The 35 best free attractions in Ann Arbor

Matthaei Botanical Gardens is an absolutely beautiful and magical place, especially if you're into photography. My daughter and I spent 5 hours there (inside and outside) and it felt like no time at all. There is so much to marvel at from familiar native plants to tropical fruit trees to 75+ year-old bonsai trees, hummingbirds, frogs, bees, more flowers than you can count, and the occasional chipmunk. 😁 You can stroll through the building, walk the trails, or just sit on a bench in the flower garden and enjoy the scenery. This place is nothing short of spectacular.

I recently visited Matthaei Botanical Gardens and had a wonderful experience. The conservatory is impressive, with separate sections for tropical, desert, and temperate plants. It feels like stepping into different climates all in one place. The outdoor gardens and trails are peaceful and very well maintained. The children’s garden and prairie area are especially nice for a calm walk or quiet time with family. Parking is convenient, and admission is free, which makes it an easy spot to visit anytime. Overall, this is one of the best places in Ann Arbor to enjoy nature, take a relaxing walk, and explore a wide variety of plants. Highly recommended.

WOW what a beautiful experience!!!!! This place is absolutely magical the bonsai garden is stunning one of them is over 1,000 years old you absolutely must see if you are a bonsai lover !!!!! I went with my fiancé and we both thought it was really cool there were people on site trimming all the bonsai answering any questions we had about our own plants loved that 😗 the gardens themselves extremely wonderful 😍😍😍very well organized each plant labeled which I really enjoyed !! It’s such a peaceful place even with others there you don’t even know it !!☮️they have over 3 miles of trails as well so you know we had to go see that it’s connected to the parking lot of the gardens so it’s very convenient 💖 we didn’t walk deep into the trails because it was very hot out but what we did get to explore let us know want to come back !!! The view of the pond in my photos is one of the pictures from the trails !! If you are looking for something free*** and beautiful to do I suggest putting this place on your list !!!

Absolutely gorgeous botanical gardens. Indoor green houses with tropical and desert spaces with water features. Outdoors has plenty of peaceful walking trails, children's play area, picnic areas, and gorgeous curated and wildflower gardens. We highly recommend visiting here when you are in Ann Arbor!

Matthaei Botanical Gardens is one of my favorite places to visit, no matter what time of year. It is awfully nice during good weather to be able to enjoy the outside trails and gardens as well. It's one of my favorite places to go to escape just for the afternoon.

Great place for some nice nature walks on well marked trails. The wait was to pay for parking as they only have 2 machines...my advice to keep things moving if there's a line is to just pay the max of $6 rather than to try paying for a few hours. Everything else is free to enjoy so $6 for a carload is a pretty good deal!

Totally worth visiting for the day. The only cost is parking. Nature walks and other sections of the gardens are beautiful to see, and it's nice to be in nature. I would recommend checking it out, especially the bonsai tree section!

I don’t expect university has such large collections of arts. It is free but parking is tricky since it is on the campus. It is definitely worth your time.

This is definitely an unexpected gem found on a university campus. The breadth of the collection is wide and varied across multiple floors. Would definitely go back.

Fun and free! I took an afternoon to visit all the UofM museums and this one was a pleasant surprise. Pretty big building with a wide range of art to enjoy. Worth a visit if you need a fun activity for the day.

We were greeted by a warm welcome at the front desk. Signed in, and found our way to the stairs. No charge for entry makes this worth whatever you might end up paying for parking. You can avoid that all together if you attend after 6pm.

I was expecting to have to pay to enjoy the museum, but to my surprise, entry is free even for people with no affiliation to UMich, though there are options to purchase a museum membership. I think you get benefits like a few treats at the museum cafe as well as the joy of knowing you're helping to keep art publicly accessible if you choose to participate. I parked at a parking garage nearby and walked to get to the museum, and I enjoyed the collections quite a bit. Their current collection includes works by Carmen Herrera and Leon Polk Smith. Overall, the museum was clean, the staff were friendly, and the art was beautiful.

Excellent art museum that also has a cafe with the kindest employees! Got a heated chocolate muffin which gave me more fuel to check out the art :)

The University of Michigan Museum of Art is a beautiful museum with a wide range of art. It was free to visit the time I went not sure if it’s like that always. The museum offers a welcoming space to explore both classic and modern art.

One of the best-researched and presented museums I've been to. It's incredibly informative, and the explanations of everything are bite-sized and understandable for all ages. Every exhibit is interactive and engaging. Entry is free. The least you could do is donate a few dollars to help this esteemed research staff keep doing what they do best. Go blue!

The museum is well-organized and easy to navigate, with clear explanations and engaging presentations for visitors of all ages. The interactive sections and multimedia guides made the learning experience both fun and educational. Another great advantage is that admission is free, which makes it even more accessible to everyone. The building itself is beautiful and spacious, creating a welcoming atmosphere for exploration. The staff was friendly and always ready to answer questions, which added to the overall positive experience.

What a great find! We had a few hours to burn and 3 kiddos (ages 2-6) who loved it here. It’s free- which is really shocking because it is incredibly immersive, hands on, and has a ton of different themes. The gift shop is the best I’ve seen.

loved visiting! super informative museum with so many interesting exhibits! great for any age. the museum is spread out in a large building with multiple floors (stairs and elevators available+one ramp) i loved being able to watch scientists work in real time, that was a unique feature, and i really liked that you could get the chance to talk to them as long as the light is on signaling availability. parking seemed confusing at first, but once you found the right parking garage there were signs that pointed you in the direction of the museum. my family was able to walk through this museum in about an hour and a half, but we definitely would have taken longer if we had gotten there earlier. free entry but donations accepted.

We had a nice afternoon perusing the exhibits. Free to get in was a bonus. Cool selection of dinosaur bones. Lots of taxidermy animals. Cool interactive stuff if you're bringing children.

What a wonderful place to visit. I would highly recommend a visit if you are on the University of Michigan campus. You need hours to fully explore the whole facility. Plus, it is free, but make a donation.

Fun and free ($10 suggested donation) UM has a beautiful campus. Spent maybe an hour or so. Smaller museum but nice!

