Ann Arbor is many things, including a bustling university town, culinary hotspot, and a tech hub with a walkable downtown that includes world-class arts and culture. Located in southeast Michigan's Lower Peninsula, Ann Arbor lies at the center of a greater collection of communities in Washtenaw County. With so many thriving communities nearby, Ann Arbor has become a cultural melting pot and urban oasis.
Forget its reputation as a picturesque, free-spirited college town – Ann Arbor is a forever town. As enamored of its football team as it is of its arts, it’s the kind of place that marries big city culture with the neighborly values of a small Midwestern town, with a hearty dash of intellectual energy and natural beauty thrown in. This progressive community with the collegiate atmosphere offers excellent museums, a diverse culinary scene, exciting nightlife and lots of arts events. You can kayak the Huron River, or enjoy the public art (it’s everywhere, and don’t miss the little fairy doors sprinkled throughout the city). It’s a place you won’t want to leave, even if your university days are far behind you.
John Allen and Elisha W. Rumsey founded the community in 1824, which they named for their wives (both called Ann) and the local natural groves, or arbors. The settlement developed as an agricultural trading center after the arrival in 1839 of the Michigan Central Railroad, which connected it with Detroit.
Local Restaurants
GANDY DANCER
401 Depot St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, 734-769-0592
www.gandydancerrestaurant.com
Situated in the beautifully restored 1886 Michigan Central Depot, Gandy Dancer is both an architectural landmark and an elegant restaurant. A popular venue in Ann Arbor, the Gandy Dancer's fine cuisine and historic atmosphere make a grand setting for rehearsal dinners and wedding receptions. Come see why diners all over Michigan choose us time and time again.
ADVENTURA
216 E Washington St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, 734-369-3153
www.aventuraannarbor.com
Tapas, paella, wine & cocktails offered in a stylish, contemporary space with rustic and Spanish touches.
MANI OSTERIA & BAR
341 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor MI 48104, 734-769-6700
maniosteria.com
Mani Osteria & Bar, our locally owned family-friendly Italian restaurant, has been serving wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, and signature antipasti since 2011.
ZINGERMANS DELICATESSEN
422 Detroit St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, 734-663-3354
www.zingermansdeli.com
Opened in March of 1982 by Paul Saginaw and Ari Weinzweig in a historic building near the Ann Arbor Farmers’ Market. Serving up thousands of made-to-order deli sandwiches with ingredients like premium Black Angus corned beef and pastrami, free-range chicken, turkey, housemade chopped liver, and chicken salad. Zingerman's Deli also stocks an exceptional array of farmhouse cheeses, unique olive oils, varietal bottles of vinegar, smoked fish, high-quality salami, locally roasted coffee, exquisite teas, and locally sourced vegetables for salads. Today, Zingerman’s Delicatessen is an Ann Arbor institution, the source of great food and great experiences for thousands of visitors every year.
Accommodations
GRADUATE - ANN ARBOR
615 E Huron Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, 734-769-2200
www.graduatehotels.com/ann-arbor
Just across the street from the University of Michigan campus at Huron and State. Enjoy a cozy club feel, a nod to the arts (graffiti included!), a wink at the Maize and Blue, and a hip library vibe. Gather Wolverines for a post-bite at Poindexter or host an old-school dinner at Allen Rumsey Cocktail Lounge.
WEBER'S BOUTIQUE HOTEL
3050 Jackson Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, 734-769-2500
www.webersannarbor.com
Modern rooms, elegant weddings, famous prime rib, live music nightly, and family-owned since 1937.
RESIDENCE INN ANN ARBOR DOWNTOWN
120 W Huron St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, 844-631-0595
www.marriott.com
The Residence Inn Ann Arbor Downtown is just blocks from the University of Michigan and steps from over 60 popular restaurants and shops. This Ann Arbor, MI hotel is situated in the heart of downtown and is ideal for long visits. Fully equipped kitchens, free Wi-Fi, a free hot breakfast, and more await you.
Area Attractions
U-M MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
1109 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48109, 734-763-3312
https://lsa.umich.edu/ummnh/
The University of Michigan Museum of Natural History opened its spectacular new facility in the Biological Sciences Building in April 2019. The building design blurs the boundaries between public and research areas, putting science on display.
THE HURON RIVER WATER TRAIL
1100 N Main Street, Suite 210, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, 734-769-5123
huronriverwatertrail.org
A 104-mile paddling trail connecting communities in Michigan's Lower Peninsula. Perfect for kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and exploring the natural environment.
URBAN FAIRY DOORS
Throughout downtown Ann Arbor, MI 48104
www.urban-fairies.com
Tiny doors located on select businesses reveal "fairy homes," a unique attraction for kids of all ages.
DOMINO PETTING FARM
3001 Earhart Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48106, 734-998-0182
www.pettingfarm.com
A working farm turned activity center with a historical tribute to Michigan agriculture. Open since 1984.
NICKELS ARCADE
326 South State Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, 734-769-0941
www.facebook.com/nickelsarc
A covered shopping district built in 1918 featuring specialty retail shops.
GRAFFITI ALLEY
380 E Liberty St, Ann Arbor, MI
An alley covered in graffiti, constantly evolving as new artists add their work.