Ann Arbor was once a little strip of land in Michigan that was named after the wives of its co-founders.
Both were called Ann, so the founders shrugged, and Ann Arbor was born.
Today, Ann Arbor is a bustling city that’s home to everything from tech companies to world-famous research universities.
It still has a certain amount of down-home charm, especially in its historic districts, but it’s also grown into a thriving metropolis filled with shops, restaurants, parks, museums, performance venues and more.
You can dance in nightclubs.
You can sip fine wines in vineyards.
You can wander through arboretums, feed animals in petting zoos, scream yourself hoarse at football games and take long scenic drives along the river.
It’s all possible in Ann Arbor.
Maybe you’re planning a distant vacation.
Maybe you’re headed there tomorrow.
Whatever your schedule looks like, here are just a few amazing things to do in Ann Arbor, Michigan!
Table of Contents
1. Ann Arbor Summer Festival
Held every June – July, the Ann Arbor Summer Festival is one of the city’s biggest celebrations.
It offers a dizzying amount of art, music, food, dance, theater and culture, and it brings together thousands of people from all over Michigan and beyond.
Musicians put on live concerts.
Artists display portraits and paintings.
Marching bands host parades; circus performers show off their tricks; comedians and poets captivate audiences for hours at a time.
There’s also food, of course, as befitting one of the corn dog capitals of the world.
You’ll find plenty of things to munch on as you navigate the booths, crowds and stages.
Another great thing about the festival is that many activities are available at no charge, so if you’re looking for free things to do in Ann Arbor, this event can keep you busy without stretching your budget.
Visit the city in the summertime to enjoy the Ann Arbor Summer Festival.
Once you’ve experienced something like this, you’ll want to come back year after year for more!
Address: 767 N University Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
2. Michigan Stadium
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Nicknamed the “Big House,” Michigan Stadium is the largest stadium in the United States and the second largest in the world.
It can seat a whopping 115,000 people!
It’s a must see while you’re in Ann Arbor, and luckily, there are plenty of events on the green to enjoy.
The biggest draw is football, of course, with fans packing the stadium every season to see the Michigan Wolverines beat the snot out of lesser teams.
Other sporting events have centered around soccer, lacrosse and ice hockey.
If you aren’t interested in athletics, you might also like the off-season events hosted in the space.
They’ve included everything from yoga classes to weekend movie nights.
Tours can also be arranged for those who want to see the box seats and locker rooms up close.
All in all, if you’re wondering what to do in Ann Arbor, you should definitely make time for Michigan Stadium.
How often will you get the chance to do the downward dog in America’s biggest sports venue?
Address: 1201 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, United States
3. Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
Dwight Burdette, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Learning comes alive at the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum.
Based out of an old, vintage-style red brick firehouse, it’s a place where kids can run, jump, climb, roll and wiggle out their energy to their heart’s content.
Best of all, it’ll be an educational kind of movement!
Splashing pools teach about fluid dynamics.
Simulated driving courses sneak in lessons about motion, force and locomotion.
Nature walks are for biology; laser instruments are for light and energy; bubble capsules are for physics.
Even the 1930s market can provide baby’s first lesson in economics.
If you’re looking for Ann Arbor attractions that all ages can enjoy, schedule a visit to the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum.
Kids will love it, of course, but even adults can discover their inner child as they engage with various exhibits!
Address: 220 E Ann St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, United States
4. Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum
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Though they’re separate entities, the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and the Nichols Arboretum are both owned and operated by the University of Michigan near their main campus, so they’re often taken together as a single tourist attraction.
Points of interest at the gardens include tree groves, bonsai collections, hedge labyrinths, windflower gardens and an elaborate, 10,000-foot conservatory.
There’s also a wide range of biodiversity since different greenhouses are modeled after different climates and landscapes; you can see everything from dry, arid deserts to lush green fields and prairies.
Another great thing about the gardens is that they don’t charge admission.
