Indian Trails Blog

The Best of Ann Arbor: University Life, Art and Nature in Tree Town

Written by Chad Cushman | Oct 25, 2024 2:30:00 PM

Ann Arbor is known as Tree Town both for its name and the dense forestation in its parks and residential areas. This leafy community in southeast Michigan is not just renowned for its trees, though, but for so much more.

The University of Michigan – A Hub of Culture, Athletics and Education

One visit and it’s easy to see that the city of Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan campus are intertwined and connected on many levels. The university, one of the most prestigious in the nation, serves as the intellectual and cultural center of this college town. If you're looking for some stimulation, visit one of U-M's museums, including the Museum of Natural History, the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology and the Museum of Art.

Shows of all varieties are always lined up at venues such as the Arthur Miller Theatre, Hill Auditorium and the Power Center for the Performing Arts. Michigan athletics include more than 25 men’s and women’s varsity teams, and the university is home to the nation’s largest football stadium, famously nicknamed “The Big House.”

Ann Arbor’s Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum, affectionately known as the "Arb," is a beautiful respite with picturesque landscapes, winding trails and breathtaking views of the Huron River.

The Ann Arbor Art Fair, Cool Festivals & Fun Shopping Options

There’s no shortage of annual festivals in Ann Arbor, including the Ann Arbor African American Festival, Ann Arbor Film Festival and Ann Arbor Pride, to name a few. One of the biggest is the Ann Arbor Art Fair, which is the largest juried art fair in the nation. This annual event transforms the city into a vibrant tapestry of creativity, featuring local and international artists. Lose yourself in the diverse array of artistic expression, from paintings and sculptures to handmade crafts, creating a dynamic celebration of human ingenuity.

A unique shopping outing involves a visit to the Kerrytown District. The district has many boutiques, art galleries and specialty food stores. Wander through the cobblestone streets where each corner has something new to be discovered.

The Ann Arbor Farmer’s Market has stalls laden with fresh produce, artisanal goods and more. The market provides a direct connection to local farmers and artisans, creating an authentic and enjoyable shopping experience.

Wrap up your Ann Arbor journey by diving into the lively atmosphere of downtown. This dynamic area is a melting pot of restaurants and cafes offering flavors from around the world. Additionally, downtown Ann Arbor is home to theaters and live music venues, ensuring there's always something exciting to see or hear.

 

Come on, Let's go to ANN ARBOR, Michigan! 

Ann Arbor is a city that invites exploration, offering a unique blend of art, nature and culture from the historic Kerrytown District to the tranquility of Nichols Arboretum. Whether you're an art enthusiast, nature lover or simply someone seeking a vibrant cultural scene, Ann Arbor is a destination that promises to captivate and inspire.

Indian Trails can help get you there in two ways. First, we run regular bus routes to and from Ann Arbor throughout the state. Buy a ticket and enjoy stress-free travel to this wonderful destination. If you’re bringing a lot of traveling companions, you can charter a bus and create a customized sightseeing tour! Either way, start your adventure with Indian Trails.