibitions. The rooftop solar panels demonstrate renewable energy in action. Birthday parties and group visits are popular. The museum serves as Ann Arbor's premier family destination for rainy days or year-round educational fun. Plan 2-3 hours to explore all the interactive exhibits thoroughly.
Location: 220 E Ann St, Ann Arbor | Best Time: Weekday mornings for smaller crowds
9. Main Street Shopping & Dining
Ann Arbor's Main Street and surrounding downtown streets offer exceptional shopping and dining in a walkable historic district. Independent bookstores like Literati and The Green Brain Books attract book lovers. Boutiques sell clothing, art, home goods, and Michigan-made products. Restaurants range from casual cafes to fine dining, representing cuisines from around the world. Don't miss Zingerman's Roadhouse for American comfort food or Frita Batidos for creative Cuban-inspired fare. Coffee shops and dessert spots provide perfect breaks between exploring. The area hosts street festivals and art fairs throughout the year. Evening brings live music venues and theater performances. The diverse retail mix supports local entrepreneurs.
Location: Main St & State St downtown area | Best Time: Afternoons and evenings year-round
10. Zingerman's Delicatessen
Zingerman's Deli has earned national fame for extraordinary sandwiches, artisan foods, and exceptional customer service since 1982. The original deli serves made-to-order sandwiches on fresh-baked bread with premium ingredients. The retail section offers specialty foods, cheeses, olive oils, and gourmet products from around the world. Lines can be long during peak hours, but the experience justifies the wait. The Zingerman's family of businesses has expanded to include a bakehouse, creamery, coffee roastery, and candy factory, all offering tours and experiences. The company's commitment to quality and community has made it an Ann Arbor institution. Take some treats home or enjoy a memorable meal in their bustling dining room.
Location: 422 Detroit St, Ann Arbor | Best Time: Weekday lunch to avoid longest lines
11. Huron River Water Trail
The Huron River flows through Ann Arbor, providing excellent kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding opportunities. The river's gentle current makes it perfect for beginners and families. Multiple liveries rent equipment and provide shuttle services for different route options. Popular routes include Gallup Park to Argo Park and longer trips from upstream communities. River paddling offers unique perspectives of Ann Arbor's parks and natural areas. Wildlife sightings include herons, turtles, and occasionally river otters. Several parks along the river provide launch points and picnic areas. Summer weekends bring plenty of paddlers enjoying the peaceful waterway. The river trail demonstrates Ann Arbor's commitment to outdoor recreation and environmental conservation.
Location: Multiple access points throughout Ann Arbor | Best Time: May-September for best conditions
12. Top of the Park Summer Festival
Top of the Park is Ann Arbor's beloved free summer festival held nightly in June and July in a parklike setting above downtown. The festival features outdoor movie screenings, live music performances, food vendors, and beer garden. Bring blankets or chairs and enjoy entertainment under the stars with city views. The relaxed atmosphere attracts all ages, from families with young children to university students and longtime residents. Food trucks and the Jolly Pumpkin beer tent offer refreshments. The festival coincides with the Ann Arbor Summer Festival's paid performances nearby. Top of the Park epitomizes Ann Arbor's summer culture of outdoor gatherings and free community events that bring neighbors together.
Location: Ingalls Mall, 913 N University Ave | Best Time: June-July evenings
13. State Theatre & Performance Venues
The historic State Theatre, reopened in 2017 after extensive restoration, hosts concerts, comedy shows, and special events in an intimate 600-seat venue. The beautifully restored 1942 theater features Art Deco details and excellent acoustics. Ann Arbor's performing arts scene extends to the Michigan Theater (classic cinema palace showing films and hosting performances), The Ark (legendary folk music venue), and Hill Auditorium (world-class concert hall). The Purple Rose Theatre Company in nearby Chelsea performs professional theater. The diverse venues attract national touring acts and showcase local talent. The restored theaters demonstrate how historic buildings can be adapted for modern use while preserving architectural character and heritage craftsmanship.
Location: 233 S State St & various venues | Best Time: Check performance calendars year-round
14. Gallup Park
Gallup Park along the Huron River offers 69 acres of recreation including playgrounds, picnic areas, paved trails, and water access. The park features canoe and kayak livery for river adventures. The paved Border-to-Border Trail runs through the park, connecting to Ann Arbor's extensive trail network for cycling and walking. Gallup's open spaces host special events including outdoor concerts. The park includes fishing opportunities along the river. Winter brings cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Multiple parking areas provide easy access. The park's natural setting provides peaceful escape while remaining minutes from downtown. Families enjoy the playground equipment and open lawns perfect for games and picnics year-round.
Location: 3000 Fuller Rd, Ann Arbor | Best Time: Spring through fall for outdoor activities
15. Ann Arbor Art Fair
The Ann Arbor Art Fair is actually four simultaneous art fairs held in mid-July, transforming downtown into an outdoor gallery with over 1,000 artists. The four-day event attracts over 500,000 visitors annually, making it one of America's largest art fairs. Browse and purchase original artwork including paintings, sculpture, photography, jewelry, ceramics, and more. Street performers, food vendors, and live music add to the festival atmosphere. Downtown streets close to traffic, creating a pedestrian paradise. The fair represents Ann Arbor's deep commitment to supporting working artists. Plan for crowds and bring comfortable shoes for extensive walking. Many artists travel from across the country to participate in this prestigious juried event.
Location: Downtown Ann Arbor streets | Best Time: Third week of July annually
Local Tips for Visiting Ann Arbor
🗓️ Best Time to Visit
Fall offers perfect weather, vibrant colors, and football excitement. Summer brings festivals and outdoor activities. Spring features blooming gardens and peonies. Mid-July brings the massive Art Fair. Avoid football Saturdays if you want quieter experiences and easier parking.
🚗 Parking Information
Downtown parking structures offer convenient access (rates vary). Street parking uses meters and requires payment. Football Saturdays, parking is challenging near stadium – arrive early or use park-and-ride shuttles. Many attractions have dedicated parking lots.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Picks
The Hands-On Museum, Gallup Park, and Matthaei Gardens are perfect for families. Many restaurants welcome children. The farmers market offers kid-friendly atmosphere. University campus provides open spaces for running and exploring. Most attractions are stroller-accessible.
Experience Ann Arbor & Protect Your Home
Whether you're visiting Ann Arbor for the first time or you're a local homeowner enjoying Tree Town's incredible offerings, these attractions showcase why Ann Arbor consistently ranks among America's best places to live. From world-class culture to beautiful nature and innovative dining, there's always something to discover.
Elite Roofing: Your Ann Arbor Roofing Experts
Just as Ann Arbor protects its architectural heritage and natural beauty, Elite Roofing protects Ann Arbor homes with expert craftsmanship and reliable service. We understand the unique needs of Tree Town's diverse housing stock.
📞 Call us at (555) 123-4567