You’ll need to pay for parking, but otherwise, they’re both free things to do in Ann Arbor.
Do you like taking long walks through nature?
Do you enjoy the sound of birdsong over babbling brooks and rustling trees?
You don’t have to trek into the wilderness to unplug from modern life for awhile.
Just go to the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and the Nichols Arboretum.
Address: 1800 N Dixboro Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, United States
5. Krazy Jim’s Blimpy Burger
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Everyone in Ann Arbor has heard of Krazy Jim’s.
Like its name suggests, it’s different than your usual hamburger joint, and the end results can be pretty wild!
For starters, you’ll build your own burger rather than ordering off a menu.
You’ll get to choose whatever combination of patties, buns, veggies and condiments that your heart desires.
You can also create your own fries with a variety of nacho-style toppings.
Additionally, you’ll watch your food being prepared right in front of you.
As you move through the cafeteria-style line from the grill to the deep fryer, you’ll always know exactly what your chefs are doing, in no small part because you’ll be giving them assembly directions the entire time.
When your food is done, you’ll have the burgers and fries of your dreams.
Celebrate it.
You just experienced Krazy Jim’s Blimpy Burger, one of the most fun places to visit in Ann Arbor!
Address: 304 S Ashley St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, United States
Visiting other parts of Michigan? Why not check out some of the things to do in Detroit?
6. Hudson Mills Metropark
Located a few miles north of Ann Arbor in Dexter, Michigan, the Hudson Mills Metropark is a stunning landscape filled with both natural wonder and man-made fun.
The terrain covers more than 1,500 acres and includes woods, wetlands and prairies filled with all kinds of flora and fauna.
Outdoor activities range from canoeing and kayaking on the water to hiking and biking along nature trails that twist through the trees.
There’s skiing in the wintertime and fly fishing in the summertime.
You can also let the kids loose on a number of playgrounds!
For adults, recreation might come in the form of an 18-hole golf course or disc golf course.
There are also many athletic fields as well as courts for tennis, shuffle ball and more.
If you’re thinking about what to do in the sunshine during your trip to Ann Arbor, swing by the Hudson Mills Metropark.
It’s only a short distance away, but it’s so different from the lights and sounds of the city that you’ll feel like you’re enjoying another, separate vacation while you’re there.
Address: 8801 N Territorial Rd, Dexter, MI 48130, United States
7. Kerrytown
Located just a few blocks from downtown Ann Arbor, Kerrytown is a lively historic district full of both old-school charm and brand-new commerce.
Farmer’s markets are held just about every weekend.
Festivals bring together artisans, musicians, crafters and more.
Mom-and-pop shops are prevalent, and there are also a number of cafes with outdoor patios and music streaming through the windows.
Even the roads are cute: They’re made with distinctive red bricks that give the entire area a certain vintage-style charm.
If you’re looking for cool places to go in Ann Arbor, all of the locals will tell you to check out Kerrytown.
It has such history and vibrancy as a neighborhood that it’s practically a town in its own right.
Those heading to Ann Arbor this weekend should definitely grab a bag of caramel corn from a farmer’s market and go sightseeing!
Address: Ashley, Depot, Division, and Ann Streets, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, United States
8. Ann Arbor Ice Cube
Ann Arbor Ice Cube
As a snowy destination, Michigan has its fair share of wintertime tourist attractions, but their level of fun can be dependent on the weather.
If you’re looking for a guaranteed good time, try the Ann Arbor Ice Cube instead.
The Ann Arbor Ice Cube is an indoor “ice facility” where you can enjoy the rink all year round.
Whether you’re interested in speed skating, figure skating or playing hockey or broomball, this is the place to experience them, rain or shine!
You can also schedule tours, field trips and birthday parties if you’re traveling with a group or living near Ann Arbor and looking for nice places to visit.
Concessions are available, and the rink is always well-maintained for both public and private events.