Great place for kids to stretch and explore! The kids lived seeing the variety of birds and wildlife! The staff in the critter house was amazing, she did a craft with the kids and was very knowledgeable about the animals and very kind!

Such a peaceful place to take the kids and explore. They have a Birds of prey exhibit that is awesome. They even have a bald eagle and you're able to get so close to them, it's just absolutely amazing. A play area for the kids thats great and nice seating for parents to relax. Plenty of space to picnic. Lots of trails to hike. All around fun and plenty to do. Oh and they have a critter house that is really cool too.

We had so much fun here! My kids are 10 and 2 and they absolutely loved this place. I’d plan on being here 2-3 hours. It has big birds (eagles and hawks), a critter house (wasn’t open when we were there), a water attraction/splash pad like but nature style, lots of trails, and huts made of sticks for kids to play in. AND ITS FREE

Love this place! We rent a campfire area and time in the critter house each fall. Each time we have so much fun! Today Ari helped us with our rental and they were very kind and knowledgeable. I bring a unique bunch of friends and Ari took it all in stride. We also had a fall as we were leaving and they responded with first aide kit and assistance. LSNC added a cool water feature to the play ground area and some porch swings as well. Great place to visit!

Excellent play area. Bring a change of clothes, kids will get wet and dusty but have a blast!

Great place for kids to understand nature and birds especially. Nicely designed trails for young. Recently added addition of natural play structure is really nice.

This place was great. I took my kids, and they had a great time! There's so much to do, even if the actual science center is closed (we got there right at closing). We decided to go on the nature trail, and was surprised to see the bird enclosure, my kids loved the eagle! The trail starts off as a rabbit trail, then spreads out to a beaten path...if you're a jogger, this path is great! It offers some pretty intense inclines! Also the black pond is pretty cool. The pond is actually black, it looks pretty cool! I'd definitely suggest going here, even if you're just looking to go on a solo stroll.

A beautiful presentation of archeological artifacts with links to the University of Michigan. Primarily focused on the area surrounding the Mediterranean. Donation only but you'll need to pay for public parking.

A great little museum with free admission, but accepts donations. Well worth scheduling a few hours to wander and closely examine/appreciate the workmanship of the artifacts there. Lots of pieces from Egypt, and lots of pottery and glasswork, but certainly a fun variety of other pieces in general. Anyone with experience in, or a vague idea about the processes of flintknapping, glassblowing, the firing of earthenwares, carving and turning, some gemsetting and metalwork, and just a general interest in the production of material culture will certainly find multiple things to happily examine and appreciate. The staff was friendly & helpful, and that is always a plus 👍

Nice museum with some unique pieces in its collection. If you're even bothering to read reviews for it, this is almost definitely a place you'll enjoy.

I love this museum- I didn't even know it existed until last year, thanks to the AADL summer game. You can see the whole thing in one visit because it's pretty small, but there is so MUCH to look at there, and the information signs are really interesting! My favorite room is the reproduction of the Villa of the Mysteries in Pompeii.

We had such a lovely time at this museum—10/10 recommend for anyone interested in ancient or Egyptian history! I love exploring art and history museums, and this hidden gem houses so many fascinating pieces I’d never seen before. Some of my favorite artifacts were “hidden” in the drawers, so be sure to open those beneath the display cases — there’s so much to discover! The collections of children’s toys and shoes were especially touching, and the cat mummy was a personal favorite. We’ll definitely be back for the new exhibit in spring 2026. An absolute hidden gem in Ann Arbor!

I was disappointed to see so many of the artifacts displayed in cases lined with (old?) oatmeal color fabric that did nothing to create a positive or distinguishing impression of the individual pieces on display. So many displays were just “blah”. Also, the acoustics are problematic, amplifying the voices of two women throughout the entire first floor - an unwelcome distraction. Maybe some Art & Design students could take it on as a project to update the display cases and consider ways to reduce sound transmission.

Free admission! Please make a donation. History up close and personal! A small museum with some amazing artifacts from ancient Greece and Rome, with some terrific late Egyptian artifacts. You have to see the sarcophagus to believe it. History is a lot more colorful and vibrant than you imagine.

A great historic spot with unique shops and beautiful architecture. Great for a quick stroll and local finds!

European style shopping arcade. Must visit when in Ann Arbor.

This is another quintessentially Ann Arbor experience. A gorgeous arcade stuffed with great shops. Van Boven on the State Street end is truly one of my favourite menswear shops in the world with talented curation, exceptional quality and classic style. The arcade also features an old-fashioned tobacconist, gift shops, a barber shop and a florist. Marvellous.

Very neat building. Not much here other than some local shops. Worth a quick stop to take in the building and grab a cup of coffee.

My favorite place in town, so comfortable and chill to hang out with a friend there- . It got coffee, got chocolate store, got store that sells combs~ fantastic!

Wonderful historic covered shopping area with a great coffee store in there I'd highly reccomend

See Texas Senator and his little co-conspiring partner

I'm an alum. The education I received here 10 years ago as an engineer was less than stellar, but this institution has gone even more downhill since then. It's not a university anymore. It's a business. Capitulating to the Trump administration and getting rid of all its DEI initiatives is the final straw. They'll never get a penny from me again. They've completely forgotten that they're supposed to be champions of learning, and a beacon of free speech.

Overhyped school. Sometimes teaching is good, other times it's not. Overwhelming size of the school also makes it really difficult to get to know others and you will likely never get to know any of your professors. Although there are a lot of nice people here too, there are also a good number of people who are rude who will try to act as though they are better than you. Fans can be annoying at times as well. This school isn't exactly a beacon of progress either as they have recently rolled back all their DEI initiatives. Lack of windows in so many of the classrooms will also certainly leave you feeling "blue" (maybe that's what's really meant by "go blue").

The University of Michigan boasts one of the most stunning campuses in the world, offering not only breathtaking surroundings but also a vibrant, supportive community. I couldn't have asked for a better place to call home—both academically and personally. The student vibes and sense of camaraderie made the experience truly unforgettable.

Just finished my PhD here. The greatest public university on the planet earth...)

