Whether it’s hiking in fall, ice skating in winter, or kayaking in summer, Ann Arbor’s outdoors never disappoints!
You might think a Midwestern college town shuts down when seasons change – but A2 proves that theory wrong. Each season brings its own flavor of outdoor fun. Students and locals alike hit snow-covered paths in winter, paddle the Huron River in summer, and find adventures in between. I’ll show you exactly how to make the most of A2’s outdoor playground.
1. Hiking at Nichols Arboretum (The Arb)
The Arb puts on quite a show, with over 270 acres of trails and gardens to explore. Cherry blossoms steal the spotlight in April, followed by the largest collection of heirloom peonies in North America (around 800 plants) blooming in late May. The valley trail offers the best flower views while dodging crowds, especially near the Peony Garden. The River Trail adds dramatic elevation changes and Huron River views, while the Prairie offers a completely different ecosystem experience. Spring ephemeral wildflowers carpet the forest floor in March and April before tree leaves emerge.
Pro Tips
- Hit the trails before 9 AM for prime photo ops
- Enter through the Washington Heights entrance for quickest access to the peony garden
- Pack water – the hill climbs can surprise you
- Check the U-M website for peak bloom predictions
2. Biking on the Border-to-Border Trail
This 35-mile trail network connects Ann Arbor’s prettiest corners through a mix of paved paths and wooden boardwalks. Spring brings wildflowers along the riverbanks, while summer offers shaded escapes from the heat. The stretch between Gallup Park and Ypsilanti (about 8 miles) provides the most scenic ride in Washtenaw County, featuring river views, wildlife spotting, and several rest areas. The trail connects major parks including Bandemer, Argo, Gallup, and Parker Mill, with plans for expansion to 40+ miles. Most sections are relatively flat, making it perfect for casual riders.
Pro Tips
- Rent wheels from Wheels in Motion near Gallup Park
- Start early to avoid afternoon crowds
- Pack snacks for the riverside benches
- Download the B2B trail map before heading out
3. Picnicking at Gallup Park
Gallup Park transforms into picnic central when temperatures rise, offering 69 acres of riverside recreation. The spots near the wooden bridge provide prime real estate for your blanket, while hidden tables past the canoe livery offer more privacy. Multiple playgrounds, accessible paved trails, and fishing spots dot the park’s landscape. The butterfly garden near the main entrance peaks in late summer, and the park’s three picnic shelters can be reserved for larger gatherings. The park’s central location makes it easily accessible from downtown.
Pro Tips
- Grab supplies from Zingerman’s Deli before heading over
- Aim for weekday evenings to avoid crowds
- Look for spots under the maple trees – best shade in the park
- Bring a field guide – the bird watching here is excellent
4. Kayaking and Canoeing on the Huron River
Summer on the Huron River offers multiple paddling experiences, from peaceful floats to playful rapids. The Argo to Gallup route (3.7 miles) provides the perfect beginner paddle, taking 2-3 hours at a leisure pace. More experienced kayakers can tackle the Argo Cascades, a series of nine drops creating class I-II rapids. Rentals at both Argo and Gallup liveries include kayaks, canoes, and tubes, with shuttle service available. The river features several exit points and rest stops, so you can customize your trip length.
Pro Tips
- Book rentals online to skip the morning lines
- Pack waterproof bags for phones and cameras
- Start at Argo for the easiest parking
- Plan for 2-3 hours from Argo to Gallup
5. Shopping at Ann Arbor’s Farmers Market
The Kerrytown Farmers Market turns into Ann Arbor’s most vibrant social hub on Saturday mornings, running year-round with peak activity April through December. Summer brings local berries, fresh flowers, and Michigan-grown produce from over 100 vendors, while fall transforms the market with apples, pumpkins, and harvest vegetables. Wednesday markets offer a quieter shopping experience with fewer vendors but shorter lines. Local artisans sell handmade goods alongside farmers, and prepared food vendors serve breakfast and lunch. The market’s location in Kerrytown means easy access to specialty shops and coffee spots.
