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    Nichols Arboretum

    4.7 (134 reviews)
    Open 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

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    Maria Aimen J.

    This place had me having a mixed feelings before. We went to the Matthaei garden before but it was closed for a private event (that wasn't said on Google). I was pretty disappointed but a nice girl on the phone from this garden told me to check out the other botanical garden near the University of Michigan. I was annoyed at first because it's such a hassle to find parking, you need a permit everywhere, but eventually I found a parking (garage P4) that we were able to go to that was just a little bit of a walk down, but the gardens was absolutely worth it. The visitor center is great because we were able to use restrooms over there (and buy some candy), before walking around the peony garden. There are so many beautiful peonies at the moment, the scent was intoxicating. I was getting lost in nature and then I eventually ended up getting somewhat lost in general, trying to find the Shakespeare play. But my toddler and I eventually found our way out and enjoyed our much needed dose of nature for the day!

    Mark L.

    A great place to take some time away from the hustle and bustle. There is a trail along the Huron river, overlooks, and open fields. With downtown Ann Arbor nearby. The trails are short, but you could string them together to make a decent hike. The main loop is more road than trail, but there are pathways all about for a little bit of "off roading". Easy to get to with lots of access points. Benches at several spots, including along the river. On a nice day, the students will be doing 'studenty' things, adding to the atmosphere. The only downside can be trying to get a parking spot in one of the University lots on a weekday.

    Entrance to Nichols Arboretum - celebrating 10 years in bloom!
    Amanda L.

    I am truly shocked that I have never written a review for Nichols Arboretum. This is possibly my favorite place on campus and holds so many special memories for me! It's one of the very first places I visited on campus as soon as I started living in Ann Arbor the summer before I started my freshman year at Michigan and it's a place I've returned to countless times just to walk the grounds, soak in the beauty, all year round. The Arb is beautiful and has something so unique to offer in all four seasons! In the spring, it's obviously peony season and the Peony Garden is in full, STUNNING bloom, which is also a great time for photoshoots! My friends and I took our senior photos together in the springtime while we were on campus! In the summer, I've come here to enjoy the river, tubing or just walking alongside it, Shakespeare in the Arb, etc. In the fall, I've come here to soak in the fall colors and dressed up as a zombie to participate as a zombie hindrance to runners during a 5k run through The Arb! In winter, it's actually my favorite time of year and especially to hike all the abundant trail offerings the Arb has! The Arb is truly a great place and dare I say a MUST-VISIT whenever you're in Ann Arbor, especially if this is your first time coming into town! You can see a bit of the Huron River and just enjoy some really beautiful trees, which is a prominent feature in Ann ARBOR! Parking can be a bit limited, especially on weekends during peak peony season time, so my recommendation is to come early and to come on Sundays if you must visit during the weekend. That way parking is free in a lot of the neighboring lots. Lastly, it should go without saying, but the Arb is very dog-friendly! I brought my dog here very often throughout the years and we absolutely loved exploring the arboretum together! Whether it was dips in the river, fields for us to both run around in, and everything in between, we shared so many precious memories here! When my dog passed away, I worked with the arboretum to set up a tribute tree in his honor to carry his legacy on and you can find it at the entrance to the Peony Garden area for the next 20 years - it's a perfect spot to picnic and people watch! :)

    Lydia F.

    We make our way to the arb annually when the peonies are blooming. The field of peonies is like no other. The variety and colors are beautiful. Of course, the peony garden is not a secret, so be prepared to fight for parking. There is also a cool wooded area nearby where you can get a break from the sun. We didn't check out the gift shop, which was open, because it was too crowded at the time we went.

    Cynthia P.

    Beautiful peonies garden, trails, plants, stream or creek where people can kayak, just gorgeous!

    Huron River View
    John H.

    You can't go wrong with the well maintained grounds. A great variety of wooded settings. If you are lucky enough to come at the right time of the year, you can catch the abundant peonies and rhododendrons in bloom. After rainy weather during the summer, the wooded trails can be full of mosquitos. Consider staying on the paved trial on such occasions or bring insect repellent. If you reach the bottom, you get a resplendent view of the Huron River.

    Andrea C.

