Destination guideMichigan · United States
36 Things to Do in Ann Arbor (2026)
Ann Arbor, Michigan, is a city established in 1824 by John Allen and Elisha Walker Rumsey.
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The location was named after the founders' wives, both named Ann, and the bur oak groves present on the site. In 1837, the University of Michigan relocated from Detroit to a 40-acre parcel in Ann Arbor, an event that influenced the subsequent development of the municipality. The city serves as the seat of Washtenaw County, which observed its bicentennial in 2026. The architectural landscape includes 15 local historic districts and structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- 36 spots
- 8 must-try dishes
- Researched October 2026
- 24 sources
Must-try in Ann Arbor8 dishes
Smoked Whitefish Savory Donut Where to order it in Ann Arbor
Deli Sandwiches (Halal-Modified) Where to order it in Ann Arbor
Falafel Deluxe Sandwich Where to order it in Ann Arbor
Lamb Over Rice Platter Where to order it in Ann Arbor
Iraqi Breakfast (Bagila Bil Dihin) Where to order it in Ann Arbor
Le Mec Burger Where to order it in Ann Arbor
Bori Korean Bibimbap Where to order it in Ann Arbor
Mediterranean Sandweech Where to order it in Ann Arbor
The short answer
- The top things to do in Ann Arbor, from 24 sources researched October 2026, start with:
- University of Michigan Museum of Art (Burns Park)
- African American Cultural and Historical Museum of Washtenaw County (Bryant Pattengill West)
- Kelsey Museum of Archaeology
- Gallup Park (Angell)
- Bird Hills Nature Area (Wines)
- 8 must-try dishes are on the map, each with the places to order them.
36 places worth your time in Ann Arbor
Things to see and do
University of Michigan Museum of Art
Why it’s on the map
A striking architectural fusion that joins the 1910 neoclassical Alumni Memorial Hall with the 2009 modernist Maxine and Stuart Frankel Allied Works wing.
525 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
African American Cultural and Historical Museum of Washtenaw County
Why it’s on the map
Dedicated to preserving the history and contributions of African Americans in the region, this museum is currently presenting the comprehensive 'Black in Bicentennial' exhibit.
3261 Lohr Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, USA
Kelsey Museum of Archaeology
Why it’s on the map
A premier institution for the study of the ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern worlds, housing over 150,000 artifacts.
434 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
Gallup Park
Why it’s on the map
This 69-acre park is the city's premier waterfront recreation spot, situated along the Huron River and Geddes Pond.
3000 Fuller Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
Bird Hills Nature Area
Why it’s on the map
As the largest nature area in the city, this 146-acre site is the top local choice for 'real' hiking due to its rugged, hilly terrain and heavily forested ravines.
1850 Newport Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, USA
Hiking Area · Angell
Place to see
Educational Institution · Burns Park
Non Profit Organization · Kerrytown
Tourist Attraction · Kerrytown
Tourist Attraction · Burns Park
Video Arcade
Where to eat
See the full Ann Arbor food guide: where to eat and what to order.
American Restaurant · Old West Side
Latin American Restaurant · Old West Side
Coffee Shop · Old West Side
Middle Eastern Restaurant
Coffee Shop · Mitchell
Middle Eastern Restaurant · Lakewood
Cafe · Wines
Halal Restaurant
Mediterranean Restaurant
Coffee Roastery
Indian Restaurant
Hamburger Restaurant · Carpenter
Mediterranean Restaurant · Sterling Heights
Restaurant · Old Fourth Ward
Mediterranean Restaurant
Vegetarian Restaurant · Kerrytown
Mediterranean Restaurant · Carpenter
Halal Restaurant · Lakewood
Farmers Market · Kerrytown
Mediterranean Restaurant · Carpenter
Lebanese Restaurant · King
Restaurant · Old West Side
Shops and markets
Shopping Mall
Shopping Mall · Bryant Pattengill West
31 more places on the map
22 to eat · 7 to see and do · 2 to shop · 8 must-try dishes with where to order each
StartWhen is the best time to visit Ann Arbor?
- The best time to visit Ann Arbor is from June to August for vibrant festivals and pleasant weather, or in September and October to experience the iconic energy of college football season and peak fall foliage. While summers are warm and humid, winters are long and snowy, making the late spring through autumn window the most comfortable for walking the downtown area. Peak crowds and high hotel prices coincide with University of Michigan home games and Art Fair (July), while the quietest off-peak deals are found during the cold months of January and February.
How do I get around Ann Arbor?
- Michigan Flyer-AirRide This premier motorcoach service provides frequent daily round trips between Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) and the Blake Transit Center in downtown Ann Arbor. It is a cost-effective alternative to ride-shares, with one-way fares typically around $15 and a travel time of approximately 50 minutes.
- TheRide (AAATA) and U-M Blue Buses The Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) operates a comprehensive city bus network with a standard fare of $1.50. Additionally, the University of Michigan provides free 'Blue Bus' campus shuttles that connect North, Central, and South campuses and are open to the general public.
- Amtrak Wolverine Line The Amtrak station located on Depot Street offers direct rail connections to major hubs including Chicago and Detroit. This is a convenient option for regional travelers, and the station is situated within a 20-minute walk or short ride-share distance from the central campus and downtown areas.
What should I know before visiting Ann Arbor?
- Park in city-owned structures or use free edge-of-town Park & Ride lots to avoid high street-meter rates and strict enforcement.
- Expect to tip between 18% and 25% at sit-down restaurants, as service staff rely heavily on gratuities for their income.
- Exercise caution when walking or driving near the University of Michigan campus due to high volumes of pedestrians, cyclists, and scooters.
- Secure bicycles with high-quality locks and avoid leaving them outside overnight to prevent common petty property theft.
- Check the local event calendar before visiting, as home football games and large festivals significantly increase traffic and hotel prices.
What’s new in Ann Arbor in October 2026?
- Echelon Kitchen and Bar: This wood-fired, vegetable-forward restaurant on South Main Street is the city's current culinary standout, recently earning a 2026 James Beard semifinalist nod for Best New Restaurant.
- South Main 'Restaurant Row': A surge of high-profile openings has transformed South Main between Liberty and William, including the multi-level Tabe Fusion (Asian fusion and omakase), the underground Huna Tiki Bar, and Bori Korean Kitchen & Bar.
- Dunbar Tower & Porter's Place: This newly opened community and cultural space in the West Side neighborhood celebrates African American history and marks a major milestone in the city's recent affordable housing developments.
- Bev’s Bagels: The popular Detroit-based bagel shop is currently trending as it prepares to open its first Ann Arbor location on East Liberty Street this fall, bringing its signature hand-rolled, kettle-boiled bagels to the downtown area.
Research receipt
How this Ann Arbor guide was researched
- Live web search, 14 of 14 research areas completed.
- Places verified against real place data — address, hours and coordinates come from the place record, not the article.
- Researched October 2026. A newer build for Ann Arbor replaces this page automatically.
Sources checked
Planning questions
What are the top things to do in Ann Arbor?
Start with University of Michigan Museum of Art, African American Cultural and Historical Museum of Washtenaw County, Kelsey Museum of Archaeology, Gallup Park, and Bird Hills Nature Area: the places Varedelo's research (from 24 sources researched October 2026) puts first, each with its reason in the list on this page. All 36 places are pinned on the Ann Arbor map.