Located on the eastern part of the state of Michigan, Ypsilanti, or passionately known as Ypsi, is the home to the popular Eastern Michigan University. It has a city that’s famed for its funky, vibrant lifestyle and a quirky arts scene. If the idea of exploring nature and visiting the Rolling hills is not exciting enough, then you will find these others even more mesmerizing. The jaw-dropping beauty of the forests, the gorgeous parks for hiking and biking, these are all reasons to make you come enjoy the bliss. Enjoy outdoor adventures like a picnic, fishing, and mountaineering across this magical place. Check out our list of things to do in Ypsilanti, Michigan, for proper planning of your vacation.
1. Visit Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum
Are you someone who’s crazy about cars? Then Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum should be on top of your list for the places you would love to visit in Michigan. Standing along Cross Street, Ypsilanti, the museum harbors a collection of classic cars from local manufacturers – Willow Run Plant and Hudson Motors. You will learn about the different methods of transmission employed by different engines. In this unique collection of cars, you will find the original Fabulous Hudson Hornet used in the movie Tucker: The Man and His Dream. You will also have the opportunity to explore other cars such as the Chevrolet Corvair, Kaiser-Frazer, and General Motors Hydra-Matic.
Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum
Address: 100 E Cross St, Ypsilanti, MI 48198, United States
Website: Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 1pm - 4pm (closed on Mon)
2. Enjoy biking at Riverside Park
Tucked away in a quiet, peaceful place, Riverside Park is a community park in Ypsilanti, Michigan, boasting a landmass of about 16 acres (6.47 hectares) along the Huron River. It is a charming place to bring your family to enjoy some fresh air away from the pollution of the city. The park boasts many biking trails that are easy to navigate. Apart from biking, the park also has facilities for picnics and a playground for kids. If you’re not into biking, you can then try out your luck in fishing. It also plays host to big social events and other activities such as dog walking and sunbathing.
Riverside Park
Address: 2 E Cross St, Ypsilanti, MI 48198, United States
Website: Riverside Park
Opening hours: 5am - 11pm (daily)
3. Learn about local history at Ypsilanti Historical Museum & Archives
Spring has finally arrived at the Ypsilanti Historical Museum, 220 North Huron!
Posted by Ypsilanti Historical Society on Wednesday, 15 May 2019
Ypsilanti Historical Museum and Archives is found in an Italianate mansion located along Huron Street in Ypsilanti, Michigan. If you love history and discovering new things, then you should not miss the opportunity to visit this place. Apart from learning the local history, you will definitely enjoy interesting and unforgettable moments. This museum which used to be a 19th century home houses a wide collection that tells the stories of people and places throughout the history of Ypsilanti. You wouldn’t want to forget such wonderful and insightful experience as this; that’s why it is advisable to bring your camera so that you can take some pictures.
Ypsilanti Historical Museum & Archives
Address: 220 N Huron St, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, United States
Website: Ypsilanti Historical Museum & Archives
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 2pm - 5pm (closed on Mon)
4. Explore Michigan Firehouse Museum
Have you ever wondered to yourself what the work of a firefighter is all about? To quench that curiosity, take a short trip to Michigan Firehouse Museum. Covering a land mass of about 26,000 square feet (2,415 square meters) along Cross Street, this is one of the hidden treasures of Ypsilanti. It boasts the uniqueness that it is the only firehouse museum in the state. Learn about the history of the fire engine in Michigan as you explore the displays. There’s an amazing collection of materials such as fire hats, engines, among other equipment for you to see. Kids will definitely be thrilled to come to this place.
