The Ann Arbor area always has something going on, and this summer is no different. Whether you explore solo or with family, here are 11 fun things to do in Ann Arbor this summer.
1. Get Out on the Huron
The Huron River winds its way through Ann Arbor and provides a chance to cool off in the summer heat. Rent a canoe or kayak at Argo Park and paddle your way down river to Gallup Park. This 3.7-mile trip gives paddlers about 1.5 hours of water activity. Visitors can also bring a tube and float lazily down the river.
2. Dinner on Main Street
Ann Arbor's Main Street area is a restaurant haven! Enjoy dinner on the outdoor patios at some of Ann Arbor's finest restaurants. Try Pretzel Bell offering specialties like Gilled Cajun Salmon, or Italian fare at Palio, complete with rooftop dining. Grab a drink and appetizer at authentic Irish Pub, Conor O'Neill's. Browse area restaurants for more options.
3. Visit the Creature Conservancy
Have you ever wanted to feed a sloth? Visit the Creature Conservancy and experience intimate animal encounters. The staff will share facts and helpful information about these beautiful creatures and how you can help preserve their place in the wild.
4. Plan for Ann Arbor Summer Festival
The Ann Arbor Summer Festival is one of Ann Arbor's grandest events, featuring over 100 activities within three weeks' time. The A2SF celebrates summer fun with nationally recognized artists and musicians on the rise to stardom. Click here for more A2SF info.
5. Hike or Stroll the Trails
Ann Arbor is nicknamed TreeTown for a reason! The area is full of parks and trails to explore. Try out the Border to Border trail for an accessible hike, with over 40 miles of paved pathways connecting destinations across Washtenaw County. Another gem is the Bird Hills Nature Area. Bring your binoculars for wildlife watching! View area parks and trails.
6. Attend the Ann Arbor Art Fair
The nation's largest juried art fair happens here in Ann Arbor, Michigan! Don't miss this beloved annual event taking place in July. Hosting nearly 1,000 artists and made up of three indepently juried art fairs, this epic event is an Ann Arbor draw.
7. Search for Fairy Doors
Ann Arbor is home to a large “fairy population”. Find their famous fairy doors throughout downtown. The fairies themselves are very private, but leave a trinket as a gift for them such as a coin, bead, or a shell. Fairies like many small things.
8. Catch a Film at a Historic Theater
For almost 100 years, the Michigan Theater has been an Ann Arbor mainstay. The theater's restored grand lobby is a beautiful entryway to the main auditorium, often hosting movies and performances. The theater's additional 200-seat screening room perfect for blockbusters and obscure films alike.
9. Find Art on the Street
Ann Arbor is an art lover’s paradise filled with murals, sculptures, and street art throughout the city. Take a self-guided tour of murals downtown, many organized by Ann Arbor Art Center. Find the elusive Graffiti Alley, and view sculptures in front of the U-M Museum of Art.
10. Play a Round of Golf
Whether you're a novice player or professional, you can find a corse that fits your skillset. Ann Arbor is home to several scenic top-rated golf courses like the historic Huron Hills Golf Course providing over 5,000 yards of golfing bliss, and the award-winning Leslie Park Golf Course. View area golf courses.
11. Go Fishing
The Huron River makes the Ann Arbor area an angler’s paradise. Grab new gear at Schultz Outfitters in Ypsilanti, then set out to catch Blue Gill, Pike, Perch, and Bass. A fishing license is required. No license? Visit Spring Valley Trout Farm in Dexter with nine spring-fed ponds full of trout and channel catfish.
Looking for more fun? View upcoming events in Ann Arbor.
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