Trying to get an appointment with your doctor is now even a longer process. When I call I need to be evaluated by a nurse before I can make an appointment. You are placed on hold for 3-6 minutes. I usually go to urgent care when sick because it is much easier than trying to get an appt at u of m. I need to look elsewhere for medical care. It’s really a shame because I really like my doctor, but impossible to get in. If I send medical email question, you are charged. Completely out of control. It’s not a pleasant experience.

Great university campus, happy students, friendly and ethnically-diverse atmosphere every time I've visited. Weighted against about ten comparable universities I've spent time around, this is in the top 3. Ann Arbor is a really nice place. :)

The best of college football. Had the priveledge of being almond vendor there with an old friend a few yrs back.

We went initially for the playground for our 10 year old son. The playground we went to is primarily for under age 8, seeing as the merry go round is incredibly slow, short slides, smaller play areas, and no swings, which is what my son was wanting the most. It's still really nicely constructed, just keep in mind this is primarily for under age 8. The scenery and plant life was beautiful. Then we relocated to another area on the Huron River, where they have rentals (will post prices in the pictures) and paddle boats are only 15 an hour which I thought was an incredible price, but we didn't go seeing as we didn't have enough time. We ended up walking one of the trails and it was gorgeous and my family had an amazing time. Highly recommend this park, one of my favs of all time.

Absolutely love this park... They have a great trail that goes all the way around the lake... Lots of places for the kids to play... They have a livery...

This park is an unexpected gem! Trails are pristine, sufficiently wooded, and teeming with life. The path is wide enough for dog walkers, bike riders, and runners to share. There are more rugged trails offshooting throughout the main path, like side quests, that lead to all kinds of secret spots. Super easy hike, great for all ages; however, the paved portion ends near the public docks. The rest is finely mulched wood and leaves.

Park needs a serious power washing, also the bathrooms are absolutely atrocious. Stinky. Dirty. Covered in bugs. Holes in the ground with toilet seats on them. Prisoners get better bathrooms. My daughter wouldn't even go we had to walk all the way back to the car. The walk itself is okay, views are mainly just swamps. There was a nice outlook but the bench was literally subject of arson and had a giant burnt hole in it. Idk, not a fan. I went a few years ago without having a child, and it was much better. Seems like they lost sight of keeping it semi clean for the public. Don't wear nice shoes either, the ground is absolutely riddled with goose poop.

Very nice public park with multiple playgrounds for the kids and a few public bathrooms as well. Public grills are available to cook out with. Very nice fishing spots along the river. Tons of wildlife

Place to jump off a bridge into the river, crazy. The no jumping sign was not much of a deterrent. Overall a nice park, perfect for a hot summer day!

One of the best parks in Ann Arbor and if you know Ann Arbor you know it has a ton of parks so for it to be the best it is really saying something or even be one of the best beautiful nature area and kids love playing there and fishing there in certain spots. It's also even a couple of islands you can walk out on to It's nice

Awesome place! You can see many amazing animals up close, and it’s a great experience for kids. Fun, educational, and definitely worth a visit when you’re in Detroit!

Our favorite local animal activity with our toddler and friends! Every visit has a fun surprise, or a new addition, or a seasonal change… which keeps everyone entertained and updated with new education! This is such a gem to have right in Ann Arbor, and I only wish we had gone many years before. The staff is above and beyond helpful and informative. The membership is absolutely worth it because every month you get a different experience! The kid room activities are super cute and we’re always grateful for the TLC to the little visitors.

10 stars!! My husband found this place and it's amazing!! Sooo many animals and better than the Zoo because you don't have to walk a ton and the workers are very friendly and personable. There are a lot of things you can look at without paying such as the Tegu (big looking lizard), an Owl, tortoises, parrots, black swans, muskrat, llama, horses, and one other animal. But if you pay for admission, you can enter their buildings that have lots more animals like sloths on the ceiling, a reindeer, an emu, mongoose, warthog, clouded leopards, a cougar, and a 300 pound alligator! There are many animals inside for sure! General admission is $15 and it's considered a day pass which means you can leave and come back (the lady clarified for us). Kids above 2 are $13 and those 2 and under are free! Loved this place and def coming back!

Oh my gosh!!!! We went here for a homeschool field trip and this place blew me away. The animals are well kept, staff is kind and helped answer questions if they knew them, and the place is displayed so nicely. We will for sure go back!!

A tiktok video highlighted this wonderful exhibit and it did not disappoint. Prior to entering, several beautiful, chatty birds greeted me and one even waved. After going inside, I followed the path around and viewed an adorable variety of curious animals. Unlike a standard, large city zoo, some animals were close enough to reach out and touch. A one hour presentation featured a clouded leopard, chameleon, carpet python and sloth. The sloth was brought around the crowd for an up close experience, so that was a real treat! Including the presentation, it's best to allow at least 2 hours (not congested during the time I went) to enjoy the whole experience. I'll definitely return!

Great for young people & old to see & hear about rescue animals. Clearly Steve & others love these animals they care for. The programs are informative & it's fun to be able to see the animals up close with the video technology used. They also have evening programs. They have indoor & outdoor displays. Wonderful set up to see the animals.

It was my first time visiting for First Friday Adult Night and I was impressed with how friendly the staff were. you really feel welcomed. They have animals you can see as you walk through the facility along with detailed information throughout which is a nice touch. I’ll definitely be back and plan to get a membership in the future.

One of the must have done in Ann Arbor. Not only the standard farmers market on Saturday and Wednesday... but any of the other ones proposed all year long. It is such a nice place to hang out. The fact that it is covered make it enjoyable with any weather. The variety of vendors make it easy to find good produce. As a French, I am always looking for bread and patisserie. So many good choice, but white lotus won my heart.

It's a nice size and there's a lot of variety there. I will say, it's pricey, even for Ann Arbor. It's nice to have here to offer locally sourced goods. I would recommend at least walking around on a Saturday morning, even if you don't have the intention of buying something. You just might find something worth trying!

Had great time experiencing the Farmers market in Kerrytown Ann Arbor Michigan. Saw many organic and authentic local produce and enjoyed home made food.

Good prices, terrific selection, great vendors. Today, everything was especially colorful!

A very good place to come and meet lots of merchants with very good selection of produce. The place to be ..