Michigan Firehouse Museum
Address: 110 W Cross St, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, United States
Website: Michigan Firehouse Museum
Opening hours: Thu - Sun: 12pm - 4pm (closed from Mon - Wed)
5. Play soccer at Frog Island Park
Sir enjoying the tranquility
Posted by Rhonda Gilmore on Sunday, 15 September 2019
Visit Frog Island Park and enjoy a rare opportunity to interact with the locals having fun in this park – the Island that is not an island. Situated on Rice Street, Ypsilanti, Michigan, the park sits on a 5-acres (2.02 hectares) piece of land. This is a place that boasts a variety of entertainment facilities for all age groups. Features like an amphitheater, a soccer field, and a community garden make this park stand from the other parks in the area. Join the locals and enjoy a football match. The beautiful bike trails let bikers enjoy a wonderful time. You may also find lovers strolling on the lovely walking tracks sharing romantic moments.
Frog Island Park
Address: 699 Rice St, Ypsilanti, MI 48198, United States
Website: Frog Island Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
6. Organize a picnic at North Hydro Park
Discover this hidden gem in Michigan situated along Bridge Road in Ypsilanti – North Hydro Park. If you’re looking for some entertaining family adventure, you couldn’t find a better option in the area. Just pack your picnic bag and bring your family to enjoy pristine moments in this place. The park has wonderful picnic tables so you won’t have to wander around searching for a picnic spot. There are nice fishing spots, so you might as well bring your fishing lines with you. Barbecue facilities are provided in case you may want to enjoy a family barbecue. Wander through the lovely trails as you admire this charming scenery.
North Hydro Park
Address: 2599 Bridge Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48198, United States
Website: North Hydro Park
Opening hours: 6am - 8:30pm (daily)
7. Chug down local beer at Sidetrack Bar and Grill
Located on Cross Street, Ypsilanti, this is one of the most popular joints in town. Sidetrack Bar and Grill is a railroad-themed bar with a wonderful dining atmosphere. Apart from its charming ambiance, this place is famed for its homemade burgers and a wide range of refreshing beers. Their menu comprises of mouthwatering choices. From munchies, burgers, salads, and sandwiches, you will definitely a lot of options to quench your craving. There are special meals for kids and if you’re lucky enough, you get to enjoy the happy hour specials. There are special rooms to host events such as parties, retreats, and reunions. Enjoy a wonderful vibe as you dine.
Sidetrack Bar and Grill
Address: 56 E Cross St, Ypsilanti, MI 48198, United States
Website: Sidetrack Bar and Grill
Opening hours: Mon: 11am - 1am; Tue - Sat: 11am - 2am; Sun: 11am - 12am
8. Shop unique souvenirs at Unicorn Feed and Supply
Enjoy vibrant shopping experience with your family in a colorful community-themed shopping store in Ypsilanti - Unicorn Feed and Supply. As you approach the store, the kids will be amazed by the life-size unicorn that greets you at the entrance. The kids will definitely want to pose for a photo with that unicorn. People of all ages come here to enjoy a magical experience as they get to re-live their childhood fairy tales. Explore the wide range of eccentric souvenirs and amazing decors. You may want to buy your kids some toys too. Other enchanting features in the shop are the mermaids and playful creatures that will definitely catch your attention.
Unicorn Feed & Supply
Address: 114 W Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, United States
Website: Unicorn Feed & Supply
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 11am - 7pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Mon)
9. Buy fresh-farm products at Ypsilanti Farmers MarketPlace
Posted by Ypsilanti Farmers Markets on Tuesday, 5 November 2019
Are you a vegetarian and would like to shop for some fresh vegetables and fruits? In Ypsilanti, there is only one place where you are assured of the freshest farm products at fair prices, Ypsilanti Farmers MarketPlace. Situated along Washington Road, this market is the perfect place to come and interact with the local community. The merchants are friendly and always ready to help. Many of the locals come to sell their produce here in order to earn some money. Apart from the farm products, the market also has some of the best dairy products in the region. You also get the chance to taste some local homemade delicacies.
