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Ann Arbor is such a unique city that even if you're a certified townie there might be some amazing facts about Ann Arbor you don't know. Ann Arbor Hub did the research so you don't have to, so here we go.
History and Origin
Ann Arbor was founded in 1824 and named after the wives of the founders (both named Ann) and the area's natural tree "arbor."
The city was Michigan's first capital before Lansing took over in 1847.
Ann Arbor’s original size was 640 acres, purchased for just $800.
In the 19th century, Ann Arbor was a center for anti-slavery activism and the Underground Railroad.
University of Michigan
The University of Michigan relocated to Ann Arbor from Detroit in 1837.
The "Diag" at the university was originally laid out as a cow path.
Michigan Stadium, known as "The Big House," is the largest Collage stadium in the United States.
The University of Michigan’s Law Quad was the first campus building complex in the U.S. modeled after English Gothic architecture.
The university’s library is one of the largest in the country, with over 14 million volumes.
Arts and Culture
Ann Arbor is often called "Tree Town" due to its extensive parks and tree-lined streets.
It hosts the annual Ann Arbor Art Fair, one of the largest outdoor art fairs in the country.
The Michigan Theater, built in 1928, is a historic movie palace and live performance venue.
Zingerman's Deli, a local icon, has been featured in numerous national publications.
The Ann Arbor Film Festival, founded in 1963, is one of the oldest experimental film festivals in North America.
Nature and Parks
The Huron River runs through Ann Arbor, offering kayaking, canoeing, and fishing opportunities.
Nichols Arboretum ("The Arb") has one of the most extensive collections of peonies in North America.
Ann Arbor has over 160 parks within its city limits.
The Bird Hills Nature Area is the largest park in Ann Arbor, spanning 161 acres.
Economy and Innovation
Domino's Pizza was founded in Ann Arbor in 1960.
Google has a regional office in downtown Ann Arbor.
The city is a hub for tech startups and was ranked as one of the best small cities for tech innovation.
Ann Arbor is home to the headquarters of NSF International, a global public health and safety organization.
Quirky and Unique
"Fairy doors" can be found in buildings and trees around the city, created by a local artist.
There’s a skateboarding culture tied to the city's DIY skate parks.
The "Festifools" parade is an annual street festival showcasing giant paper-mâché puppets.
The city’s original “Nickels Arcade” is one of the last remaining covered shopping arcades in the U.S.
Food and Drink
The Fleetwood Diner is known for its "Hippie Hash" and operates 24/7.
Ann Arbor has a strong coffee culture, with several locally owned roasters and cafes.
There’s a rich tradition of microbreweries, with Arbor Brewing Company being a pioneer in the craft beer scene.
The Washtenaw Dairy has been serving ice cream and donuts since 1934.
Community and Events
The Ann Arbor Farmers Market has been operating since 1919.
Hash Bash, a pro-cannabis legalization festival, has been held annually the first Saturday in April since 1972.
The Ann Arbor Summer Festival known as "Top of the Park" by townies includes outdoor movies and performances across the city.
Ann Arbor is a designated bike-friendly city, with numerous bike lanes and trails.
Education and Libraries
The Ann Arbor District Library is known for its innovative programs, including a tool and gadget lending library.
Community High School in Ann Arbor was one of the first magnet schools in the nation and Alma mater of Ann Arbor Hub's January 2025 artist of the month SwagRight Toni
Skyline High School has one of the most environmentally friendly designs in the region.
Science and Technology
The Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum offers interactive science exhibits for all ages.
The city was the site of the first-ever handheld calculator demonstration in 1967.
The University of Michigan Health System is one of the top-ranked hospitals in the U.S.
Population and Demographics
Ann Arbor has one of the highest per capita rates of PhDs in the country.
The city’s population nearly doubles when the university is in session.
Ann Arbor is one of the most educated cities in the U.S., with over 70% of residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Transportation
The Ann Arbor Transit Authority (TheRide) operates one of the most efficient public transportation systems in Michigan.
The Ann Arbor Amtrak station connects the city to major Midwest destinations.
Sports and Recreation
Ann Arbor is home town to former middleweight champion James "Lights out" Tony
The Leslie Park Golf Course has been ranked among the best municipal courses in Michigan.
Just Interesting
Ann Arbor’s mayor declared the city a nuclear-free zone in the 1980s.
The city has several underground speakeasies and hidden cocktail bars.
Ann Arbor was one of the first cities in Michigan to implement curbside recycling programs.
If we missed a fact about Ann Arbor that you love, let us know! We hope you discovered something new about this vibrant city. If you did, drop a comment below to share your favorite Ann Arbor fact—we’d love to hear from you!
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