About Ann Arbor

A rich history. A diverse character. A kinetic feeling. The Ann Arbor area is place to experience remarkable things. Browse through this section to find everything you need to know about this magnificent place.


History

A brief History of Ann Arbor, Michigan

In 1823, a group of pioneers passed through a fur trading post known as Detroit and pushed on along the banks of the Huron River in search of a location for a new frontier community. Among the settlers was a Virginian named John Allen and fellow pioneer Elisha Rumsey. Some 40 miles west of Detroit, in the slopes that bounded the Huron River, the pioneers established their settlement. On February 12, 1824, they registered their claims in Detroit: Allen for 480 acres and Rumsey for 160, each paying the prescribed price of $1.25 per acre. By May of 1824, the name "Ann Arbor" had been chosen for the town.  Theories abound as to the origin of the name, but the most agreed upon theory is that both Rumsey and Allen's wives were named Ann, and the word "arbor" means "a leafy, shady recess formed by tree branches, shrubs, etc.,"  which perfectly describes the landscape of the area in 1824.

FAQs

How do I get to Ann Arbor?

Planes, trains, and automobiles!  Ann Arbor is located about 25 miles from Detroit Metropolitan Airport. The city also has an Amtrak station and is within driving distance of several Midwest cities.

Can I take a bus or train to Ann Arbor?

Yes, Ann Arbor has full Amtrak, Greyhound, and Megabus services.

Once I'm in Ann Arbor, how can I get around?

On foot, by car, on a bike, or on "The Ride," Ann Arbor's public bus service.  Get route and schedule information here.

I'm thinking about moving to the Ann Arbor Area. What information can you give me?

Relocation information can be found at Arborweb.

What is the population of Ann Arbor?

There are about 114,000 residents in the city of Ann Arbor, including the University of Michigan student population.

How large is Ann Arbor?

The city of Ann Arbor is approximately 28 square miles.  As the locals like to say, "Ann Arbor is 28 square miles surrounded by reality."

Do you have a local newspaper?

In March 2009 the Ann Arbor News announced it would be closing in July 2009. The News is still published online; find them here.

Which is the closest airport to Ann Arbor?

Detroit Metro Airport is within 25 miles of Ann Arbor.

What is the best way to get to Ann Arbor from Detroit Metro Airport?

There are several transportation companies that service the Ann Arbor area from Detroit Metro Airport.

How can I get information for other destinations in Michigan or general Michigan travel information?

Visit Travel Michigan.

How can I get more information about the University of Michigan?

You can visit the University's website , call the Campus Operator at (734) 764-1817 or call the Campus Information Center at (734) 764-INFO (4636). While on campus, visit the Heutwell Visitor's Center for campus tours; they can be reached at (734) 647-5692.

When are the Ann Arbor Art Fairs?

The Fairs begin annually on the third Wednesday of July and run through that Saturday. Art Fair dates for 2009 are July 15-18. Art Fair hours are Wednesday thru Friday from 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

How do I apply to participate in the Ann Arbor Art Fairs?

There are actually four separate fairs that make up the Ann Arbor Art Fairs. Artists can call the following organizations below for applications. Online applications are also available.

Can I receive Art Fair information when it becomes available?

Yes, there is a parking and transportation guide/map that is available in late spring. If you want this mailed to you when it is available, call us at (734) 995-7281.

Rankings

  • In June, 2010, Ann Arbor was ranked one of the "Ten Best Cities for Families" according to Parenting magazine.
  • Ann Arbor was named the third Best Midwest Food Town by Midwest Living magazine in 2009, and the third Best Midwest Food Town in Midwest Living's 2010 "Best of the Midwest Issue."
  • Forbes named Ann Arbor the "Best College Sports Town" in 2009 and 2010
  • Ann Arbor was named the "Best Place in Michigan to Raise Your Kids" by Business Week magazine in 2009.
  • Ann Arbor is the third "Best Place to Retire" according to Black Enterprise Magazine
  • Gaywired.com named Ann Arbor one if its "Top Five Surprisingly Gay-friendly Small Towns."
  • Ann Arbor was named the "Healthiest Hometown in America " by AARP Magazine in 2008.
  • Money Magazine ranked Ann Arbor #27 on their list of "America's Best Small Cities" in 2008.
  • Ann Arbor was named 1st in the State of Michigan and 16th overall in Forbes 7th annual ranking of "Best Places for Business & Careers " in 2008.
  • US News listed the City of Ann Arbor as one of the top 10 "Brainiest Places to Retire" in 2008.
  • Prevention magazine and the American Podiatric Medical Association rated Ann Arbor as the third best walking city in America.
  • Popular Science named Ann Arbor one of America's 50 Greenest Cities in 2008.
  • Money magazine ranked Ann Arbor #42 on their "Best Cities to Live and Launch a Business" in 2008.
  • Forbes.com named Ann Arbor 4th “Smartest City in the U.S.” in 2008.
  • Sperling’s Best Places ranked Ann Arbor t “3rd Smartest City in America” in 2007.
  • Sperling's Best Places rated Ann Arbor as the "5th Best City To Live in the U.S." in 2007.
  • Expansion Management magazine rated Ann Arbor "#1 Knowledge Worker Metro in the Nation", and one of the "Top 10 Metros for College-Educated Workers" in 2007.
  • Country Home magazine awarded Ann Arbor a #11 ranking on its “Greenest Places in America” list in 2007.
  • Forbes.com ranked Ann Arbor as one of the “10 Smartest Cities in the U.S.” in 2006.
  • Money magazine ranked Ann Arbor as one of the “Top 25 Places to Live in the U.S.” in 2006.
  • American Style magazine ranked Ann Arbor “One of the Top 25 Arts Destinations in the U.S.” in 2006 and in 2009.