Parks and Gardens
When you think of Ann Arbor, “Tree Town” may be a nickname that lovingly comes to mind. As an oasis of outdoor opportunities, plentiful in both recreation and leisure, Ann Arbor offers all kinds of adventures. The natural, scenic areas are vast – full of trails to explore and hike. The area champions its wealth of natural environments, with an incredible and diverse offering of parks, gardens, and outdoor attractions.
There are all kinds of places to experience the outdoors in the area. Both the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum are free to the public – walking the trails, visiting the indoor conservatory, and wandering through one of Matthaei’s 11 outdoor garden spaces should be a part of your “to do” list. The Arb is perfect for a scenic stroll along the river or a picnic in the gorgeous Peony Garden.
Gallup Park is an incredible area full of great views and lots of outdoor activities. The park itself is 69 acres and Ann Arbor’s most popular recreation destination. Located along the Huron River, Gallup Park provides picnic areas, trails for biking and walking, a canoe livery, and more. At the Gallup Park Canoe Livery, you can rent canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and whatever else you may need for your outdoor excursion.