Great meeting spot. The produce is local but avoid the processed stuff including the baked goods.

My favorite vendors. The best produce. Friendly people.

Great walking trail with lot of greenery, superb peony garden , Great place in the middle of the city to quick get away, dog friendly place. Nice place for weekend picnic but unfortunately no parking lot near the Arboretum,needed to park bit further in public parking. Most of the public parking also closed for public took additional 20 minutes to look for parking. Very much enjoyed the trail and place. Highly recommended

The biggest issue I have is its in a very popular college town. So the trails are usually very busy with crowds of people. Its busy to get to the trail, traffic to and from this location. Not very relaxing. Very beautiful and well taken care of though!

Gorgeous peony gardens! It’s easy to walk around and really see the blooms up close. Educational plaques show what varies are in the gardens. There are also plaques explaining the different types and varieties. Such a beautiful place in the Spring!

If you love peonies take a trip to Ann Arbor this week. Park at the shuttle lot easy peasy! And beautiful! If you don't know peonies go anyway and you will be in love at first glance. Besides that it is all free!!!

This garden is absolutely breathtaking! Even though vandals had cut the buds off of half the peonies, there were still plenty of these perennial beauties to enjoy ! I highly recommend visiting Nichols Aboretum as it is such a seren place

Wonderful walk, beautiful flowers and was able to go down to the river for a bit. Amazing day no cash needed.

Nichols Arboretum is truly one of the most beautiful places in Ann Arbor. The trails are always well-kept, the gardens are immaculate, and the scenery changes so beautifully with the seasons. It’s clear how much care and effort go into maintaining the grounds, everything feels peaceful, clean, and welcoming. The Arb provides such a great space for the community to relax, connect with nature, and enjoy time outdoors, whether you’re walking, studying, or just taking a break from campus life. It’s a gem that makes Ann Arbor feel special, and I’m so grateful to have it close by.

Not too much to see. But it is worth a stop for a bit of American history from the mid seventies. I was interested because I was born just as Nixon was getting into trouble with Watergate, Ford was an Eagle Scout, and the only accidental president. Nothing is shown about Ford’s connection to the Boy Scouts, it’s mostly comics and a few items and letters from his time as president. I was immediately reminded of the fact that presidents are always repeating themselves no matter who is in the office. Same mistakes, different parties, different people.

I've been touring Presidential Libraries across the United States for some time. This one definitely qualifies as the smallest Presidential Library I've visited to date! Being raised to acknowledge that good things come in small packages, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library deserves this designation. Although this library is small, if you're in Ann Arbor, take some time out of your day to enjoy this delightful little treat! The experience lasts between 30 minutes to an hour and offers valuable knowledge. You can explore an exhibit of presidential cartoons, watch a documentary, and see a replica of the Ford's office. Even though this library is small, if you're in Ann Arbor, take some time out of your day to enjoy this delightful tiny treat!

Coming from a massive and humbling Ford Museum in Grand Rapids, this little nugget of presidential history left much to be desired. It seemed mostly like a patchwork of disconnected information, with a tiny, easy-to-overlook corner that sums up the life of President Ford. Granted, what I've discovered in visiting these kinds of places is that presidential museums tend to be more friendly and inviting, more comprehensive, while presidential libraries tend to be stuffy and partial. It felt better, for me, to leave Ford's library and grab a cup of driphouse coffee across the street from Michigan stadium, where he once played center/linebacker.

This is primarily a Presidential Library for study. This has only a small museum. If you've been to other Presidential Libraries this may disappoint. That said...it's still cool to see and it's free.

Interesting to visit . However shocked to see tampons available in the MENS toilet!!! One question WHY? NO man in history ever needed one !

Visiting the Gerald R Ford Presidential library was on the top of our list when we arrived in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The museum is conveniently located adjacent to downtown and some of the large hotels, so you can easily stay and walk to the museum and other downtown locations. We arrived shortly after opening and were able to get our tickets and start exploring the museum. The flow of the museum is in chronological order of his life starting with his youth, growing up in Grand Rapids. There is quite a lot of information on his time in the Boy Scouts of America and how important this was in establishing his values and leadership abilities. There is a great section about his involvement in football at both high school and college and then his years serving in the military. We then start learning about his down-to-earth, approachable style of leadership while growing in politics locally at the state level and then in congress. The information about his time as Vice President and how he became President as a result of Watergate and Nixon resigning was interesting and informative. It was interesting to learn more about some of the policies that Ford enacted and how he worked to build trust back into the office of the President. I was not familiar with how many tough decisions he had to make that were not necessarily the popular decision, but that provided a stronger foundation for our country's future. The mock-up of the oval office and cabinet room are always favorites in the Presidential Libraries and these were well done. I found the exhibit about his passing and the funeral very touching. It would have been very interesting to see what Ford could have done if he were not working under the shadow of the Nixon resignation. I left feeling that he was a good leader and a strong President. I am glad we visited the museum.

This is a library not a museum, although it has some small exhibits. Unlike every other President, Ford split his museum and library apart by 150 miles. For a completionist like me this is very annoying! Staff were helpful. Clean facilities. Beautiful courtyard but there's really not a lot here and unless you're looking to do all the libraries and museums I wouldn't bother coming here, unless you're looking to do research which they have huge resources for, I believe! Parking is free.

Great pool with lots of shade and places to sit. A separate children's pool makes it a great place to bring kids.

Great kiddie pool and play area. A family changing area. Has a lap pool and roller/ice rink. The park has a ball field and tennis courts as well. Picnic table are available to eat on.

Awesome!!! So much to do. We had a lot of fun 😁

Nice little park, next to a historic home ....pathway but not long

Nice park!! Too bad the pool's not open yet!!

Awesome place to swim and have fun.

Awesome place to spend time with family and friends!!! Highly Recommend!!!

few interesting painting but a lot of bad Art

A beautiful setting and range of art works.

Amazing art gallery hidden in the middle of downtown. They have welcome receptions with the rotation of exhibits every 6 weeks!

Very interesting, worth a quick stop if you're walking by and have a few minutes to spare.

Beautiful venue, with great acoustics and snacks!

Fun

Cool spot to visit occasionally. Come when exhibition changes.