Lace up your skates at the Ann Arbor Ice Cube if you want to do some axels and lutzes without having to worry about an inconveniently sunny day melting your rink!
Address: 2121 Oak Valley Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, United States
9. University of Michigan Museum of Art
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The University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA) is one of the major points of interest in Ann Arbor.
It represents more than 150 years of art curation and collection, and its works include world-famous paintings from Monet, Picasso and more.
Other things to see include historical artifacts, pottery and portrait galleries, modern photography halls and an outdoor “sculpture walk.”
Visitors can enjoy beautiful art installations made from a variety of mediums with designs and themes that range from the abstract to the hyper-realistic.
Special events at the museum include everything from film screenings to artmaking classes, so if you have free time this weekend, make sure to check their schedule and see what’s coming up next.
All things considered, the University of Michigan Museum of Art is worth a visit for art lovers, culture enthusiasts and anyone else who wants to explore Ann Arbor’s creative heart and soul.
Don’t ignore this amazing destination while you’re in the city!
Address: 525 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
10. HopCat
HopCat
HopCat is one of the best places to grab a beer in Ann Arbor.
Not only does it offer more than 100 different brews, but it’s also famous for its “pub grub,” or its collection of wings, fries, burgers, buffalo rolls and other mouthwatering menu items.
You’ll start by entering the hardwood bar with its warm leather seats and comfortably dim lighting.
Then, after perusing your choices for food and drink, you can choose from local, regional and even international brands from outside of Michigan.
Whether you want dark, heavy tankards paired with greasy cheese curds or lite, golden mugs to go along with soups and salads, you can enjoy various flavor combinations here.
If you visit on the weekend, you can enjoy live music shows and other special events.
If you visit during their “gourmet nights,” you can enjoy four-course, five-beer specials designed to delight your palette in every way.
A trip to HopCat is one of the top things to do in Ann Arbor, especially if you like beer flavors from around the world.
You can travel the globe without even leaving Michigan when you order a drink at Hopcat’s!
Address: 311 Maynard St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, United States
Exploring other areas of Michigan? Why not check out what to do in Grand Rapids as well as some of the fun things to do in Kalamazoo?
11. Kelsey Museum of Archaeology
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You don’t have to be Indiana Jones to appreciate the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology.
It’s one of those Ann Arbor attractions that can be enjoyed by people from all walks of life due to its utter uniqueness!
For starters, it’s housed in a large, asymmetrical mansion made from jagged fieldstone and outfitted with old-school design elements befitting its Romanesque architecture style.
Inside, it’s packed with more than 100,000 artifacts from civilizations around the world; visitors can walk among Greek coins, Iraqi pottery, Byzantine textiles, Roman brick stamps and Egyptian mummy masks.
The best thing about the museum, however, is its namesake: archeology.
It has very rare collections of things like excavation records and turn-of-the-century photos, and even if you’re not an archaeology student, it’s hard not to be impressed by them.
Check out the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology if you’re looking for fun and interesting places to visit in Ann Arbor.
Take a break from the movie theaters and shopping malls and get a little culture instead!
Address: 434 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
12. Michigan Theater
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As one of the oldest “movie palaces” in the United States, Michigan Theater has a larger-than-life reputation, one that’s only exceeded by its rich and colorful history as an Ann Arbor landmark.
Originally built in the 1920s, Michigan Theater was the place to see and be seen by the socialites of the era.
It was also considered one of the top tourist attractions in the state, drawing all kinds of visitors who wanted to see its films, plays, concerts and vaudeville acts.
It was a grand old building furnished with things like pipe organs and orchestra pits.
Over the years, however, attendance started to decline, and the theater was almost demolished in the 1950s.
It took the concentrated efforts of the community to raise enough money to keep it going.
Today, Michigan Theater is small but thriving.
