From hunting for Ann Arbor’s mysterious fairy doors to exploring Graffiti Alley and admiring the treasure trove of artwork at the University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA), there are countless mysteries and mesmerizing treasures to discover around downtown Ann Arbor! For those seeking a unique and unforgettable experience, embarking on a journey to uncover the secrets hidden between shops, streets, and galleries is sure to deliver in spades. Whether it be fairytale creature surprises or awe-inspiring public art, delights galore await around every corner.
Discover the Magic of Ann Arbor’s Fairy Doors
Exploring downtown Ann Arbor is an incredibly enjoyable experience – especially when searching for the 14 fairy doors that have been hiding among its storefronts! As of October 2023, fourteen magical portals remain to be found, and they are sure to bring a sense of delight to visitors of all ages. What makes this DIY scavenger hunt so exciting is the fact that many of the doors are located inside the businesses, adding an element of surprise and discovery to the adventure.
Exploring Graffiti Alley
Exploring downtown Ann Arbor is an exciting experience for any street art enthusiast. The vibrant Graffiti Alley provides a wild and rebellious atmosphere, with ever-evolving pieces of artwork that make for excellent backdrops to take pictures. For even more amazing murals and public art, visitors can use the CANVS Street Art app to find out when they are near one or search “A2AC Murals” on Google Maps. A popular piece of street art is the yellow “ANN ARBOR” letters off Ann St and Main St. Furthermore, the mural on the outside of the Blind Pig is a must-see, as it was once the stage of the world-famous band, Nirvana.
Explore Amazing Pieces of Art
The University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA) is an incredible place to visit, offering a peaceful and tranquil environment for exploring amazing pieces of art. With a mezzanine, lower level, two additional floors, and outdoor structures – the museum not only has a diverse range of modern/contemporary, Asian, African, photography, and European art but is also absolutely free to everyone. Open Tuesday – Sunday from 11 am-5 pm, and 10 am-8 pm, with extended hours on Thursday and Friday, UMMA is a must-see when visiting the University of Michigan campus.
Campus Iconic Buildings
Iconic Buildings on Campus
1. Burton Memorial Tower
2. Michigan Stadium (“The Big House”)
3. Hatcher Graduate Library
4. Hill Auditorium
5. Michigan Union
6. “The Diag” with its large brass “M”
The University of Michigan is a prestigious public university that has earned its reputation as a “Public Ivy”, with many of its undergraduate and graduate programs ranked in the US News Top 10. The university’s beautiful campus exudes an aura of intellectualism, dotted with iconic buildings such as the Burton Memorial Tower, Michigan Stadium (affectionately known by locals as ‘The Big House’), the Hatcher Graduate Library, Hill Auditorium, and the Michigan Union. Visitors can also take a walk around ‘The Diag’, located at the heart of the university’s central campus, and marvel at the large brass ‘M’ in the middle. Rumor has it that if a new student steps on it before taking their first exam, they’ll fail!
Unforgettable Experiences at Nickels Arcade
With a timeless aesthetic that has stood the test of time for over 100 years, Nickels Arcade is a beautiful indoor shopping mall located in downtown Ann Arbor. The mosaic tiles throughout the corridor create a captivating atmosphere and there are many unique businesses to explore. Along with these stores, visitors can enjoy the vintage organ from the 1920s before film screenings or other live events hosted at the Michigan Theater. This theater specializes in independent, foreign, and classic cinema, providing an unforgettable experience for all who attend.
Fine Dining in Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor offers a variety of fine dining options for its residents and visitors alike. The Blue Nile offers an unforgettable experience with their Ethiopian cuisine. Sadako is the spot for the freshest sushi, while Gandy Dancer has enchanting seafood. Shalimar serves up delicious Indian food, and Fleetwood Diner is open 24 hours a day. Krazy Jim’s Blimpy Burger has been around since 1953 and even Guy Fieri visited this establishment. Tios Mexican Cafe and Tequila Bar was featured on a popular show. For those looking for fast food, the Michigan Union offers Subway, Qdoba, and Panda Express.
Marvel at the Carrot Statues
Visitors and locals alike in Ann Arbor can have a truly unique experience at Food Gatherers, located just 10-20 minutes outside the downtown area. Here, people can marvel at the carrot statues, which are the size of real people! It’s a fun photo opportunity that will surely make lasting memories for travelers and impress even the most seasoned Ann Arbor residents.
A City of Education and Culture
Ann Arbor, Michigan, is a city full of proud and positive people. It has many accolades, such as being the most educated city in the country, having the largest football stadium in the country (the Big House), and being home to the University of Michigan. Every April, Ann Arbor hosts Hash Bash, an outdoor event celebrating the use of marijuana, and every summer, hosts the largest art festival in the nation. The Ann Arbor Film Festival is also one of the largest experimental film festivals in the country. Foodies will also love Ann Arbor, as it provides a wide spectrum of culinary diversity and top-tier quality food. Popular restaurants such as Krazy Jim’s Blimpy Burger, the Gandy Dancer, Shalimar, Tios, and the Blue Nile are among the best in the city.
Exploring Ann Arbor
If you’re looking to make the most of your afternoon in Ann Arbor, then there’s no shortage of activities to choose from. Why not start by exploring Graffiti Alley, which is free and open 24/7? Then, take a stroll through the University of Michigan campus or marvel at the University of Michigan Museum of Art. Afterward, treat yourselves to a meal at one of the city’s many fine restaurants. For outdoor-oriented couples, the Huron River Water Trail, Matthaei Botanical Gardens, and Nichols Arboretum are all great options. Finally, if you’re looking for something fun to do at night, barhopping in downtown Ann Arbor or a trip to Pinball Pete’s is sure to put a smile on your face.
Explore Ann Arbor’s Vibrant Culture
Ann Arbor is a destination that should not be overlooked by anyone embarking on an exploration of Michigan. Just 45 minutes from Detroit, the city offers a wide variety of attractions including top-notch restaurants, numerous pieces of public art, and a vibrant intellectual and youthful atmosphere. It’s no surprise that Ann Arbor is sure to make an indelible impression on those who travel across Michigan or even the country!
The city of Ann Arbor is filled with rich experiences waiting to be unlocked, making it an excellent destination for any street art lover or art aficionado. With the 14 hidden fairies doors introducing an exploration of the unknown, the Grammy Award Winning mural from Nirvana at the Blind Pig, and UMMA offering diverse collections of amazing pieces of art as well as a peaceful sanctuary, visitors will no doubt leave Ann Arbor with many new fond memories and delight in what it has to offer.