I love umma cafe for their Brown Sugar Latte, have it iced!! But I wanted to try some new things such as their food.. I did not like the ham and cheese croissant! And it was pretty expensive so I was expecting better. But I will try other things and give it another go

The atmosphere and service are fantastic. Expanding your plant-forward menu items would perfectly complement your commitment to your customers.

what is going on with this brownie. please do not order the brownie with blue and yellow sprinkles. this brownie puts the br in brick. nice lemonade though.

A fantastic library. Gives Hogwarts vibes. Recommends to visit !! Not really for studying as there might be tourists entering all day.

The University of Michigan Law Quad is an absolute gem right in the heart of Ann Arbor! 🌿✨ Walking through the stunning Gothic-style architecture feels like stepping onto the set of an old European movie — the stone buildings, intricate carvings, and beautiful archways make it a photographer’s dream. The central courtyard is peaceful and perfect for relaxing, reading, or just soaking in the serene vibe. Whether you’re a student, visitor, or simply exploring campus, this is one of the most picturesque spots at U-M. In fall, the colorful foliage makes it magical, and in spring, the green lawns come alive with people enjoying the sunshine. Don’t miss the chance to peek inside the Law Library — it’s straight out of Harry Potter! A must-visit if you’re in Ann Arbor, whether for a quick stroll, quiet reflection, or to admire some of the most iconic architecture on campus.

It is so nice. I took some pictures 👍

Absolutely gorgeous area to walk around! Sunset always seems like the best time to take a stroll through parks and green spaces- this place did not dissapoint. I photographed a couple here and love the look of the area!

Reminded me of Oxford. Very nice place to be and see. Definitely a must see place in Ann Arbor.

Amazing architecture and stunning law library. Probably the most magnificent law school buildings in US

Hogwarts in the flesh, but better. The real magic happens here.

This place calmed my soul & my precious daughter even made a friend yesterday 🥰🌺 Absolutely beautiful & very VERY clean. The red play structure is extremely sturdy & very well kept! This is our new spot to hang out together & I’m very happy with the families that this place attracts as well! Very friendly & helpful if needed 💕

Beautiful, lots of paths to run, jog, walk. Vies of the Ann Arbor WaterTower ....Amazing Sunsets and if you like to see community gardens, this is the place. A park for children that is unique and used daily by many happy kids and parents. The whole park is picturesque and I love to run there, meditate and feel good. Go see for yourself!

Park is really nice, lots of trees and place to rest. There wasn't enough parking spot. The parking lot is small. Drove almost an hour to get to this park. Very busy on a Sunday afternoon.

Great play area for kids! Suitable for all ages and lots of shade for sitting for the parents

Very nice park with extensive walking paths, great picnic areas, a playground and gardens you can rent. It was busy with visitors, but not over crowded. The paths were some paved and some gravel. There was a fair share of hills to walk up or down. Definitely a great place to visit and enjoy !

Had my grandsons birthday party there. Kids really enjoyed the playground. There was plenty of room under the pavilion for several parties at the same time. Better attention does need to be given to trash removal though. A maintenance person came through and only emptied 1 of 4 trash cans. The missed ones were overflowing with trash.

Great park with lots of picnic tables and places to sit. A great play area of the kids. A pavilion, bathrooms and walking trail. There is also a community garden here if you want to watch the vegetables grow over the summer.

Nice park and trails particularly for bikes. Multiple trails. Nothing too difficult. I went late Sunday morning and there were quite a few people out with dogs so if you like a light crowd, consider going earlier or late in the evening. Also, part of the trail is near a highway.

This is such a relaxing and historical park- it has several areas that fill in those walking through the park and find interest in the historical significance of the area in the last two centuries. The water is very clear and has a nice chill to it, walking paths connect to parks closer to town and are moderately maintained, albeit keep an eye on the trail to make sure you are not headed over rough or cracked asphalt. Plenty of pavilions and spots to stow away and have a snack or a meal, I would bring big spray or prepare with it in the car beforehand.

Nice paved and some dirt trails. Well kept. Beautiful scenery. Boardwalk trail was beautiful. Cool history.

One of my favorite parks around! Lots of wildlife and well kept trails.

Peaceful and relaxing park filled with history and lots of trails to ponder life

I had a really nice peaceful walk on these trails. Everyone I bumped into was super nice. A very chill vibe.

Very nice. I got a good picture of a spider. Good short walk. It was hot that day.

Outside is well maintained. Unfortunately they were not open today. I went on a whime.

Interesting to see how the Kempf family lived. Great staff! Very knowledgeable.

It only opens on Sundays. I was there mid November. Only saw the exterior

A step back into Ann Arbor Yesterdays. Charming.

Educational

(Translated by Google) Ann Arbor is a very livable small city. This small museum is a great place worth visiting. I saw sewing machines, typewriters, pianos, sofas and beds from more than 100 years ago, as well as many old furniture, objects and old photos. , everyone must go and see it when you have time. Warm reminder: it must be Sunday afternoon from 1 to 4 pm. (Original) 安娜堡是一个非常宜居的小城市，这个小博物馆是非常值得一去的好地方，我看到了100多年前的缝纫机，打字机，钢琴，沙发和床，还有很多老家具老物件和老照片，有时间大家一定要去看看，温馨提示：必须是礼拜天下午1-4点。

(Translated by Google) A cute little building. (Original) 可愛らしい小さな建物。

Weird area to find, not really public space. Interesting but had we not gone on a Sunday while everyone is home we probably wouldn’t have found parking.

Looks better from top... nerds love it!!

Wait for the grass to grow green. Great place to read or study on a nice day.

It is in a nice little area of North Campus. Go on the weekend when parking is easier.

The actual field was nice and well kept but parking seemed difficult.

Was told it was a great place for a snowball fight. Good for offense, but not so much for defense. It's a cool art project, but I feel bad for the mowers.

Fun to run around with 5 and 7 year old kids

Great place to hang out! Family friendly but also fun for couples, friend groups, etc.

