If you’re not a college football fan, you may not have heard of Ann Arbor, Michigan. Those who are know it’s home to the Michigan Wolverines and the largest football stadium in America. If Ann Arbor is an unfamiliar city, it’s time you learned a little about what makes this location a great destination.
It’s more than a football town. There’s history, archeology, and natural beauty all around. There are also excellent RV parks to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. Let’s dive in!
When Is the Best Time to Visit Ann Arbor, MI?
Many attractions and campgrounds will shut down after October because Michigan experiences harsh winters. You don’t want to make plans to visit during those months unless you’re seeking a skiing adventure or a snowboarding excursion. Even then, you might be limited in where you can stay with an RV.
The spring, summer, and fall are all excellent times to visit. The blooming and ripening trees of spring are beautiful. The summer weather in Michigan is idyllic. Additionally, college football season brings thousands of visitors in the fall.
What Is Ann Arbor, MI Known for?
First and foremost, people know Ann Arbor as the home of the Michigan Wolverines. It’s not only the college football team, either. The university employs about 30,000 workers, including about 12,000 in the medical center. It’s a significant source of economic stability for the city of 123,000 residents.
The city contains over a hundred thousand trees that line the streets and fill green spaces in parks. The Nichols Arboretum, owned by the University of Michigan, has hundreds of plant and tree species throughout its 123 acres. Hence it has the name Ann Arbor.
5 Best RV Parks Near Ann Arbor, MI
When visiting Ann Arbor, MI, there are five ideal campgrounds to make your stay comfortable. They’re conveniently close to area attractions and easily accessible from the highways. Whether you want a rustic atmosphere or a luxurious resort, you’ll find one that suits your traveling needs.
Walnut Grove Campground
Address: 40151 East Huron River Drive, Belleville, MI 48111
Cost: $25
About: Walnut Grove Campground in the Lower Huron Metropark has 27 rustic campsites near the Huron River. You can have tents and RVs. Even though there are no hookups, guests can access restrooms and a dump station on-site.
The Metropark allows visitors to swim, kayak, hike, and play. Kids love the aquatic center with water slides and lazy river. This is an excellent family-friendly location to enjoy your stay in Ann Arbor, MI.
Pontiac Lake Recreation Area
Address: 480 Teggerdine Road, White Lake, MI 48386
Cost: $24
About: There are two playgrounds and two restrooms on-site at the Pontiac Lake Recreation Area campground. It has an east and west loop where campers will find 20-amp and 30-amp hookups at most sites. A dump station is also nearby.
About two miles from the campground, visitors can reach the designated swimming beach, boat ramp, fishing pier, and picnic area.
Harbortown RV Resort
Address: 14931 Laplaisance Rd, Monroe, MI 48161
Cost: from $57
About: One of the more resort-style campgrounds on this list is Harbortown RV Resort. Amenities include arcade games, a swimming pool, miniature golf, go-cart races, batting cages, and more!
There are two bathhouses on the property. Full hookup and partial hookup sites are available for rigs of all sizes. They also have pull-through and back-in sites.
Brighton Bishop Lake
Address: 5210 Bishop Lake Rd, Brighton, Michigan, 48116
Cost: $27
About: Brighton Recreation Area is home to miles of hiking trails. If you’re looking to get outdoors, the Brighton Bishop Lake campground is a perfect option. From the one-mile Brighton-Bishop Lake Hiking Trail to the six-mile Brighton-Torn Shirt Mountain Bike Trail, there’s a walking or biking trail for everyone.
The campground has a Lower and Upper location. Both offer 20-amp or 30-amp electric service at all sites, restrooms, and a dump station. There’s also access to the lake and a boat ramp.
Sun Outdoors Kensington Valley
Address: 25800 Haas Rd, New Hudson, MI 48165
Cost: from $42
About: Another resort-style campground on this list is Sun Outdoors Kensington Valley. It features four lakes and four beaches for endless hours of fishing and swimming.
