5 of the Best Free Fun Things to do on the University of Michigan Campus in Ann Arbor (for all)

picasso at the umma — One of the Picassos at the UMMA.

There are so many cool things to do on the University of Michigan’s Ann Arbor central campus that cost zero dollars. And not just for students, faculty and staff. They’re for everyone, locals and visitors alike. Take advantage of these five free yet awesome things, no matter if you’re in town for a few hours or moving here for school or live around the block and haven’t explored campus…

#1 UMMA

The University of Michigan Museum of Art is completely free to everyone! No tickets, no reservations needed. Here you’ll find masters like Picassos and Monet, Michigan artists, Internationally acclaimed artists living today, and much more in every genre. Check out pottery, scrolls, abstract art, neon signs, stained glass, even skateboards. It’s really amazing that all of this is right here and free. They have a cool gift shop for gifts and a little coffeeshop in the back (that accepts UM student dining dollars). Get the rose cardamom latte when you need a break!

#2 The Arboretum

UM's Arb — View of the Huron River in the Arb.

Forest bathing is a cool new way to say hang out under the trees and relax… and you can do all that and go on some decent hikes too. The Arb is steps from dorms and the hospital but it feels like a world a way, one in which you can get away from all the stress. Walk along the Huron River (or swim in it, if you want), browse the flower gardens, sit on a poet’s bench, or just run around in the big empty lawn space. (You can also take a bus, drive, or bike over to the also free Campus Farm and Botanical Gardens in NE Ann Arbor for more garden viewing and lovely hikes.)

#3 Kelsey Museum

egyptian artifact at Kelsey — One of the many Egyptian artifacts at the Kelsey.

This is a truly unexpected gem. Inside the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology are treasures from around the world. A museum of artifacts, you’ll find everything from an Egyptian cat mummy to displays on global food and culture and more. There’s even replicated Italian wall murals from “the Villa of the Mysteries in Pompeii.”

#4 Michigan Union

You don’t need to be a student to hang out at the Michigan Union. This place is so pretty and relaxing and no purchases of any kind are needed to enjoy it. In chilly weather, sit by the fireplace in the Willis Ward Lounge. The rocking chairs looking out the stained glass windows in the front here are great any day, especially with a book. On rainy days, sit in the atrium-like courtyard by Sweetwaters. It’s covered with a glass ceiling and feels like sitting under a clear umbrella.

#5 Hatcher Library

frost desk — Poet Robert Frost’s desk and portrait at Hatcher’s Special Collections.

The Hatcher Library is right off “The Diag” walkway through a lovely green space. Of course there are books and study spaces and even a cafe inside. But even better and what makes this spot worth noting here are all the galleries. There’s the Special Collections Gallery (which recently had a really cool exhibition on famed poet Robert Frost – his desk is always on view just outside this gallery). The Clark Library’s exhibit space features “maps, artwork, and other items that reflect on the geography, history, and cultures of the world.” Plus there’s 5 other gallery spaces here. See a list of all the free events open to the public here.

Another cool thing here is the “Third Thursdays” program, which happens from 4–6p on the third Thursday of each month (as you may have guessed) during fall and winter terms. The library describes this event as such: “You’ll be able to view the current exhibits on display, peruse rare materials and other treasures typically tucked away, chat with our librarians and curators, and enjoy coffee and light refreshments.” They’ve had all kinds of cool topics here like “A Celebration of Celestial Maps Through the Ages.” Next month’s topics include “Spectacular Stencils: Gorgeous Examples from our Pochoir Collection” and “Panels Across East Asia: The Art of Chinese, Japanese, and Korean Comics”… and more! Again, it’s all free!

Travel Muse Magazine