Best One-Day Trips from Ann Arbor: Quick Escapes into Nature, History, and Charm by Archi Agrawal

Best One-Day Trips from Ann Arbor: Quick Escapes into Nature, History, and Charm

Written by Archi Agrawal 

Summer Orientation Peer Advisor 

Graduate Student

India

Living in Ann Arbor is amazing. I love the calm rhythm of the town, the cozy campus charm, and how everything feels just a little slower and more thoughtful. But even in such a peaceful place, sometimes I feel the need to step outside my routine. Whether it’s to chase a thrill, reconnect with nature, or wander through history, these one-day escapes have been my personal favorites. If you’re looking for that perfect reset outside of Ann Arbor, here are some day trips I’ve taken (and totally recommend!).

Cedar Point – For That Adrenaline Rush

Okay, let’s start with the obvious thrill-seeker’s paradise. Cedar Point is about 2.5 hours away in Sandusky, Ohio, and 100% worth the drive if you love roller coasters. I went with a group of friends during the summer. We left Ann Arbor early in the morning and made it back late at night. The roller coasters are unforgettable. We screamed our lungs out on Steel Vengeance (yes, it's as terrifying as they say). The whole vibe of the park in summer is so lively, music playing, people screaming (in fun), and just that electric energy of everyone having a good time. It really felt like a mini vacation packed into just one day.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park – Nature’s Therapy

I actually stumbled upon Cuyahoga Valley National Park while road-tripping to Niagara Falls. Even though I didn’t do it as a dedicated day trip from Ann Arbor, I remember thinking, “This place totally deserves its own day” and it really does. The park is about 3 hours from Ann Arbor, tucked between Cleveland and Akron, and it’s such a peaceful escape into nature. If I hadn’t had a long drive ahead, I could’ve easily spent the whole day just walking around, taking pictures, and breathing in the forest air. If you're looking for a reset without a ton of driving, this is a quiet gem.

Holland & Saugatuck – Spring Blooms and Lakeshore Vibes

I’ve been living in Ann Arbor for three years now, and every spring without fail I make a trip to Holland for the Tulip Time Festival. There’s just something magical about seeing the town burst into color after a long Michigan winter. It’s about a 2.5-hour drive. Once you reach there, the streets are lined with tulips in full bloom, and cheerful energy everywhere. I love walking around Windmill Island Gardens, taking a million photos of the flowers, and grabbing a stroopwafel from one of the local vendors.

After soaking in all the tulip beauty, I usually head over to Saugatuck Dunes State Park, which is just 20 minutes away. The short hike through the woods opens up to a quiet, beautiful stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline. It’s the perfect way to end the day shoes off, feet in the sand, watching the waves.

A Few More Favorites…

While these are some of my go-to one-day escapes from Ann Arbor, I’ve been lucky to explore a bunch of other gems over the past three years too. The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn is a history buff’s dream. I've spent hours there just nerding out over the vintage cars and innovation exhibits. Dow Gardens in Midland is a peaceful escape, especially when the flowers are in bloom and the canopy walk gives you those tree-top views. Then there’s Frankenmuth, which is hands-down the most magical during the Christmas season. It’s also home to Bronner’s, the world’s largest Christmas store, which is open year-round and has pretty much every ornament you can imagine. Even if you're not a Christmas person, it's hard not to smile in that place. And one of my favorite fall experiences was driving the Tunnel of Trees along M-119. The fiery reds and golds of the leaves, the winding road, and glimpses of Lake Michigan, it’s honestly one of the most breathtaking drives I’ve ever done.

Living in Ann Arbor has made all these getaways feel so accessible. You don’t have to go far to recharge, explore, or just be reminded how beautiful the Midwest can be. If you’ve got a favorite one-day escape, I’d love to hear it because I’m always ready for the next mini adventure.