Recreation
Ann Arbor has so many parks—162 in all!—that we simply can’t list them all here. There are so many parks that Ann Arbor Parks & Rec has a Visit Every Park Challenge, with prizes for every twenty-five parks you check off your list.
So while we can’t list them all, here are our must-see parks, along with their amenities, organized by area of the city. For an indexed map of all 162 Ann Arbor parks, see the City of Ann Arbor Park Finder.
Smoking is banned in all Ann Arbor city parks with the exception of Cobblestone Farm and Huron Hills and Leslie Park golf courses. Because of chemical contamination, the Michigan DNR warns anglers not to eat fish from the Huron River. For dog parks, see Pets & Wildlife.
Key
S: Special programs or discounts for seniors
V: Volunteer opportunities available
Allmendinger Park
655 Pauline
This 8-acre neighborhood park just southwest of downtown Ann Arbor features a mix of wide, flat open spaces and shady oak woods. Amenities include softball fields, picnic tables, open spaces for soccer or football, a tennis/pickleball court, and a basketball court. The playground, with its classic merry-go-round, is a popular kids birthday spot.
Area fishing
At the 4-acre Spring Pond at Rolling Hills County Park (734–484–9676, washtenaw.org/rolling-hills-county-park), visitors may fish from the bank or two disability-friendly fishing piers (catch and release only). At Spring Valley Trout Farm (12190 Island Lake Rd., Dexter; 734–426–4772; springvalleytroutfarm.com), you can catch your own farm-raised catfish or rainbow trout; all equipment is provided, no license is required; fish cleaned, iced, and packaged, or you can cook it on site (grills provided); group outings available. Numerous small lakes, many only a short drive away, offer good fishing; call the Huron-Clinton Metroparks (810–227–2757), the Waterloo State Recreation Area (734–475–8307), or the Pinckney State Recreation Area (734–426–4913). The Michigan Fishing Hotline (855–777–0908) has fishing and lake information for the entire state. Because of chemical contamination, the Michigan DNR warns anglers not to eat fish from the Huron River.
Argo Park & Nature Area
750 Longshore
This long, 22-acre park and recreation area contains walking/biking trails and paths connecting it to other parks along the river, including Fuller, Gallup, Bandemer, and the B2B Trail. There are shelters and grills for picnics, as well as a fishing dock. It is also home to the Argo Canoe Livery, with rentable canoes, kayaks, and rafts, and is an access point for the Argo Cascades, a series of nine narrow drops and pools that carry paddlers and tubers from Argo Pond down to the main river just upstream of the Broadway bridges.
Bandemer Park
1300 Lake Shore Dr.
This 38-acre nature area is popular for its 9-hole disc golf course, dirt bike jump course, and views of Argo Pond. The pond is circled by a trail connecting Bandemer Park with Argo Park to the east. There are picnic shelters, grills, and a rentable fire pit (permit required). The south side of the park is home to the Ann Arbor Rowing Club (aarc.clubexpress.com). The B2B Trail runs from Bandemer to Argo Dam.
Barton Nature Area
1010 W. Huron River Dr.
This scenic, 98-acre low-lying park on the Huron River boasts 3.4 miles of unpaved trails through several different ecosystems, including prairie, emergent marshland, wet meadows, and former farmlands, and is home to the century-old Barton Dam. There is a boat launch, a number of fishing spots, and a picnic area
Bicentennial Park
2901 E. Ellsworth
Formerly Southeast Area Park, this 23-acre park was renamed in 2023 in honor of Ann Arbor’s 2024 bicentennial. It offers two playgrounds, lighted softball/baseball fields, athletic fields, a basketball court (which features a bicentennial-themed mural designed by a local artist and chosen by residents), and picnic areas. A paved, multiuse pathway, just over a half-mile long, loops around the perimeter.
Bird Hills Nature Area
1850 Newport
At 146 acres, this is the city’s largest nature area, a favorite of hikers for its unpaved wooded trails through steep hills and ravines. The trails connect to the 31-acre Kuebler Langford Nature Area and the 7.7-acre Hilltop Nature Area, with spectacular views of the Huron River Valley. Note: In order to protect this undeveloped area and its rare plant species from erosion, biking is strictly prohibited.
