August 20, 2025
Explore Your City: Hidden Gems of Washtenaw County
If you want to explore Washtenaw County like a local, then you should check out these hidden gems and lesser-known attractions. Instead of going to the most popular landmarks, shops, and tourist attractions — these “off the beaten path” options can provide a much different experience.
Ann Arbor’s Fairy Doors
Various Locations in Downtown Ann Arbor
If you’re scratching your head, wondering what a fairy door is, you’re not alone! Ann Arbor’s Fairy Doors installation is enchanting to discover for all ages. You’ll find these teeny six-inch doorways scattered near baseboards around town. Beginning in 2005, these doors started popping up around the city and still mysteriously pop up in unexpected places. Keep in mind that these fairies can be fickle so locations are prone to change on a whim. One door is consistently sighted at Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea and you may also have luck tracking down another one at Nicola’s Books! This activity is a blast for kiddos and can bring a bit of magic to an otherwise dreary day.
Hyperion Coffee Company
306 North River Street, Ypsilanti
Hyperion has a loyal fan base for those who know about it. If you haven’t yet sampled coffee from this beloved local shop in Depot Town, then you should make the drive to Ypsilanti next time you need a mid-morning pick-me-up. You can purchase bags of roasted coffee beans sourced from producers around the world to grind and brew at home or you can sip on seasonal beverages such as pumpkin coffee in the fall! There are picnic tables set up so you can relax outdoors and enjoy your purchase while basking in the fresh air. The quality of the coffee is reviewed as being superior and there are a variety of flavor profile choices, allowing all types of coffee lovers to find something that speaks to them.
Graffiti Alley
East Liberty Street, Ann Arbor
Looking for a unique spot to get some photos done in Ann Arbor? Graffiti Alley fits the bill. There’s a relaxed vibe at this art installation and locals enjoy the open-air space that’s fun to walk through and admire the colorful paintings on the wall. The ever-evolving art wall first began in the 90s, when the original graffiti was painted over and local artists took it upon themselves to entirely tag the wall within a matter of months. The alley is a popular spot for local artists to practice their work and leave their mark on the city. The city isn’t a stranger to murals and public art installations, so if you’re taking a walking tour to enjoy the outdoor masterpieces — you should definitely add a stop at Graffiti Alley to your itinerary.
Study Hall Lounge
1220 South University Avenue #9, Ann Arbor
Located across from the University of Michigan campus, Study Hall Lounge was designed to be a relaxed lounge atmosphere with delicious cocktails and a rotating monthly menu to keep things fresh and interesting. The intimate space offers bottle service, dancing, private parties, and appearances from some of the hottest DJs from around the country. The lounge is open Thursday through Saturday, so next time you’re looking for plans on a Friday night — check out this hip lounge and enjoy some drinks with friends. Reviews mention that the nightclub is on the dressier side, so maybe skip the jeans and ripped T-shirt!
White Lotus Farms
7217 West Liberty Road, Ann Arbor
At White Lotus Farms, you’ll discover fresh local flavors and unexpected beauty. The property is located on the outskirts of downtown Ann Arbor and visitors will find handcrafted artisan cheese, freshly baked breads, and even a line of botanical skin products with ingredients grown right there on the farm! As one commenter said, White Lotus has “baby goats and pastries, what could be better!?” If this sounds like something up your alley, then a trip to the farm might be on your schedule for an upcoming weekend! The bakery features an assortment of mouthwatering delights, such as 5-grain bread loaves, almond croissants, cardamom croffles, and even homemade granola. If you enjoy minimally processed products and homemade food items, this is a hidden Washtenaw County gem that you’ll be raving about to your friends, family, and coworkers.
Dolph Nature Area
375 Parklake Avenue, Ann Arbor
This is one of the lesser-known nature areas in the city, so you may find it to be quieter and more serene. The 75.2-acre area is located on Ann Arbor’s west side and features open water, wetlands, and marsh habitats. There are also forested areas and shrubland. There is a trail connection to Lakewood Nature Area, so you can extend your adventures. Within the borders of Dolph, you’ll find the First and Second Sister Lakes, which were formed approximately 10,000 years ago when the Wisconsin Glacier retreated towards the north. If you’re an avid birder or you’re looking to take up a new hobby, over 140 species have been recorded in the nature area. Migrants throughout the seasons include the Least Flycatcher, the Mourning Warbler, the Green Heron, and the Wood Duck. The park is open from 6:00 AM to midnight, so swing by at any time during the day or plan your visit to coincide with a sunrise or sunset.
