Weekend Escapes
With the wide variety of recreational activities, cultural events, and entertainment venues available in Ann Arbor, students have plenty of study break choices. For those looking for a daytrip or a weekend getaway, Ann Arbor is located just a few hours from several major metropolitan areas as well as secluded beachside resorts. Ann Arbor is a half hour drive to the excitement of the Motor City, an hour to wine and dine in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, two hours to ride the thrilling rollercoasters of Cedar Point in Ohio, or a relaxing four hour train ride to the sandy beaches of Lake Michigan or downtown Chicago.
Ann ArborFor those in search of a relaxing day trip without having to drive too far, there are a variety of activities within Ann Arbor and the surrounding communities. Aside from the numerous museums and parks, students often enjoy visits to cider mills in the fall, ice sculpture shows in the winter, and wineries in the spring.
Cider Mills
Michigan is renowned for its hundreds of farm markets and cider mills that feature freshly pressed cider made from apples picked in its bountiful orchards. Pick-your-own farms offer you sun-ripened juicy apples as well as pumpkins, peaches, cider mills, donut shops, bakeries, haunted barns, and hayrides.
Domino's Farms Petting Zoo
Domino's Farms Petting Zoo features over 100 animals, hay rides, animal demonstrations, and an endangered livestock breeding program.
Fall-Color Tours
If you're looking for fabulous rich fall colors, look no further than Ann Arbor. There are fall-color tour routes -- some following major state highways, others meandering along secondary roads. Along every route, you'll find orchards and country markets, cider mills and wineries, autumn festivals, and even a few haunted houses.
Plymouth International Ice Show
Each year the Plymouth International Ice Show welcomes more than 500,000 visitors. Hundreds of professional, amateur, college, and high-school-age artisans from the United States, Canada, Japan, Norway, Russia, and Switzerland transform 400,000 pounds of ice into dazzling works of art.
Wine Trails
The vineyards of Michigan are nestled in the most scenic areas of the state. Plan a weekend or a day trip touring these lovely sites and discover the diversity of southeast Michigan wineries. MichiganMichigan is filled with diverse natural, man-made, and cultural offerings that include everything from aquariums to zoos, museums, galleries, lighthouses, waterfalls, natural rock formations, and even award-winning wineries. With over 3,200 miles of shoreline, 11,000 inland lakes, 5,600 miles of snowmobile trails, dozens of downhill ski resorts, and four national parks -- there's no need to miss out on a moment of fun.Birch RunBirch Run Prime OutletsFrankenmuthDetroitDetroit has had a profound impact on the world -- from the invention of the automobile to the Motown sound. As a major cultural center of the Midwest, you will find that the city has something for everyone.
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History Detroit Institute of ArtsDetroit Historical MuseumDetroit Science CenterHenry Ford Museum & Greenfield VillageMichigan Opera Theater/Detroit Opera HouseGrand RapidsGrand Rapids, the second largest city in Michigan, provides a wide variety of get-away options. Just a few include:
Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum
Public Museum of Grand Rapids
Holland
Holland is home to the world famous Tulip Time festival each May, when more than six million tulips burst into bloom as the town celebrates its Dutch heritage.
Traverse City
Traverse City is an ideal weekend getaway for downhill skiing, snowboarding, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, golfing, biking, hiking, and just relaxing on the beach. The area offers festivals for every season of the year in addition to its fine recreational facilities.
Saugatuck
Saugatuck is nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan and the Kalamazoo River. MTV has ranked Saugatuck's Oval Beach as one of the top five beaches in the country.
Canada
Toronto
Known as a major cosmopolitan hub, Toronto is Canada's largest city and the 5th-largest city in North America after Mexico City, Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago. From the bustle of Toronto Harbour on the shores of Lake Ontario to fine dining, theater, and even the Hockey Hall of Fame, Toronto's attractions, excellent mass transit system and friendly citizens lure tourists from around the world.
CN Tower
Ontario Science Centre
Royal Botanical Gardens
Yuk Yuk`s Comedy Cabaret
Windsor
Windsor is just a short trip from downtown Detroit by the Ambassador Bridge, the longest international suspension bridge in the world, or the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, which leads into the heart of downtown Windsor. Less than an hour drive from Ann Arbor, this city is filled with exquisite international cuisine, splendid cultural and historical landmarks, enchanting gardens or natural areas, and hip nightlife.
Art Gallery of Windsor
Casino Windsor
Ohio
Cleveland
Great Lakes Science Center
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
Six Flags World of Adventure
Sandusky
Cedar Point Amusement Park
Toledo
Toledo Museum of Art
Toledo Zoo
Illinois
Chicago
Chicago is a quick hour flight from Metro Airport or a cozy four hour Amtrak train ride from Ann Arbor. The Windy City is home of the Sears Tower, deep-pan pizza, champion sports teams, and legendary blues.
Rockford
Anderson Gardens Japanese Gardens
Springfield
Lincoln Home National Historic Site
Utica
Starved Rock State Park