Border to Border Trail (B2B)
This 35-mile, ADA-accessible, paved pathway consists of 8 trails connecting parks throughout Washtenaw County, from Stockbridge in the west to Ypsilanti in the east. The Ann Arbor Corridor of the B2B consists of 5.6 miles of flat, paved paths, suitable for walking, running, or biking, which follow the Huron River through a number of parks. There is access to two canoe/kayak liveries at Gallup Park and Argo Park. b2btrail.org V
Broadway Park West
841 Broadway
With a projected grand opening of September 2025, Ann Arbor’s newest park covers 7 acres along the Huron River, the formerly blighted site of a Michigan Consolidated Gas Company coal facility in the early 20th century. It features a footbridge connecting the park to the Argo Cascades and the B2B Trail, a large manicured green space, and a variety of hiking and biking trails. Future development will include an outdoor stage and a splash pad. lowertowna2.org/broadway-park-west
Buhr Park
2751 Packard • (734) 794–6234
This expansive, 39-acre park next to the city’s Cobblestone Farm features paved walking paths, a playground, softball fields, tennis courts, an outdoor pool where swim lessons are offered, a covered outdoor ice rink that hosts roller derby in the summer, a gaga ball pit (similar to dodgeball, but lower impact), and a sledding hill in the winter. a2gov.org/buhr
Burns Park
1300 Baldwin
Named for U-M botany professor George Burns, this 125-year-old, 15-acre neighborhood park is bordered by shady trees which follow the course of an old horse racetrack. It boasts a wide variety of amenities and athletic fields, including picnic tables, restrooms, a playground, baseball field, basketball court, football and soccer fields, tennis and pickleball courts, a pétanque
City of Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation
2781 Packard (Cobblestone Farm) • (734) 794–6230
Manages nearly 2,100 acres of parkland and 15 recreation facilities, including pools and a canoe livery. Call to reserve pavilions or to hold special events in city parks. Register for classes, camps, and programs at a2gov.org/parksregister. Scholarships and discounted passes to pools, rinks, and classes are available for city residents who qualify. [email protected], a2gov.org/parks V
County Farm Park
2230 Platt • (734) 971–6337
127 acres of lush fields and forest lowlands, home to rabbits, woodchucks, pheasant, and numerous songbird species. Features native flowers and grasses and hundreds of species of trees. Perennial garden with sensory opportunities, community vegetable and flower gardens maintained by Project Grow, a large modern playground, picnic pavilions, and three loop trails; the longest is 1.4 miles and features 18 exercise stations placed along its length.
Fuller Park
1519 Fuller • (734) 794–6236
This 60-acre park and recreation area across the river from U-M Hospital bustles with people enjoying its large playground, wooded trails, and athletic fields. Fuller Park Pool
Gallup Park
3000 Fuller • (734) 794–6240
The city’s most popular park, this 69-acre recreation area and important connector on the B2B Trail boasts three playgrounds (including one which is universal access, inclusive of children with disabilities), many picnic areas and rentable pavilions with grills, rain gardens, fishing pier, and a livery with canoe, kayak, and paddleboat rentals. More than 3 miles of trails and arched footbridges join a series of small islands, and a pedestrian walkway connects to the Furstenberg Nature Area. The most ecologically diverse park in Ann Arbor, it contains several rare species of flora native to wetlands, woodlands, prairie, and oak savanna.
Hunt Park
1035 Daniel
Located atop a glacial hill at the north end of Spring St., this 7-acre neighborhood park offers a panorama of downtown, as well as basketball and tennis courts, baseball/softball fields, a play area, and picnic shelters with grills. In the winter, it’s popular among sledders and cross-country skiers.
Huron Hills Golf Course
3465 E. Huron River Dr. • (734) 794–6246
This 18-hole, par-67 public course, established in 1922, is open seasonally and features picnic tables, a pro shop, and a beautiful view of the Huron River. Season passes available. huronhillsgolf.com
Huron-Clinton Metroparks
(810) 227–2757
Nearby Metroparks include Delhi (3902 E. Delhi), a handy spot for paddlers to access the river; Dexter-Huron (6535 Huron River Dr.), a wooded 123-acre area along the B2B Trail; and Hudson Mills (8801 North Territorial), with 1,549 acres including golf, disc golf, river access, and trails for biking, hiking, and cross-country skiing. Year-round calendar of events on website. Metropark vehicle entrance fees: $10/day, $40/year. ($29/year for age 62+). metroparks.com S, V
Independence Lake County Park
3200 Jennings, Whitmore Lake • (734) 449–4437
Swimming, boating, disc golf, picnicking and playgrounds, fishing, hiking, biking, rollerblading, and sand volleyball. Launch site for canoes, kayaks, and motorized boats with ten or less horsepower. A variety of programs and events offered throughout the year. Blue Heron Bay spray play facility includes water play structures, geysers, jets, and slides. Snack bar at beach and concessions at Blue Heron Bay, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Blue Heron Bay admission: $4 for Washtenaw County residents, $5 for nonresidents. Vehicle entrance fee: county residents $6/day, seniors (age 62+) $3, nonresidents $10, nonresident seniors $6. Resident annual fee $30/year, nonresident $45. washtenaw.org/424/independence-lake-park S
Island Park
1420 Island
This small island on the Huron River features outdoor tables, a playground, boat landing, and a stunning Greek Revival picnic shelter. Trails connect to Riverside Park (a picturesque stretch of shoreline on a shallow portion of river suitable for fly-fishing) and Fuller Park. In the woods at the back of the park, a dirt road-turned-walking path ascends to the Cedar Bend Nature Area, a high, forested slope (also accessible from Broadway via Cedar Bend Dr.) whose view of the city’s skyline is partially obscured by oaks and hickories.