Fall color was especially beautiful this year and the warm autumn days gave us lots of opportunities to enjoy it. There are walks along the B2B Trail with views of the river, reservoir, dam, cascades and wildlife, there's a lot to see and plenty of places to stop and just be. It's fun in the summer, but it's a lot quieter now. I like that too

Had a great time today kayaking. The staff was great and very helpful. We even met a couple who took their Dalmation for his first kayak ride. Argo even provided the dog a ride in the van back to the livery area. Way to go Ann Arbor for being so pet friendly. Lansing could learn a thing or two.

I love Argo. It's a great place to go to for running, biking, swimming, kayaking, SUP, fishing, tubing, yoga, picnics, hiking and more. They rent kayaks, SUPs, and others during the summer months.

Night or day this river is fun. It is busy during the weekend but not too bad, we found parking after waiting a minute or two. We took our own tubes and did the whole thing down to furtensburg park where we left our second car. Only wish there was transportation but ehh taking two cars is simple enough. Or just do the Cascades and take one car 💕

This park is best known for the canoe/kayak livery and tube-friendly Cascades. There is also a really great nature trail along the river (no bikes).

This place is a wonderful place. Although I didn't know that it was here in Michigan. I am an avid nature fan. I will be back to visit soon.

So much fun for all!!! Kids and adults had a blast! Bring food and hang for the day, or pop in for a quick trip down the cascades!

Great place for launching kayaks and rubbing. Fair prices. Bathrooms and changes rooms need some.major cleaning. Looks like is hasn't been done all season. Get there early as parking fills up fast during warm days.

Love this place.. the trip to Gallop is perfect.. about 2 1/2 hours. There are 5 drops or so with slight rapids.. easy if you know what you're doing. Please put yoir phone and valuables in a plastic bag or leave on the car. Everytime I've been there people are crying about losing a phone. Don't feed the swans.. they'll capsize you're boat.

Fun and friendly staff. Cascades are family friendly. Free air pump near changing rooms to inflate tubes and rafts is a big plus! Parking is limited, but free. A few accessible parking spots. Accessible paved path. I believe they also have accessibility into canoes from docks for adventurous friends who use wheelchairs.

SO MUCH FUN!! Its best to buy your own tube if you plan on going regularly. There is a small rapids area and canoe and paddleboards are available. There is also a snack bar and bathrooms. Super fun for couples, families or alone. 💯

You rent a tube for 2 hours for $14. There are 9 cascades which takes about 20 mins to go down, then you walk for 5 mins and go tubing again until you're fed up or your 2 hours are up. Their parking is very limited. For the amount of people coming here it's not enough spots. Be prepared to wait in a long line because they don't have a good system for waivers. Their bathrooms are NASTY. Their changing rooms are even worse. I'd rather change in the car. The cascades are super fun but there's no flow and you have to keep paddling with your hands to even move an inch. They shouldn't allow kayaks to go down that route, it's dangerous for everyone. Very crowded. Life jackets are unnecessary since the water isn't that deep and there are rocks and branches and people all around.

We went on Father's Day and what a blast. The rental people have their part down to a science. The cascades were awesome for a beginner and intermediate who hadn't yet had that experience. What a great time. I would tell people that it was ok, just to keep the crowds away, but I would be lying. It was a great time and I can't wait to go again.

Multiple stocked items are old / past the printed “best before” date. Purchased a canned cocktail that had gone bad and was rancid. Recommend looking elsewhere.

I’m a fan. I called ahead to see if they carried a favorite bourbon as we were traveling through A2 and wanted to purchase a few bottles as a gift. The person working was incredibly helpful in locating exactly what I was looking for and further recommended a barrel select at a very reasonable price. The barrel select recommendation is FANTASTIC and my bro in-law loves it! The clerk clearly wanted me to be satisfied with my visit and Main Street delivered for me. Kudos to the gentleman working last Wednesday afternoon - I’ll be back next time we’re passing through!! Thank you!

I do not drink alchol, gamble, smoke or chew tobacco wred nothing . I go in after hoursbto take care of business when no other businesses are open. Just stamps envelopes business stuff. He has just a spirit of excellence and empathy in sll areas of the job that is saw as a customet in store shelves stock, the lot, the building, fair treatment to all despite income levels, clean, Excellent customer service, spoears he does all the jobds, emapthetic, professional, courteous, majes youvfeelvsafe welcome went above the call andcfutybofbjob description without being a nag or weird salesman.even reacted as a great 1st responder to medical emergengy. They get 5 stars

Hands down, the absolute BEST Party Store in A2. My Partner, and I frequently stop here, we happily drive out of our way to come here. The selection is extensive, and impressive. I collect Bourbon and Whiskey and have a rather impressive collection myself, and I know if there's ever one I really want I can go here and they'll have it. The night shit, Edgar, Katie, and Jordan, are truly what keeps us coming back though. They are knowledgeable, friendly, and accepting of all people. They will treat you like you've known each other since grade school. If you are kind to them, they will always go above and beyond to help. If there is an issue with some of the less fortunate outside of the store, just let one of them know and they will respectfully handle the situation. It's literally the "little corner store" where the staff know you by name, they remember your preferences, and make sure you are taken care of. Have I found an expired item before? Sure, but just let them know and they will compensate you for it. Besides, I bet if you go through your cabinets and fridge you'll find some expired items as well and that's on a much smaller scale than what they deal with so na na na na poopoo to you! *Also, not only is Katie intelligent, kind, and hard working, but she's hott, too.

Prices to expensive for alcohol unless its the cheaper watered down brands! They hate when you ask them a question about anything!

Wonderful service and advice on selection, great variety.

This store is making a lot of money taking can + bottle deposits and then refusing to take cans back. If they refuse to take cans you purchased there please file a complain with the Michigan attorney general’s office of consumer protection. This is illegal.

This is one amazing library. They have everything! Besides library books, you can check out artwork for your home or electronics you might need or even books for a book club! This is a large four-story building with lots of places to rest, read, work or play. The book store is top-notch with most items $2 or less. There are even games and puzzles available for purchase.

The AADL is an amazing library, and we are so fortunate to have it and the resources it provides in our community! From comprehensive childrens books selections, to useful Tools, to incredibly diverse events, the AADL supports all interests. The five branches are well maintained, designed, staffed and easy to access. The Summer Game is incredibly well run and something fun to do for all ages. We love our library!

