Foliage.org: What are the projected dates Ann Arbor, Michigan peak foliage seasons?
According to the State of Michigan’s Fall Color Map, projected peak dates in the Ann Arbor area will be early to mid October.
Foliage.org: Are there areas, vistas, scenic lookouts or other destinations within Ann Arbor that are known for their uniquely beautiful autumn foliage displays?
Ann Arbor, also known as Tree Town, has plenty of places within the city to experience fall colors. Walk the trails at The University of Michigan’s Nichols Arboretum and Matthaei Botanical Gardens, or head to one of the city parks. Rent canoes and kayaks at Gallup Park and Argo Park and see fall colors while paddling the Huron River. Just outside Ann Arbor are three Metroparks: Delhi, Dexter-Huron, and Hudson Mills, all providing various opportunities to view colors. In nearby Chelsea, hike the trails at Waterloo Recreation Area. For more parks, check out the “Plan A Visit” section at www.visitannarbor.org.
What are the local and regional roads or highways that are favorite scenic routes for Fall tourists?
Huron River Drive, between Ann Arbor and Dexter is beautiful in the fall.
Old US 12 also offers picturesque views from Chelsea through Ann Arbor to
Ypsilanti. State designated scenic routes include Gale Rd. from Cherry Hill
Rd. To Geddes Rd., Warren Rd. from Curtis Rd. to Dixford Rd., Mahrle Road
from Grossman Rd. to Sharon Hollow Rd., and Marshall Rd. from Zeeb Rd. to
Baker Rd.
Within the city of Ann Arbor, Huron Parkway, Geddes Rd., and Dixboro Rd. all offer scenic views.
What festivals or other public events are take place during the Fall foliage season?
Fall means football in Ann Arbor; Michigan Stadium is a popular spot on fall Saturdays when there’s a game. If you’re in Ann Arbor for a game, be sure to check out some of the area’s other attractions:
There’s always a festival or event happening somewhere in or near Ann Arbor.The annual Webster Fall Festival is a family favorite, and the village of Dexter’s Apple Daze celebrates the fall harvest and all things apples. Also check out Art on the Farm, featuring 30 regional artists and artisans selling their work in two huge
barns. For more fall events, visit the “Find Something to Do” section at www.visitannarbor.org.
Are there historic or cultural sites that are popular destinations for Fall foliage travelers? What are they?
Historic Cider Mills (described below) and Sharon Mills County Park, located on the banks of the River Raisin in southwestern Washtenaw County, offer
visitors the opportunity to experience historic sites in natural settings. Visitors can also search “Heritage Tours” on www.ewashtenaw.org for maps and routes, including a Historic Barns tour.
What are some other popular tourist attractions for autumn travelers to Ann Arbor. What are some of the less well known, but much loved local attractions?
The Ann Arbor area has several cider mills and orchards; visiting one of
these destinations is the perfect way to spend an Autumn afternoon. Cider
mills and apple orchards are a Michigan tradition, and some of the best are
located in the Ann Arbor area. The Dexter Cider Mill and Alber Orchard and
Cider Mill are great rural escapes while Wiard’s Orchard and Country Fair is
guaranteed family fun. Wiard’s also features “Night Terrors,” Michigan’s
premiere haunted attraction, on weekends in October. Also check out
Makielski Berry Farm for U-pick raspberries through November 1; Makielski’s
also sells raw honey, pumpkins, and squash. For more U-Pick fun, visit Berry
Hill Farm in Dexter, Lutz Orchard in Saline, and Wasem Fruit Farm in Milan.
Autumn is also a great time for ale: The Corner Brewery in nearby Ypsilanti
gives visitors a chance to experience locally brewed beer in an outdoor beer
garden. Original Gravity brewing in Milan is just a short drive from Ann
Arbor, and Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales in Dexter features some very unique
styles of beer.
There’s also plenty of outdoor opportunities for hiking and golf. Check out
the “Plan a Visit” section at www.visitannarbor.org for more.
Are there favorite destinations for history, literature, architecture buffs, or antique collectors? What are they?
The University of Michigan is located in Ann Arbor, offering visitors a chance to experience history, literature, and architecture. American playwright Arthur Miller is a U of M grad; Robert Frost advised students and gave talks at the University of Michigan in 1921. Poet W.H. Auden spent time at the University of Michigan. Literature buffs will also appreciate the many book stores located in downtown Ann Arbor, specializing in new releases to out-of-print and rare editions.
The University of Michigan also features outstanding architecture, from the historical Law Quad to the recent Arthur Miller Theater and the new wing of the University of Michigan Museum of Art.
Architecture buffs will also appreciate Ann Arbor’s Frank Lloyd Wright designed Palmer House, which is available for overnight stays. See the “Find a Place to Stay” section at www.visitannarbor.org for booking information.
There are also many opportunities for history buffs, from the Underground Railroad to automotive heritage.
Antique collectors will appreciate the many antique stores in the Ann Arbor area, as well as the Ann Arbor Antiques Market.
What are some favorite destinations or activities of families traveling during the Fall travel season?
The previously mentioned orchards, U-Picks, and cider mills are popular destinations for families; there’s also the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, the Chelsea Teddy Bear Museum and Factory Store, the Chelsea Treehouse, and so much more.
What are some helpful resources for discovering local inns, bed and breakfasts, lodges, boutique hotels, and other local lodging and dining?
The Web site www.visitannarbor.org is a one-stop shop for Ann Arbor area visitor information. In the “Find a Place to Stay” section, visitors can find booking information and pictures of all the area’s accommodations; you can also search for accommodations by type, price, location, and more!
Is there anything else you would like to tell visitors thinking about traveling Ann Arbor for the fall foliage season?
Autumn in Ann Arbor is an experience you won’t soon forget. Call 1-800-888-9487 for more information.
Thanks to Marianne Gosz Klinker of theAnn Arbor Area Convention and Visitors Bureaufor providing this most helpful information.