Ann Arbor in the Springtime

ann arbor attractions

The Peony Garden at Nichols Arboretum www.mbgna.edu/peony

Ann Arbor might be a geographically small area, but this lovely city is renowned for its cultural offerings as well as its wide array of recreational activities. In the springtime and warmer months, there are street festivals and outdoor fairs, and you can always enjoy the nearly 300 restaurants in the area!

If you’re starting to feel some spring fever after being cooped up indoors during that long, harsh (and seemingly never-ending) winter, there are plenty of things to do in Ann Arbor in the springtime that will have you enjoying the fresh air in no time!

Spring Ann Arbor Attractions

Ready to head outdoors? Check out some of these Ann Arbor attractions guaranteed to have you basking in the glow of nature or just enjoying the beautiful spring weather:

The Metroparks. Three metroparks are located just a short drive from the city center. Delhi Metropark is located just 5 miles northwest from Ann Arbor, featuring 53 acres of mature oak trees and grassy lawns. It’s a popular fishing and picnic destination. Dexter-Huron Metropark is 7.5 miles northwest of Ann Arbor on the flowing waters of the Huron River. Spring is a sight to behold here, with vibrant, unique blossoms through the park. Lastly, Hudson-Mills Metropark is 12 miles northwest of Ann Arbor and is a popular canoe and kayak destination.

Matthaei Botanical Gardens and the Nichols Arboretum. Operating as one unit with the University of Michigan, these two properties are both free to the public and open seven days per week. The Botanical Gardens features a conservatory and display gardens as well as trails and natural areas. The Arb hosts several collections of historic or native plants and is haven to both college students, staff of the U-M Hospital, and out of town visitors year round.

ArborBike Bike Share Program. ArborBike was launched at the end of last summer as Ann Arbor’s first bike share program. There are six stations installed throughout the city with bikes ready to ride, with more to come! You can rent a bike for $6 per day and check out a bike as many times as you need to for an hour at a time- check the bike out at one station and back in at another! This is a great way to get to Ann Arbor attractions like the U-M Museums, Kerrytown Market and Shops and the Ann Arbor Farmer’s Market.

Argo Canoe Livery. Located at the Argo Cascades, the Argo Canoe Livery opened for the season on April 18th. You can hit the water in a canoe, one or two-person kayak, five person raft or even learn how to stand up paddleboard in a quiet, natural setting.

Leslie Science & Nature Center. Visit some magnificent birds of prey at the Raptor House or take a stroll through the Critter House to get up close and personal with wildlife! The site itself has 50 acres of forest, pond, prairie and fields to explore, and features Nature Adventure Camps for summer or school breaks. The Black Pond Woods Trail is open from sunrise to sundown, and can be hiked in as little as twenty minutes- unless you stop to explore!

What will you do first this spring in Ann Arbor? With so many wonderful outdoor attractions, you’ll have something to do every weekend!

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