Leslie Park
2900 Leslie Park Cir.
This 38-acre park off Dhu Varren includes two playgrounds, a tennis court, 6 dedicated pickleball courts, open athletic fields, baseball/softball fields, a sledding hill overlooking Leslie Park Golf Course
Mary Beth Doyle Park
3500 Birch Hollow
Named for a prominent Michigan environmental activist who passed away in 2004, this sprawling, 85-acre park boasts picnic tables, a basketball court, playground, a variety of paved and unpaved trails, and an 18-hole disc golf course. A wetland preserve with native flowers, formed by an unusual dam-and-channel system that diverts Malletts Creek, affords opportunities for wildlife viewing year-round. Some trails are very wet and muddy during parts of the year.
Matthaei Botanical Gardens
1800 N. Dixboro Rd. • (734) 647–7600
A large conservatory hosts a tropical plants room with orchids and bromeliads; a central greenhouse with plants of warm-temperate climates; exhibits featuring bonsai and insectivorous plants; and a desert house with cacti and other desert plants. A range of outdoor gardens include a formal Japanese bonsai garden, children’s garden, and native plants garden. The surrounding 350 acres feature nearly 3 miles of walking trails through a variety of ecosystems. Outdoor gardens and trails open daily year-round sunrise–sunset. Summer hours (Memorial Day–Labor Day): Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Conservatory closed on Mon. Winter hours (Labor Day–Memorial Day): Tues. 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Wed. 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Thurs.–Sun. 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Free admission to grounds and conservatory. Parking is free for MBGNA members, $2.20/hour, 8 a.m.–8 p.m.; $6 max per day for others. mbgna.umich.edu/matthaei-botanical-gardens V
Nichols Arboretum
1610 Washington Hts. • (734) 647–7600
One of Ann Arbor’s most popular outdoor areas for more than 100 years, this preserve occupies 123 acres of land on the Huron River. The forests and prairie grasslands of “the Arb” feature long, winding trails and plant species from all over the world, plus a peony garden which blooms each year in early June and has over 10,000 flowers at peak. Also in early June, U-M’s “Shakespeare in the Arb” is performed in locations throughout. Free and open daily sunrise–sunset. Three entrances on Geddes, Washington Hts., and Nichols. The Visitor Center is open daily mid-May–Labor Day and Sat. & Sun. Labor Day–Thanksgiving. Trail map and visitor guide available online. Parking is available in the U-M blue lot M28 after 5 p.m.; in the U-M Hospital P2 parking structure; and on the street, though limited. mbgna.umich.edu/nichols-arboretum V
Olson Park
1505 Dhu Varren
This 54-acre park honors former Ann Arbor parks director Ron Olson, who went on to head Michigan’s state parks system. Transformed from a gravel pit, it includes wetlands, woods, Traver Creek, and Traver Pond. There is a half-mile paved path surrounding Traver Pond, as well as a basketball court, rain garden, dog park, soccer fields, a playground, picnic shelter, and mountain bike trails.
