Ann Arbor has an amazing restaurant scene but that barely scratches the surface of the great things to do that are close to your University of Michigan hotels. We gathered some ideas for you

1. The Big House

Regardless of what time of year you visit, it is always worth a trip to see one of the largest football stadiums in America. Both the Michigan Athletic Department and the University of Michigan Alumni Association offer guided tours of one of America’s great shrines of college football.

2. Ann Arbor Summer Festival

If you are visiting in June or early July, you can take part in the Ann Arbor Summer Festival, a citywide celebration of the arts and of Ann Arbor culture. The festival highlights world-class music, dance, theater, and comedy at its indoor venues and admission-free concerts, movies under the stars, open-air spectacles, and unique family attractions at Top of the Park.

3. The Ann Arbor Farmer’s Market in Kerrytown

If you enjoy hunting for the freshest food from local farmers, the Ann Arbor Farmer’s Market brings local businesses and farmers together in Kerrytown. The Farmer’s Market is open year-round on Saturdays and often hosts special events like Food Truck rallies.

4. The Hands-On Museum

The mission of the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum is to “inspire people to discover the wonder of science, technology, engineering, art, and math.” The Hand-On Museum accomplishes these goals by encouraging children of all ages to experiment directly with ideas and concepts through its innovative and thoughtful exhibits.

5. Nichols Arboretum

Located at 1610 Washington Heights on the central campus of the University of Michigan the nature area known as “The Arb” has become a place for to students, visitors, and Ann Arbor residents to relax and enjoy the native plants and beautiful Michigan weather. The Nichols Arboretum is open 7 days a week from sunrise to sunset.

6. Matthaei Botanical Gardens

The Matthaei Botanical Gardens are located at 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. in Northeast Ann Arbor and is a sister site to the Nichols Arboretum (both are owned by the University of Michigan). The Botanical Gardens contain a conservatory, meeting spaces, display gardens, and even a gift shop. There are also nature trails and other natural areas that you can visit. During the Summer the gardens are open from 10 am to 8 pm.

7. Michigan Theater

The Michigan Theater is a non-profit center for fine film and for the performing arts. Your experience will take you back to the days when going to a movie (or performance) was an event. In addition to the ornate appearance of the historic main auditorium, prior to your film or performance, you will also be regaled by organ music from the nearly 100-year-old Barton Organ.

8. Hill Auditorium

The University of Michigan’s Hill Auditorium has become both a must visit and a showplace for some of the best performing artists the world has to offer. Known for its superb acoustics, Hill has played recent host to the Ann Arbor folk festival (including Joan Baez).

9. Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library

Located at 1000 Beal Avenue in Ann Arbor, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library “collects, preserves and makes available to the public a rich body of archival materials” covering the period of the Presidency of Gerald R. Ford (who attended the University of Michigan). The library is open from 8:45 am to 4:45 pm on Monday through Friday.

10. The Ark

The Ark is a 400-seat-club which serves as Ann Arbor’s home for folk music on over 300 nights a year and is considered one of the best listening rooms anywhere in the United States. The Ark reached the milestone of its 50th birthday in 2015 and continues to be, in many ways, the heart of the Ann Arbor Music scene.

The Secret: The Bell Tower Hotel is within walking distance

Staying at the Bell Tower will always put you within walking distance of great food and amazing performances and all just minutes from the best in Ann Arbor lodging.

When you look for the best Ann Arbor hotel, The Bell Tower Hotel is the perfect place for you!
If you have any questions or want to make a reservation, feel free to contact us at any time at (734) 769-3010 or at www.BellTowerHotel.com.