16 Things To Do In Adrian, Michigan

things to do in Adrian MI
Ibrahim
Ibrahim 
Published
| 7 min read

The charming city of Adrian, founded in 1826, is Lenawee County’s seat of government. Its welcoming aura, historical buildings, and entertainment draw visitors from around the country. History buffs will find joy in knowing the city’s properties are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The location also features many recreational establishments such as parks that offer fishing, picnicking, and bird-watching opportunities. Educational activities, such as attending art classes, are also popular. Not to mention, the city’s culinary scene is vibrant. Whether you’re traveling alone, with your partner, or the whole family, this place guarantees a one-of-a-kind vacation experience. Check out these top things to do in Adrian, Michigan.

1. Learn more about the region at Lenawee History Museum

Lenawee County Historical Musem Adrian Michigan
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Dwight Burdette used under CC BY 3.0

Peruse thousands of historical materials related to Lenawee County in this museum situated in Adrian’s Carnegie Library under Lenawee Historical Society. The institution was founded in 1972 by two organizations — Lenawee County Board of Commissioners and Lenawee Historical Society for the sole aim of uncovering, gathering, and preserving these materials. Although the county’s government abandoned the museum’s funding in 1990, the museum is still active and open to the public, thanks to its many volunteers. You’ll find a plethora of items, including photograph archives of events, people, and places, important relics, documents relating to the military, railroads, and religion, and much more.

Lenawee Historical Society

Address: 110 E Church St, Adrian, MI 49221-2780

Website: Lenawee Historical Society

Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 10am - 2pm (closed from Sun - Thu)

Price: free

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2. Tee off at Wolf Creek Golf Club

Golf Course
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user District of Taylor used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Whether you’re a novice golfer or a professional, you’ll love teeing off at this standard 18-hole golf course. The 71-par golfing spot, which was opened in 1991, features a USGA rating of 70.1 and a slope rating of 121 with many varying elevations and terrains. These features make it ideal for all skill levels. The location highlights four sets of tees, with the longest measuring 18,801 ft (5730.5 m). The lush and well-mowed field, especially the bentgrass on the fairways and greens, complements the experience.

Wolf Creek Golf Club

Address: 6363 Burton Rd, Adrian, MI 49221, United States

Website: Wolf Creek Golf Club

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3. Skate at Adrian Skate Park

Skate park
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Michal Louč used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Try skating or watch others display their skating skills in Adrian Skate Park, which features many skating amenities and ramps. The 10,000-sqft (929-sqm) concrete-floored venue is located in Island Park and is open to all. It highlights the half pyramid, escalator quarterpipe, start box, launch box, street spine, bank hip corner, and halfpipe combo to maximize the skating experience.

Adrian Skate Park

Address: 125 Albert Street, Adrian, MI 49221

Opening hours: 8am - 10pm (daily)

Price: free

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4. Watch live performances from local talents at Croswell Opera House

Opera performance
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user onion83 used under CC BY 2.0

Croswell Opera House, which was established in 1866, is an integral part of the county’s history and plays an important role in educating and entertaining the community. It’s the oldest local theater in the state and one of the oldest in the country. Although the opera house was recently renovated, it still maintains its vintage charm. Today, its professionally inclined productions attract patrons from around the region, allowing Adrian’s upcoming performing artists to be exposed to a well of knowledge and experience. Watch live performances from local talents such as musicals held from May to November every year, orchestra, children’s shows, and more. There’s a cafe close to the building where one can get some quick bites.

Croswell Opera House

Address: 129 E Maumee St, Adrian, MI 49221, United States

Website: Croswell Opera House

Opening hours: Mon, Wed - Fri: 9am - 5pm; Tue: 10am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

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5. Let the kids have fun at Palmyra Speedway

Go-kart track
Source: Pxhere

Have a fun afternoon, alone or with the kids, at Palmyra Speedway that highlights a 0.17-mi (0.3-km) kart racing track and comic commentary. It was started by some enthusiastic karters whose aim is to introduce and promote the community’s fun game. You can enroll your child in the racing class and watch them have fun or hit the dirt circle track yourself. You can’t go hungry with the many food trucks available on site that sell tasty snacks at affordable prices.