Parker Mill County Park
4650 Geddes • (734) 971–6337
This 45-acre wooded park features a historic grist mill, which is operable and contains original milling machinery left inside the mill when the Parker family ceased operation in 1958, as well as a 150-year-old cider mill which is no longer operational. Paved and shaded trails are perfect for walking, jogging, rollerblading, and biking. There are two fishing access points, one on Fleming Creek and the other on the Huron River. Accessible only through the park is Forest Nature Area, a wet forest of black maples, hackberries, and rock elms traversed by a boardwalk trail with interpretive signs. A newer branch of the B2B Trail connects the park to the Matthaei Botanical Gardens, providing nonmotorized access to its conservatory, gardens, and pathways. washtenaw.org/602/parker-mill-county-park
Pinckney State Recreation Area
8555 Silver Hill, Pinckney (headquarters) • (734) 426–4913 • Campground reservations: (800) 447–2757
This more than 11,000-acre park north of Chelsea is made up of 3 main sections: Silver Lake and Halfmoon Lake day use areas, and Bruin Lake Modern Campground. Has many lakes for swimming, boating, canoeing, and fishing (avoid-foam and do-not-eat fish consumption advisories are in effect for the Portage Lake chain of lakes and Huron River); modern and rustic campgrounds; hunting in season; and 40+ miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and birding. Halfmoon Lake open Apr. 1–Nov. 1. No alcoholic beverages allowed in park Apr. 1–Sept. 30. Recreation Passport required: state residents $14/year with license plate renewal, or $19/year at park gate; motorcycles $7 with license plate renewal, $12/year at park gate; nonresidents $11/day, $40/year. michigan.gov/pinckney V
Pittsfield Preserve
Thomas Rd. and Marton Rd., between Morgan and Textile • (734) 822–2120
Maintained by Pittsfield Twp., this 626-acre preserve straddles the Huron River and the Saline River watersheds, featuring more than four miles of nature trails, a buttonbush swamp, and numerous wetlands (including a great blue heron colony of over 40 nests), mature woods, and meadows. pittsfield-mi.gov
Rolling Hills County Park
7660 Stony Creek Rd. • (734) 484–9676
This 439-acre county park has fields, woodlots, wetlands, a pond, a restored prairie with opportunities for bird and wildlife observation, and paved and soft trails for walking, biking, and in-line skating. Fishing, disc golf, a sledding hill, and cross-country skiing. Vehicle entrance fees: county residents $6/day ($3 for age 62+), $30/year; nonresidents $10/day ($6 for age 62+), $45/year. Additional fees for Rolling Hills Water Park. washtenaw.org/607/rolling-hills-county-park S
Saginaw Forest
3900 W. Liberty • (734) 764–9316
This 80-acre wood surrounding Third Sister Lake, a field research site for U-M’s School for Environment and Sustainability, consists of several forest plantations dating back to 1904. Use of the lake is not permitted, but the path around it is a favorite for walking leashed dogs, jogging, and cross-country skiing. Open to the public dawn to dusk; parking available at 2|42 Church on Wagner. Visitors use this property at their own risk and must adhere to posted rules. seas.umich.edu/about/field-properties/saginaw-forest
Veterans Memorial Park
2150 Jackson Ave. • (734) 794–6235
One of the busiest recreation areas in Ann Arbor, this 37-acre park hosts five baseball/softball fields, paved walking/biking paths, picnic areas, sledding hill, and the busy Ann Arbor Skatepark (a2skatepark.org) open daily 6 a.m.–10 p.m. The tennis courts can also be used for pickleball, but visitors need to bring their own net (contact the Ann Arbor District Library for net rental information, 734– 327–4200). Veterans Memorial Pool and Ice Arena features a pool in the summer and an ice rink in the winter. Pool fees: $6/adult; youth & seniors, $5; kids under 3, free with an adult. Multipasses available. S
Waterloo State Recreation Area
(734) 475–8307 • Campground reservations: (800) 447–2757
At 20,500 acres, this state park is the largest in the Lower Peninsula and is great for birding, boating, cross-country skiing, fishing, hunting, hiking, swimming, mountain biking, and camping. It has 11 lakes; modern, rustic, backpack-only, and equestrian campgrounds; trails; and a visitor center. Track chair available, allowing users to explore areas of the parks where traditional wheelchairs might not work. Horse-N Around Stables (734–637–4457, texting recommended; 12891 Trist Rd., Grass Lake) offers trail rides in the park. The Eddy Discovery Center (734–475–3170, 17030 Bush, Chelsea) has hands-on exhibits, natural history programs, park information, and displays of local ecology, wildlife, and Michigan rocks and minerals. Discovery Center hours: Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m, Sun. noon–5 p.m., with reduced hours during the rest of the year. Recreation Passport required: state residents $14/year with license plate renewal, $19/year at park gate; motorcycles $7 with license plate renewal, $12/year at park gate; nonresidents $11/day, $40/year. michigan.gov/waterloo
West Park
215 Chapin
Located just west of downtown, the natural features of this large, open park include wetlands, a pond, and two “Champion Trees,” a burr oak and a red oak, which are the largest of their species in the city. Manmade features include a historic bandshell (currently closed), athletic fields, a basketball court, baseball/softball field, tennis courts, picnic tables, a playground, and community gardens maintained by Project Grow.
Wurster Park
525 W. Madison
This small, vibrant hilltop park on the Old West Side features a partial view of the city skyline, as well as a playground, sand volleyball court, and small soccer field. There are many warm, grassy areas to relax, observe nature, or enjoy a picnic. Lining the paths of the park are huge oak trees, including two “Champion Trees,” a black oak and a chinkapin oak, which are the largest trees of their species in the city; the chinkapin oak is the largest in the state of Michigan.