I love the library! they have every book i’ve ever wanted, their events are incredible, their web presence is top notch, and their staff is so helpful. Not to mention the summer game is the best thing in ann arbor. go aadl!!!

Very nice space and open every day! We visited on Sunday so were able to park for free in the adjacent lot.

My wife and I attended a recent drag BINGO event at the library. The game, was run by Jadein Black, a local drag artist. We support the Public Library as a community asset, even if we enjoy buying and owning the books we read. It was great to see the parents and children at the library to play BINGO, moderated by this great educator/drag performer. It was an over-the-top and most amusing drag queen performance that was family-friendly, as well. In addition to running the BINGO game, he was engaging the youngsters and adults with stories of his life as a drag performer and a teacher. We enjoyed the event a performance. It was an event for adults as well as for parents and their kids. A good time was had by all!

Award-winning library with items beyond books available to check out ie. Radon detectors, art, sewing machines, games, and SO much more! Also, multiple daily events, open to the community, at every location.

This is a GREAT library. The decor is excellent and the staff was friendly. And they have a Fairy Door

We live in Lansing, MI, and my friend told me about the Ann Arbor art fair, which includes the street art fair. Combining multiple art fairs on the same day was an amazing idea, and I'm unsure of who to give kudos for that. The Ann Arbor Street Art Fair has a Google Maps page, so I'll tell them that it was great that they were involved in the Ann Arbor Art Fair in general, because it puts so many artists and potential clients and art lovers together in one spot!

The art fair is amazing! Personally I think it is one of the best things about ann arbor. It draws a large crowd every year and supports artists from all over. The work is sometimes pretty pricey but is amazing to just walk by and admire. Every conversation I have had with a booth owner has been enjoyable. I've gone every year for the past good while and enjoy looking forward to it every time.

Other than the nasty lobster rolls we bought it was perfect!!!! This is the best ever purchase??? Bear head Clay was a favorite????

Should group artists by materials they use. Metal art with metal stain glass with stain glass ect,ect. All in all was a nice time had but hard looking for what we were searching for.

Awesome! It is a fabulous experience in so many ways - art, foood, music, people! I look firward to the A2 Art Fairs every year!

The only thing I didn't like about it was that on Saturday, they shut the vendors down 3 hours early due to safety concerns because of the storm coming.

Everyone should attend at least once. We love the vast variety of art mediums. Parking can be dicey, but there is always the shuttle. If you dislike wall to wall people, try a Thursday or Friday morning. Friday night and Saturday are crazy, which makes it difficult to truly see the art or talk to artists. Also, do your pet a favor and leave them in home in the air conditioning! Saw too many miserable dogs walking on hot asphalt/concrete.

This is the single most important space in Ann Arbor right now. Queer Open Mic is life and lifeline to a community that more than ever before needs a space to come together for sharing, laughing, and healing. The vibe is absolutely immaculate, every time you go you feel like you’ve walked into a scene from your favorite movie if your favorite movie is cool enough to have a super chill bar/club/lounge where performers can put their souls out there for the most welcoming and affirming audience in existence; the magic happens.

The vibes are great and the drinks are unique and perfectly crafted. Sit on the outside patio to enjoy the fresh air and live music most evenings, that you can hear through their outside speakers from the 2nd floor. We love it here!

This space is so friendly and intimate and the music, so good, that it feels like a room full of friends. Owner, Phyllis has been present during my visits. She is warm, welcoming, and clearly committed to the musical mission of the place. Love Djangophonique. Catch them from 7-10 pm on “Hot Club Wednesdays.”

Place is awesome! Wife and I were in town for a show at the blind pig. We had some time to kill and could tell this was a place for us from the outside. Inside did not disappoint. Bartender and staff were super nice and we will for sure be back again.

Cute space for a drink. Offers vegan appetizers. Has live music and jam sessions. Happy hour from 5 to 6 pm. They have mocktails! And all syrups are made in house. Staff very kind and helpful.

Lovely staff all foster a warm welcoming environment — bluegrass Fridays are the best. You can order food from Detroit Street Filling Station while you listen too!

Absolutely fantastic vegan food. Best cauliflower wings I've EVER had (and I've had a lot). Fantastic live music opportunities and such an intimate and personal experience, I'm dumb for not checking it out sooner.

Easy parking. Nice guy working at the entrance. Pretty centralized to where we needed to be

Good parking, only almost got ran over once. Convenient spot if you're going to liberty plaza

The entrance ramp was too steep, my minivan lost power while waiting in line coming out. For the first time in my life I floored gas to get up. It's difficult to find a pay machine, unless you are familiar with the structure, instructions were not clear and I only found one machine, otherwise you could pay at the gate.

The exits are dangerously designed if you have anything larger than a compact car or small sedan. I parked here three days and witnessed three people's cars get damaged by the exit terminals being way too narrow and scratching the entire side of their vehicles. Even the one on the street level lot has parking spaces right next to the exit; There was a sprinter van parked next to it and it blocked it just enough that someone scratched the entire side of their vehicle on the exit ticketing station trying to leave. Do not recommend.

I'd suggest looking elsewhere before using this lot for monthly parking, but it's functional if it's all you can find. I will say -- the staff were all extremely nice & helpful. Even during gamedays I never struggled to find a spot. The ticket scanner also flashes your name when you're leaving the lot, which is fun. The price for me was $200 monthly. I had my car broken into once while I was parked here. I was also charged $100 after I moved to a different lot because I did not notify them.

I always love parking here in the summer, it stays very cool usually

Great location for downtown parking. The underground aspect keeps the cars cooler, even on hot days. Signage can be confusing, sometimes the credit card machines at the exit break, but its not a big deal. Highly recommend paying at the kiosk before getting in your car. Saves time.

We had a wonderful small birthday party for our 5 year old at the Art Center. All of the kids had fun painting their own plates, and we had time for a couple of other simple activities and cake. Rachel from the Art Center was great with the kids, and the room was set up well for our group of 10 kids plus parents.

We booked a paint-and-pour private event with the Ann Arbor Art Center and they were FANTASTIC to work with! The group had an amazing and immersive experience during their visit to Ann Arbor and we have no doubt the Art Center was integral to the success of the entire event. 10/10!