Palmyra Speedway

Address: 3449 US-223, Adrian, MI 49221, United States

Website: Palmyra Speedway

Opening hours: Fri: 4pm - 12am; Sun: 2pm - 6pm (closed fom Mon - Thu & Sat)

Price: 5 - 35 USD

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6. Learn new arts at Adrian Center for the Arts

Center for art
Source: Pixabay

Adrian Center for the Arts (ACA) is a family-friendly venue that offers experienced artists and learning opportunities for art-loving adults, kids, and students. The center, founded in 2015 by Lenawee Council for the Visual Arts, sits in six structures in a serene 55-acre (22.3-ha) property in northern Adrian. Check out the numerous rotating exhibits or explore your artistic talent by enrolling in workshops and classes that highlight photography, printmaking, drawing, painting, and more. The spot is friendly for all ages and skill levels.

Adrian Center for the Arts

Address: 1375 N Main St BLDG 46, Adrian, MI 49221, United States

Website: Adrian Center for the Arts

Opening hours: Thu - Fri: 1pm - 4pm; Sat: 10am - 1pm (closed from Sun - Wed)

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7. Relish a variety of locally made wines at Flying Otter Winery

Frontenac Grapes on the Vine Flying Otter Vinyard and Winery Adrian Michigan
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Dwight Burdette used under CC BY 3.0

Whether you’re alone or with a group, you can enjoy various tasty wines, ranging from dry to sweet, made from locally grown grapes in this serene venue. Flying Otter Vineyard is a family-owned winery and vineyard established in 2005 that aims to give wine lovers a unique tasting experience. The site’s tasting room is an open-air pavilion situated behind the vineyard. It’s surrounded by trees with singing birds, enhancing the experience. Aside from the wine list, you can enjoy a changing menu of delicious meals. The tasting room opens from June to October, but not to worry; you can still order from their online store at any time and pick it up at the location.

Flying Otter Winery

Address: 3402 Chase Rd, Adrian, MI 49221, United States

Website: Flying Otter Winery

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8. Check out Adrian Engine House No. 1

Adrian Engine House Number One Adrian Michigan
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Dwight Burdette used under CC BY 3.0

Check out this historic landmark — the state’s longest continuously used fire station, founded in 1855. Adrian Engine House No. 1 is housed in a Romanesque Revival structure with Italianate touches, and in 1989, it was included in the list of National Register of Historic Places. Although operations were halted in 1987 and the building is now used as an office, its preserved features are worth the sight. The hose-drying pillar, standing at 70 ft (21.3 m), and the weathervane on top of the property are the site’s main draw.

Adrian Engine House No. 1

Address: 126 E Church St, Adrian, MI 49221, United States

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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9. Learn about astronomy at Robinson Planetarium

Take a closer look at the stars
Source: Pixabay

Take advantage of the free and engaging educational materials about constellations, stars, and planets projected in Robinson Planetarium. Its construction in 1966 was funded by an industrialist — Herbert Robinson, after whom the venue was named. The property, which is located in Adrian College, is also used by astronomy students for learning. Reserve 1 of the site’s 62 comfy chairs and enjoy the inspiring videos cast by a Spitz A-3-P star projector. Special programs for all age groups are organized regularly in this place. Check out their website for updates.

Robinson Planetarium

Address: 110 S Madison St, Adrian, MI 49221, United States

Website: Robinson Planetarium

Price: free

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10. Savor flavorful chicken wings at Fricker’s

Yangnyeom chicken wings
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user anokarina used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Close to Adrian Mall is this restaurant and bar that features a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere. Not only do they specialize in offering sizable portions of flavorful chicken wings, but they also provide other palate spoilers, including sandwiches, curly fries, burgers, steaks, pasta, and more. Your kids get to eat for free and there are weekday specials to relish. 25 TVs vibe up the interior where you can watch sports and play trivia. The venue also features party rooms to hold special events, including birthdays and family reunions, for free.

Fricker’s

Address: 720 S Main St, Adrian, MI 49221, United States

Website: Fricker’s

Opening hours: 11am - 9pm (daily)

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11. Savor fancy cigars at Chaloner & Co

Lounge with your cigar
Source: Pixabay

Chaloner & Co is one of the longest operating stores in the state, established in 1874 and refurbished in 2019. It’s a favorite spot for popcorn, old-fashioned candy, and cigar lovers. The main draw to this shop is the Chaloner’s Cigar House, sitting on the third and second floor of the location. It offers a well-decorated interior, featuring ample windows with the street’s views, authentic brickwork, a plush cigar lounge, a pool table, and a full bar serving wine, beer, and scotch. Chaloner & Co is a nice place to hang out with friends over fine cigars and beverages or it can be a venue where one could hold special events such as birthday parties. The staff is friendly and helpful.

