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About Our Community
Washtenaw County has it all -- a college town atmosphere with
a high tech twist and a laid back sensibility that captures
your heart easier than you can say, "Go Blue."
Internationally respected for its medical, manufacturing, and social research, the University of
Michigan and the University Medical Center in Ann Arbor attract world leaders in education and medicine. Research
sponsored by the university has also spawned many innovative high tech companies and research facilities within the
area that have broad global impact. Ann Arbor is also where you'll find Washtenaw Community College.
In Ypsilanti, Eastern Michigan University has a regional and national reputation in many academic disciplines,
especially education. Ypsi also is home to many unique owner-run businesses and large-scale manufacturing facilities
for Ford Motor Company and General Motors.
In addition to education, health care, and manufacturing, Washtenaw County is home to family-owned farms, in-land
lakes, and unspoiled natural wetlands. Consequently, there's a lot to do in Washtenaw County and its neighboring
communities. Here's just a sample:
- enjoy a tour of the Jiffy Mix plant, Chelsea
- take a hands-on approach to science at the Ann Arbor Hands On Museum
- relax among the hills and meadows of the University of Michigan Arboretum
- paddle down the lazy Huron River from Delhi Metro Park to the Argo Livery
- go on a nature hike or scheduled bird walk with an Ann Arbor ornithologist
- join the crowds at one of the numerous readings, book signings or other events at area book stores, including
Border's flagship store
- expand your outlook at a speech or lecture, often offered free at the UM
- listen to the carillon concerts at Ann Arbor's Burton Memorial Tower-Monday evenings in the summer
- sit in on a Japanese tea ceremony demonstration at the UM Museum of Art (fourth Sunday of the month)
- hunt for unexpected treasures at one of the area's many flea markets, thrift shops, and re-use centers
- spy on the night sky at one of several local observatory open houses (websites open in a new window) - contact
the University Lowbrow Astronomers,
Sherzer Observator at EMU (734-487-4146), or
UM's Astronomy Department.
- surf the waves at Rolling Hills Water Park in Ypsilanti
- kick back at one of the many free summer concerts at parks in Washtenaw County
- attend premier performances at Jeff Daniel's Purple Rose Theater in Chelsea or at one of the first-class
venues through Washtenaw County
- sharpen your ice skates for some winter fun at Ann Arbor's Vets Park
- test your performing skills at various open mike nights a local clubs
- pack a hearty lunch for one of the many tailgate parties prior to UM and EMU football games
- drop in on one of the many once-a-year events: Earth Day at Ann Arbor's Leslie Science Center (April),
Manchester Chicken Broil (July), Saline Celtic Festival (July), Dexter Daze (August), Belleville Strawberry Festival (June),
Chelsea Summer Festival (July), Ypsilanti Heritage Festival (August), Ann Arbor Art Fair (July), the Chinese New Year dragon
parade in Ann Arbor (February)
- travel back in time at the UM Exhibit Museum of Natural History or the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology
- pick strawberries or blueberries in season at one of the many area farms
- take a winding autumn drive along the Huron River from Ann Arbor to Dexter-be sure to get cider and donuts at the Dexter Mill
- do some serious people watching at the UM Diag and Ann Arbor's Briarwood Mall
- smell the flowers at UM's Matthaei Botanical Gardens or at one of the many nurseries and greenhouses throughout the area
- see what's growing on Market Day-Ann Arbor (Monday and Wednesday), Ypsilanti (Wednesday)
- escape into one of the many nature trails at area metro parks
- golf 'till you drop at one of a dozen courses within the area
- get your tickets early for big name artists who stop by Ann Arbor and the greater Detroit area
- get a dose of nostalgia at one of the many auto museums in the area
- watch the racing action at the
Michigan International Speedway and at
Milan Dragway
Community Resources
For four-season recreational opportunities, visit
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
For cultural activities and special events the whole family will enjoy, check out:
Ann Arbor Convention and Visitors Bureau
Arbor Web
University Musical Society
The Purple Rose Theatre Company
Ypsilanti Downtown Development Authority
Chelsea Chamber of Commerce
City of Milan
Charter Township of Pittsfield
City of Saline
Charter Township of Ypsilanti
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