Ypsilanti Farmers MarketPlace
Address: 16 S Washington St, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, United States
Website: Ypsilanti Farmers MarketPlace
Opening hours: Mon, Wed - Fri: 9am - 5pm; Tue: 3pm - 7pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
10. Get a taste of local culture at Riverside Arts Center
Are you someone who has a special passion for art? Then during your vacation in Ypsilanti, this will be a great opportunity to explore and learn new things about art. Riverside Arts Center is an interactive art center nestled in a quaint, beautiful neighborhood in Ypsilanti. What’s more fascinating about this art center is that it offers kids the opportunity to be creative and sharpen their skills. Also, kids get to play with other kids which helps them learn new ideas. This is a chance to learn the local culture as you explore the exhibitions. The center also hosts live performances, family-friendly events, and hands-on workshops, which may interest you.
Riverside Arts Center
Address: 76 N Huron St, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, United States
Website: Riverside Arts Center
Opening hours: Thu: 10am - 11am, 3pm - 8pm; Fri: 3pm - 8pm; Sat: 12pm - 5pm (closed from Sun - Wed)
11. Drop by Ypsilanti Water Tower
Michigan is a place famed for its popular tourist attractions and historical landmarks. The Ypsilanti Water Tower is one of those historical landmarks that have made Ypsilanti such a popular destination for travelers seeking adventure. It also has a special pride in the knowledge that it is the only structure to have won the prestigious award of the Most Phallic Building contest. The tower is perched on the highest point in Ypsilanti making it visible from many parts of the city. Anyone who loves heights will be thrilled by the sight of this enormous structure. You may want to take some pictures to preserve the unique memories.
Ypsilanti Water Tower
Address: N Summit St, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, United States
Website: Ypsilanti Water Tower
12. Explore as you walk through Rolling Hills
Enjoy a special time with your family as you explore the gorgeous and breathtaking scenery of Rolling Hills. This is a local park lying on a 439-acres (177.66 hectares) piece of land along the Lazy River in Washtenaw County. This is an all-year-round park that offers one-stop recreational outdoor activities and fun. You will find lovers enjoying the tranquility provided by the park as they hike. There are beautiful trails for skiing enthusiasts to also enjoy the thrills. The water park is the most entertaining feature in the park. Come enjoy the vibrant waves and let the kids have fun at the slides. Other activities that you may want to try include fishing, playing golf or softball.
Rolling Hills
Address: 7660 Stony Creek Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, United States
Website: Rolling Hills
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11am - 7pm; Sat - Sun: 11am - 8pm
13. Take a tour of Brinkerhoff–Becker House
Explore the local history of Ypsilanti by taking an adventurous tour of the Brinkerhoff-Becker House. Also known as the Becker-Stachlewitz House, this is an iconic structure situated in a beautiful, serene neighborhood on 601 West Forest Avenue, Ypsilanti. Although originally the house served as a private home, today it is owned and managed by Eastern Michigan University. What’s more attractive about the house is its sophisticated architecture which brings tourists from all over the world to Michigan. If you’re a researcher or someone who likes history, this would be a good place to begin your adventure. Being listed in the National Register of Historic Places tells more about its cultural value.
Brinkerhoff–Becker House
Address: 601 West Forest Avenue Ypsilanti, Michigan
Website: Brinkerhoff–Becker House
14. Go fishing at North Bay Park
Ypsilanti is a land of endless possibilities. From enchanting nature parks and gardens to historic buildings, you won’t find a better place in Michigan to enjoy an adventurous vacation. Sitting on a 139-acre (56.25 hectares) piece of land along Huron Street, North Bay Park is one of the many wonderful attractions in the region. Being a lakefront park, there are many fishing spots around the park making it a hub for local fishermen and tourists. People visit the park to admire the beautiful wildlife and enjoy a nature walk. With features such as a playground and shelter, it’s also an ideal place to enjoy a picnic.
North Bay Park
Address: 1001 Huron St, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, United States
Opening hours: 6am - 8:30pm (daily)
15. Arrange for a bird-watching trip to Waterworks Park
Do you love golf? In Ypsilanti, there is a place where you could play golf or watch other people play as you enjoy the beautiful sight of birds – Waterworks Park. This is a tranquil, charming performance park that features a nine-hole free disc golf course and a wide range of different bird species. You may also want to bring your fishing line if you want to do some fishing. Baseball lovers come to converge here to play or just watch other people play. If you came with your better half, there are many spots where you could just relax under a shelter and enjoy the romantic atmosphere.