You can still book tickets for various movies and shows, and you can take satisfaction in knowing that you’re supporting a local business with strong roots in the neighborhood.
Seeing a film at the Michigan Theater is definitely one of the best things to do in Ann Arbor.
Address: 603 E Liberty St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, United States
13. Legoland Discovery Center
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A trip to Legoland is one of the most memorable experiences that you can offer your children.
It’s the Michigan equivalent of a trip to Disneyland or Orlando Studios.
They’ll be talking about it for years to come, and you’ll be the coolest mom or dad ever!
What all can you do at Legoland?
It depends on your interests.
Little ones will love the kid-sized Mini-Land that allows them to be giants among colorful brick buildings; older children might appreciate the 4D theater or the Lego race car tracks where you can build and race your own creations.
Even adults can get in on the fun with rides, games and exhibits for the whole family!
One thing to note about Legoland is that you’ll need to buy tickets in advance for all-day admission, so don’t delay the booking aspect.
A little planning today can save you a lot of headache tomorrow!
If you’re heading to Ann Arbor this weekend and hoping to explore the Legoland playgrounds, make sure to call in advance.
Address: 4240 Baldwin Rd, Auburn Hills, MI 48326, United States
14. Lillie Park
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With its hills, cliffs, forests and beaches, Michigan is one of the most beautiful places in the US, and Lillie Park is a great place to see the sights.
Not only is the park filled with things like picturesque ponds and woodlands teeming with flowers, but there are also a number of nature trails to help you explore them.
For example, you can walk along wooden bridges over the water, or you can kick up wood chips or push a stroller along the limestone blocks of various park trails.
When you get tired, you can take a rest among the many benches and gazebos that offer waterside views or country-style outlooks of grassy green fields.
Another perk of the park is that it’s centrally located in Ann Arbor, so when you’re done finding yourself in nature, you can return to civilization with no problem.
Many things to do in Michigan involve the outdoors.
To see it at its best, you’ll want to visit a place like Lillie Park.
Address: 4365 Platt Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, United States
15. Hill Auditorium
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It’s hosted classical orchestras and philharmonics.
It’s welcomed pop singers like Elton John and rock bands like The Grateful Dead.
It’s the Hill Auditorium, and it’s one of the premiere entertainment venues of Ann Arbor.
Built in 1913, the Hill Auditorium combines classic architecture with modern acoustics.
It was originally the result of an experiment: Would it be possible to build a concert hall where the sounds of the stage could be heard equally from every seat?
Letters flew back and forth between builders, and the end result was a 4,000-seat, megaphone-shaped venue raised on the University of Michigan campus.
Today, Hill Auditorium regularly hosts concerts, symphonies, glee clubs and more.
There’s always something happening, so if you’re looking for exciting stuff to do, go and catch a show on campus!
Address: 825 N University Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
Have more time? Why not check out some of the things to do in Traverse City and some of the things to do in Frankenmuth, MI?
16. Border-to-Border Trail
Dwight Burdette, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Are you on a budget?
You don’t have to spend big bucks to have fun in Ann Arbor.
There are plenty of free things to do, including a walk or bike ride along the Border-to-Border Trail.
Also known as the B2B trail, the Border-to-Border Trail is a 40-mile path along the Huron River that crosses several cities and will eventually cross even more.
Its total proposed length is 70 miles, and it’s a large, collaborative effort between local governments to offer a safe and well-maintained space for people to explore the beauty of Michigan.
You can walk, jog or cycle along a number of paths, bridges and overpasses.
There’s never any charge, so you’re free to explore the trail as much or as little as you’d like.
All pathways are kept clean, and it’s common to see kids being pulled in wagons or dogs bounding joyfully on the ends of their owners’ leashes.
If you want to go on an outdoor adventure in Ann Arbor but aren’t sure where to start, hop on the Border-to-Border Trail.
It can take you in multiple directions along the Huron River to offer beautiful sightseeing opportunities.
