Timeline
13:57
Grab a coffee and settle in for a quiet start. Grand Grounds is the closest option to the Arboretum area and opens early, giving you time to enjoy your drink before the walk.
14:57
University of Michigan Nichols Arboretum
Walk west from the university area to the University of Michigan Nichols Arboretum. The Arb is a secluded plot east of the hospital, removed from the bustle of traffic. It has no signage or parking lot of its own, so you will arrive on foot. Spend the next hour wandering the peony garden and native tree paths as the afternoon light begins to soften.
17:27
University of Michigan Nichols Arboretum
Find a spot near the Huron River or the tree lines to watch the sun set toward the WSW. The golden light starts around 16:44, but the main event is the sunset at 17:27. The Arb’s natural setting provides a peaceful backdrop for the day’s end.
18:12
Head to No Thai! South U for dinner. It is one of the most popular restaurants on campus, known for excellent Pad Thai. Expect crowds during dinnertime, so be prepared for a bit of a wait or a lively atmosphere.
19:12
End the evening at Victors. This café stays open late, serving as a relaxed spot to finish your night after dinner. It is a short walk from the dining area and offers a calm environment to unwind.
Local tip
The Arboretum has no restroom facilities, so plan accordingly before you head in. Grand Grounds is open until 16:00 on weekdays, so you have plenty of time to grab coffee before the sunset.
Check before you go
- Grand Grounds closes at 16:00 on weekdays.
- The Arboretum is open from sunrise to sunset.
- No Thai! South U is open until 22:00 on weekdays.
- Victors is open until 01:00 on weekdays.
Worth knowing
- Grand Grounds is open at 13:57 only on Mo, Tu, We, Th, Fr
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Ann Arbor (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).