One of my favorite spots when I visit Ann Arbor! Such a cool space to walk around, sip some coffee and look at art! They also offer some really interesting classes that I plan on taking in the future!

I have been to many "art parties" before and this place is heads about the rest. They were so accommodating, super helpful in the planning process and a joy to work with. I was struggling to find something unique for my daughter's 9th birthday and they delivered! The girls got to paint ceramic "cookie mugs", jam out to music and giggle their little butts off. The space is incredible, there is plenty of room and you can bring whatever you need. There is an elevator to help move your stuff and the staff even helped carry everything to and from the car. I was nervous having a gaggle of kids in this (incredible awesome working art studio) space but the teachers were so great and some of the local artists peeked in to see what we were working on. You can feel the community vibes here. Now I want to go back with the adults and do some grown up art! Make sure you prepare to park behind the studio or find a space on the street. It goes without saying since its downtown Ann Arbor but the location enabled some of the parents to grab delicious local food after so it was worth it. Honestly the price is worth it for the whole experience and I definitely recommend!!!

They are wonderful, my son and I stopped in from Oakville Canada and Jenny the manager was kind enough to show him how to make clay bowl.

I just took my first semester of clay hand building classes with Faith and I can NOT recommend her or A2AC enough. It was an amazing experience start to finish and she’s an amazing instructor! I’ll be back!

Had the most amazing birthday art party for my 6 yr old and her friends! Can't think of a better place to host a birthday party for kids who love arts and crafts! Rachel was fantastic throughout the process and as the instructor. The girls were able to take home 2 projects each and the adults got to enjoy the beautiful studio space while watching the creations happen. A perfect event!

I don't consider myself a big fan of the performing arts or Shakespeare, but I still always enjoy Shakespeare in the Arb. Make sure to buy tickets in advance and arrive early to find parking and a good seat. The Arb is a beautiful setting for this show, though on windy days it can be a bit difficult to understand the actors. The source material is great and the actors are passionate and talented. Though kids under 5 are free, this isn't a great event for toddlers unless they are good at sitting quietly.

Wonderful performance in beautiful arboretum. Moving to different locations for various scenes gives a good leg stretch for ground sitters and makes the time go fast. Not that it was too long. But sitting in chairs or on ground for 2.5-3 hrs of Shakespeare would make any leg cramp. The traveling scenes were perfect.

Perfect nature day by the water & in the trees. Hot or cold it's a great place to enjoy the fresh air!

nice walking from scene to scene in a hilly wooded garden. even a deer stopped to watch 🦌

Great as an actor, even better as an audience member!

Lovely park to walk and explore nature

Mask up, lotta animals out here.

They previously were located in Pontiac but recently moved to Lohr Road in Ann Arbor. Yesterday, we visited The African American Cultural and Historical Museum of Washtenaw County (AACHM). My husband found it and what a gem it is! They are currently showcasing art by sophomores in a local high school (Huron HS). Their project was to showcase African American history and they did it through art themes of Unity, Peace amidst Chaos, Community, Adversity, Music, Adinkra symbols, Struggle, and Honor. I was amazed at their artistic skills and depth of interpretation of their feelings. The most exciting part is this Museum offers a tour of part of the Ann Arbor Underground Railroad Sites and Black History! We can’t wait to do this! I love and am always so encouraged to see the resilience African Americans have shown in calamity and the hope they showcase that can only be found in God’s strength. The employee was very nice and helpful! I highly recommend coming here to learn!!

A beautiful intimate Museum. And the young lady on staff made the visit 20 times better!.

This is a gem. I really enjoyed The Great Migration exhibit. The house is the perfect space for quiet reflection and appreciation of the art. There are books you are encouraged to touch and engage with, and inter-generational stories told in video.

A great representation of how blacks in the south were treated in the south and their migration to the north and west. Reasons they moved away and reasons why they were drawn to areas they moved to. The pictures depicted are of the simple small museum. Yet there are a number of pictures of buildings by the sea and a building with a large circular staircase that do not belong.

Such important Black history that needs to be told about Washtenaw County. Great and friendly staff.

It's still a work in progress but beautifully done, friendly, and will be telling a great story over time.

Outstanding museum with alot of history.

No fishing at all but it's a great nature area a great place to take a walk or a hike and you know look at all the different burrs and animals and things perfect for Ann Arbor right so you don't think you should hunt animals or just completely ridiculous and those people are silly but either way you know even for Hunter like myself it is fun to go through there and look at all the different animals like you know if they ever take it and it make it not a nature area anymore then like I'm going straight there to hunt that's how I feel about that place but either way it's a beautiful place to walk through so it's definitely you should give it a shot If you haven't been there yet!¡! Also it's a very public friendly place and you know easy to look through and all that and you know and not too expensive to visit as far as and like they they have various things you can buy and stuff too but like none of it's too expensive!

I stopped here for a solo walk on a whim after I had a hard time finding where to park for the Ann Arbor Arboretum. I’m so so so happy I came across this gem! I love all of the views you get of the water, the boardwalk is so great, and the whole walk just has so many different vibes and there are different ways to get through it. I can’t wait to go back with my fiancé!

It was ok. Nothing spectacular. Tubing looked like it could have been fun but it was quite crowded. So not a real feeling of nature

A great place for a refreshing walk. Dotted with benches to sit and relax. You can also walk across the frozen river in snow. If you are lucky, can spot some nice birds chilling on the frozen river. Only issue when I visited- closed restroom. Otherwise, had a really good time.

Don’t be fooled by the vegetation that covers most the path that leads away from the parking area. This is a wonderful little nature area/trail that will lead to Gallup park. The stretch along the water is mostly a wood boardwalk otherwise some parts are paved and other paths are dirt/rock/sand. Great place to walk your dog.

Beautiful landscape. The hiking trails are flat and well kept. Great for novices or the elderly. Plenty of waterfowl and various species of birds to watch. The river supports a nearby kayaking/tubing rental business.

A nice easy hike. Stroller friendly. Very little of the path is actually on the river but you get glimpses here and there. Just up from Gallup Park. Easy to find. Can park here if Gallup's lot is full. Good for bird watching.