17. Domino’s Farms Petting Farm
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Ann Arbor doesn’t have a zoo, but if you’re looking for fun, fuzzy activities that will delight the young animal lovers in your life, consider making a trip to Domino’s Farms Petting Farm.
Located on the outskirts of the city on a tidy little farm, Domino’s is a place where you can interact with all kinds of cute, docile creatures, including goats, cows, horses and sheep.
You can walk right up to them and touch their fur or give them treats.
The bunnies always love baby carrots!
There are other fun, family-friendly activities to enjoy as well.
For example, you can take a tractor ride or explore a train caboose.
On holidays, there are special events like egg hunts or drive-throughs with Christmas lights.
Ultimately, however, the main draw of Domino’s Farms Petting Farm is the animals.
In a city without a zoo, it fills a crucial void for animal enthusiasts who are visiting Ann Arbor.
Put on your good walking shoes and get ready to see some cuteness!
Address: 3001 Earhart Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48106, United States
18. Pedal Saloon Ann Arbor
One of the coolest places to see in Ann Arbor is one that doesn’t stay put.
Instead, it’s a pedal-powered “trolley pub” that makes its way through the city with groups of people that climb abroad and pedal it.
There are two ways to reserve a spot.
One is to join a mixer as an individual, couple or small group of six people or less; the other is to book the entire trolley for a private party.
Either way, you’re bound to have fun.
It’s a memorable way to see the sights, and you can join specific tours that will take you on a circuit of the best bars, shops, restaurants and landmarks that downtown Ann Arbor has to offer.
You’ll also sneak in some exercise so that you can burn off those Blimpy Burgers while you wander!
Address: 200-300 N Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, United States
19. Furstenberg Nature Area
Furstenberg Nature Area
A stroll through the Furstenberg Nature Area is one of the most romantic things to do in Ann Arbor.
The wind gently rustles the trees; the ducks peacefully swim in the ponds.
Wooden boardwalks are available if you want to take couple’s photos with amazing backdrops.
Everything freezes in the winter, including the lake, so you can walk across its snowy embankments while holding hands with your lover to keep warm.
In the spring and summer, flowers bloom so richly that the air is heavy with dozens of different fragrances.
In the fall, the leaves change color and offer a satisfying crunch beneath your boots as you take a stroll through the scenery.
Other date ideas include biking the trails together or feeding the white swans on the water.
You can also pack a picnic lunch and spread out a blanket under a shaded tree for you and your sweetheart.
If you’re headed to Ann Arbor with a special someone, the Furstenberg Nature Area is the place to go.
It’s so peaceful and beautiful that you’re sure to create very special memories while you’re there together.
Address: 2626 Fuller Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, United States
20. Stonebridge Golf Club
Stonebridge Golf Club
If you enjoy being in nature but don’t like roughing it in the wilderness without access to modern amenities, how about trying a round of golf at the Stonebridge Golf Club?
There are 18 holes on stunningly green vistas with lakes, woods and sand pits.
Lessons are available at all skill levels for both juniors and adults, and there’s even a driving range and practice facility if you want to warm up your iron before hitting the hills.
When you’ve conquered all 18 holes, check out the bar and grille for dinner and drinks, or hit up the golf shop for all kinds of equipment to improve your game.
You might also enjoy sightseeing in the area around the course since it’s an upscale neighborhood with lots of high-end shops and restaurants.
Long story short, the Stonebridge Golf Club offers enjoyable activities for all types of travelers in Ann Arbor.
Whether you’re an experienced athlete or just an outdoor enthusiast looking to try something new, consider an afternoon spent among the rolling green fields with their cheerfully-waving flags.
Address: 1825 Clubhouse Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, United States
21. Chateau Aeronautique Winery
Chateau Aeronautique Winery
Located a few miles south of Ann Arbor in Jackson, Michigan, the Chateau Aeronautique Winery is an utterly unique experience that combines wine and airplanes.
