Free things to do in Ann Arbor

23 places in Ann Arbor with free entry or no charge, based on guide listings and map data.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first.

Photo: Pentawing, CC BY-SA 3.0 (licence)

SeeHistoric site
Detroit Observatory
The oldest astronomical observatory in Michigan and 2nd oldest building remaining on campus. Take a free tour of the observatory and learn how it set the stage for The University of Michigan to become a center of science and research. The telescopes at this observatory served to set time for the entire city and keep the trains running on schedule until the development of more reliable timepieces and telecommunications.
Closed · opens noon Thursdayfree · Built 1854
SeeArt museum
University of Michigan Museum of Art
UMMA
Collections of African, American, Asian, European, and Middle Eastern art; modern and contemporary artwork; prints, drawings and photographs; and frequent rotating collections. Gift shop on-site.
Building hours: daily 8AM-midnight; gallery hours: Tue-Wed 10AM-5PM, Thu Fri 10AM-10PM, Sat 10AM-5PM, Sun noon-5PMFree ($5 donation suggested) · Free entry
SeeArchaeological museum
Kelsey Museum of Archaeology
Galleries featuring nearly 100,000 artefacts from Greek, Roman, Egyptian and Near Eastern civilizations.
Tue-Fri 9AM-4PM, Sat Sun 1PM-4PM, closed MondaysFree (donations gratefully accepted) · Free entry · Wheelchair accessible
SeeNature museum
University of Michigan Museum of Natural History
Exhibit Museum of Natural History
Exhibits on natural sciences and anthropology, including prehistoric life, Michigan wildlife, Native American and other cultures, and rock and mineral specimens.
Mon-Sat 9AM-5PM, Sun noon-5PMFree (donations gratefully accepted) · Free entry
SeeLibrary
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
The Gerald Ford Library collects and preserves the papers from Gerald Ford's presidency, including over 20 million pages of memos, letters, and personal papers. The collection also includes photographs, videotapes, audiotapes, and film. While these materials are by appointment only, there are free exhibits in the lobby on the life of President and Mrs. Ford, as well as a 20-minute film, narrated by President Ford. The Library hosts free evening events - author talks and programs by notable individuals.
Mon-Fri 8:45AM-4:45PM (closed Federal holidays)Free · Free entry
See
Nichols Arboretum
It's in a secluded plot just east of the University of Michigan Hospital. "The Arb" is a favorite place to enjoy peace and quiet in a setting removed from the bustle and traffic of everyday Ann Arbor. The Arb has no signage, no parking lot of its own, nor any restroom facilities. What it has is an impressive peony garden, many different species of native trees, shrubs, and grasses, and the Huron River runs through it. A gem that's worth seeking out.
sunrise-sunsetFree entry
SeeLocal history museum
Kempf House
A restored Greek Revival house museum from 1853; once home to Reuben and Pauline Kempf, prominent Ann Arbor musicians, now offering guided tours and a glimpse into Victorian life in Ann Arbor.
Tours offered 1PM-4PM on Sundays, September through December and March through June, or by appointment$1 · Free entry · Built 1853
SeeMuseum
Sindecuse Museum of Dentistry
Over 10,000 artifacts focused on the history of dentistry, with particular interest in dental practice and technology in the United States and Michigan since the 18th century.
Mon-Fri 8AM-6PMFree
SeeMuseum
Stearns Collection of Musical Instruments
Housed in the School of Music, the Stearns Collection holds over 2500 pieces of historical and contemporary musical instruments from all over the world.
Mon-Fri 10AM-5PMFree
SeeMuseum
Argus Museum
The Argus Museum, located on the second floor of 525 West William, Ann Arbor, Michigan, features products manufactured by the Argus camera company and tells the stories of the company, the people involved and showcases unique collections connected to Argus. The museum is housed in the Argus I Building, which was one of the facilities where Argus products were manufactured. The mission of the Argus Museum is to collect and preserve Argus Camera Incorporated products (including those manufactured under its prior names), publications and history of the company and its employees, to research the products and the people who were involved in the development and manufacturing of these products, to…
