THE 10 BEST Parks & Nature Attractions in Ann Arbor (Updated 2024)
Nature & Parks in Ann Arbor

THE 10 BEST Ann Arbor Parks & Nature Attractions

Nature & Parks in Ann Arbor

Nature & Parks
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63 places sorted by traveler favorites
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
Showing results 1-30 of 63

What travelers are saying

  • Melissa B
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Last time we were there, we spent about 4-5 hours there, even though the conservatories were closed. We walked about 5 miles around some of the trails and the outdoor gardens. There's a kid's garden, a few large central gardens, a bonsai garden, and lots of trails outside. There's also a picnic area. Inside there are I believe 3 conservatories. We hope to go back this weekend to see those and to take another trail walk. It's only $5 to park for the whole day. Obviously what plants are in bloom are going to depend on the time of year, but they have a lot of plants and flowers that bloom all spring and summer long. It's a beautiful place. If you don't intend to use the trails, it probably would only take 1-2 hours walking around the main "attractions" if you take your time.
    Written April 20, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • EvaLou
    Flint, MI136 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We are a family who loves animals. We drove an hour to get here and it did not disappoint! Although small, we spent two hours here and watched two shows. The one at 2 pm featured a skunk, beaded lizard and vulture. The show at 3 featured a coyote. They will be featuring animals from Australia next month so we want to visit during Spring Break.

    The man who gave the talks was very interesting and gave very useful facts about the animals. We will definitely be back!
    Written February 18, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kathy D
    Ann Arbor, MI169 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Or run or bike or roller blade. The loop is 3 miles and there are interior paths to go off on. They have cross country skiing trails also in the winter.
    Written April 20, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • MC ROD
    67 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful Park. Very family oriented. Good for fishing, kayaking, watch the sunset, hike through nature, etc. It has a nice playground area for kids.
    Written August 23, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jjessyy
    Ann Arbor, MI25 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Just took a stroll through here with my kiddos yesterday to enjoy the sun. I love that this park has so much fun for the family. There is a small all ages playground, a historic farmhouse and barn with animals for the kids to look at, an ice rink in the winter (for when mine get older), a pool in the summer, a tennis court, softball fields and a soccer field in the summer. Plus the have a seasonally open farmers market. I really am impressed by how this park has grown over the years. It’s our go to outing to get out of the house.
    Written January 7, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • scot1952
    Gainesville, FL15 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Situation directly across the river from the Ann Arbor sewage treatment plant, Parker Mill is a wonderful spot for a picnic. You can smell the plant from anywhere in the park. It really gets your appetite going.
    Written August 11, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Rumplestiltskinned
    Ann Arbor, MI672 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I love this park and have an annual pass ($35) on my car. Daily passes are expensive ($10) but if you come early in the morning or after 6 pm you can get in for free. There is a playground for small children and a comfortable, heated rest room for men and women, with handicap access. The Metropark police patrol the place often and it is safe from mischief or crime. In fact, one of the police officers is usually parked there for hours in a marked white SUV.
    Written May 10, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Gary
    Peoria, IL85 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fantastic adventure for families with kids. Very clean and awesome engaging playground equipment. The gardens and community work was also inspiring to see.
    Written August 12, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ScotAlberta
    Sherwood Park, Canada688 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Went for a walk with family - great location and wonder trails. The dam is pretty and two crossing are picturesque. Could use some trail markers and maps but really not that big that you would get lost!
    Written October 9, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Tansy2015
    Michigan325 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    There are paths for everyone, paved, boardwalks, and gravel. You can bike or hike, play on a large play structure, have a picnic, exercise, run, walk and just relax by the river. Lots to do here, and lots of trails to choose from.
    Written May 12, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • jillybeanjks
    Lansing, MI37 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This pool appeared to be very well run. All of the lifeguards were very friendly and professional. They are super strict about who is allowed in the deep end. Kids under 16 have to swim 50 yards and tread water for 1 minute before being allowed in water over 3 ft. The water slide is fun! Anyone 42+ inches can slide. Every hour, all the kids have to get out for a 10 minute adult swim, which was kind of annoying, but the rest of our experience was great.
    Written July 9, 2016
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • John T.
    200 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice park with a lot of options for all kinds of activities. Playground equipment for the kids and lots of wide open space for them to run. Last time i was there our gym hosted an outdoor workout and Lillie Park offered enough space for us to spread out and enjoy the sunshine.
    Written January 20, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jjessyy
    Ann Arbor, MI25 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I was on that side if town and was meeting some friends. I remembered when I was small that there was a playground by the softball fields. I was pleasantly surprised when we arrived. They had plenty of picnic areas that were covered. And the playground was nicely updated with spongy turf in case the kids fell. My kiddos are both under 4 and we had a blast. We will defiantly be back.
    Written August 6, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • GeorgSa
    Detroit, MI824 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Smaller park near Ann Arbor with nice playgrounds and disc golf. For us the more interesting area is the trail area with dense woods. The surrounding is very muddy and so waterproof walking boots are highly recommended! Good for about 1 hour.
    Written March 31, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • DawndotEarth
    Ann Arbor, MI67 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Bandemer Park on the north side of Ann Arbor along the Huron River has ample space for picnicking, hiking, biking, fishing, canoe/kayaking, photography, disc golf - this park can host it all. There is also a fire pit that can be reserved for cookouts. The rowing crews can often be sighted on the river, which makes for some nice photos. Canoe/kayak rental and a boat launch are available. There is a fishing pier near the overpass bridge, as well as several favorite spots throughout the park along the river. Hiking trails connect through the forest into several bordering nature areas as well as into the downtown and Kerrytown neighborhoods. Lots of interesting walking paths.
    Written April 19, 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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