Yes, you read that right!
This “aeronautique” winery was founded by an airline pilot who decided to deck out the entire destination with grass runaways, airplane seating, vintage WWII posters and bartops fashioned after glider wings.
There are also several classic planes on site, including a 1940 Boeing Stearman and a 1956 Cessna 172s, so you’ll have some fun things to see after you’ve gotten nice and tipsy on the reds.
Ultimately, the Chateau Aeronautique Winery is one of the best things to do near Ann Arbor.
You’ll need to be willing to make the drive to Jackson, Michigan, but once you’re walking through the airpark and marveling at the old-school planes, the extra travel time will be worth it.
Address: 1849 Rives Eaton Rd, Jackson, MI 49201, United States
22. Zingerman’s Bakehouse
Zingerman’s Bakehouse
Zingerman’s is one of the most famous of Ann Arbor attractions.
In fact, it’s so popular that it’s become an entire franchise; there’s a Zingerman’s Delicatessen for soups and sandwiches, a Zingerman’s Creamery for cheeses, gelatos and ice creams, and a Zingerman’s Coffee Company for world-class roasts.
The sweetest destination, however, is Zingerman’s Bakehouse.
It creates everything from everyday pastries to once-in-a-lifetime wedding cakes, and walking through its doors and seeing its sky-high bread shelves is like entering a carb-a-riffic version of Willy Wonka’s factory.
You can shop.
You can sample.
You can even sign up for baking classes that will teach you how to create your own cakes and cookies.
If you have a sweet tooth in Ann Arbor, you won’t want to miss Zingerman’s Bakehouse!
Address: 3711 Plaza Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, United States
23. University of Michigan Museum of Natural History
A trip to the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History is one of the most fun things to do in Ann Arbor.
It has so many cool things to see that your head and neck will develop a permanent swivel as you take in the geodes, soil samples, dinosaur bones, taxidermy animals and more!
Permanent exhibits include a “Michigan Wildlife Gallery” where you can see all of the state’s native species and a “Hall of Evolution” where you can trace humanity’s development through skulls and ultra-lifelike recreations of neanderthals.
There are also butterfly gardens, planetarium shows, gigantic whale skeletons and various fossil displays.
You’ll also want to make time for the Quetzalcoatlus.
How many times in your life will you be able to stand under a life-size reconstruction of a pterosaur?
The University of Michigan Museum of Natural History is a one-of-a-kind experience that combines both education and entertainment.
If you’re at all interested in natural history, this is the destination for you.
Address: 1105 N University Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
24. State Street
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State Street is one of the most popular places to go in downtown Ann Arbor.
It’s packed with shops, cafes, restaurants and other lively destinations, and if you visit at the right time, it’s often the center point of citywide fairs and festivals.
The most famous event is the State Street Area Art Fair.
Held every summer, it jingles with the sound of jewel sculptures and glitters with the colorful fibers of textiles and fashion pieces.
There are also Halloween parties, Christmas festivities, Easter celebrations and more.
There’s even a semi-regular State Street Ladies Night if you’re wondering what to do as a single gal in Ann Arbor!
Walk the streets.
See the sights.
Listen to the buskers playing their instruments; breathe deeply around the food trucks and inhale their amazing aromas.
A trip to State Street is one of the most fun things to do in Ann Arbor, so it should be appreciated to the fullest.
Address: S State St, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
25. Ann Arbor Film Festival
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If you love Hitchco*ck, Scorsese and Spielberg, the Ann Arbor Film Festival is your chance to see the next generation of filmmakers before they get rich and famous.
You see, the festival is dedicated to independent and experimental filmmakers.
It’s been home to many small productions with big visions, and according to its organizers, its main purpose is “promoting film as an art form.”
To that extent, you can find all kinds of movies at the festival, including comedies, dramas, documentaries, animated films, period pieces, slasher flicks and more.