Free · Free entry
See
Matthaei Botanical Gardens
A 300-acre (120 hectares) site with outdoor display gardens, a conservatory filled with tropical plants, and miles of nature trails.
The grounds are open daily from 8AM-dusk. Conservatory and gift shop open Tue & Thu-Sat 10AM-4:30PM, Wed 10AM-8PM, closed MondaysFree (gardens), $5 (conservatory, but free on Fridays from noon-4:30PM)
See
Matthei Botanical Gardens
Just east of Domino's Farms, on Dixboro Road, Matthei Botanical Gardens is operated by the University of Michigan and open to the public. There are trails to stroll, a greenhouse to visit, and plantings to enjoy. Every spring, Matthei hosts a plant sale that is very popular with gardeners.
Free
See
University of Michigan School of Art and Design
Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design
Exhibitions by art students and faculty in two galleries on North Campus: the Warren Robbins Graduate Center and the Slusser Gallery. Also check out their small downtown gallery "Work".
Mon-Fri 9AM-5PMFree
See
Leslie Science Center
50 acres (20 hectares) of fields, woods and prairie, featuring outdoor, hands-on and discovery-based educational programs. Features an environmentally-friendly Nature House; a Critter House with frogs, turtles, snakes, and rabbits; live birds of prey, including owls, falcons, kestrels, hawks, vultures, and a bald eagle; and a mile-long trail through the Black Pond Woods.
Park open daily sunrise to sunset; Critter House open Sun noon-3PMFree (donations gratefully accepted)
Do
Play the Bells in the Tower at Kerrytown
Play the charming melodies of the Kerrytown Chime — a seven ton, world class musical instrument made up of 17 bells in a tower. Choose from over 100 songs. Play by number. Kerrytown Market and Shops is one of the only places in the world where such an instrument is accessible to the public. It is easy and tons of fun for all ages.
Sat 10:30AM, Wed Fri noonFree
Do Not mapped
Ann Arbor Bicycle Club
Ann Arbor Bicycle Club is a weekly bike cruise that happens from the early spring until the late fall. It is made up of many 'Townies' and U of M students. Enjoy the fresh night air and see the town from a different angle. On this pleasantly paced ride you will visit local parks and other public hangouts that most overlook. Bring your bike, bring your beer, and bring your friends. But don't bring yo' kids!
9PM-4AMFree
Do Not mapped
TEDxUofM
Held annually since 2008, the student run satellite TED conference is an awesome showcase of what people associated with the University of Michigan have accomplished. Ticket prices vary and location changes every year. At TEDxUofM you'll be inspired, meet interesting people, and have great discussions. The event is generally held sometime in Spring.
Free
Do Not mapped
Taste of Ann Arbor
Kiosks along Main Street offer people the chance to sample menu items from over 35 local restaurants. Also includes three stages of live music, dancing and more.
Held the first Sun in June 11AM-5PMAdmission free, although tickets to trade goodies ($0.50 per ticket, or $10 for a sheet of 20, with most items ranging between 3-11 tickets apiece)
Do Not mapped
Top of the Park
Held from mid-June to early July. Nightly local and regional live bands, outdoor film screenings at 10PM, and concession booths from eight local eateries. Traditionally this event was held on the upper level of the Fletcher parking structure, next to the Power Center — hence the name — but it has been temporarily moved outside the Rackham School of Graduate Studies. In inclement weather, performances and films may be cancelled.
Free
SeeHistory museum
Museum on Main Street
The Kellogg-Warden House is a single-family house located at 500 North Main Street in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994. It now houses the Washtenaw County Historical Society's Museum on Main Street.
Hours unclear (By appointment only)Free entry
SeeArt gallery
Roeda Studio
319 South Main Street
Free entry
SeeGarden
Community Food Forest at Leslie Park
Publicly-accessible garden that grows various edible plants.
Free entry
SeeGarden
Pollinator Garden
Free entry

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Ann Arbor (CC BY-SA 4.0). Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Place data from Overture Maps. Some descriptions from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).