    This was my first time here and I was extremely impressed. The peonies were about 70% in bloom. I really liked how there were sections of peonies with a map giving you the name of the peonies in that section. It was a hot day and my husband and I sat on a bench and just did some people watching. It was a nice relaxing atmosphere and with a light breeze the smell of peonies wafting through the park. I think next year I'd like to come back just before the peonies bloom, and then come back a few times over the course of the full blooming season.

    John B.

    The amount of green space available in this campus-adjacent arboretum is plentiful and varied in topography. While bits of it are quite manicured, much of it is more woodsy. There is certainly plenty of opportunity to get a good workout in. The partisan in me would like to point out that it's not as pretty as the University of Kentucky Arboretum, but it's probably better than what a lot of universities have, and it's certainly good enough to spend plenty of time there. And it's free.

    Huron River
    Paul S.

    Peace and mind-healing solace is but minutes away from the Michigan campus and the S. University district. A favorite place of mine to visit as a kid has only gotten more intriguing as an adult (the outside part at least). After a very long time I finally got to visit again, the last time being in the dead cold of winter (at night no less). It had rained and threatened to do so again but that slightly cool, very humid air also was conducive to a hike. We entered from behind the hospital complex and Ronald McDonald House, which is the quickest way to reach the vast peony garden. Too bad it was September and not May when they typically bloom. Still, the nice signs and species descriptions were a glimpse of what could be. In fact, it was the presence of all those tags and specially isolated trees and plants we encountered throughout the walk that impressed me the most. When I was a kid everything goes, today, the arboretum is a splendid example of the university's environmental protection and studies program. Down by the (mighty 'Urine, pronounced with a nasal East Coast accent) river (Huron) we lingered on some felled trees and skipped some rocks. Despite the recent rain the river remained at its normal levels, perhaps attesting to a year affected by climate changes and less rain. Ascending to the Geddes Road entrance was delightful. It was heavy humidity now under the canopy of the trees. The paths were more groomed than memory served and I appreciated the raised trails over rare and exotic species of plants. Even in fall there's no shortage of natural intrigue. Recommended for solo mini expeditions and family outings.

    Erin P.

    The best place to take a walk in the trees and along the river. There's no better way to clear your mind or enjoy a run or hike with your dog or friends. You can get lost in the Arb for hours. Parking is tricky but worth trying to find.

    Harish V.

    Covid times got me a chance to explore the Nature close by . I have been thinking of this place for almost an year and finally did it. This place is amazing and peaceful. M-28 parking lot on washington hts is free after 5pm weekdays and free all day on weekend but hardly there are no free spaces. Got free street parking coz its Sunday. Walked around 1.5 hr and explore 2-3 trails. The best part is the river. Its so peaceful to sit with your feet in the water and enjoy the scenary. As you explore you'll find one of the richest landscapes in the region, as well as a complex glacial topography that presents vast panoramas, broad valleys, and intimate dales and glens. Must on your checklist if you visit Ann Arbor. .

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    1 year ago

    Amazing place to walk and explore nature. Great for walking the dog. Peony garden is best time of year!

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    Beautiful, peaceful, free... what more do you need? Great for family outings, hiking, and simple days needed to relax.

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    Page 1 of 4

    Ask the Community - Nichols Arboretum

    Where is the best spot for a picnic?

    Is there free parking on weekend?

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    Review Highlights - Nichols Arboretum

    Speaking of relax, I remember being nervous for an exam once and leaving early and taking a walk in the Arb.

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    Lillie Park

    Lillie Park

    4.2(13 reviews)
    4.0 mi

    One of my favorite local parks to walk with my dog! We typically get on the trail from the south…read moreentrance, which has plenty of parking, fields for sports, a play structure, and some pavilions. Hike is on the easier end, with wide paths. Would note that that it is prone to get muddy so expect that after rain and dress accordingly. Note - they've taken down the old boardwalk. Not sure if they are just removing it or if they are creating a new one? Pittsfield township also often has fun activities in the park, like Halloween or St Patrick's Day themed walks/"scavenger hunts". Cute little touch.