Rather than being rigidly defined by any specific category of film production, it’s a collective celebration of experimental movie making in all forms.
If you’re wondering what to see in the city that you can’t see anywhere else, try the Ann Arbor Film Festival.
It’s one of the top film festivals of its kind, and since it’s only held once per year, it’s a special event that you can look forward to during all other 364 days.
26. The Last Word
The Last Word
If you have “visit a speakeasy” on your bucket list, The Last Word is the place to cross it off.
Located underground, it’s a stylish, dimly-lit bar where the decor is completely vintage and the co*cktails are completely delicious.
True to its name, many of its drinks have literary themes, and its menu is shaped like a book with different “chapters” for wine and beer.
You can even flip to the “epilogue” and find co*cktails to go!
This scholarly touch is just one of the ways that the bar distinguishes itself as a classy establishment rather than just a place to get drunk in Ann Arbor.
All things considered, the Last Word is one of the coolest places to visit in the city.
If you’re strolling through downtown Ann Arbor at night and wondering what to do after 1AM, this is the place to stop in, pull up a chair and have some nerdy fun.
Address: 301 W Huron St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, United States
27. Necto Nightclub
Necto Nightclub
Necto Nightclub is among the top tourist attractions of Ann Arbor.
As you might expect, it’s not for kids, but it’s otherwise very much a playground for adults!
There are three floors in the club for drinking, dancing and socializing.
Most of the action is visible from the balconies, but there’s also a secret “Red Room” hidden from plain sight that functions as a low-key lounge.
Additionally, when you get tired of the pulsing beats and strobe lights of the main area, there are dark booths in the shadows to offer peace and privacy.
Themed nights are rampant, so whether you’re heading to the club tonight or next year, there’s guaranteed to be something going on.
The only question is whether it’ll involve concerts, drag shows, costume parties, retro parties or more.
Necto Nightclub is one of the most fun things to do in Ann Arbor.
If you’re over the age of 21, make sure to check out this premiere destination for city nightlife!
Address: 516 E Liberty St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, United States
28. Wild Swan Theater
Wild Swan Theater
Wild Swan Theater is dedicated to putting on high-end performances for low-end prices.
Rather than being an expensive, pretentious theater meant only for the rich, it’s a cheap, fun and family-friendly venue, and one of its main goals is to stay accessible even for struggling or low-income audiences.
Tickets are available year-round for various musicals and theater productions.
If you can’t catch a show, there are also lessons, workshops, classes and kid’s camps.
If you happen to have a disabled or neuro-divergent child, there are outreach programs for them, too.
Wild Swan Theater is one of the best Ann Arbor attractions for kids and adults alike.
Its shows can bring the entire family together for a good time, and it’s built on a solid foundation of accessibility.
If you’re lucky, its productions might even instill a lifelong appreciation for the arts in your kids!
Address: 6175 Jackson Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, United States
29. Graffiti Alley
Located on East Liberty Street, “Graffiti Alley” is one of the touchstones of the Ann Arbor community, and it means a lot to the locals even as it doubles as an awesome tourist attraction for visitors.
No one knows who first took a can of spray paint to the alley, but when the city covered it all up with a mural in 1999, rebels were back with their tagging within the week.
They were so thorough in defacing the alley, in fact, that it became the most colorful, vibrant and eye-popping place in the entire city.
Today, there are layers upon layers of graffiti in the alley, and there’s always new work being added.
It’s the kind of place that’s never the same when you visit it.
If you want some visually stunning selfies while you’re in Ann Arbor, check out Graffiti Alley.
Address: E Liberty St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, United States
Start Planning Your Trip To Ann Arbor
These are just a few of the best things to do in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
It might be well-known for its university, but there’s plenty of fun to be had outside of the campus.
Whether you’re interested in shopping, dining, hiking, biking or bar-hopping, it’s a place to cross off bucket list items for sure!
Happy travels.