About Ann Arbor

Welcome to the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti area. The area is a rare jewel with many facets: small, friendly towns with big-city sophistication; a world-class educational and high-tech research center nestled in a peaceful, rural setting; a close-knit community of charming neighborhoods spiced with a rich mix of cultures.

Each year, the area welcomes more than 4 million visitors of all ages, who are treated to some of the finest cultural, recreational and dining opportunities in the Midwest.

Cultural Offerings

Although small in size, the area is perhaps most renowned for its cultural offerings. From exclusive exhibitions from Monet to concert performances by jazz legend Wynton Marsalis, the arts and cultural selection is abundant. Visitors can find more than 30 independent bookstores, dozens of unique galleries, and a variety of top-notch museums - including one of the finest university art museums in the country - all within the downtown limits.

Dining Opportunities

Dining aficionados will appreciate the nearly 300 restaurants offered within a 20-mile radius of the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti center. Options range from one of the world’s first “zero pollution” breweries to old-fashioned Italian bistros to trendy, contemporary American restaurants. Many restaurants offer alfresco dining in the warm months, which, when combined with the area’s array of jazz and dance clubs, makes the downtown areas vibrant destinations for nightlife.

Recreation

Those looking for recreational activities are greeted with a host of options for golfing, hiking, or biking. Three metroparks, including the largest state recreation area in Michigan’s lower peninsula, can be found within a short drive. Planet Rock, one of the world’s largest indoor rock climbing gyms, is a visitor favorite, and an ideal spot for families.

Special Events

The area also offers exciting spectator sports and many fun-filled festivals and events. The award-winning Ann Arbor Art Fairs draw an annual crowd of nearly 500,000 as the streets of downtown are transformed into an outdoor art gallery. In Ypsilanti, the popular ElvisFest draws professional tribute artists from across the country every July to Riverside Park for this Graceland-sanctioned event. Fall football Saturdays in Ann Arbor are more than just events, they are experiences, as more than 100,000 people flock to Michigan Stadium — “The Big House” — to watch the Wolverines. Exciting wintertime events including several light festivals, and the Ann Arbor Folk Festival, ensure that the area is always brimming with excitement year-round.

Click here to learn more about our hometown, Ann Arbor.