Michigan’s Governor Gretchen Whitmer has moved the entire state into Phase 4 of the MI Safe Start Plan and announced that "Michiganders are no longer required to stay home." The Ann Arbor area has begun the process of reopening and beginning to welcome visitors back into the community. The area is just as exciting as you remember, but things may look a bit different since your last visit. We have compiled a list of what you can expect.

Please be aware that while most businesses are allowed to open with specific guidelines - some may choose not to do so at this time. We encourage you to check first before heading out.

From June 12 – August 23, several downtown Ann Arbor streets will temporarily close on weekends to allow more room for shoppers and customers to maintain social distancing.  Fridays starting at 2:00 PM through Sundays at 8:00 PM:

• Main Street between William Street – Washington Street
• Washington Street between South Ashley Street – Main Street
• East Liberty Street between Thompson Street – South State Street
• South State Street between East Washington Street – East William Street
• Maynard Street between East Liberty Street – East William Street

Effective July 1: Governor Whitmer signed an Executive Order closing indoor service at bars throughout most of lower Michigan. The governor’s order applies to establishments with on-premises retailer liquor licenses. That means that most breweries, pubs and distilleries can stay open indoors. 

No matter how you choose to enjoy Ann Arbor, be sure to follow the requirements and recommendations of local and state health officials, the CDC, and your health care provider. All individuals are urged to continue to adhere to social distancing guidelines, practice frequent hand washing and use face coverings when in public.

Effective July 13:  Governor Gretchen Whitmer toughened the mask-wearing requirement for residents through a new executive order. All Michiganders must wear masks in public indoor and crowded outdoor spaces. Refusal to wear a face covering could be punishable with a misdemeanor charge and up to a $500 fine. Businesses will refuse entry or service to people who refuse to wear a face covering.

What is open?

Restaurants

Restaurants, like the Blue Nile, are now able to offer dine-in service at a 50% capacity. This includes food courts, breweries, cideries, food trucks and tasting rooms. Groups must remain at least 6 feet apart. Servers are required to wear masks and patrons are asked to wear masks until they are seated. Businesses can continue to offer takeout & delivery options. We recommend you contact the individual establishments to verify their hours, offerings and policies. View a list of area restaurants

Retail

Retail businesses, such as Found in Kerrytown, may now reopen but must limit occupancy to 50% capacity and assist customers in keeping at least 6 feet of space between individuals. We encourage you to call ahead to confirm hours and ask about changes in service. View a list of area retail businesses

Golf Courses

Golf courses, like Eagle Crest Golf Club, are open in Washtenaw County. Golf carts are available with safety protocols put in place, to facilitate physical distancing and limit the potential of shared touch points. Golf carts are available with safety protocols put in place to facilitate physical distancing and limit the potential of shared touch points. The carts are sanitized after every use. View a list of area golf courses

Farmers Markets

On-site shopping is allowed at farmers markets such as the Ann Arbor Farmers Market, as long as physical distancing guidelines are adhered to and there should be a minimum of 6 feet between parties at tables. Vendors will be spaced out within the market area per physical distancing guidelines and signage will inform customers how to shop under these new guidelines. View a list of area farmers markets

Parks, Playgrounds and Skateparks

Outdoor parks and recreational facilities, including playgrounds, skateparks, disc golf, tennis courts can reopen immediately with certain protections. Please be aware of signage posted indicating restrictions and how to safely navigate these spaces. View a list of area parks

Canoe Liveries

The Huron River is back in business! Area canoe liveries are open for the season. This summer, reservations are required to rent all types of boats. Please note, the liveries will not be selling or renting tubes for use in the Argo Cascades to allow for proper physical distancing. No tubing of any kind is allowed in the Argo Cascades. Argo and Gallup Liveries have both installed self-launching docks. Learn more about making a river reservation

Beauty Salons, Barbershops and Spas

Personal services, such as hair and nail salons, tanning, massage, tattoo parlors and spas across the state are allowed to reopen on Monday, June 15. Customers can expect to fill out a health screening, do a temperature check and get their contact information for contact tracing purposes. Businesses must limit who can be inside the shop, remove self-serve refreshments and magazines in waiting areas and require customers and employees to wear face coverings.

Once again we want to emphasize the importance of following the requirements and recommendations of local and state health officials, the CDC, and your health care provider. All individuals are urged to continue to adhere to social distancing guidelines, practice frequent hand washing, utilize face coverings when in public and be respectful of others.

These are definitely uncommon times but Ann Arbor is an uncommon place, full of resilient, passionate people! We are putting out a call. What does Ann Arbor mean to you? Show us by posting photos or videos of all the places in Ann Arbor that you can't wait to get back to. Post using the hashtag #AlwaysA2. Let's spread the Ann Arbor love! Learn more about the #AlwaysA2 campaign. 

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