Waterworks Park
Address: 20 Catherine St, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, United States
Website: Waterworks Park
16. Engage in a game of basketball at Prospect Park
Ypsilanti may not be a big city, but it also a lot to offer more so if you love sports like basketball. Prospect Park is a lush, charming 9.5-acre (3.84 hectares) park that has had various purposes throughout the years. It first was a cemetery, then home to retired coastal defense cannon from Maine. Today it harbors the Luna Lake. This is a nice place to come with family and enjoy different games. You will find a playground for kids, swings, soccer fields, and most popular, basketball courts. The park is popular with locals because it’s the oldest park in the whole of Ypsilanti.
Prospect Park
Address: 550 N Prospect Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, United States
Website: Prospect Park
Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)
17. Bring your family to Peninsular Park
Posted by Gene Acklin on Friday, 12 July 2019
Looking for a quiet, relaxed place to enjoy a peaceful family retreat away from the noise and chaos of city life? Just pack your picnic gear and take your family to Peninsular Park, a beautiful nature park that is located along Leforge Road, Ypsilanti, Michigan. With nicely set up picnic tables, you won’t find it difficult finding a nice spot to settle. Or better yet, if you’re those people who salivate at the sight of tantalizing barbecue, there are grills for you to utilize. If you didn’t bring meat with you, you may try catching some fish from the dam.
Peninsular Park
Address: 1249 Leforge Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48198, United States
Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)
18. Appreciate a quiet time at Montibeller Park
Hidden in a quiet, peaceful neighborhood in Pittsfield Charter Township, is a romantic park with a beautiful playground – Montibeller Park. This is the perfect place to bring your family if you had planned to go and enjoy some outdoor adventure. Not only is there a wonderful playground, but there are also nice hiking trails and picnic areas in the park also. If you’re not the type to sit and watch others have fun, there are also sports facilities such as volleyball, tennis, baseball, watersports, restrooms, and the list is endless. If biking is your thing, then there is a well-maintained bike rack for you to have fun too.
Montibeller Park
Address: 4305 Ellsworth Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, United States
Website: Montibeller Park
19. Admire the views at Hewen’s Creek Park
Enjoy a romantic time in this little paradise which is hidden in a beautiful jungle just a few minutes from the city of Ypsilanti – Hewen’s Creek Park. Enjoy the picturesque views of the creek as you wander through the park. The park features wooded areas with beautiful birds and wildlife, meadows, and a pond. But what is most exciting about this place is the thrilling mountain biking that happens here. And if you are scared of bikes, you can just explore this captivating scenery as you stroll along the hiking trails. If you have a dog, then this is also a nice place to bring it for a walk.
Hewen’s Creek Park
Address: 6515 Bemis Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, United States
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
20. Grab a filling breakfast at Bomber Restaurant
A good way to kick off your day is by having a delicious, rewarding breakfast. In Ypsilanti, there is one place that is unrivaled for its sumptuous breakfast – Bomber Restaurant. Situated along Michigan Avenue, this is an American restaurant known for its wonderful dining atmosphere and very welcoming staff. Their style of preparing breakfast with an airplane model has made them unique and endeared them to the local community. And it’s not their breakfast which is great, if you also come here for lunch or dinner too, you won’t be disappointed. Selections like burgers, sandwiches, grilled chicken among others will make you salivate.
Bomber Restaurant
Address: 306 E Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti, MI 48198, United States
Website: Bomber Restaurant
Opening hours: 7am - 2:45pm (daily)
Discover the mysteries of Ypsilanti, Michigan
Ypsi may not be as large and famous as other big cities, but it definitely boasts a variety of wonderful attractions worth discovering. From historical building structures and romantic wineries to pristine parks and vibrant social joints, this is a place you will definitely be treated with fun and adventure.
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