​Places to visit:

• Museum of Art (free): Located on the university campus, the museum creates experiences that enrich the understanding of one another, foster joy, and build a more just future.

• Kelsey Museum of Archaeology (free): Located on the university campus, this museum has an impressive collection of artifacts from ancient civilizations, offering insight into historical cultures.

• Nichols Arboretum and Matthaei Botanical Gardens (free): Take a stroll through the beautiful arboretum by the Huron River and the gorgeous gardens and nature trails, which are especially lovely in late spring.

• Kerrytown and Downtown Ann Arbor: Kerrytown historic buildings are home to a range of unique grocery and specialty stores and the best farmer's market for miles. Downtown offers premier restaurants & shops.

• Gallup Park: Perfect for a leisurely walk or a picnic, the park features beautiful landscapes, trails, and access to the Huron River for kayaking and canoeing.

• Live Music and Performing Arts: Check out local listings for live music performances or theater shows happening during your visit.
   

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Beyond Ann Arbor: The Natural Wonders of Michigan

Michigan's beauty extends far beyond the streets of Ann Arbor, offering some of the most spectacular natural landscapes in the country. From towering sand dunes to dramatic limestone cliffs, the Great Lakes state is home to breathtaking scenery that captivates visitors year-round.

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• Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore: Rising dramatically from the shores of Lake Michigan, Sleeping Bear Dunes presents an awe-inspiring landscape of golden sand mountains and crystal-clear waters. The massive dunes, some towering over 450 feet above the lake, offer panoramic views that stretch across the deep blue expanse of Lake Michigan to the Manitou Islands on the horizon. Beyond the dunes themselves, the park encompasses pristine beaches, dense hardwood forests, clear inland lakes, and unique plant communities that change with the seasons. In autumn, the surrounding forests burst with vibrant colors, creating a stunning contrast against the golden sand and blue water.

• Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: Along Lake Superior's shoreline, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore showcases nature's artistic prowess with its multicolored sandstone cliffs. These towering formations, stained by mineral seepage with streaks of red, orange, blue, green, and brown, stretch for 15 miles along the coastline, rising up to 200 feet above the turquoise waters.

• Mackinac Island: This car-free island in the Straits of Mackinac preserves a bygone era with its Victorian architecture and horse-drawn carriages. Beyond its historic charm, the island's natural beauty shines through limestone formations like Arch Rock, which frames perfect views of Lake Huron, and Sugar Loaf, a towering limestone stack rising from the forest floor.