    Uncrowded park for jogging or walking 2-3 miles near Ann Arbor! I drove here (about 9 minutes)…read morefrom the Hyatt Place. This park has two sections (North and South). I took time to walk along the path from the parking lot, past the soccer fields toward Turtle Pond. You'll need to walk about 0.5 miles to see the pond, but it's a lovely respite and seems dog-friendly. One downside is the proximity of I-94 which means that you'll hear the background noise of cars and trucks in the distance. It's not super-loud, but noticeable if you had expected a serene walk. Another downside is that the trail does not have clear signs or color stripes - but you can figure out the main route by using the pond as your guide. Would recommend folks staying in the hotels on the south side of Ann Arbor to give this park a try - it was really nice for jogging or a long walk.

    Photos
    Lillie Park
    Lillie Park - Why would you swim in a turtle pond?

    Why would you swim in a turtle pond?

    Lillie Park - Peaceful trail around the pond.

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    Peaceful trail around the pond.

    Allmendinger Park - Some older playground equipment with new equipment as well

    Allmendinger Park

    4.8(5 reviews)
    1.7 mi

    I'm so happy to have this lovely park close by. Ann Arbor has a lot of parks, ranging from a…read moretriangle of grass with some benches to parks with trails and canoeing. Allmendinger isn't big enough (like Gallup) to have a bike/walking trail, and it isn't adjacent to a body of water, but it's a dang fine neighborhood park. The majority of the space here is open and sunny, with the side along Pauline offering more shade as well as lots of play equipment for kids and picnic tables. There is an outbuilding, too -- with public bathrooms that are really not that gross, amazingly. They even stuck some sort of fake stained-glass sticker on the windows in the bathroom. I was kinda amused, kinda charmed that someone wanted to make the park bathroom look that nice! There's a drinking fountain outside of this building too, but it doesn't seem to be working. Bummer. There are also two large baseball diamonds, which would be perfect for baseball or kickball.... ... and then, around the periphery of the park is one of my favorite parts: Lilacs! Big, giant bushes (trees, really!)... mini-walls of lilacs. Right now, they are blossoming, and just a walk near them -- either in the park or on the sidewalk smells like heaven. Way to go, whomever planted these beauties long ago, and big ups to the A2 Parks staff for keeping them strong and healthy! I wasn't able to hop on anyone's wi-fi, but I do have a wireless card for my computer, so this can theoretically be my new "outdoor office" now and then. I just have to remember some SPF and camp out on the shady side of things...

    This park has a *CARGO NET*!!! Way too small for regular adults to climb though. Makes me wish I…read morewere a kid again... or at least a dwarf (worth it?).

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    Allmendinger Park

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    Fuller Park - Swings looking out to the water

    Fuller Park

    3.8(12 reviews)
    0.5 mi

    THIS PLACE IS AMAZING!!!! got a huge pool. 12 ft deep on the far side of the lanes. Has a cute kid…read moreside with shallow end! Adults is only $6 for entry, I forgot how cheap it was for kids but I think it was $4. Regardless this is my new spot. Opens at 11-8 for the pool. They have walking trails and picnic areas, a play ground for the kids. Staff is friendly. And environment is amazing and chill.

    I haven't been able to explore all of Fuller Park yet but they get 5 stars automatically from me…read morefor their amazing pool! I live really close to the Vets Park pool but I think Fuller Park's may be my new spot. First off, it's HUGE. I think maybe the biggest public outdoor pool in Ann Arbor? They have several lanes for laps, a deep end for swimming, and a shallower end for kids. They also have a separate waterslide tucked in the back (although it doesn't empty into a pool). While Vet's Park is better for the really little ones (they have more of a toddler pool with overhead sprinklers and such) Fuller is better for older folks. In fact, the last 10 minutes of every hour is "Adult swim." Anyone under 18 has to get out of the pool so the adults can have a bit of a peaceful float for 10 glorious minutes. It's not just great for swimming either. It's wonderful for relaxing as well. They have LOTS of lounge chairs and pergolas to keep you semi shaded. I spent several fantastic hours here this past weekend cooling off in the water for a bit and then heading back to my chair to dry off and read a book. It was lovely. If you're feeling peckish they have a few vending machines for beverages and snacks. They have a couple of ice cream novelty machines too. Oh, and they have a few picnic tables and areas for parties. $5 a day for adults, $4 for kids and seniors. They have resident yearly passes ($140 for adults or $265 for familes) or punch passes (10 punches for $40 or 20 punches for $80) if you don't think you'd use the yearly pass often enough for make it worth your while. The pool is pristine, the locker rooms are also clean, and it's just so spacious and great. I really genuinely love it there and can't wait for my next visit!