Guests also have basketball, volleyball, a playground, a game room, laundry facilities, and more. Partial and full hookup sites are available.
Things to Do in Ann Arbor, MI
Although many people travel to Ann Arbor, MI, to experience the fantastic college football atmosphere, there are other reasons to visit. From museums and local eats to natural beauty, there’s something for everyone in Ann Arbor.
Cheer on the University of Michigan Wolverines
Nicknamed “The Big House,” Michigan Stadium is the largest stadium in the United States and the third largest in the world. Although the official capacity is about 107,000, there have been reports of over 115,000 people in attendance. So even if you’re not a college football fan, it’s worth making it to a Wolverines game to see this iconic and historic structure.
However, if you are a college football fan, it’s likely on your list of must-see stadiums in the country. Plus, the Wolverines aren’t too bad, either. Fans enjoy the rivalry between the Wolverines and Spartans of Michigan State and Buckeyes of Ohio State.
HOT TIP
If you plan to visit Ann Arbor for a football game, you need to know these RV Tailgating Tips for Beginners!
Use Your Senses at the Hands-On Museum
If you need somewhere to entertain your kids for a few hours, the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum is the place. The Preschool Gallery has dress-up stations, water tables, and building blocks.
The STEAM PARK has interactive mechanical exhibits for older elementary-age kids. MediaWorks helps kids learn the science of television and telecommunications. There’s more fun in the Lyons Country Store, the Legacy Gallery, the Theater of Design, and more.
Try the Deliciousness of Krazy Jim’s Blimpy Burger
If you’re not tailgating at a Michigan Wolverines game, you must try Krazy Jim’s Blimpyburger. Ann Arbor’s oldest hamburger stand, Krazy Jim’s, is open Tuesday-Sunday from 11 am-9 pm. On Tuesdays, kids eat free!
Try a double, triple, quad, or quint blimpy burger custom-made to order. Add fries or onion rings, and you have a meal they’ve served millions of times since 1953.
Visit Matthaei Botanical Gardens and the Nichols Arboretum
Sitting within the University of Michigan, Matthaei Botanical Gardens and the Nichols Arboretum has something for everyone. The botanical gardens feature bonsai, native plants, perennials, a park for kids, nearly three miles of trails, and an indoor conservatory. You cannot bring dogs to the botanical gardens.
The arboretum is home to collections of native and exotic trees and shrubs. Dogs are welcome at the arboretum on a leash, so bring your furry friend and enjoy a few hours exploring the beauty of nature. Both locations offer free admission.
Dig Deep Into Ann Arbor’s History at the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology
Also part of the University of Michigan, the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology’s permanent exhibition showcases an Egyptian mummy coffin, magical amulets from the ancient Middle East, Greek pottery, Greek and Roman sculptures, and more.
The watercolor murals of the Villa of the Mysteries in Pompeii by Maria Barosso are also on display. Throughout the year, other special exhibits will preserve historical artifacts and relics. Admission is free.
Is Ann Arbor, MI Worth Visiting?
Ann Arbor, MI, is a college city in a beautiful location. If you love college football, walking the streets and immersing yourself in the blue and yellow banners, streamers, and pennants will be a memorable experience. Tailgating with die-hard fans and cross-town rivals will be something to remember. Standing as one in the mass of 107,000 will be remarkable.
But even if you’re not heading to Ann Arbor for a football game, you’ll enjoy the trees that line every corner and street. You’ll appreciate the history and archeology of the area, and you’ll savor the first to the last bite of your blimpy burger.
Explore Michigan’s Beautiful Tree Town
Less than 50 miles west of Detroit, you’ll find the beautiful tree town of Ann Arbor, MI. Toledo is less than an hour’s drive south of the city. The banks of Lake Erie are also less than an hour’s drive. It’s the ideal location to plan a week vacation or weekend getaway. So make your plans today to visit Michigan before the cold arrives.
What will you do first in Ann Arbor?
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