Salt Springs Brewery
117 South Ann Arbor Street, Saline
This unique brewery in Saline is located in a 123-year-old former church, which gives it an ambiance unlike other area breweries. There are beautiful stained glass windows that add to the beauty of the atmosphere and everything on the menu is made from scratch using fresh and locally sourced ingredients that pair well with the thoughtfully curated craft beers, spirits, and wines. When visiting the brewery, you can be confident that you’re helping to support the local community and farmers such as Guernsey Farms, Grand River Bakery, and Top Hops Farms. The brewery is locally owned and operated, combining the passion of three families and a community of loyal support and enthusiastic drinkers! If you haven’t yet had the chance to visit Salt Springs, this is certainly a local gem that shouldn’t be missed.
Salt Lake Antiques
115 West Michigan Avenue, Ypsilanti
Do you love going on a treasure hunt for that perfect couch or for that beautifully crafted dining room table? Salt Lake Antiques specializes in mid-century modern and has an array of home goods and decor items such as glassware, wall hangings, pottery, furniture, accessories, kitchenware, and more! You can even find fine china and crystal pieces at the shop. Every time you visit, you’ll never know what you might stumble across. Walk in with an open mind and see what speaks to you! Salt Lake Antiques is part of the Michigan Antique Trail, which features businesses from across the state.
Leslie Science & Nature Center
If you enjoy nature and the solace that it provides, then you should plan a visit to the Leslie Science & Nature Center! Open from dawn to dusk, you can enjoy trails and the nature playscape. There’s no admission cost, so you can visit as often as you’d like to take advantage of the picturesque scenery and the unique Critter House (there is a suggested donation option here of $5 per person). The raptor enclosures delight visitors of all ages, as you can watch these magnificent creatures in their housed outdoor area and you can get a close-up view of these regal and beautiful birds that have suffered permanent injuries that prevent them from surviving in the wild. Make sure to check out the Black Pond Woods trail, which takes you through the forest and provides something new throughout each season such as blooming trees in the spring, active cicadas and hummingbirds in the summer, rainbow-colored trees in the fall and sledding in the winter!
Chelsea District Library
221 South Main Street, Chelsea
If you haven’t yet visited the libraries in your direct vicinity, you can begin your Washtenaw County exploration at those! Local libraries are some of the best-hidden gems around. Though many people know that there’s a library near them, they don’t often make an effort to visit regularly and take advantage of the awesome amenities and quiet spaces that these community staples have to offer. The Chelsea District Library is committed to celebrating art, with exhibitions featured throughout the year that showcase an array of materials and artists from the local area. Upcoming exhibitions include The Perfect Shot, which is a photography showcase highlighting shots of iconic athletes such as Muhammad Ali, Michael Jordan, Serena Williams and so many more. The quarterly newsletter also highlights local artists and visitors will find sculptures on the library lawn as well as live music events.
Pinball Pete’s
1214 South University Avenue, Ann Arbor
While maybe not “hidden” to some, Pinball Pete’s is a great escape for adults who want to remember what it feels like to be a kid in an arcade. If you haven’t discovered this exciting gathering spot yet, make a plan to practice your billiards or try your hand at pinball! There are currently two locations in Michigan, with the flagship store being in Ann Arbor and the other situated in East Lansing. There’s always something new to play at the arcade, from old-school classics to brand-new releases. Pinball Pete’s is open until 2:00 AM on Friday and Saturday but the spot opens at noon every day of the week, so you can arrive early and unwind with some friendly competition if you’re not a night owl.
Ypsilanti Thrift Shop
14 South Washington Street, Ypsilanti
If you love thrifting, make sure to check out this Ypsilanti secondhand shop for some true gems! Whether you’re shopping for yourself or your kids, there’s something for everyone at Ypsilanti Thrift Shop. You’ll find scrubs, athletic clothing, shoes, jewelry, housewares, bedding, crafts, books, and even movies and music! The store often runs sales and promotions, such as 50% off all men’s and women’s clothing and shoes and earrings for $1 per pair. The shop is open every day of the week except Sunday. This is a cash-only establishment, so make sure to swing by the ATM in case you find some treasures that you can’t live without! The thrift shop is completely volunteer-based and all profits are donated to local charities — so you can feel good about supporting this local business while finding gently used, affordable items to make your life a little bit brighter.
Tiny Lions Lounge and Adoption Center
This comfortable lounge has an array of friendly felines roaming about. Patrons are invited to play with the cats and enjoy watching their antics. The website has a helpful tracker which indicates how many kitties are currently in the cafe and how many are currently available for adoption! While there’s no obligation to adopt a cat, you may not be able to help yourself! There is a nominal admission fee that helps to pay the rent. Patrons are invited to use the free WiFi, enjoy the cafe tables or lounge chairs, and shop in the cat-lovers store. There is also an option to rent out the cafe for birthday parties or other gatherings, which can be a unique way to celebrate the cat person in your life. Children are welcome to visit, though they must be under adult supervision.
Never Stop Exploring Washtenaw County!
Don’t feel chained to this list when plotting out your day around Washtenaw County. After all, sometimes the best adventures come from last-minute additions and going with the flow of your day. Start small by exploring local neighborhood parks near you and you may just find a hidden gem all on your own!
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