Chaloner & Co

Address: 108 W Maumee St, Adrian, MI 49221, United States

Website: Chaloner & Co

Opening hours: Sun - Wed: 3pm - 10pm; Thu - Sat: 1pm - 12am

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12. Have a serene time at Comstock Park

Park with sculpture
Source: Pixabay

Famous for its Christmas trees event and world record, Comstock Park is a small beautiful park perched along the southern part of River Raisin. You can walk around and admire its attractive features, including sculptures and flower gardens, or kick back on one of the sitting areas and breathe some fresh air. And if you’re around during the Christmas period, try not to miss the spectacular lighted-tree event. It currently holds the world record for the most illuminated Christmas trees in one place, totaling 676, beating Manhattan’s 559.

Comstock Park

Address: 263 W Maumee St, Adrian, MI 49221, United States

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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13. Say a prayer at St. Mary of Good Counsel Catholic Church

Catholic church
Source: Pxhere

Formerly known as St. Mary’s Church, this parish is the oldest Catholic congregation in the city. It was established in 1851 by Father Smulders and still serves the community today. It was gutted by fire in 1865 and rebuilt in Romanesque Revival style in 1871 by famous architect Gordon W. Lloyd from Detroit. Around the same time, Ignace Schott graced the interior with different murals of many saints. Currently, it shares a central administration with St. Joseph after they merged in 2018. It’s an ideal place to worship, learn more about Adrian’s history, or have a quiet time alone. In 1983, the sanctuary was listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

St. Mary of Good Counsel Catholic Church

Address: 305 Division St. Adrian, MI 49221 United States of America

Website: St. Mary of Good Counsel Catholic Church

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14. Birdwatch at Trestle Park

Park with birds
Source: Pixabay

From fishing to birdwatching, outdoor lovers will love it at Trestle Park. The beautiful spot is situated along a former railroad trestle behind the county jail, next to downtown. It features a lot of natural attractions that will give you an engaging time. Walk on the boardwalk where you will pass through wooded areas and spot a variety of rare birds, including brown creepers and red-bellied woodpeckers. You’ll also find River Raisin, which is much-loved by fishers, on this site. The railroad themes and trestles make this place ideal for Instagram-worthy pictures.

Trestle Park

Address: 302 W Hunt St, Adrian, MI 49221, United States

Opening hours: 7am - 9pm (daily)

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15. Hike on Kiwanis Trail

Nature Trail at CCC - panoramio
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user adamwilliams used under CC BY 3.0

Enjoy views of farmlands, beautiful residential buildings, Lenawee County Courthouse, and River Raisin while hiking the 8-mi (19.9-km) Kiwanis Trail. The track, which stretches from Adrian to Green Highway in Southern Tecumseh, is also a popular spot for cyclists and joggers. You’ll find clean restrooms along the path in Trestle Park and you can rest or have a picnic at Riverside Park, all perched along the route. It’s a great way to acquaint yourself with the many beautiful sites in the city.

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16. Dine and get entertained at The Brick Wall Pub & Grill

Pool table in an eatery
Source: Pxhere

How about dining in a charming and entertaining bar and grill? Brick Wall Pub & Grill is a casual dining spot offering a small menu of freshly prepared homemade meals, seasonal beers, and high-quality entertainment. It features two pool tables and a large dance floor, highlighting DJs on Fridays and bands on Saturdays. It’s a great place to hang out with friends. Kick back in the intimate dining room and savor some deep-fried fish, burgers, flavorful soups, and sandwiches which you can pair with some Texas margarita. With their top-notch customer service, you won’t regret dropping by.

The Brick Wall Pub & Grill

Address: 114 W Maumee St, Adrian, MI 49221, United States

Website: The Brick Wall Pub & Grill

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 12am; Fri - Sat: 11am - 2am; Sun: 4pm - 12am

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Have an amazing time in Adrian

Adrian highlights lots of features that will appeal to many types of travelers. Whether you want to spend some alone time in the outdoors, learn arts from Michigan’s top artists, or check historic places, the city has you covered. These top things to do in Adrian, Michigan, will place you on the right path.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Ibrahim is a passionate writer with a keen interest in traveling. He not only travels to discover the world but also himself. And when it comes to writing, Ibrahim loves to keep it simple with a...Read more

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