Vacations aren’t limited to summer. Maybe you’re spending the holidays in Ann Arbor with family, or you’re visiting the college campuses during the cooler months of the year. While cold and rainy Ann Arbor winters may mean that you spend more time inside than you would if you visited in the summer, there’s still plenty to do here, and you may find yourself planning to come back for more winters in Ann Arbor before you’re through:
Check Out the Botanical Gardens
It may be winter outside, but inside the Matthei Botanical Gardens, it’s still as warm and colorful as spring. You may even be surprised to find the winter weather when you leave. Here you can find flowers in bloom, a tranquil koi pond, and even a variety of tropical plants reminding you of warmer times and places. You can take the opportunity to learn about the plants housed here, or you can simply take in the peaceful surroundings.
Have a Museum Day
Even in the spring or summer, if you find yourself caught off guard by a rainy day, your first instinct is often to check out the museums. This is even more true when visiting Ann Arbor in the winter. Take a few days to check out all the museums your heart desires. If you have kids, they’ll love the interactive Hands-On Museum. If you love to learn, there’s the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History or the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology. Art lovers will delight in the University of Michigan Museum of Art. In nearby Ypsilanti, you can also find interesting museums such as the Ypsilanti Automobile Heritage Museum.
Enjoy the Snow
Why stay cooped up inside on a snowy day when you can take advantage of it? At Recreational Equipment, Inc., you can find snowshoes as well as a class on the basics of snowshoeing. Here, it’s not just a matter of practicality but a fun winter sport, offering you a new perspective when it comes to hiking. Stop by Leslie Park, Mushroom Park, or the Huron Hills Golf Course with a sled and find the perfect hill to slide down with your friends and family.
Go to a Concert
If the weather is less conducive to spending time outside, you can find an indoor concert to enjoy. The University Musical Society performs throughout the year and offers a wide range of types of performances to be found. Local clubs and music venues such as Necto Nightclub have concerts that go into the winter as well, and Ann Arbor Folk Fest actually begins in February, which is likely to draw visitors in and of itself.
A winter trip to Ann Arbor can be as delightful as a summer trip, as long as you have the right place to stay. University Inn of Ann Arbor offers not only comfortable rooms and convenient amenities but an unbeatable location near the University of Michigan campus. When you book direct with us, we’ll even offer a 10% discount to students and parents visiting the campus, as well as discounts for parents of student athletes. Contact us today for more information.