Ann Arbor—often abbreviated as AA or A2—is a city 35 miles north of the Ohio border and 45 miles west of Detroit, near where the furthest exurban fringes give way to country and small towns.

Founded in 1824, it was originally named "Annarbour" after the two founders' wives (Ann Allen and Mary Ann Rumsey) and an arbor of burr oak trees on the village site (although some have theorized that the name arose from an arbor of roses or grapes). Today the city has a population of about 115,000 people, not including the transient college students, or the thousands of visitors who come to town for football games and various festivals.

Ann Arbor is a picturesque city surrounding the University of Michigan. It has a strong bent toward the arts, and an attractive and pedestrian-friendly downtown. Visitors enjoy the city's wonderful sidewalk cafe dining, unique shops, lots of bookstores, and abundant cultural opportunities.

ann arbor events

Visit the Ann Arbor Area Visitor and Conventions Bureau for upcoming events in and around downtown Ann Arbor.

parking

Parking meters in Ann Arbor are abundant and generally require money from 8am to 6pm, but check the meter, because the hours vary. Parking in a restricted and posted area can mean heavy fines and towing charges.

Bring plenty of change - some garages are manned for parking fee collection; some are equipped with a computerized system that accepts currency or change; some have meters only.

visiting from out of town?

Visit the Ann Arbor Area Visitor and Conventions Bureau for a list of hotels and area accomodations.