9 Best Things to Do in Ann Arbor, Michigan
As the sixth largest city in Michigan with over 120,000 people, Ann Arbor is among the very best places to visit in the state. Home to the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor is not only a hopping college town, but a great technological center, and a wonderful mecca for culture. You’ll love every part of strolling through this glorious town. Here are the 9 best things to do in Ann Arbor.
Kerrytown, Ann Arbor, MI
An entire sort of neighborhood/shopping complex located wholly in Ann Arbor, Kerrytown features an array of shops and eateries to check out. Looking for handcrafted gifts? Spices and teas? A way to improve your farm with data science and software? All this can be found here. Break for Korean food at Miss Kim or just grab a pastry and coffee at Sweetwaters. It also offers up a slate of special events including Christmas tree lighting and the First Fridays event held monthly. A Saturday farmer's market brings together the best in regional produce.
Bill's Beer Garden, Ann Arbor, MI
There's no shortage of places to grab a beer in Ann Arbor, but one of the best among them is Bill's Beer Garden. Home to an array of local brews, including a slate of ciders, Bill's Beer Garden offers drafts and pitchers alike of just about any flavor you could hope for.
Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, Ann Arbor, MI
A little something for everyone here, though particularly good for the younger set, the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum represents something unusual in museums: the ability to touch and interact directly with many of the exhibits. Check out some unusual physics with whisper dishes, or how a tornado gets started. The DTE Energy Foundation Lights and Optics pavilion shows off the Laser Harp, and the Michigan Nature wing includes a nature wall that shows off some of Michigan's best natural features.
Liberty Street Robot Supply and Repair, Ann Arbor, MI
The Liberty Street Robot Supply and Repair shop in Ann Arbor—other locations include Detroit and Ypsilanti—may be one of the most unique propositions you'll see around. It really is a robot supply store, offering robotics kits and robotics paraphernalia to potential buyers. The proceeds of which, in many cases, go to support robotics education and writing programs in the region, so it will be one thing to check out an unusual store, another to buy something and support students while you're there.
Fairy Doors, Ann Arbor, MI
Scattered throughout Ann Arbor are several tiny doors of various types and constructions. These are the Fairy Doors, a phenomenon which has sparked the imagination for years. These small doors are built into several shops, businesses and other entities' operations—there's said to be one at the Michigan Theater as well as one at the Mott Children's Hospital—and often takes on some aspect of the door's location. There's even a “goblin door” of a darker cast not far from one such entry, so those who take a tour of Ann Arbor will have something extra to spot.
Zap Zone Laser Tag, Ann Arbor, MI
Yes, it's laser tag, and Zap Zone Laser Tag features one of the most exciting entertainment activities a person can engage in. Put on your science-fiction style gear and go chase your friends around a maze, opening fire with simulated weapons as you go. It's not just about the lasers, though, as you can engage in other activities like the Cannon Blaster, which involves air-powered cannons firing foam blocks at the competition, or the indoor bumper car arena. Not surprisingly, there's also an arcade, which rounds out the experience nicely.
Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase, Ann Arbor, MI
Wednesday through Saturday—though the schedule shifts somewhat—nights in Ann Arbor belong to comedy, and the Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase will offer a great slate of comic talents of all stripes.
Michigan Stadium Tours, Ann Arbor, MI
The University of Michigan’s football facilities are legendary. Holding over 100,000 people, this place really gets rocking during the football season. See where all the history goes down by embarking on a Michigan Stadium Tour. The 60-90-minute tour includes: Michigan Stadium Field, Michigan Football Game Day Locker Room, Michigan Stadium Press Box, as well as the club and suite level.
The Creature Conservancy, Ann Arbor, MI
With camps, birthday party events, and other activities, the Creature Conservancy is a space that provides guest a hands-on experience with some of the most incredible animals in the world! The resident animals are rescued or injured/non-releasable. The Creature Conservancy offers educational programs and private tours for guests to learn more about these amazing creatures.