Pro Tips
- Bring cash – not all vendors take cards
- Arrive by 8 AM for the best selection
- Check out the food truck rotation
- Ask vendors about their farming practices – they love to share
6. Hiking at Waterloo Recreation Area
Fall colors at Waterloo Recreation Area, Michigan’s largest state park at 21,000 acres, create a spectacular display. The trails around the park’s 11 lakes offer perfect leaf-peeping opportunities, ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes. The DTE Energy Foundation Trail system provides 11 miles of purpose-built hiking and mountain biking trails. The Waterloo-Pinckney Trail stretches 36 miles through dense woodlands and rolling hills. Wildlife viewing opportunities include sandhill cranes, white-tailed deer, and various bird species. The park also features camping facilities and interpretive programs.
Pro Tips
- Get a trail map at the entrance
- Mid-October usually peaks for fall colors
- Pack layers – temperatures can swing widely
- Bring binoculars for bird watching
7. Catching Football Matches at the Big House
Game days transform Ann Arbor as Michigan Stadium, the largest stadium in North America with a capacity of 107,601, becomes Michigan’s third-largest city. The walk to the stadium turns into a parade of maize and blue, with tailgates filling every parking lot and yard within a mile radius. The student section’s energy powers beloved traditions like the wave and “The Victors.” Pre-game activities start hours before kickoff, with the marching band’s step show at Revelli Hall and their tunnel walk into the stadium. Local restaurants offer special game day menus and early opening hours.
Pro Tips
- Enter through Gate 10 for shortest lines
- Bring clear bags only – strict security rules
- Stay hydrated – those bleachers get hot
- Learn “The Victors” before you go
8. Volunteering at Local Green Spaces
The Huron River Watershed Council coordinates volunteer efforts across 908 square miles of watershed, offering regular opportunities for river cleanups, tree planting, and water quality monitoring. Volunteers can join the Adopt-A-Park program which is dedicated to preserving parks around the city. Natural Area Preservation (NAP) organizes workdays in over 100 park natural areas, focusing on invasive species removal and native plant restoration. The Stewardship Network connects volunteers with ecological restoration projects. These programs provide training and equipment for both beginners and experienced conservationists.
Pro Tips
- Sign up early for popular events
- Wear sturdy shoes and bring work gloves
- Check their calendar for family-friendly options
- Pack sunscreen and bug spray
9. Golfing at Huron Hills Golf Course
Huron Hills, established in 1922, offers a unique golfing experience with panoramic views of the Huron River Valley. This 18-hole, par-67 municipal course spans 5,071 yards and works harmoniously with the natural terrain’s dramatic elevation changes. The front nine presents a more open, links-style layout, while the back nine winds through wooded hills, creating challenging approach shots. The course features affordable rates, a practice putting green, and a driving range with both grass and mat tees. Twilight rates and senior discounts make it particularly attractive for afternoon rounds. The clubhouse provides basic amenities including equipment rental and a small pro shop.
Pro Tips
- Book tee times online to save time
- Morning rounds avoid afternoon winds
- Bring extra balls – those hills can be tricky
- Take advantage of twilight rates
10. Disc Golf at Bandemer Park
Bandemer Park’s 18-hole disc golf course, established in the 1990s, provides year-round entertainment along the Huron River. The course combines technical wooded holes requiring precise shot placement with open fairways allowing for distance throws. Holes range from 200 to 400 feet, with elevation changes adding complexity. The front nine features more wooded technical shots, while the back nine opens up along the river. The course is free to play and maintained by the local disc golf community. A practice basket near the parking lot helps newcomers warm up, and the nearby Border-to-Border Trail offers additional recreational options.
Pro Tips
- Start with fewer discs – 3-4 is plenty
- Play weekday mornings for best experience
- Watch out for cyclists on shared paths
- Join the local disc golf Facebook group
The Wrap Up
Remember – Ann Arbor’s outdoor spaces shine in every season. Pack appropriate gear, check weather forecasts, and don’t forget your camera. The best adventures often happen when you least expect them.