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    Fuller Park - Lots of lanes

    Lots of lanes

    Fuller Park - Fun at Fuller Park!

    Fun at Fuller Park!

    Fuller Park - Kids loving the tire swing at Fuller Park!

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    Kids loving the tire swing at Fuller Park!

    Hudson Mills Metropark - Huron River looks clean even if the news keeps talking about a chemical spill. Maybe it was downstream from here

    Hudson Mills Metropark

    4.8(28 reviews)
    11.9 mi

    Gorgeous park along the Huron river between Ann Arbor and Dexter. Tons of amenities including an…read more18-hole golf course, disc golf course, picnic areas, playgrounds, baseball diamonds, biking and hiking trails, nature trails, river fishing, and boat launches for canoes and kayaks. My husband and I brought our pups here for a little outdoor time during social distancing and despite it being a gorgeous Saturday early-evening we didn't run into any one else on any of the trails we explored. So it's a really great spot to enjoy some outdoor adventures without worrying about getting too close to other people. Beautifully maintained, tons of parking and pup friendly! Just remember bug spray if you get into the woods/near the river. I forgot and got eaten up quite a bit!

    It was an awesome sunny afternoon in early May with temps approaching 60 degrees...the perfect time…read morefor a bike ride. Michigan's Washtenaw County has created a 35-mile "Border-to-Border" paved bicycle trail that winds from Dexter through Tree Town (Ann Arbor) and on to Yipsilanti. Much of the trail is off-road and provides plenty of welcomed shade and river views on a hot summer day. Today, my wife and I chose to ride 10 miles of the B2B Trail in the Dexter area that winds through the Hudson Mills Metropark. Given the pandemic, we saw plenty of courteous walkers, joggers and bikers sharing the 10-foot wide trail which enabled effective social distancing. The Hudson Mills Metropark section of the trail in Dexter is a true gem that offers fresh air, sunshine and the opportunity to get some welcomed exercise. We look forward to the time when we can once again stop into the Riverview Restaurant after our bike ride and enjoy a breakfast or lunch. Until then, we're staying safe in Dexter. 5 stars!

    Photos
    Hudson Mills Metropark
    Hudson Mills Metropark
    Hudson Mills Metropark - 12 out of 13 Huron-Clinton Metroparks visited! Hudson Mills is one of the better ones

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    12 out of 13 Huron-Clinton Metroparks visited! Hudson Mills is one of the better ones

    Independence Lake County Park

    Independence Lake County Park

    4.2(21 reviews)
    9.1 mi

    Check the county website or facebook page before you go!! Recently, the beach at Independence Lake…read morehas had to be shut down several times for high e coli levels. One of the posts said that this is because of the amount of geese that have been frequenting the lake this year or because of runoff from rain. We went once before we knew about the e coli issues and actually had a great time. The beach (we thought) appeared clean and the water was the perfect cool temperature on a hot summer day. The swimming area went deep enough that we could float away from the littles on the shoreline. There were two life guards on duty. They have really amazing facilities where a get together was being held under the pavilion. They have a snack station, but we brought our own chips and sodas. They also have a splash pad with water slides. This area was closed when we went, and you have to pay a little more to access this area. They also have some cool trails and a frisbee golf course. You can bring dogs, but not to the designated swimming area. I hope they figure out the e coli issues because we would love to go back.

    Very nice park. Clean water , beach , trails. Not too…read morecrowded. It's hidden in backroad. Definitely will be back again. My daughter enjoyed this park.

    Photos
    Independence Lake County Park - Nice gills here...amongst all the small ones.

    Nice gills here...amongst all the small ones.

    Independence Lake County Park - Rented a row boat & caught some great fish.  Row boats w/anchor, and floatation devices-$10/day. ($20 cash dep).

    Rented a row boat & caught some great fish. Row boats w/anchor, and floatation devices-$10/day. ($20 cash dep).

    Independence Lake County Park - Slide at waterpark...  No food allowed at tables.

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    Slide at waterpark... No food allowed at tables.

    Nichols Arboretum - parks - Updated May 2026

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